TEACHER

Heart of A Teacher
by Paula J. Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box…
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing…
and others just seem to hide

But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out…
and help the child to see
the potential for greatness he has within…
a picture of what he can be

Her goal isn’t just to teach knowledge…
by filling the box with more parts
it’s putting the pieces together…
to create a work of art.

The process is painfully slow at times…
some need more help than others
each child is a work in progress…
with assorted shapes and colors

First she creates a classroom…
where the child can feel safe in school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try…
and kindness is always the rule

She knows that a child can achieve
much more when he feels secure inside
when he’s valued and loved…and believes in himself …
and he has a sense of pride

She models and teaches good character…
and respect for one another
how to focus on strengths…not weaknesses
and how to encourage each other

She gives the child the freedom he needs…
to make choices on his own
so he learns to become more responsible…
and is able to stand alone

He’s taught to be strong and think for himself…
as his soul and spirit heal
and the puzzle that’s taking shape inside…
has a much more positive feel

The child discovers the joy that comes…
from learning something new…
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things he can do

A picture is formed as more pieces fit…
an image of the child within
with greater strength and confidence…
and a belief that he can win!

All because a hero was there…
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more…
than he ever imagined…or dared

A teacher with a HEART for her children…
knows what teaching is all about
she may not have all the answers…
but on this…she has no doubt

When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled…
“It’s not the subjects that matter…

interesting chapter 9 32.from web.

 Generally speaking, Hinduism is not as strongly patriarchal as other contemporary religions, however, women are still quoted in some religious texts to be inferior to men. For example, women are, in general, not allowed to read the Vedas, Upanishads and also not allowed to perform certain rituals, rites etc. 

But at the same time, in a text called 'Arthapanchakam' which talks about 5 essential truths of life, one of the questions was 'Who is Paratma?' ie "Who is God' ? It is said that the most important identification mark of God is that He is 'Sri-aph-pati' - which means the One with Sridevi in His Heart/ One who is the Husband of Sridevi. 

The ultimate mark of God is not the fact that "HE IS GOD!" instead, we are asked to call the 'One who has Sridevi in His Heart' as God.  To respect women is the mentioned as THE sign of a God. That seems to be the ultimate mark of reverence for womanhood. 

The truth is that most of our Vedic texts have gone through many iterations through very different times. The social mores of that period of time have to some extent, altered some components of these texts. So we cannot say with certainty 'What was actually said in the Vedas when they were written'! As most of these texts have come to us through 'word of mouth', definitely there have been changes to it. So during a period of time when women were persecuted, it is likely that similar minded alterations were made to some texts. We cannot say for sure, but we cannot discount the possibility either. 

But interestingly, the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads contain numerous instances of women displaying incredible intellect, skill and devotion, far surpassing that of their male counterparts. For example, read about Gargi Vachaknavi.  

The way I like to view it is that whether you are a man or a woman, it does not matter at the end of the day. We are all jiivatmas. We all have a common goal, that is to break out of the Karmic Cycle and becoming one with the Paramatma. How we go about breaking this cycle becomes our Karma which will depend on whether we are men or women. 

For a man, say a Brahmin, he will have to learn and live by the Vedic texts and pass that knowledge to the world and forever abide by its teachings. That is the only way he can break out of the cycle and reach his goal.
For a woman, different activities have been prescribed such as preparing food for the Lord, preparing garlands for Pujas, taking care of children etc. When a woman performs her allotted duties, she will also reach the same goal. 
Similar roles were attributed to women all over the world before the modern age. It was simply the social mode of that time. 

But nowhere is it said that these activities are in anyway inferior. That mentality is solely a human bias which has been added over time. 

So the essence is that, the starting point  (jiivatma) and the destination (Paramatma) are the same for Man and Woman and for all castes. Only the route towards the destination is different. That does not make one good and the other bad. 

So nowadays when I come across instances where women or other castes are described in an inferior way, I tend to reconcile myself with this knowledge. We are also a part of the long chain of transmitting the knowledge of these texts to future generations. I hope that the notion of equality which (I really hope) is the dominant social notion of our time, will eventually be reflected in these texts over time. 

