Since 1997y200

JUNE 2020JULY 2020AUGUST 2020September 2020October 2020November 2020

3

15

11

54

Chanting your way to LiberationLalitha Sahasranama

The path of the World Mother

Madam Vanaja

Divinity in Action

Master M.R.L

Editorial

Editorial

The Mihira community worldwide celebrated the 75th

birth anniversary of Master M.R.L Rao on 22nd Januaryalong with the birth anniversary of Madam Vanaja on19th January this year. This issue of Mihiracommemorates their life and work and rememberstheir constant endeavor to bring to light the wisdom ofthe Yoga of Master C.V.V and the teachings of MasterEK.

We begin this New Year with prayers for the healingand well-being of a world currently in the midst of theCOVID-10 pandemic. May Master C.V.V bless theworld with physical and spiritual health in the NewYear.

We have now already entered the month of Aquariuswhich is an auspicious month for reconnecting with theDivine and aligning ourselves to the vision and missionof the great Masters of Wisdom. Let us join our handsand pray for guidance for the healing of the world andbow down our heads in love and gratitude at the lotusfeet of the Master.

May the Master Bless and guide all of us in everythingwe do.

Editor

5

Master Mallampalli RajaLakshmana Rao (my father wasfondly called “Mastergaru” byhis students) was born in thetown of Bobbili on 22nd

January, 1946 as the fifth childof Dr. M. Pratapa Rao and M.Aadi Lakshmi.

He was born into a SouthIndian Shaivite Brahmin familywho belonged to theLingadhara sect. Mygrandfather Dr. Pratapa Raowas a highly respected Doctorof Medicine (M.B.B.S) whoprovided free treatment to thepoor and needy. His doors

Master M.R.L - Divinity in Action

were always open to serveothers. Although he came froma family of Shaivas, he was adevotee of Lord Rama and hadcomposed several poems onthe Lord. He was also verygood at playing the Veena andoften played classical musicespecially songs dedicated tohis favorite deity, Sri Rama.

My great-grandfather was alsoproficient in Homoeopathy andhealed people usingHomoeopathic remedies oncein a while. My grandmother toohad learnt Ayurveda from herfather and together my

M. Pradyumna Rao

6

grandparents served villagerswho were in need of medicineand healthcare.

In the Indian culture, especiallyin South Indian families, acradle ceremony is performedwherein the new born is placedin a cradle for the first time.

When Mastergaru was placedin a cradle, a tiny white snakecrawled down the roof, into thecradle and slept nearMastergaru. All the villagerswho came to visit the childwere awed by this sight. Mygrandmother was not afraid ofthe snake and had asked thevillagers not to harm the snakeas she considered it to be asymbol of Lord Subramanya.

My grandfather considered thewhite snake to be anincarnation of Sesha Naga orLord Adisesha (Serpent King onwhom Lord Vishnu resides).Mythologically, Lord Rama’sbrother, Lakshmana, isconsidered to be hisincarnation. Therefore, mygrandfather named Mastergaru

as Lakshamana Rao.

Education

Mastergaru was a very brightstudent and he completed hisprimary education from BobbiliHigh School by the age ofthirteen. Later, he moved toRanchi where he did Bsc. andthen pursued a degree inEngineering (E.C.E - Electronics& Communications) branch ofEngineering. He also pursuedother subjects of interest,including the study ofAstronomy and Aeronautics inhis spare time.

Mastergaru earned a black beltin Karate during his childhood.He was an excellent Cricketplayer and was selected for thestate team. He also laterlearned Judo & Taichi and wasa good swimmer. He also likedenacting theatrical plays andwriting poems. He learnt all theslokas of the Bhagavad-Gita byhis 5th year from mygrandmother. My grandmotheralso taught him the basics ofAstrology at a very young age.

7

Spiritual Quest

Mastergaru lost his father atthe age of 17. This loss createda huge vacuum and he was leftwith many perplexingquestions. In his quest to findanswers to these, he read theVedas, Upanishads, manytantric and occult books andmantras and also became morespiritually inclined. While thiswas happening, his familyshifted from Bobbili toVisakhapatnam. There he mademany friends. Dr. PariniRamanarasimham was one of

them. Dr. Ramanarasimhamwas a follower of Master E.K.

Contact with Master E.K

Dr. Parini Ramanarasimham wasvery close to Mastergaru andhis family. Mastergaru metMaster EkkiralaKrishnamacharya (Master E.K)in March 1971, through him.Master E.K often visited myfather’s house. The wholefamily followed Homoeopathicremedies prescribed by MasterE.K. Later on Master E.Kinvited my father for the May

8

call day on the 29th of May,1971 and he was initiated intothe prayer of Master C.V.V. Thatday during the prayer,Mastergaru saw some symbolsand images. After the prayer,Master E.K called Mastergaruand showed him the samesymbols and asked him todelve deeper into the study ofAstrology.

