Volume 2, Issue 2

Centre for Sanskrit Research and Indology Recognised by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan and Affiliated to M G University

Newsletter 2013

Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan Dear Reader Friends, Serving the larger society is the purpose of every institution, for it imbibes everything from the society and

Contents

therefore, should inculcate qualities that the society upholds in great esteem and should remain imbued with a sense of belonging. Consequently, the onus to submit to the will of social audit is on us. Hence, we at Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan are bracing to brave the rigorous quality test of National Accreditation and

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Assessment Council, coming January 2014. The NAAC have some common parameters, whereas the present condition of Sanskrit is bleak as it is diminishing from the fore, especially as the number of learners is dwindling. Further, political vested inter-

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ests, the wrongly attributed label of being biased to certain groups and religion has taken it away from the

Textual Workshop on Indian Philosophical Tradition and Western Philosophical Methods One day lecture programme by Prof. Ashok Narhar Aklujkar

general academic purview. As a result, the democratic values that were enshrined in its secular literature for eons have gone to oblivion.

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Despite all these, we have to submit ourselves for periodic assessment and accreditation; to stimulate the academic environment for promotion of

quality of teaching-learning and research; to encourage self-

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evaluation, accountability, autonomy and innovations in higher education; to undertake quality -related research studies, consultancy and training programmes, and to collaborate with other stakeholders of higher

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National Workshop on Navya Nyaya Language and Methodology (Level II) Foundation Day Celebrations

education for quality evaluation, promotion and sustenance. We have to instill certain core values by contributing to national development, fostering global competencies among faculty and students, promoting the use of technology and quest for excellence. It is a demarcation that we meet the standards of quality as set by the accreditation agency, in terms of its

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Akademi

Award

for

Gitanjali’s Sanskrit translation by Sri K. Ramakrishna Warriar

performance related to the educational processes and outcomes, covering the curriculum, teaching-learning, evaluation, faculty, research, infrastructure, learning resources, organization, governance, financial well

Sahitya

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New Arrivals

being and student services etc. Although the Chinmaya International Foundation has been in existence for nearly two decades, the Shodha Sansthan is still a tot to run the race. Nevertheless, it is time to know our strengths and weaknesses through

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an informed review process, identification of internal areas of planning and resource allocation and the

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Kulasekhara Theatre Festival

like. With regards to the academics, we are trying our best to increase the quality. Rashtriya Sanskrit

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Recent Releases

Sansthan has sanctioned posts of 20 research associates and a good support of staff who would be appointed very soon. UGC regulations are being implemented so that the administrative matters will also be put in place. Infrastructural requirements for accommodating the new recruits as also meeting the other burgeoning

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requirements are a matter of concern. Although elaborate facility is going to come up in the future, which

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Recent Releases…

will give us the status of one of the best research institutes in the country, as of now, the NAAC team will

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Research Journal of Chinmaya

assess our institution based on the existing facilities alone.

Shodha Sansthan

We are putting up things together to see whether we can run the race. With these, we would like to bring

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Forthcoming Titles and Programmes

your attention to some of the important events held in the bygone days and information on forthcoming events and publications. Wishing you all a happy Vishu and prosperous New Year Dr. D. K. Rana Director 1

Newsletter March 2013

Textual Workshop on Indian Philosophical Tradition and Western Philosophical Methods Nov. 21 – 30, 2012 Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan has organized a residential textual workshop on Indian Philosophical Tradition and Western Philosophical Methods during 21st to 30th November 2012. The workshop aimed at acquainting the students with the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta and its subtle nuances, especially in the context of other systems. It also highlighted the philosophical methods that have been made use of in other Indian and western philosophical schools. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. K. S. Radhakrishnan, chairman of Kerala Public Service Commission, erudite scholar whose speech accentuated the theory of oneness. Dr. P. C. Muraleemadhavan, former chairman of Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan presided. He opined that such type of workshop gives the opportunities to interact with philosophers of different schools which would enrich our knowledge on other systems as well.

