In India, the months of Jyeshth and Ashaadh (May-July) comprise of
summer when sun is shining bright, quite unbearable for most. People
prefer to stay indoors to avoid heat. The flora and fauna go thirsty to
the extent that ultimately it becomes unavoidable to pray hard for
cooling rain-showers. All beings eagerly look up to the sky for drops
and drizzles.
The weather forecasters start to predict first showers of monsoon. As
soon as the first rains wet Mother Earth, the Nature gets filled with the
intoxicating fragrance of the soil and blooming flowers. That is the
time when the month of Shraavan (July-August) sets in followed by
Bhaadrapad (August-September).
Correlating to the seasons, our scriptures have prescribed certain
Sadhanas. In Jyeshth and Ashaadh we have to be contemplative and
closely observe our mind’s quality and direction of thoughts. Else, we
would be vulnerable to unnecessary arguments, short temper and
agitations, even telling upon our physical health. But, being
introverted and contemplative will save us from mental and physical
health hazards.
While the troublesome months of heat and thirst are about to get over,
at the onset of Shraavan, we are guided by the scriptures to read and
listen to the discourses on Dharma Shastras such as Sreemad
Bhagawad Geeta, Sreemad Bhagwatam, The Upanishads, Sree
Ramayanam and Prakaran Granths.
Moreover, we have to engage ourselves in regular Puja and
Abhishekam of Lord Shiva seeking His benevolence for the welfare of
all beings. The austerities observed and supported with the studies
accomplished during this month qualify us to invoke Sree Krishna in
Bhaadrapad.
The rains by this month get over, bringing fruits, flowers, greenery,
grains and the whole world of beings into full blossom and cheer. In
such an enchanting ecology around, with calm and cheerful heart
within, the sparks of Divinity knock the Quarters, calling the Supreme
Consciousness to bless the Creation with Eternal Enlightenment.
Sree Krishna’s Avataar Leela is amazingly inspiring. Sreemad
Bhagwatam portrays Him as the mischievous little darling of Gokul,
the young beloved heartthrob of Sree Radha and others in Vrindavan,
the friend-philosopher-guide of the Pandavas and most significantly,
as the One who is one of the most popular manifestations of Supreme
Consciousness as Lord-Incarnate.
Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, which is Yogeshwar Sree Krishna’s
invaluable advice to Arjuna, is the sacred scripture that provides
practical, philosophical and Spiritual guidance to Saints, seekers and
devotees alike.
Shraavan and Bhaadrapad having thus spent in enriching oneself with
Spiritual practises, there develops deep gratitude towards the
ancestors. Social norms, cultural traditions, religious beliefs and
spiritual heritage promoted by the previous generations, run through
each family clan, providing a firm foundation of faith and confidence
in the hearts of budding progeny.
Therefore, in the months of Aashwin and Kaartik (October-
November), days and nights of rites, rituals, austerities and festivities
conclude with the brilliant and colorfully auspicious festival of
Deepawali – celebrating the homecoming of Sree Ram - the Self!
So, reach out for your Antaranga Sadhana! Those who wish to pursue
such Spiritual practises in a systematic way, SISS is the place to get
proper guidance in a conducive environment.
SISS welcomes all to participate and benefit culturally and spiritually
through its multifarious programs that include talks, discourses,
Spiritual retreats, power point workshops and a wide range of DVDs,
CDs, books and other publications.