Tuesday 31 August 2010

Impact of Expression

  • Does some one make a difference in our Life?
  • Do we ever express it?
  • What is the impact of the expressing your thought to them directly??
Go thru this ...
These 34 Slides, are nice.

Implications to Charities due to New Taxes Code in India


New Direct Taxes Code is being enacted to replace Income Tax Act. Some of the new proposal have an implication to Charitable, Religious Organisations in India. Like minded organisations and individuals are making representations to Law Makers/ Government. You can join this sincere attempt, to help the society.
------------------------------------------------- 
Important Points for the Consideration of Finance Minister for inclusion
in DTC (Direct Taxes Code), Finance Ministry, Govt. of India

1.     Taxation vis a vis Endowment/ Charity Registration:
a.      New Clause: Religious Trusts should compulsorily register with Endowments Department of each state, wherever an act is passed in the state legislature, to entail 100% exemption.
b.      Status: Taxation at actuals, if income is more than individual limit. Endowments Registration (Though Mandated by concerned states) is not a pre-requisite for Income Tax Department Exemption/ Registration.
c.       Implications: Every Trust has to report to state Endowments Department, which is another Process itself. These organisations are vulnerable to the corrupt/ inefficient mechanism, apart from payment clause. (Ill effects of Endowments are very much visible in States like AP; where genuine organisations are wriggling hard to come out of the clutches of Endowments.
d.     Representation: Remove the reference of Endowments in DTC. Any Trust can be superseded/ Enquired/ Takenover by Endowments, if any complaint is filed, under existing acts. (This clause itself is a deterrent to abuse). IT Department can suo motu may initiate action/ refer to concerned departments in case of complaints.
e.      Ramifications: Inclusion of this connection/ reference to Endowments will disadvantage Majority Institutions of Hindu, while being lenient on Islamic Groups, Chistrian, Sikh Groups. Contrary to the letter and spirit of the constitution, which bestows equality on all the citizens of India, irrespective of religion, this new reference, will subject Majority to disadvantagious new regulation.
2.     Application of Funds
a.      New Clause: Donations to Trusts with similar objectives cannot be treated as application of funds.
b.      Status: Trust may support the ventures of Trusts with similar objectives. This way, collaboration and mutual support is possible. (Probable Intention: To detect duplication of Reflection of Activities, without the actual activity. Example: Whereas just one charity is conducted; but reflected in two or more Trust’s reports).
c.       Implications: No Trust can support another activity of another Trust. Smaller Trusts cannot send donations to bigger projects of other Trusts. (If some Trust wanted to contribute an amount to Sri Venkateswara Prana Daana Trust, Some Free Feeding Venture of Guru Dwaras; Or a Mammoth Book Project/ Renovation Projects of Prominence – it will not be permissible. Similarly, if a smaller Trust with lesser resources cannot be supported by a bigger Trust, for its activities or Maintenance.
d.      Representation: Allow supporting similar activities of Trusts with similar objectives. (To detect duplication, reporting norms may be altered to separately mention the
Support of other Trusts along with their Pan Number).
Apart from the above two points, the new DTC should concern Following Issues:
3.     Contribution to Corpus Fund:
a.      Status: At least 85% Funds, accumulated from Donations in a financial year, should be spent towards the objectives.  Unutilised Funds may be accumulated for 5 years, with a specific permission from CIT (Commissioner of Income Tax).
b.      Implication: Incessant tinkering amendments to the IT Act 1961 has resulted in this type of difficult situation, where as the contributions towards the Corpus Fund are not exempted from this 85% Application Rule.
c.       Representation: Exempt Corpus Fund Donations, supported by Declaration by Donors, from the rule to spend 85% of the current year accumulations.
d.      Benefit: By this exemption, a donor can institute one fund under a Trust, to sponsor a charitable activity in their memory or their parents. Example: Sponsor the education of a child every year; or conduct Anna Daanam or conduct a medical camp annually in the name of their elders. Thus, this will encourage charity, which is the backbone of Indian Ethos.
4.     Not For Profit Nomenclature
a.      Further it is requested to frame Rules to categorise an organisation either as an Not For Profit or For Profit; rather than analyse the activity ala carte. This would help the organisation reflect the subsidiary activities to mobilise funds for a charitable act.
Another Point for consideration
5.      Registration of a Trust
a.      Creation: Rules Governing the Registration of a Trust are ambigious, due to the absence of a proper law, directly dealing with the Charity/ Religious Organisations. Currently, indirect clauses of Indian Societies Act and Indian stamps and Registration Act (of Pre- Independence Era) are cited for registration. Subsequently innumerable rulings/ judgements of Honourable Supreme Court have complicated issue, rendering the entire gamut of Charities, subject to interpretation of various authorities/ experts. 
b.      Creation of Subsidiary Trusts and Dissolution is also matters left for interpretation.
c.       Representation: Enact a law to promote Charity and to govern the NGOs on the lines of Companies Act, to address all the issues on the fore.
d.     Registration Procedures for Charity Organisations by Income Tax Department should also be standardised and published on the website, rather than leaving to whims and fancies of individual officers. (For Example: In a Passport Application; Patterns of affidavits, forms are provided for easy reference.) This will enable cut bureaucracy to deny/ dodge registration and make the process simple and straight.
This note is prepared after taking into the DTC and the subsequent discussion paper brought out by the Finance Ministry. More information and thoughts are welcome.

