Face the challenge of Krodhana

22 March 1985, Ugadi, Prasanthi Nilayam

Professor Kasturi's English.

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is the year of Anger In the almanac there is a cycle of sixty years starting with and ending with . For each year there is a presiding ruler, a minister and a team of nine officers. Together they have a powerful influence over the course of human affairs during that year. For the new year , which commences today, the ruler is (Venus). His minister is a malefic deity (Saturn). Among the nine officers, five are malefic and the other four are not so well disposed. Hence, according to the science of astrology, the indications for the new year from its very commencement presage trouble and turmoil.

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The name of the year is , which means Anger. This year is likely to be full of manifestations of anger. Even in trivial matters it will be difficult to restrain people's anger.

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The primary obligation is to restrain anger Today differences between man and man, village and village, one state and the other and one country and another are growing. According to astrology, the new year is filled with so much hatred and anger that its heat will bum even green grass. In view of this, we have to be extremely vigilant in all our actions. Fire disasters are likely to be numerous in this year. Except in the month of , rains are likely to be meagre during the rest of the year. The reason for this is that the succeeding year, is going to be a prosperous and bountiful year and will be preceded by a period of scarcity and trouble. In the cycle of Nature, bad is likely to be followed by good and vice versa. Hence, we must cultivate the strength and equanimity to face difficulties and troubles. Only the grace of God can give this strength and courage.

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All the aberrations that we witness today among men arise from anger. Our entre daily life is filled with anger. When the contribution of the year is added to this, the situation becomes intolerable. Therefore, you must meet this by presenting a smiling face all the time. That will demonstrate the presence of divinity. Happiness is union with God. We must link our happiness with the Divine. It is by such efforts, that we must confront the challenges of the year .

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Again, when you feel angry, start reciting some song in praise of the Lord. Then there will be no fear of what portends. Let the entre family join in prayers at least for a few minutes in the morning and in the evening. (Here sang a song sweet and soothing as a lullaby):

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When the mother and children gather round To sing the of Loving will stand beside them. Where, then, is the room for Anger? And why despair when is there? Why despair when is beside you?

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Realise the divinity in man We should not be preoccupied with the external world. Where, in reality, there is only One, it appears to us as two. One is and the other is . The is absorbed in the external. This is a sign of forgetfulness (). To turn the vision inwards is real awareness (). It reveals God. The process by which the divinity in man is realised is known as .

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This divinity can be realised only by (sacrifice or renunciation of the worldly things). is a supreme virtue in man. One who has no spirit of sacrifice will be sick in body and mind. What does to a man is to eradicate his selfishness. As long as self-interest is dominant, one cannot understand Reality. The self-centered man cannot attain the Supreme. Hence, we must cultivate a broad mind and seek to serve the fellow-beings who need help. Even in the pursuit of (Liberation), there is no place for concern with one's self To be concerned about (My Salvation) will lead only to (no salvation). Those who are concerned only about their liberation, will not achieve it.

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is the basis for every thing To understand the true meaning of (Self-realisation), the first step is to grasp the significance of the Love-principle. For everything, (Love) is the basis, the cause and the consummation. If there is no love, there is no life. When love is developed, anger automatically ceases. When you feel angry, sit down with a hearty laugh. Limit your speech. Too much talk leads to heated exchange of words.

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The lesson to be learnt in the year of is the cultivation of peace by keeping anger under check and developing a large-hearted love for all. The values a man must cherish as his lifebreath are: (Truth), (Righteousness), (Tranquility), (Love) and (non-violence). Of these five vital principles is the foremost. It is that flows as the under-current for the other four values. How does it flow this way? When is associated with feelings it produces . When animates actions, it results in . When is combined with understanding it becomes (non-injury). Therefore whenever you feel angry, think of (Love), develop thoughts of love in your heart. You will have peace.

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This is the way you have to develop human values. Anger and hatred are demonic qualities. (envy) is worse than either of them. You must get rid of these demonic qualities and attune your life to dignity. When anyone reales you, do not retort in the same way. You then descend to the level of the other man. You should not do yourself what you consider bad in others. You must strive to develop sacred qualites not for this year alone, but for your entire life. Awareness is life. You must know everything that needs to be known, but make only the good things part of your life.

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Call to women to be on their guard All must be careful about their behavior during this year. Women in particular must be on their guard, because women are capable of making great sacrifices either for good or bad purposes. So, make all your sacrifices for good causes. Develop good traits and eschew all that is evil. When the housewife has such good qualities, the house becomes a miniature paradise. When the mistress of the house indulges in bad deeds, there will be no peace in the home. Controlling their tendencies to quarrel over petty differences, women should try to behave like sisters, developing harmony and mutual regard.

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Men also should learn to behave like brothers, believing in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Young people should realise that the nature of their actions will determine the nature of their future. Bad actions will only result in bad consequences. Moreover, in this year, it is advisable for everyone to practise the virtue of (reticence). Control of speech is highly desirable. Whatever thoughts may arise in the mind, let them not find expression in words. It has been said that restraint in speech gives abundant peace. Excessive talk harms the mind. Even in restrained speech, there should be sweetness and joy. Apart from warning against giving vent to anger, the year is fraught with some unwelcome happenings. Poor harvests are in prospect. Scarcity of food is likely. Excessive rains in some parts and poor rainfall in some others are likely.

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is inexorable These occurrences are the result of (past misdeeds). Hence everyone should be continuously vigilant regarding every one of his actions. When the actions are bad, even a stick can turn into a snake. There is no escape from the consequences of one's actions. Only by vigilance can disasters be avoided. ( then recited the following poem):

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Can you escape from oh man? Whatever your scholarship, Whatever your daily worship, Whatever penance you may perform Can you avoid the results of ? Whether you fill your vessel In a small pond or the vast ocean It will be filled only Upto its capacity.

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