Vaishya and shudra are considered to be of lower birth because of being born in lower modes of material nature - passion and ignorance. For business purpose Vaishyas have to engage themselves in speaking lies sometimes, also they have think about making profit. That type of intelligence is not suitable for spiritual progress. Therefore Vaishyas are recommended that they should donate something for religious purposes to nullify some of the discrepancies in their natural behaviour. Since religious performances need financial support as well, Vaishyas can easily donate a part of their profits for purpose of executing religious ceremonies. Therefore despite their flaws they can participate in religion and hence be qualified for salvation. Brahmanas are qualified for conducting such ceremonies but they don't earn money in conventional business activities. So Vaishyas support Brahmanas for conducting religious ceremonies. Kshatriyas give protection to Brahmanas because envious people sometimes try to disrupt religious activities. So basically this is a very logical structure where one group supports and facilitates the progress of another group, and consequently all groups benefit ultimately.

Same with shudras because they are usually not very clean or austere. They are not inclined towards vedic study and spiritual knowledge. So they are told to do some physical labour for brahmanas and Kshatriyas, vaishyas, and make their living. They are also told to hear scriptural stories like Mahabharata and Ramayana so that they can easily understand the message of the Vedas, because they don’t have so much analytical mind to study Vedas directly and understand their purpose. So Vedavyasa Muni presented Vedic philosophy in form of Mahabharata and Ramayana to make it easier for them to understand Vedas.

Vedic philosophy is very inclusive and broad. It has a plan for every individual according to his or her natural tendencies, so that they can achieve salvation.

About women, it is a tricky part. As far as I have read from scriptures and seen in direct experience - they are more attached to material world. They are especially very much attached to husband and children. They cannot let go of that attachment at any cost. They do not like their husband taking sanyaas and renouncing the world for spiritual advancement, leave aside doing it themselves. They really hate their child becoming a naisthik brahmachari (celibate for life) under a spiritual master (Guru). They always desire that family life should go on without any end, and within family life only we can serve God. So basically they want to enjoy the world and simultaneously serve God also. In short, they don't want to surrender completely to God - they are ready to surrender partially. The sanskrit word for women is "stri" which literally means the one who causes expansion of material desires. Their demeanor is such that they always try to induce worldly desires in the heart of man. First children , then house, then car , then social networking, kitty parties, marriages, gossips, etc etc. It is endless. That is why scriptures declare that women are of lower birth because they are not intelligent enough to give up material attachment and surrender to God completely (100%). And that is also the reason why scriptures recommend that those men who do not want to get entangled more and more in worldly affairs, and want to focus on spiritual progress, should avoid associating with women completely/absolutely (naishthik brahmachari) or should restrict it to a bare minimum.

Having said that, women do a lot of service for God in every way, they will come to temples in large numbers, they have a lot of faith in God. But the moment you talk about renouncing family ties and worldly desires - they just lose their mind. Following lines by a woman about the nature of women should be enlightening :

"Not knowing your transcendental situation, I have loved you while remaining attached to the objects of the senses. Nonetheless, let the affinity I have developed for you rid me of all fear.

- Srimati Devahuti, daughter of Syambhuva Manu, Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 3.

works. v d.

Annexure I Swami Desika’s works:
A: DEVOTIONAL POEMS (STOTRAS)- (in alphabetical order)- 29
 1. Abheeti Sthavam
2. Achyuta Sathakam
3. Ashtabuja Ashtakam
4. Bhagavad Dhyaana Sopaanam
5. Bhoo Sthuthi
6. Dasaavataara Stotram
7. Dayaa Sathakam
8. Dehaleesa Sthuthi
9. Devanaayaka Panchaasath
10. Garuda Dhandakam
11. Garuda Panchaasath
12. Godhaa Sthuthi
13. Gopaala Vimsathi
14. Hayagriva Stotram
15. Kaamaasika Ashtakam
16. Nyaasa Dasakam
17. Nyaasa Tilakam
18. Nyaasa Vimsathi
19. Paramaartha Sthuthi
20. Raghu Veera Gadhyam (aka) Mahaveera Vaibhavam
21. Saranaagathi Deepikai
22. Shodasa Aayudha Stotram
23. Sree Sthuthi
24. Sudharsana Ashtakam
25. Vairaaghya Panchakam
26. Varadaraaja Panchaasath
27. Vegaa Sethu Stotram
28. Yathiraaja Sapthadhi
 