Saturday 28 August 2010

Black Rice, with its Anthocyanins - A Great Hope to prevent DNA Damage


Scientists from Louisiana State University analysed samples of bran from black rice grown in the southern US and found it boosted levels of water-soluble anthocyanin antioxidants, reports the Daily Mail.

Anthocyanins impart dark hues to fruits and vegetables, which includes blueberries and red peppers and also turn rice 'black'.

Research suggests that anthocyanins, which mop up harmful molecules, can help protect arteries and prevent the DNA damage that leads to cancer.

Food scientist Zhimin Xu said: "Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar, and more fibre and vitamin E antioxidants."

"If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black rice bran? Especially, black rice bran would be a unique and economical material to increase consumption of health-promoting antioxidants."

It is occasionally known as the 'Forbidden Rice' because Chinese nobles forbade common people from eating it. Today black rice is mainly used in Asia for food decoration, noodles, sushi and desserts.

But food manufacturers could potentially use black rice bran or bran extracts to make breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, biscuits and other foods healthier, said Xu.

When rice is processed, millers remove the outer layers of the grains to produce brown rice or more refined white rice - the kind most widely consumed in the West.

Now, Brown rice is said to be more nutritious because it has higher levels of healthy vitamin E compounds and antioxidants. But according to Xu's team, varieties of rice that are black or purple in colour are healthier.
--------------------------
Even the practice of Pounding the Grains, to limit damage to its exterior layer, is also discontinued. Such Rice, Brown in appearance contains beneficial ingredients for better health.
 
Got the message to shun polished White Rice??

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Veda Nidhi Project - Info 7

Current Oblivious State - a cause of Alarm
Threatening factors for Vedic Wisdom and Culture
1.     Lack of understanding about our Culture
2.     Misrepresentation of facts by British Instituted Education system
3.     Lack of command in Indian Languages
4.     Non Inclusion of Traditional Education Values in curriculum
5.     Lack of Coordination/ Communication between Political, Community and Business Leadership with Leaders of Traditional Knowledge 
(In light of the above mentioned conditions, the society is often mired in Confusion, Malice and Distortion.)

As a traditional adage explains, Vedic literature is akin to the roots of a grand tree of Wisdom & Culture. Other great Texts pertaining to various fields of knowledge (Civil Code, Metaphysics, Legal Jurisprudence, Fine Arts, Administration, Physical Sciences, Grammar etc.), are similar to stems, branches, leaves of this great tree. 

          Hence, the roots have to nourished and protected for the well being of the Tree (Culture & Wisdom) and resultant welfare of the society. If the roots are deprived of nourishment and protection, prospects of healthy survival for the rest are destined for devastation. Therefore, the roots have to be assiduously preserved.

High time to organise ourselves to act!

May God bless us to awaken from the slumber!!

An ounce of practice outweighs 
tons of tall talk!!!