In 1972, Master E.K appointedhim as the Editor to themonthly magazine “Navaani”.After this, he became a closedisciple of Master E.K. MasterE.K taught him the Sayanasystem of Astrology, thescience of rituals, astral travel,spiritual literature, mantas andtheir significance, tantricliterature, Vedic science andthe works of MadameBlavatsky.

Mastergaru specialized inSpiritual Astrology, the works ofMadame Blavatsky - especiallythe Secret Doctrine, works oftheosophical society members,Homeopathy, Occult sciences

and various rituals for thehealing and well-being of theworld. He took various specialcourses on different themesand orders under Master E.K,until he gradually became aseer and visionary by his ownright. Mastergaru used toorganize Guru Poojas andconduct upanayanams underMaster EK’s tutelage.Mastergaru used to work atVani Printers and publishedarticles on various topics byMaster E.K through this press.

In 1972, his previous birthswere revealed to him and withMaster E.K’s guidance he wasable to continue on his spiritualpath during this life.

Master E.K visited manyforeign countries and used toguide Mastergaru through themedium of postal letters duringhis travels. Mastergaru was alsogiven the responsibility ofconducting classes on spiritualsciences for aspirants duringMaster E.Ks’ absence fromVishakhapatnam. During the

9

next few years, Mastergaru wassent to Madras where he wasasked to setup his ownbusiness. Master E.K used tovisit Mastergaru in Madras andtook him to places mentionedby Madame Blavatsky in herbook and also placesassociated with Sage Agastya.

Master E.K initiated Mastergaruunder a Banyan tree in Chennaiand told him that he should getmarried. Mastergaru responsedby saying that there was noyoga for marriage according tohis horoscope. Master E.K thensaid that he would change thecourse of Mastergaru’s lifewhich his astrological chart

represented and that he shouldmarry, to which Mastergaruagreed. My mother Vanaja waschosen as Mastergaru’s brideby Master E.K, who alsoperformed the marriageceremony with the consent ofmy mother’s family on 13January 1978 during the GuruPooja celebrations that year.

Spiritual Union of Mastergaruand Madamgaru

During the marriage ceremonywhich offset the spiritual unionof Master MRL Rao garu andmy mother Madam Vanaja(fondly referred to by theirdisciples as Madame Garu),

10

Master EK elucidated thesignificance of their marriageas a spiritual union of two soulsperformed during anauspicious alignment of planetsfor serving humanity andchanged Mastergaru’s spiritualgothra. (Only highly evolvedsouls can do that). Master E.Kis further said to have revealedto his other students that hewould bear the responsibilityfor guiding seven generationsof Mastergaru’s family.

From then, the couplededicated themselves to thework of Master E.K. Master E.Kgave further initiations to thecouple and entrusted Mastergaru with the responsibility ofthe Yoga school and ofconducting special sessions onAstrology, Vaastu and spiritualdiscourses on various topics toaspirants. A new internationalbrotherhood was formed underthe tutelage of Master E.K andMastergaru played a pivotalrole in this.

In 1981, Mastergaru started his

own printing press called“Sarvani Printers” and also theYoga and Astrological schoolindependently with theblessings of Master E.K.

Master MRL garu and Madamgaru requested Master E.K toteach the Yoga Sutras ofPatanjali. Master E.K smiled atthis request and conductedclasses on the topic everydayfor about three months fromNovember to March 1983.Following these series oflectures, Master E.K also taughtthe Narada Bhakti sutras.Master E.K declared March 31st

as the birthday of PatanjaliMaharshi.

When Madame Garu becamepregnant, Master E.K blessedthe couple and blessed them

11

with special spiritual trainingfor the wellbeing and spiritualorientation of the baby to beborn.

Master E.K left his body on 17th

March 1984 and Mastergaruwas given the opportunity toserve himd until his last days.

Mastergaru was blessed withtwins. His second child diedthree days after birth but themale child survived due to theblessings of Master EK tocontinue the lineage.

Mastergaru’s works on MasterEK and the birth of Mihira:

After Master EK’s death, hisdisciples including Mastergarucontinued to assemble inMaster EK’s house Vrindavanand talk about Master EK’sworks. Mastergaru along withMaster EK’s eldest son MasterAnanthakrishnagaru thenstarted the world tours toperpetuate Master EK’swork.They along with otherdisciples started yoga andastrological schools and

homeopathic centres in manyparts of the world. Along withhis mission of spreading MasterE.K’s teachings, he alsoenjoyed and propagatedcultural activities like classicalmusic. He installed idols intemples and conducted manypoojas, rituals and yagnasevery year and trained manypeople in these activities. In1997, Madame Garu andMaster Garu became thespiritual mediums of MasterC.V.V and they continued toinitiate many disciples to theyoga of Master C.V.V.