Dr. Goda Venkateshwara Sastri, Swami Ramakrishnananda, Prof. R. Balasubramaniam, Dr. K. S. Radhakrishnan and Prof. S. Revathy

The course was based on the texts Idealism – East and West by Prof. R. Balasubramanian, Dr. Godabarisha Mishra, University of Madras and Prof. S. Revathi, Department of Sanskrit, Prof. S. Paneerselvam, Department of Philosophy, Madras University have delivered several lectures on Vedanta. H. H. Swami Advayananda, the acharya of Chinmaya International Foundation delivered the benedictory address. Certificates were distributed to all the participants in the valedictory session held on 31st. Around 45 students from all over India

A section of the audience

One day lecture programme by Prof. Ashok Narhar Aklujkar Dec. 14, 2012 The Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan conducted a one day lecture programme on Sanskrit Research Today on Dec. 14, 2012. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Ashok Narhar Aklujkar, an eminent scholar in Sanskrit and Indology (Retired Professor, University of British, Colombia, Vancouver, Canada). Prof. Aklujkar provided several examples of the seriousness and dedication with which the Western and European scholars are approaching the different kinds of literature available in Sanskrit manuscripts which is alarmingly absent in the native scholars. He also pointed out the necessity to preserve such invaluable treasure of knowledge by individual scholars rather than relying on the public funding alone. He expressed doubt that not even 20% of the manuscripts are brought to light and properly documented. Prof. C. Neelakandan, former professor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit chaired the session. Prof. Neelakandan narrated the motivating account of accompanying Prof. Aklujkar in his early days wherefrom he received inspiration to venture in to the field of manuscripts.

Save manuscripts, for they are treasure trove of perennial wisdom… Entrust them with us, we will preserve them for posterity” For details: Please call Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan

In rapt attention

The lecture programme was an eye opener to the present-day bleak attitude towards research which requires immediate change. The lecture was followed by discussions on problems faced by the researchers, such as selection of a topic, finding out a proper guide and the availability of data regarding the researches already conducted in a given area and the like. Prof. Ashok Narhar Aklujkar 2

Newsletter March 2013

National Workshop on Navya Nyaya Language and Methodology (Level II) Feb. 11 – 23, 2013 A National Workshop on Navya Nyaya Language and Methodology (Level – II) was organized during Feb. 11 - 23, 2013 at Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan.

Prof V. N. Jha, Dr. K. G. Paulose and Prof. Ujjwala Jha

Prof V. N. Jha, Dr. K. G. Paulose, Prof. Ujjwala Jha and Dr. D. K. Rana

Dr. Dilip Kumar Rana, Director of the Shodha Sansthan welcomed the gathering where Dr. K. G. Paulose, Chairman, of the Shodha Sansthan presided over the function who spoke on the argumentative nature of Indians and their ancient academic practices as a result of which India achieved a covetous position in the world as the storehouse of perennial wisdom. This remark is a natural pointer towards the methodology adopted by the Nyaya school in establishing the padarthas, the core of its discourse. Prof. V. N. Jha, former Director of Centre for Advanced Study in Sanskrit, Pune and its present Director Prof. Ujjwala Jha were the faculties leading the course who in their inaugural addresses gave insights into the necessity of acquainting with the Nyayasastra for gaining mastery in all other kinds of literature. Those who attended the Level I course conducted in the month of July 2012 or those who have studied the text of Navya Nyaya Bhasapradipa in the traditional way were admitted to this course. Nyayasidhantamuktavali of Bhasapariccheda (Sabdakhandam) was the text prescribed for this course. The course comprised of three hours of lecture and three hours of textual reading. Around 25 students from all over India have participated in it. There was a friendly test at the end of the course. Certificates were issued to those who completed the course and they will be eligible to attend the Level III course.