Jaya Guru Datta


Support
Veda Nidhi Project of 
Avadhoota Datta Peetham 


Executed by Dedicated Team Members, 
with the the inspiration and blessings of

His Holiness Parama Pujya
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji
SGS Ashrama, Datta Nagara, Mysuru 570025 India
Website: http://vedanidhi.in

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Veda Nidhi Project - Info 6


Part 3 – Analysis of Vedic Texts in Modern Context

The Final part of the project is to establish relevance of Vedic Text in contemporary world.

Status
  • There are many organisations, engaged in correlating various modern technological and scientific aspects to various verses/ phrases of Veda. 
  • Many seminars are organised to unearth the meaning of the Mantras/ texts. The relevance of this discovery, at best could be of psychological satisfaction of having achieved the correlation. 
  • But, this research in primary stages might not be of great help to the scientific establishment, with modern scientific methods.
Current Efforts
  • With the blessings of Sri Swamiji, an institution, to pursue scientific research in Indian Texts is established. As an affiliate of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, this institution regularly conducts conferences, workshops and publishes literary works in this sphere, with the active participation of distinguished academics.

Possible avenues of Action
  1. To strengthen the nascent bondage between modern scientific establishment and tradition
  2. To Include mathematical principles, that enhance value of the education system in contemporary text books
  3. To initiate research on management principles, business and administrative ethics, envisaged in Veda 
  4. To propagate the immortal social values envisaged in Veda Dharma, and to include them in the social sciences of current day
  5. To give impetus to the growth of Research based on the concepts envisaged in Veda
  6. To establish relevance of Samskruta as a mother language to cater to the needs of  contemporary society
  7. To introduce Samskruta as a language in primary schools
  8. To Popularise Vedic Scientific terms by publishing the Encyclopaedia/ Thesaurus 
  9. To Training Science graduates in Sanskrit and the Scientific terms in Sanskrit
  10. To initiate projects by research students in Universities   
  11. To arrange Introductory courses for bright Sastra Scholars in modern aspects of Science, so that they can also assist the research projects, as compilers and arrangers 
  12. To constitute a committee of language experts to derive equivalent terms for scientific, business, technological and  administrative terms for Indian Languages; so that current day usage is in line the terms (as done by Germans and Japanese)

Saango Vedo (A)dhyeyo Jneyascha

What is in the nutshell?


.. Read the last Post in this series



Upaakarma - A Great Tradition to Cherish

Upaakarma
Important Facts to contemplate
  • Poornima in the month of Shraavana is called Shraavani. On this day (Yajurveda) Upaakarma is performed. (Rigveda and Samveda Upaakarma are also performed in this season only).
  • Upaakarma Ritual has a Unique importance for its a Long Lasting Impact on the Mind.
  • On this designated day of Initiation of NewStudents (New and Old) into Learning the Text and Wisdom of Yajurveda. 
  • Scholars & Old Students, begin afresh to refresh their Vedic knowledge.
  • The ritual consists of two parts. 
  • 1. To Purify Cleanse the Body and Mind  and  2) To Honour the Pioneers of the Knowledge, which is sought to be acquired.
Purificatory Part

  • Prior to the commencement of Fresh Education, the mind and body have to be cleansed of unwanted elements to prevent distraction, deviation and distortion. 
With a clean intellect, devoid of blemishes, a person would be able to understand the perspective and purpose of knowledge. This would be transform as the wisdom and result in the realisation.


In the process to achieve the same, the Aacharya and disciples are required to go the nearby River (Stream) shave and bathe with Mantras to clean the body.

Thereafter, the three tier Purificatory Procedures begin.

  1. For Brahmachaari - Paahi Trayodasha Homa is stipulated to offset the blemish occuring due to non-conduct of daily fire worship (Agni Kaarya). 
  2. For Brahmacharis and Gruhasthas - Virajaa Homa. The Mantras chanted invoke the deities of 25 aspects of life (Both body and mind) to cleanse themselves. (Request for Initiation of Self Rectification and Remedial measures to remove anomalies in the Body and Mind). Reciting these Mantras, Tila (Sesame Seeds) are offered as Aahuti (Oblation).
  3. For Every Human Being - Kama, Manyu Smarana (Japa). Any sin is the result of Desire (Greed) and Anger. Hence, separation of the soul from these blemishes of the mind is the purpose of this Japa. The Mantras explain that, these two factors are responsible for any possible deeds/ acts of my life, not me (the pure Soul (Jeevatma). Hence, I dedicate the results of all these deeds and acts to these two deities. (I am the Pure Aatman). 
Every mind needs an annual maintenance for overhauling and service. This Mantra Japa, in fact, is to cajole oneself into annnual Self Introspection by Contemplation.

