Meditations on Transcendence

True independence is not about being free from all dependencies but rather finding the right dependency. When we place our dependence on the Infinite, who is Shyamasundar Sri Krishna, we achieve real independence. In this state, we transcend the slavery of our senses, which, when uncontrolled, act as tyrannical masters. The senses, when indulged, are like venomous serpents; they bite and bring misery to our lives. The pursuit of their gratification leads to a life filled with suffering and discontent. However, when we redirect our focus from gratifying the senses to serving the Supreme Lord, we unlock true freedom. This concept is encapsulated in the verse "Hrishikena Hrishikesha Sevanam," which means serving the Lord of the senses (Hrishikesha) with our senses (Hrishika). By engaging our senses in the service of Krishna, we free ourselves from their bondage. Instead of allowing the senses to dictate our actions, we regulate them through devotion. This regulation doesn't

**Whispers of Freedom** O Freedom, thou art the whisper of the soul,   Not in the world’s clamor, but where the heart grows whole.   Thou dost not dwell in the fleeting joys we chase,   But in the shelter of Krishna, in His boundless grace. The senses, like serpents, do lure with venom sweet,   Yet in their grip, we falter, stumbling at their feet.   But thou, O Freedom, are the sacred path we seek,   In Hrishikesha’s service, where the humble find the meek. In Krishna’s embrace, the chains of the world dissolve,   As the soul surrenders, the mysteries of life resolve.   Ananta Sewa, the eternal song, becomes our gentle guide,   Where in the Infinite’s love, true joy does reside. O Freedom, thy essence is not in the self alone,   But in surrender to Krishna, where the heart finds its home.   Lead us to the shore where divine love flows deep,   In the ocean of Purushottama, where our souls do sleep.

 **Ode to the Guru, the Liberator** O venerable Guru, radiant beacon of the night,   In tangled realms where modes obscure the light,   You, the liberator, break the chains that bind,   And lead the soul to truths it’s long resigned. In the maze of senses and the body’s snare,   Where passions weave their intricate affair,   You cast away the veils of ignorance so dense,   Unveiling wisdom’s pure and sacred essence. With Krishna’s ancient words, you gently guide,   “Tribhir gunamayair bhavair ebhih sarvam idam jagat, mohitam nabhijanati mam ebhyah param avyayam” (7.13)—   Through modes of nature, the world is veiled,   But in your light, the hidden truth unveiled. Adi Shankara’s voice, in reverence we hear,   “गुरुं विनाऽध्यात्मविद्या न सिद्ध्यति” —   Without your grace, the self remains unclear,   Yet with your touch, the soul finds freedom near. You are the key to Navadha Bhakti’s path,   The ninefold devotion that stills the heart’s wrath.   In the dance of senses and temporal chase

The other day as i was wading thru the morning traffic, i couldnt help but notice the new big billboard on MG road opposite HSBC bank. The vibrant dashing colors attracted my attention. The bangalore metro in construction slows down the speed after one crosses the Raheja tower circle on MG road. This makes it easy for one to catch glimpse of huge billboards on both sides of the road. The billboard read -'Kahani Hamare Mahabharath ki' with a very attractive huge cutout of the Pandavas. A new serial during everyday prime time 9PM on 9X channel. I became very excited due to my new found resurgent interest in knowing Mahabharatha in detail. My old college pal rekindled this interest in me after he showed a very authentic translation by Kisori Ganguli hosted for free on the internet. Also i became happy for my kids that they can sleep off the day by remembering the woderfully divine characters of Mahabharath rather than the Rajiv Sharmas of 'Minchu'. We wanted to come out of