(Sri Swamiji's speech in Vijayawada on 31 December 1996)
Compiled and translated by SriH.V.Prasad
31.12.1996 is 31+12+1996 = 5 (when added till we arrive at a single digit).
This is ancient numerology.These are all codes. In the traditional Indian
dances of Kthakali and Bharatanatyam, these codes are displayed in the forms
of gestures and Mudras. Through such gestures, feelings and Navarasas are
vividly expressed. The western and eastern dances have similarities. Dancers
use eyes, eyebrows to cannote expressions. These are codes meant to convey
some message. Deaf and dumb use sign language. Every person has his or her
own tye of expression to convey a meaning. That is why Braille was developed
for the blind. Mouna Vrata (maintaining silence for a fixed period) is a
spiritual exercise. But many people , during Mauna Vrata, use signs and
gesticulations to convey their message. Then the vow is broken and serves
no purpose. One of the purposes of such activity ( Mauna Vrata) is to give
rest to the sense organs. During intense and emotional coversation, all nerve
centres are activated.
We may recall that in the Sati Dahana story, the father of Sati Devi (previous
incarnation of Sati Devi), Daksha did not invite her for the Yagna. Sati,
knowing that going to a place uninvited is not good, went to her father's
Yagna only to be ignored. Even Lord Shiva warned her not to go. But she went.
An insulted Sati committed self immolition. When the news reached to Lord
Shiva, a furious Shiva created Veerabhadra from his hairlock. Veerabhadra
destroyed the entire Yagna place and slayed Daksha. Lord Shiva arrived there,
lifted the remains of Sati and danced the "Pralaya Thandava" dance(Dance
to destroy the universe). Sensing the impending calamity, Lord Vishnu threw
his Vishnu Chakra (wheel with 1008 teeth) which cut the body of Sati in to
54 pieces and scattered the pieces in 54 places in India and Himalayas. Today,
these places are renknowened Devi Kshetras. During the "Pralaya Thandava"
of Lord Shiva, the alphabets of Sanskrit were uttered and The signs of numerology
and Mudra (signs) originated during that dance. According to this Sankhya
Shastra (science of numbers), the total of the last day of this year is five.
(see the begining of this speech). This number indicates Pancha Bhootas (five
elements) which caused trouble and damage in the last part of this year.
Tommorow starts with one (1+1+1997 = 1). This 1 indicates Brahma Tattva which
is pious. This is a good omen. But again the last part of the year could
be troublesome because it ends with number six (31+12+1997 = 6) which indicates
Arishadvarga (six enemies). Deciet, distrust and fraud are the features of
the last part of the year. Anyhow, the year begins with good indication.
We shall happily welcome the year and hope for the best.