Foundation Day Celebrations - Feb. 24- 2013 The Chinmaya International Foundation was conferred on with the title Shodha Sansthan (Research Institute) in 2008 February 21 by the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan for the promotion and propagation of Sanskrit language and traditional subjects. Since then, the Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan celebrates this day as its foundation day. This year’s celebrations on 24th began with an invocation by Dr. C. P. Ambika, Research Associate. Dr. D. K. Rana, Director of the Shodha Sansthan, welcomed the gathering. Dr. K. G. Paulose, chairman of the Shodha Sansthan’s Managing Committee, delivered the presidential address. Swami Chinmayananda commemorative lecture ‘Vision on Research and Higher Studies in Sanskrit’ was delivered by Prof. V. N. Jha and Prof. P. C. Muraleemadhavan, former chairman of the Managing Committee of the Shodha Sansthan presided. A gold medal in the name of Swami Chinmayananda has been constituted by the Shodha Sansthan to felicitate an outstanding young Sanskrit scholar of less than forty years of age. The first gold medal was conferred on Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi, Karnataka Sanskrit University by the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan. Three new titles viz., Tattvopaplavasimha with English translation by prof. V. N. Jha, Mahabhashya with the Malayalam commentary entitled Punarnava by Prof. O. Vatsala and Knowledge Representation: Navya Nyaya and Conceptual Graphs by Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi were released on the occasion.

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Newsletter March 2013

Foundation Day Celebrations... Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prof. N. P. Unni was honoured on the occasion. An academic seminar on Sanskrit Research: Retrospect and Prospects, conducted as part of the celebrations was chaired by Prof. C. M. Neelakandan, Retd. Professor of SSUS, Kalady. Prof. C. Rajendran, Dr. P. V. Ramankutty and Dr. Muthulakshmi have presented their papers. The Kulasekhara Theatre Festival conducted as part of the foundation day celebration in connection with the Govt. Sanskrit College, Tripunithura and International Centre for Kutiyattam was the focal attraction wherein a blend of traditional art forms and modern theatre came in close exchanges. Interactions and performances by several renowned Directors and artists with their masterpieces made the occasion memorable. Swami Advayananda, president of the Chinmaya International Foundation blessed the occasion. Dr. Sheeba, Dy. Director of the Shodha Sansthan proposed vote of thanks.

Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathy, Vice-chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan lighting the lamp. (others from left) Dr. Dilip Kumar Rana (Director, CIFSS), Prof. N. P. Unni Dr. K. G. Paulose(Chairman, CIFSS), Sri K. K. Rajan (Trustee, CIF) Swami Advayananda (Acharya, CIF) Prof. V. N. Jha, Prof. Muraleemadhavan (Former Chairman, CIFSS) and Prof. C. Rajendran

Photo Gallery

Prof. V. N. Jha delivering foundation day lecture

Vyakaranamahabhashyam with commentary Punarnava

Sri K. K. Rajan lighting the lamp

Book Release Navya Nyaya and Conceptual Graphs

Participants of the Navyanyaya Language and Methodology (Level—II) receiving certificates from the Vice-chancellor

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Receiving Gold Medal Certificate

Tatvopaplavasimha

Releasing of Book Satakoti –Vasudevan Nambutiripad Newsletter March 2013

Sahitya Academi Award for Gitanjali’s Sanskrit translation by Sri K. Ramakrishna Warrier

It was Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali that won for him the Noble Prize. Gitanjali has bagged another national honour recently. Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan published a beautiful Sanskrit translation of the Gitanjali by Sri K. Ramakrishna Warrier. This book has been adjudged best Sanskrit translation book for the year 2011 by Sahitya Academi.

New Arrivals Vedic Etymology and Semantics - A Linguistic Approach ISBN 978-93-80864-10-5/ Author-Dr. Parvathy K. P/Language-English/Pages-142/Price - ` 200 Vedic Etymology and Semantics is set in six chapters. The first chapter discusses the ancient linguistic attempts of Indian scholars. In the second chapter, etymological observations of the predecessors of Yaska have been considered. Linguistic observations of Yaska exhibited in the Nirukta are the subject matter of the third chapter. Fourth chapter discusses the etymologies of Yaska with a linguistic approach. Sociological features are examined in the fifth chapter from the etymological explanations available in the Nirukta. The last chapter evaluates the important points deliberated in the earlier chapters.