Mastergaru and Madamgarustarted the Mihira Magazine in1997 and gradually it waspublished under a trust andsociety. Currently, Mastergarus’disciples continue to spreadthe light of Master CVV’s yoga,Master EK’ teachings andMastergaru’s works and otherspiritual topics therebycontributing to the Master’splan and vision.

12

Having been blessed to beborn to a mother venerated bymany in the world, I would liketo share a few experiences ofliving with this embodiment ofDivinity on the occasion of herbirth anniversary which was on19th January this year.

My mother Madam Vanaja(fondly referred to by herdisciples as Madamgaru) wasborn as the eight child of aSouth Indian Kannada BrahminFamily which had migrated toVizianagaram. She was born as

the daughter of Katti LakshmiBhai and Sri. Durga PrasadRao, a Retired Judge and spenther early years in Vizianagaram.

As she was last child of thefamily, she spent the yearsbefore her marriage to myfather in Vishakhapatnam towhere the family moved afterthe marriage of her eldestsister. My Mother’s eldestbrother –in- law Sri K.V Ramanahad a Doctorate in Economicsand worked as Vice Chancellorof Andhra University where

Madam VanajaFrom Mother to being on the path of the

World MotherM. Pradyumna Rao

13

Master E.K also used to workas a Lecturer in TeluguDepartment. Both of thembecame good friends and thisled to my mother’s entire familybecoming followers of MasterE.K. All of the family wereinvited to the annual GuruPooja Celebrations by MasterE.K and they used to attendthese.

It was during these days thatMaster E.K advised the familythat they should marry mymother Vanaja off to hisstudent Raja Lakshmana Rao.The family including my motheragreed to the match andaccepted the Master’s decisionand guidance on this subject.

Since my grandmother used totake medicines from MasterE.K, and my father was hisdisciple, my father’s family tooconcurred with Master EK’sdecision to get my parentsmarried. My parents had noteven met each other until a fewminutes before the actualceremony but they went aheadwith Master EK’s decision toget them married. Theirwedding took place on 13th

January 1978 during the GuruPooja Ceremony and Master

E.K blessed them stating thathe will take spiritualresponsibility for them andtheir progeny. After theirmarriage, my parentscontinued to serve Master EKand took up responsibilitiesassigned to them by him.

Later Master E.K started hisown school Bala BhanuVidhyalayam and my motherstarted working there as ateacher. My father had beenworking as Editor and Publisherof Navaani Magazine startedby Master EK from 1972onwards. He was alsoresponsible for publishingmany books dictated by MasterE.K. Both my parents weregiven special training byMaster E.K in Astrology,Homeopathy, occult sciences,rituals, Vedic sciences, healingand the training of children. Atthe behest of Master E.K, myfather started the SarvaniPrinting press on his own. Bothmy parents were given certainresponsibilities during the GuruPoojas.

Master E.K asked them to starta new school of Astrology andMeditation and trained them toin accordance with his plan.

14

Master E.K blessed the couplethat they should have progenyand he also gave MadamVanaja lessons to be passed onher children before I was born.

When I reached school goingage, I was also admitted toBala Bhanu Vidyalayam Schoolstarted by Master EK where myparents worked. To the youngchild that was me, it was amemorable experience to be ataught in a school where mymother was a well- respectedteacher and where we weretaught the teachings of MasterEK’s teachings in addition toregular lessons. The SarvaniPrinters office was also a placewhere Mastergaru dispensedHomeopathic medicines tothose who approached him.Master E.K’s disciples used tocome and discuss variousspiritual topics.

My mother wholeheartedlysupported all these activitiesand served all the people whovisited Mastergaru with a smile.She under the guidance ofMaster EK became proficient inAstrology, Homeopathy, Vedicrituals and occult sciences andIn course of time, she becameas much a pillar for EK’s mission

as Mastergaru was and used toguide many disciples.

Madamgaru also used toprovide moral and spiritualsupport and guidance to manyfamilies around us and wasindeed deemed as a spiritualnucleus by many of them. Shealso travelled abroad alongwith Mastergaru to impartMaster E.K’s vision to thepeople of other nations. Shealong with Mastergaru wasinitiated into the yoga ofMaster C.V.V by Master E.K.Despite her various spiritualresponsibilities, she neverneglected her duties to herfamily or friends. To many, shethus became the epitome ofWorld Mother who exudedbenevolence and love. Shealso received the blessings ofthe venerable saint BrahmarishiBarfani Dadaji who visited ourhouse in the year 2000.

Madamgaru also travelled toSingapore, and many parts ofthe world and assisted myfather Master M.R.L Rao garu inall his works. She servedeveryone selflessly andtirelessly. She also taught mehow to serve Mastergaru andguided me on the path of

15

Master EK. She exemplified inher life qualities of love, care,empathy, forgiveness,understanding, sharing andsacrifice and was deemed bymany as a reflection of theWorld Mother.

