LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF SREE NARAYANA GURU SREE

LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF SREE NARAYANA GURU

SREE NARAYANA GURU (18551928) Visionary Saint, scholar, philosopher, humanist and social reformer Human equality, love, compassion, empathy and universal brotherhood were core principles of his philosophy Propagated education as means of achieving economic, social and cultural advancement Architect of Kerala renaissance

EARLY LIFE OF SREE NARAYANA GURU: Guru was born on 28 th August, 1855 to middle class parents in Chempazhanthi village (Kerala) At the age of five, Guru started his primary education and exhibited brilliance at early stages His quest for knowledge was so great that in a short span of time he became proficient in Vedic literature, Astrology and Ayurveda. Right from childhood he was very disciplined and humane with qualities like humility, compassion, love, devotion, cleanliness, etc. He used to meditate for long periods and realized that answer to all problems can be found discovering one self from within.

Period of Meditation and Enlightenment Used to spend long hours in isolation and meditation in search of answers to human sufferings and erratic behavior Set out on wandering to different holy places in search of peace and tranquility Remained in deep meditation in a forest location known as maruthwamala for about 5 years Became enlightened soul with self realization, an experience which he described as thousands of suns shining at the same time

Social Reformation Begins Set out to share his enlightened knowledge for the welfare of humanity Started with historic consecration of a Siva Idol in Aruvippuram (1886) where he kept a Notice: “Without difference in caste or rancor of religion, this is a model place where all live in brotherhood” When upper caste people questioned his right to consecrate idols, he replied that it was “his siva” not upper caste siva. Millions of lower caste devotees found solace having got opportunity to worship inside temple It was symbolic move that unleashed a sea of social reforms

Movement Gathers Momentum The Aruvippuram incident was an eye opener and made the Guru well known in Kerala He seized the opportunity and set out to eradicate the evil social practices like untouchability, child marriage, animal sacrifice, worship of evil spirits, etc. Advocated that all human beings are equal irrespective caste, creed or religion and deserve equal opportunity Every one has right to education which is a must for economic, cultural and social progress Started schools in temple premises and other centers for educating the less privileged. Also encouraged the educated to start industry and business for raising living standards

Education and Empowerment In order to strengthen the reform movement, the Guru constituted an organization called Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) His disciples like Kumaran Asan, Sivalinga Swamy, Swamy Dharma Theerthan, Dr. Palpu, Sahodaran Ayyappan, Dr. Nadaraja Guru carried forward these reforms with vigor. This was followed vigorously by later followers like R. Shankar who went on to become the Chief Minister of Kerala Several educational institutions were started throughout Kerala Side by side technical training and guidance were given to start industry and business Guru movement was largely responsible to make Kerala a 100 percent literate state coupled with great religious reforms.

Mission Continued Guru travelled length and breadth of Kerala and interacted with masses spreading his messages of education, empowerment, human values and religious harmony Also visited neighboring states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka, and went to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), attracting many followers. Many social organizations and community groups were formed in support of Guru's ideals and swung into action Guru never led any agitation or made provocative speeches, but spread the message of love and universal brotherhood Successfully organized an all religious conference in 1924 on theme: Not to argue and win, but to know and to be known. Was very active with his mission till attained Samadhi in 1928

Guru as prolific author and poet Authored 63 pieces of literature in Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam which contained his philosophy and teachings Hymns, Payers, instructions and philosophical works Daiva dasakam is a universal prayer invoking protection of almighty and happiness for all Aatmopadesa sathakam, Darsanamala, Advaita deepika, brahmavidya panchakam and Arivu about life, knowledge and essence of universe Anukamba dasakam, Jeevakarunya panchakam, Dharma panchakam and Suddhi panchakam about good living

Important Teachings and Messages of Guru One Caste, one Religion, one God for man (humanity) Whatever be the religion, it is enough if it makes a man virtuous what each performs for the happiness of self shall be conducive to happiness of others Be enlightened through education, strengthened through organization, make progress through industry Liquor is poison; make it not, sell it not, drink it not Eightfold path for good living: Education, cleanliness, piety, organization, agriculture, trade and industry, handicrafts, scientific and technological training

Tributes to Guru by contemporary great people Rabindranath Tagore: Never came across any one spiritually greater than Swami Narayana Guru Romain Rolland: Guru is a Jnanin of Action who had keen living sense of the people and their social needs Dr. Sir CP Ramaswamy: Guru instilled the slogan of Universal brotherhood inti the hearts of the masses Annie Basant: Guru was Pathanjali in Yoga, Sankara in wisdom, manu in the art of government, Buddha in renunciation, Mohamed in strength of spirit and Christ in humility Ramana Mahirshi: Guru is Mahatma of high intellectual supremacy Aacharya Vinoba Bhave: Guru is considered as one of the Avathars that had appeared in India during the last 100 years Deena Bandhu CF Andrews: Had a vision of God (Supreme being) Graet in human form

Relevance of Guru Today Core principles of Indian Constitution such as Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Secularism, Socialism and Fundamental Rights are aligned with Guru's philosophy Yet religious fundamentalism, caste discrimination, terrorism, corruption, deterioration of human values are on the ascent Ethics, morality and fair play are the lowest of priorities Popularizing Guru's ideals such as love for fellow beings, humility, sympathy, compassion, tolerance and integrity are the only answer to the present woes in society and to promote peace and harmony.

Sree Narayana Mandira Samiti Was established as a charitable and educational trust in 1963 to promote and propagate the ideals of Guru Active in the fields of education and humanitarian services to the general public following the principles and philosophy of Guru Non profit organization with 16000 members and patrons who render voluntary service through head quarters at Chembur and 41 regional centers in Maharashtra. Schools and colleges focus on quality education to about 7000 students right from nursery to postgraduate levels. Expansion of education activities underway aiming a deemed university. Engaged in social service activities which include merit scholarships to students, free ships, skill development and other value added courses, free mid day meals and school uniforms, healthcare, medical camps, adult education, seminars and workshops on legal, philosophical and moral issues, programs on employment, entrepreneurship and community development.

Conclusion • Sree Narayana Guru was a savior of the downtrodden. • He was an enlightened humanist and social reformer with a lot of practical wisdom. Believed in the equality of human beings • He firmly advocated the need to empower the poor and downtrodden with knowledge, creativity and compassion. • Guru was instrumental in bringing out a thorough transformation in Kerala society by liberating the poor people from their subhuman existence. • Guru's teachings and philosophy are very much relevant even today to fight against the evils of religious fundamentalism, terrorism, corruption and erosion of human values