Coimbatore

Story ended where we crossed the Western Ghats by train. It was raining here as well, and similarly to Pune and Kochin there was a strike in Coimbatore too. Later Suvesh Jí made a funny remark that wherever I show up, calamities occur. I could picture in my mind an animation of Nirriti from the vedic chaos created in the style of Sītāyana... oh well. I rather would like to talk to Kāmadhenu then.

Some pics, how beautiful Tamil-Nadu is during monsoon - during travel from Salem to Coimbatore.

The wonder that is Sanskrit

We started to read Gītasopānam with Candrikā Mātā, my new teacher systematically, it was both a revision and also learning the basic grammatical rules in Sanskrit – (she was considerately preparing me for classes only in Sanskrit, as later Gauri Mātā really talked only in Sanskrit.) She told plenty of unknown stories of Mahābhārata, I was so-so happy, such a simple paradise for me. It was raining continuously so - as I was kindly ask not to help in cooking - all I had to do was yoga practice and learning, and I really cherish the memory of these beautiful days. She is also an excellent āyurvedic chef.

The morning Dīpam jyotir pūjā chanted by my teacher was really beautiful, just like watching the natural cycle outside in the garden.

Two of my friends live in Coimbatore, so we met together in Īśā Yoga Ashram. It was such a triple blessing, as we all practice yoga, knew each other from the Krishnamācārya Yoga Mandiram, and we kept in contact, and were really excited to reunite. Previously I was hoping to spend a couple of days here too, but had to give up this plan. /Indian „international prices” rather should be called US- West-European prices. But because of this default difference, there is a difference in motivation and attitude too./

Only one thing made me sad -small kitties were disappearing day by day, and after the last one their mother grievously meowed.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

So after August I returned in November, when I recieved kind invitation from Amrita University to a 7-day textual workshop on Madhusūdana Sarasvatī’s Siddhāntabindu. The text is a commentary for Ādi Śankarācārya’s Daśaśloki – what everyone was just singing continuously during the workshop :D It was such a blessing being sorrounded by such highly educated people with original ideas, everyone is so amazing I met there! Gratitude and hats off to the organizers, as it was really one of the greatest experience of my life. I cannot list everyone, but Shrí Ananta Sharma - answering questions and summerising chapters in Sanskrit, Manjushree Hedge, all the participants, applause.

We could learn from such professors as Prof. Kutumba Shāstry, prof. V.N. Jha and his dear wife, Dr Ujjwala Jha (who understood a lot more from the Buddhist side of the debate, wish there was more time), Prof. Rāmacandra Bhat – whom I especially admired for revolutionizing the ancient Gurukula system, as he is a great yogi as well.

Also having the good karma of listening lectures from professor K. Rāmasubramanian, who is not only a great philosopher, and an ācārya, but an excellent engineer, vedic astronomer and physicist (Non-linear Dynamics & Chaos) so guess how much more he understands from vedic sciences than us, common earthly mortals… He also came with us to visit the ancient temple in Perur.

An other scholar, a well-known archeologist, Sir Gurumurty gave us introduction to Patteeswarar Swami Aalyam. The temple was built in the 2nd century by the Cholas, and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachai-nāyaki’.

As per legend the calf of Kāmadhenu discovered a sacred shivalingam here, and a temple was built over it. The place became a “Vaippu Sthalam” to Lord Siva since it was sanctified by saints Appar an Sundarar in their Thevarams (shaivan poetry). In this Temple the famous Kanaka Sabhai or the Golden Hall of Dance we could see a beautiful huge golden Shiva Nātarāja, in the well-known dancing posture which he manifested to the Rishis, Gomuni and Pattimuni. The Kanaka Sabhai also presents a unique collection of stone sculture carvings, which are really unique in many ways - even we were surprised. It has two rows of ten big pillars with exquisite carvings of manifestations of Lord Shiva. One can see the beautiful eight forms of Mahālakshmi on paintings too. Outside the idols of the 63 nayanar are lined up.

Closure

This conference was top introduction about nyāya philosophy for me. Being educated in a heterodox system and later learning sāṁkhya-yoga I scribbled my hand off. Mentioning sarvástivádin schools and other buddhist schools, sometimes I felt like a little spy sneaked in between Hindu scholars :D (In Arthaśāstra different types of spies are mentioned in great details - how did they infiltrate into royal palaces to gain information ^^)

These prominent scholars were so kind and lovely (and humorous, (and amazing)), I hope we will meet in the future and we can work on common projects. My interest stays in yoga, but there is a big pile of manuscript that should be published - Indian heritage is vast and limitless. There is really so much more to do, than we even just suspect... Krishnamācārya was clearly foresighted about tradition disappearing, tech world is a real threat.

Winding down

The next couple of days I spent in the city by finishing to read the book of Daśaśloki, and organizing my journey to Lakshmipuram, Mysore.

For anyone likes áyurvedic herbs, I would recommend to visit to TNAU Botanical Garden.

... and the famous flower market, Muslim market, Ganapati Mandir.

By the end of the fourth month in India I missed cinema culture a bit, so eventually I went to Ganga Yamuna Kaver Theatre to see movies like புகழ்பெற்ற மிருகம் மற்றும் அவற்றை எங்கே கண்டுபிடிப்பது 2 or Kaatrin Mozhi. Latter is hilarous, absolutely enjoyable with the eyes of a European. It was fun to check how much I understand in Tamil :D

(see? the little spy...)