B: KAAVYA GRANTHAS -5
 1. SUBHASHITHAANIVI
2. YAADHAVAABHYUDHAYAM
3. PAADUKAA SAHASRAM
4. HAMSA SANDHESAM
5. Samasya Sahasri (Luptham-Lost)
 
C: DRAMA -1
1. SANKALPA SURYODHAYAM
D: RAHASYA GRANTHAS (ESOTERIC WORKS) -32
 1. Sat Sampradaaya Pari Suddhi
2. Tattva Padhavi
3. Rahasya Padhavi
4. Tattva Navaneetham
5. Rahasya Navaneetham
6. Tattva Maatrukai
7. Rahasya Maatrukai
8. Tattva Sandhesam
9. Rahasya Sandhesam
10. Rahasya Sandhesa Vivaranam
11. Tattva Ratnaavali
12. Tattva Ratnaavali Prathipaadhya Sangraham
13. Rahasya Ratnaavali
14. Rahasya Ratnaavali Hridhayam
15. Tattva Thraya Sulakam
16. Rahasya Thraya Sulakam
17. ABHAYA PRADHAANA SAARAM
18. Rahasya Sikhaamani
19. ANJALI VAIBHAVAM
20. PRADHAANA SATHAKAM
21. UPAKAARA SANGRAHAM
22. Saara Sangraham
23. Muni Vaahana Bhogam
24. Madhura Kavi Hridhayam (Luptham- Lost)
25. PARAMA PADA SOPAANAM
26. PARA MATHA BHANGAM
27. HASTHIGIRI MAHAATHMYAM
28. RAHASYA THRAYA SAARAM
29. Saara Saaram
30. Virodha Parihaaram
31. Nigama Parimalam (Lutham-Lost)
32. Thiru Mudi Adaivu (Luptham- Lost)
 
E: VEDANTHA GRANTHAS -11
Group 1:
1. Tattva Mukthaa Kalaapam
2. Adhikarana Saaraavali
3. SATHA DHUSHANI (aka) Satha Doshaani)
4. Nyaaya Parisuddhi
5. Seswara Mimaamsa
6. Mimaamsa Paaduka
Group 2:
7. Nikshepa Raksha
8. Sat Charitha Raksha- containing-
? (i) Sudharsana Paancha Janya Vidhi
? (ii) Oordhva Pundra Dhaarana Vidhi
? (iii) Bhagavan Nivedhitha Upayoga Vidhi
9. Rahasya Rakshaa
Group 3:
10. DRAMIDOPANISHAD TAATPARYA RATNAAVALI ( A commentary on Nammalwar's Tiruvoimozhi)
11. Dramidopanishad Saara ( A shorter version of above)
F: VYAAKHYAANA GRANTHAS ( Commentaries) -10
 1. Sarvaartha Siddhi
2. Tattva Teekha
3. Chatus Slokee Bhashya
4. Stotra Ratna Bashya
5. Gitaartha Sangraha Raksha
6. Taatparya Chandrika
7. Isaavaasyopanishad
8. Vedaartha Sangraha (Luptam-Lost)
9. Rahasya Raksha (aka) Gadhya Thraya Bashya)
10. Adhikarana Darpanam

G: ANUSHTAANA GRANTHAS -4
 1. Bhagavad Aaraadhana Vidhi
2. Yagnopaveetha Prathishta
3. Hari Dina Tilakam
4. Vaishnava Dinasari

H: MISCELLANEOUS GRANTHAS -13
 1. Bhoogola Nirnayam
2. Silpaartha Saaram
3. Stheya Virodham
4. Chakaara Samarthanam
5. Vaadhi Thraya Khandanam
6. Vaisvadeva Kaarika
7. Guru Paramparaa Saaram
8. Dathi Panchakam
9. Yamaka Ratnaakaram
10. Daasa Deepikaa Nigantu
11. Vedaartha Sangraha Vyaakhyaanam
12. Saara Dheepam
13. Tattva Sikhaamani (Luptham-Lost)
 