Honorary Part

  • Let us Salute the doyens of Exponents of Yajurveda Tradition, especially the Sootrakaara Seers Aapastamba, Bodhaayana, Satyaashaadha, Hiranyakeshi whose aphorisms, guide the communities in all the rituals of Indian Origin.
Yajurveda is said to be in Five Parts.
1. Praajapatya Kaanda
2. Soumya Kaanda
3. Aagneya Kaanda
4. Vaishwadeva Kaanda
5. Swaayambhuva Kaanda

These five parts related to Five Names of Rishis
1. Prajaapati, 2. Soma 3. Agni 4.Vishwe Deva & 5. Swayambhu (Brahma)


In Vedas, the visionary seers (Mantra Drashta) are descendents/  of Brahma (or his progeny), who had the first vision and mandate to impart the Mantras to the lineage.

However, the seers of Yajurveda are unlike the seers of Rigveda, Samaveda & Atharvana Veda. These are the deities themselves, corresponding to the broader categories of rituals and its salient aspects.

Therefore, Yajurveda occupies the most prime place in the Vedic heirarchy and Rituals. (Tasya Yajur Eva Sirah).




Let us salue the spirit of Yajurveda,
which gave us the eternal Commandments and 
Motto for Happy Sustenance of the Universe!


Satyam Vada! Dharmam Chara
Speak Truth Only! Be Righteous!

Monday 23 August 2010

Veda Nidhi Project - Info 5


in the form of Shaastras

 
Objective:

1.      To Create awareness about the existence and importance of Saastra Texts as part of Vedic Heritage
2.      To promote the study of Samskruta, which is basic requisite to learn Sastra
3.      To encourage Students/ Pundits to achieve erudition by the study of Saastra
4.      To sponsor the study of authoritative commentaries (higher learning) of Veda
5.      To spread the message and philosophy of Veda, its rituals, customs in correct perspective
6.      To organise Annual Scholarly congregations, to redefine various practices and customs to suit current day contexts (in a method non-violative of the Core Principles in Veda Dharma)
7.      To institute a Parishad (consisting of learned scholars and pontiffs) to issue timely clarifications in matters that affect the religious life of a common man
8.      To effective repudiate unfounded criticism of Indian Traditions
9.      To correct the maladies in the traditions and practices in the society, by realigning the practices with the core principles of Dharma; as per the necessity of the context. 

Stage 1 Mode of Action

1.      To constitute a team of Pundits to prepare a Abridged Text containing the gist of Each Text Book of Every Sastra, which will acquaint the general Samskruta Reader about the subject and essence of each Sastra.
2.      To translate this book into various languages including English to disseminate knowledge in order to kindle interest and to initiate efforts to include the book in Social Studies in schools
3.      To promote the study of this abridged text book in all the Veda Pathasala
4.      To produce audio and video recording of  30 minute lecture series (in native languages,  apart from Simple Sanskrit), about various subjects contained in each of the Sastra Text, so as to promote general understanding of the culture, traditions and customs along with underlying philosophy
5.      To arrange telecast in mainstream media and publication in print media

Stage 2 Preparation of Text Books

1.      To train qualified Sanskrit Students/ Pundits in Desktop Publication, Computer Typography and allied subjects, so as to create a pool of skilled work force
2.      To Constitute a team of Scholars to edit and typeset the Text Books and commentaries, hitherto unpublished and retype old text books (out of print), using day modern day punctuation and publication amenities
3.      To provide for inclusion in Browsers, so that the content could be published in Internet; with the permission of the publishing houses.
4.      To create PDF model, with index and tagging to display entire text, marked by content list with search capability. This would enable viewers, users and researchers to reach the required chapter of any specific text, sorted/ searched by the order of alphabet, chronology and content
5.      To host the content on web and also to make available copies of the texts along with commentaries to students, at nominal cost (Since the content has limited usage/ reference – the texts will not be printed, unless there is a demand for 100 or more copies).