She provided guidance tomany pregnant women onspiritual parenting and inproviding a spiritual mooring tothe offspring even while in thewomb.

Anyone who shared theirproblems with her obtained asolution and a dose oftranquility. Even afterMadamgaru left her body inJune 2001 while returning froma trip abroad, her presence andteachings continued to guidemany in their lives.

Many of her disciples stillconnect with her to receiveguidance. As her son, I wasable to witness how shechanged from being just mymother to everyone’s spiritualMother gently guiding themwith her selfless love, andproviding service with a smileon her face.

I humbly bow my head at thefeet of such a venerable soul

and pray that she continues toguide me in whatever I do.

16

Essays on the Lalitha Sahasranama

Jayanthi K.P

Moksha” is a concept very dearto the Hindu and Jain ways ofbelief. Moksha means salvationor release from the cycle ofbirth and death.

It is derived from two Sanskritwords “Moha” (desire) and“Ksheya” (elimination orremoval). Elimination of desire

is a precondition to liberateourselves from the karmicbonds and ultimately, thecycle of birth and death, inthis world. Chanting LalithaSahasranama helps us achievethis. In the LalithaSahasranama, the Goddess isevoked as:

Chanting the names of the Goddess: the way to attain Salvation

17

“Klimkari Kevala GuhyaKaivalyapadadayini”

“Tripura TrijagatvandyaTrimurthistridashesvari”

The first epithet “Klimkari” isvery significant. “Klim” is a bija(root) mantra of the Goddess. Itrefers to the softer, gentleraspects of the Goddess. It isthe bija mantra of Kali as theone who bestows moksha orsalvation.

“Klim” is also the mantra ofKrishna. Goddess as Klimkarican also refer to Yogamayawhose birth preceded that ofKrishna. (In fact, GoddessYogamaya who was born as theseventh child of Devakiannounced the birth of Krishnato his uncle Kamsa inBhagavatham; she caused theincarnation of Lord Vishnu asLord Krishna).

Goddess as “Klimkari”symbolizes love and devotion.As”Kevala”, She is absolute orsupreme, complete and pure.The word “Kevala” inPranayama, also refers to atechnique of pure suspensionof breath. “Guhya” meanssecretive and in-depth: this isan attribute of the Goddess aswell as the Shakta path.

“Kaivalyapada dayini”denotes the ability of theGoddess to provide mokshaor liberation (kaivalya) orstature in life (pada). (The term“Dayini” in Sanskrit means thegiver or the one who bestowsspiritual and materialblessings).

The Goddess is “Tripura”, theone who preceded theTrimurthis- Brahma, Vishnuand Shiva. The appellationalso refers to her role increation, sustenance anddestruction – the three statesall beings go through. Thename is symbolic of the yoniwhich is triangular in shapeand also her yantra which is atriangle.

Tripura was the city of threemetals - gold, silver and ironbuilt by Maya the architect forthe Asuras, which wasdestroyed later by Lord Shivaas Tripuranthanka and TripuraSundari is his consort.

Another interpretation couldbe that Goddess as Tripuracontrols the three stages oftime – past, present and thefuture, and the three gunas -sattva, rajas and tamas. She isalso worshipped by all beingsin the three worlds – heaven,earth and pathala

18

(netherworld), hence the term“Trijagat Vandya”.

Goddess is “Trimurthi” who hascombined the energies ofBrahma, Vishnu and Shiva. As“Tridasheswari”, she isgoddess of all thirty gods.Another interpretationpertinent here would be thatthe Goddess is envisaged as awoman in the third stage ofgrowth or evolution – namely‘youvana” (youth) which comesafter balya (childhood) andKaumara (adolescence).

Goddess Tripura Sundarienvisaged as a beautifulwoman in the throes of heryouth is also the highest aspectof Shakthi worshipped in SriVidya.

The above lines indicate theattributes or patterns ofworship of the Goddess andher bija mantra and yantra. Forthe devotee to meditate on,the form of Lalitha as TripuraSundari is also evoked here.

The sound, the stillness, andthe form, are given for thebenefit of the devotee tomeditate on. In the act ofchanting, all these getamalgamated and throughcontinues practice, theDevotee is able to focus on theGoddess and be free of desire:

this, in turn, will lead toKayvalya (Moksha or salvation).

19

MIHIRA e-magazineONLINE!

To receive your freedownloadable issue of theMIHIRA English e-magazine,please subscribe to ourofficial MIHIRANewsletter mailing list at:

https://tinyurl.com/mihira-subscribe

For more updates, pleasevisit:

http://mihiramonthly.blogspot.in

https://www.facebstotrak.com/Mihiramonthlymagazine