I: TAMIL PRABHANDHAMS -24
 1. Amrita Ranjani
2. Adhikaara Sangraham
3. Amritaaswaadhini
4. Parama Padha Sopaanam
5. Para Matha Bhangam
6. Mei Vratha Maanmiyam
7. Adaikkalap Pathu
8. Artha Panchakam
9. Sri Vaishnava Dhinasari
10. Tiruchchinna Maalai
11. Panniru Naamam
12. Tiru Mantira Churukku
13. Dvaya Churukku
14. Charma Sloka Churukku
15. Gitaartha Sangraham
16. MumManik Kovai
17. Navaratna (aka Navamani) Maalai
18. Prabhandha Saaram
19. Aahaara Niyamam
20. Pandhu (Luptham-Lost)
21. Kazhal (Luptham-lost)
22. Ammaanai (Luptam-Lost)
23. Oosal (luptham-Lost)
24.  Yesal (Luptham-Lost)

Spite too is beautiful.r

can you imagine when irked by spite you can blossom so that generatin after generation can benefitit with the outcome. Any guesses. Hint vd. Yes vd.
This is what exactly happened to Sri Vedanta Desikar. Out of spite some people irked him and the outpourings of the great poet Saint was so profound in every way that generations and generations of humanity live by what he has written. Can one even try to imagine how he would have reacted to a humble and respectful request. But as we very well know people of the caliber that V D had were always heady and strong. It I'll defines our author yet if one tries to imagine. The situation of the ancient times where chaos reigned in every sphere of life. The impact such authors as V D made was so great it was no less than a miracle not possible by normal standards. Be it the verse writing as challenge or prayer to bless an ardent student to get the goddess to rain gold coins, to build a well/ temple out of uneven bricks, to make a life consistent statue which bled, can one imagine too such a character as this not humanly possible why our super man and spider man fade in comparison. Should we the srivaishnavite community then not be proud of such a person in our ansistry. We the followers of such a man are blessed indeed. It is surprising g that so little literature is available on the author though he is the one  who has contributed the most no of works. Being followed today. It I'll defines us if we do not put such a great one on a pedestal and worship him. He did not require a computer to sort out his work under different headings chapter wise it just flowed from him in a disaplined manner. What a strong character and principled being (too harsh a word to call him man) he was God incarnate. Priceless are his works yet when one sees his work published and translated in various languages selling for a pittance (though it may be so that every one be encouraged to buy and read his works) we should be duty bound to popularise such works and authors poets. It should be ingrained in every one like a chip being imbedded in humans as is the custom now, there would be no need for a pacemaker the fever created by the life and works of such great beings should be enough to last for a long life to be able to read even once in our life time the works authored by them.

Thirucchandaviruttam_

http://azhwar.org/music/Sri_Thirumazhisai_Piran/009_Thirucchandaviruttam_1-76_new.mp3

http://azhwar.org/music/Sri_Thirumazhisai_Piran/010_Thirucchandaviruttam_77-120_new.mp3

all forms.

Srivatsyavaradagururbhiranugrhitam;
SRI PARATVADIPANCAKAM.

Vandeham varadaryam tam vatsabhijanabhusanam
bhasyamrtapradanadyah sanjivayati mamapi.

PARAVASUDEVASTUTIH.

udyad bhanusahastra bhasvara paravyomaspadam nirmala
jnananda Ghana svarupamamala nirmala jnanadibhissadgunaih
Justam surijanadhipam dhrtarathangabjam subhusajjvalam
Sribhusevyamanantha bhoginilayam srivasudevam Bhaje.

Vyuhavasudevastutih.

Amode bhuvane pramoda Uta sammodeca sankarshanam
Pradyumnamca tathaniruddhamapitam srstisthiti capyayam
Kurvanan matimukhya sadgunavaraih yuktam striyugmatmakaih
Vyuhadisthita vasudevamapitam ksirabdhinatham bhaje.

Vibhava Stutih.
Vedan Vasana mandaradribharana ksmoddharana svasrita
Prahaladavana bhumibhikshana jagadvikrantayo yatkriya
Dustaksatranibharanam dasamukhadyunmulanam karsanam
Kalindya atipapa kamsanidhanam yat kriditam tannumah.