Stage 3 Education in Sastra

1.      To coordinate with Government agencies and leading organisations, engaged in the promotion of Samskruta to formalise an action plan to increase the scope of Samskruta Study from literature/ grammar to other branches of knowledge (Saastra)
2.      To compile a list of available scholars with specialisation
3.      To encourage Scholars to undertake study of other Sastra Texts, so as to gain wider exposure to other branches knowledge
4.      To provide incentive to learned scholars, who are willing to run the traditional Saastra Paathasala to impart education to students
5.      To provide stipend to eligible students (Number of Sastra Pathasaalas, can be counted on fingers)
6.      To organise Annual/ Bi-Annual/ Quarterly Sastra Sadas, to supplement the existing Sadas. (From time immemorial, Sastra Vaakyaartha Sabha (Sastra sadas in short) was conducted in the format of current day seminar/ workshop/ symposium. In this Sabha, scholars with multi faceted talents and vistas of knowledge used to partake in the Sabha and give presentation on various subjects.)

Note:   In contemporary ages, Sastra Sadas is confined to Vyakarana, Nyaaya, and Poorva
Meemamsa and Uttara Meemamsa Saastras. Accordingly debates and presentations are limited to these four Saastras. It is highly desired to expand the activities to other branches, to foster wider inter-disciplinary understanding.

Info: Annually Datta Peetham conducts Sastra Sadas, on the occasion of Dattatreya Jayanti Celebrations (December).
==================================================

What is the relevance of Vedic Texts in the contemporary world?
Do they have any Socielogical, Scientific value, in the current state of Materialistic world?

... Wait for the next post

Song - Guru Mahita Bhajana Yogam

Guru Mahita Bhajana Yogam

One of my favourite Compositions, in praise of Sri Swamiji's wealth of Bhajans!

Composed in the Raaga Hamsanandi, Maestros - Unni Krishnan and Nityasree sung this.

Jaitra Varanasi, arranged music score.

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Veda+Nidhi/track/Guru+Mahita+Bhajana+Yogam

Sunday 22 August 2010

Veda Nidhi Project - Info 4

What is the Number of Sastras? What are Vedangas? 
What is their individual Scope?

2A) A Brief Note on the scope of Saastra

Anga is a limb. Six important streams of knowledge and wisdom are compared as the limbs of Veda, which are termed as Vedaanga. (Since they are six in number, they are also called Shadanga.

Vedanga (Shadanga)
1. Siksha Sastra         - Science of sound origination and pronunciation
2. Vyaakarana Sastra - Grammar
3. Chhandas Sastra   - Composition of Metres such as Gayatri, Ushnik, Trishtup, Anushtup etc.
4. Niruktam               - Encyclopaedia/ Thesaurus of terms and definitions of words in Vedic Texts
5. Jyotish Sastra        - Astrology; to determine the right time to conduct Vedic Rituals
6. Kalpa Sutra           - Principles in the form of sentences,
·         Srouta Sootra- Correlating and compiling the procedures for Vedic Rituals for the benefit of the society and family;
·         Gruhya Sootra – Compilation of procedures for Samskaaras (Purification/ Refinement Rituals) for individuals & Society
·         Dharma Sutra Code of Conduct for individual/ public life
·         Applied Geometry to build Yaagasala;

 These Sutras vary from followers of each Veda to another and generally draw inspiration or inference from Vedic Sentences.

Along with these Shadangas (Six affiliated parts); other Upaangas are also required for proper understanding of Vedic Knowledge.