Antaryami stutih.

Yodevadicaturvidhesta janisu brahmandakasantare
Sambhaktesu caracaresu nivasannaste sadantarbahih
Visnum tam nikhilesvanusvanutaram bhuyassubhuyastaram
Svangusthaparamitamca yogihrdaye svasinamisam Bhaje.

Arca Stutih.

Srirangasthala Venkatadri karigiryadau salestottare
sthane gramaniketanesu caprada sannidhyamaseduse
Arcarupina maracakabhimatitah svikurvate vigraham
Pujam cakhilavanchitan vita rate srisayatasmai Namah.

Phalasrutih.

Pratarvisnoh paratvadi pancakastutimuttamam
Pathan prapnoti bhagavadbhaktimvarada nirmitam.

It's sri paratvadipancakam Sampurnam.

Shabdartha Chintamani.

wlhen read from left to right it is the Ramayana." .  and when read from  right to left it becomes the story of Krishna Mahabharata. Unique work found only in the sarasathy mahal library.

Thanjavur has been renowned as a great center of Art, Culture and Literature for more than ten centuries. Successive generations of the Cholas, Nayaks and Maratha rulers have contributed and enriched the cultural greatness. Thanjavur is well known throughout the world for its Brahadeeswar Temple, magnificent Palace and the Sarasvati Mahal Library.  The Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library is one among the few medieval libraries exist in the world. It is an unbounded repository of culture and inexhaustible treasure house of knowledge built up by the successive dynasties of Nayaks and Marathas of Thanjavur. It contains very rare and valuable collection of manuscripts, books, maps and paintings on all aspects of Arts, Culture and Literature. The encyclopedia of Britannica in its survey of Libraries of World mentions this as "the most remarkable Library in India".





 A majority of the manuscripts in the library numbering thirty nine thousand are in Sanskrit. These manuscripts are written in Grantham, Devanagari, Nandinagari, Tikalari and Telugu scripts. Some of the outstanding Sanskrit works, unique to this library deserve a special mention. Amongst these, some of the most valuable ones are rare lexicons, the grammar of a rare dialect called Bhandira Bhasha, a play written by King Krishnadevaraya title Jambavatiparinaya, poetess Ramabhdramba’s biographical poem on her patron King Raghunatha Nayak, a work on temple architecture and Viswakarmiyavastu Sastra on construction of houses respectively may also be found here. Two texts in this section which show the scholar’s mastery of the language and grammar are Shabdartha Chintamani and the Kathatrayi of Chidamabarakavi. In Shabdartha Chintamani, the poet uses several rare techniques of writing. Reading the stanza from left to right, we find ourselves reading Ramayana and reading the same stanza from right to left, we come across the story of Krishna. His other work Kathatrai narrates stories from Ramayana and Bhagavatam. This library has a large number of manuscripts on music and dance, ayurveda medicine architecture and manuscripts on Kshetramahatmiyas, the puranic accounts of the sanctity and legends attached to great shines and sacred villages and towns found in the Cauvery delta.

 Along with manuscripts, the library also has rare printed books.The Book collection of this Library started by the King Serfoji II. He himself collected nearly 4500 books in English, French, Latin, Italian etc., from foreign countries. Later books were added to this Library since 1918 A.D., Now, the Reference Books section has more than 65,000 books in English, Tamil, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, Telugu and other Indian languages.

       Raja Serfoji enriched this library by collecting not only manuscripts but also Books, Illustrated Manuscripts, Drawings, Atlases and Maps, Lithographic engravings, etc., Because of his multi-focal attraction he collected a large number of books in European languages. Now this Library has 3830 English books, 421 French books, 108 German books 35 Danish books and few books in Dutch, Greek, Latin languages. Serfoji has autographed all the books in his collection. These books mostly printed in London, Edinburgh, Paris and the year printing spanned from 1696 to 1830. These books dealt with all disciplines.

             It has the richest collection on European languages and literatures, Medical Sciences, Chemistry, Astronomy Geography, Explorations and Voyages, English Almanacs, Periodicals, Encyclopaedias etc., This collection has some rare and first editions of highly valued books.