Upaangas (Other affiliates)
1.      Tara/ Nyaaya Sastra       -  Logic Based on the principles of Rishi Kannada &
Goutama, this Sastra is necessary to bring out finesse in the thought process.
2.      (Poorva) Meemamsa       - Understanding the Vedic Texts in correct  
perspective. In   this process Meemaamsa Sastra sets the standards to interpret sentences. Poorva – Meemamsa - Poorva Meemamsa is the Sastra based on the principles of by Rishi Jaimini, which enquires and determines the perspective of various Vedic verses related with Karma Kaanda (Rituals). The word Meemamsa generally refers to Poorva Meemamsa in general usage.
3.  Uttara – Meemamsa (Vedanta Sastra)   - Uttara Meemamsa is based on the principles of Sage Veda Vyasa, intended to bring out clarity in texts of philosophy such as Upanishad and Bhagavad Geeta. As this deals with the last part of Vedas, this is also called as Vedanta, also meaning the Final declaration of Veda.
4. Dharma Sastra      - Dharma Sastra is nothing but an extensive code of conduct for public and private life. This has many interpretations by many Rishis from different points of view. Although, Dharma Sutras based on Vedic verses, (Dharma Sutra aspect of Kalpa), Smruti and Puraanas are the origin of the Dharma Sastra, there are other texts such as Dharma Sindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu, Veera Mitrodaya etc. useful in finding out intricacies of Dharma.

In addition, other prominent Sastra texts pertain to
1.      Fine arts (Literature, Music, Dance, Sculpture, Architecture)
2.      Medicine : Categorised as (Definition of Well being; Symptoms of Disease & Causes; Cure and Prevention); Pharmacology (Herbs & Medicine Preparation)
3.      Astronomy, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry
4.      Metallurgy and other material sciences

Note: All of these Sastra Texts are believed as elaboration or inspiration from various branches of Knowledge, contained in Core Vedic Verses and Texts.

How can such Precious Wisdom be preserved? What are the options??
.... Wait for the next post.

Saturday 21 August 2010

Veda Nidhi Project - Info 3


Part 2 - Arthaatmaka Veda Pari Rakshana
(Preservation of the Methodology to understand and interpret Veda)
 How can anyone understand the meaning of a Mantra? 
What is Sastra? What are Vedangas? Why are they Required?
Relevance
          Traditionally, Veda is compared to Raw Gold Bar and Sastra to the tools to make an ornament. Let us understand what exactly Sastra stands for? Saastra means to dictate. The terms and references in Vedic texts are so vast and general to understand. Hence, to understand the Vedic Sentences in right perspective our Rishis have stipulated that the Vedaangas (affiliated parts of Veda) are essential to know the meaning of Veda.
Status
Let us take the illustration of Ganapati Puja, one of the most common features of Indians. The following four questions point towards the state of pity, in which the system is entangled.

This set of questions is addressed to the devout public, who are interested in customary rituals:
  1. How many of the Doers (people) know how to perform the primary Puja?
  2. How many of them, have perfect knowledge of conduct of the Puja?
  3. How many of them require the assistance of the Purohit? (For clarity, the word – Priest is avoided)
  4. How many of them are sure of the quality of the assisting Purohit?

Now another set of four questions for Archaka/ Purohit / Pundits?
  1. What caused them to undertake this profession? (Family Customs/ Financial Necessity/ Self Interest/ Social Respect)
  2. How many of them are qualified to perform Ganapati Puja? (Got trained under a scholar)
  3. How many of them can understand the meaning of the Puja and explain the innate philosophy?
  4. How many of the Pundits can explain the methodology, for its interpretation with authority? Who can amplify the rationale for the approach for the way it is understood and explained?

The answers for the above are obvious. But, it is matter of grave concern that the society is blissfully insensible to the downward trajectory. It is the common conclusion that the number of knowledgeable persons is fast dwindling and the answer to the last question is even more frightening.

In this age of misinterpretation, misrepresentation, malaise and ignorance, the onerous task of preserving the methodology of understanding the Vedic Text, its underlying practices and customs lies with those pious souls, who yearn to secure the cultural and wisdom fabric of India. Study of the Sastra, bestows the mental strength, finesse of interpretation, essence of understanding the terms and word backed by the vigour of logic.

It is to be noted that erudition in Sastra, which is very essential for understanding Vedic literature, almost extinct. It is quite disheartening that the ratio of Sastra Scholars (Higher learning after Vedic Studies) to Veda Scholars (Basic Studies) is 1: 1000. Is it not quite alarming that we have less than 1000 Erudite Sastra Scholars in a population of 1.1 Billion?

In the current alarming scenario, it is the need of hour to encourage brilliant students to undertake the study of Saastras, after the completion of basic Veda Adhyayana (with memorisation skills) to acquire analytical skills with Sastra Adhyayana.

What is the number of Shaastras? What is their individual scope??

.... Wait for the next Post