Kridaniyakam ISBN 978-93-80864-09-9/Author-Dr. N. K. Geetha/Language - English/Pages-210/Price - ` 250 Lord Brahma, the creator, had found the celestial beings deviating from righteousness in the Treta Yuga. His efforts to bring them back to moral failed. As a last resort, the Lord took four different elements from the four Vedas and created kridaniyakam a toy which can be seen and heard, named Natyaveda. This story is detailed in sage Bharata’s Natyasastra, the ancient Indian dramaturgy. A toy involves mirth and tears. Natya which reflects the light and darkness of life is a toy. But it has the prowess to guide the human society from vices to virtues. Comedy and tragedy are integral to mankind. In the traditional Sanskrit theatre, Bhagavadjjukam and Mattavilasam are farces impregnated with philosophical anguish. It is an analysis of these two plays that culminate into the terrain of Kridaniyakam.

Satakoti ISBN 978-93-80864-12-9/Language-Sanskrit/Author-Mamahopadhyaya Killimangalam Narayanan Namputiripadu/Editor-O. Vatsala/Pages-246/Price - ` 250 Satakoti is a monumental work on the arthavad sutra of Panini. As the name suggests, it deals with all the four constituent words of Panini’s aphorism called arthavadadaturapratyaya pratipadikam. This sutra is discussed in Mahabhashya, Sabdendusekhara, Praudhamanora and other classical texts of grammar. But the different views discussed in Satakoti are not available in those texts. The explanation is so extensive that nothing remains to be said further on this sutra.

Vedanta Sangraha ISBN 978-93-80864-13-6/Author - Ramaraya Kavi/Editor - Prof. R. Balasubramanian & Dr. S. Revathi/ Language-Sanskrit & English/Pages - 176/Price - ` 300 Sri Ramaraya Kavi’s Vedanta Sangraha is one of the fundamental and important texts on Advaita Philosophy. It describes the basic theories and concepts of Vedanta. The interpretation and explanation of the text give us an insight into Advaita. It is also significant to note that Ramaraya Kavi has explained in detail the different technical terminologies of Vedanta used by the philosophers of that period, while establishing his own doctrines. The text, in fifteen chapters, deals with different topics starting from avidya to Advaitasiddhi, thus evincing a keen interest to the readers. The commentaries on different aspects of Vedanta closely follow Sri Sankara, and as such it really helps the beginners and scholars as well. 5

Newsletter March 2013

Kulasekhara Theatre Festival Feb. 24 – Mar. 2, 2013 The Kulasekhara Theatre Festival conducted as part of the foundation day celebration in connection with the Govt. Sanskrit College, Tripunithura and International Centre for Kutiyattam from 24th February to 2nd March 2013 was the most important of our recent programmes. It paved the way for interaction among traditional art forms and the modern theatre. Interactions and performances by several renowned Directors and artists with their masterpieces were focal attractions. In continuation with the foundation day of Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan, on 24th February evening, the Kulasekhara festival was started with inauguration by Kerala cultural minister at Tripunithura Sanskrit College. From 25 th to 2nd March, seminar session were held at the Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan and performances at Govt. Sanskrit College, Tripunithura. The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Radhavallabha Tripathi, Vice-chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi. He has delivered several important lectures despite being actively present in many of the events. The book entitled Indian Method in Acting authored by Mr. Prasanna was released on the occasion. Dr. N. P. Unni presided. Mr. Prasanna, theatre Director, playwright gave a lecture on Indian Method in Acting followed by an interesting lecture-demonstration on Dhvani by Margi Madhu and Indu.G. P. Venugopal and Kalamandalam Shanmugham presented rasabhinaya in Kathakali. Prof. M. V. Narayanan, Head of the department English, gave a speech on Traditional Form and Contemporary Challenges and Possibilities. This session was presided by Terry Converse, Professor of Theatre, Washington State University. The lecture-demonstration by the theatre named Sopanam from Trivandrum on Decodification and Encodification of images on Theatre was another notable event of the session.

Chairman, CIFSS Dr. K. G. Paulose explaining the concept of Kulasekhara Theatre Festival

Vice-chancellor Prof. Radha Vallabha Tripathy releasing Indian Method in Acting written by Mr. Prasanna

Dr. Udayan Vajpayee from Bhopal gave a lecture on Theatre on Kavalam Narayana Panicker. Dr. Kirti Jain, National School of Drama, New Delhi presented different aspects related to the fusion of conventional and folk in the theatre of B. V. Karanth. A session led by Dr. N. K. Geetha on Understanding Women in Theatre was another remarkable event where rising stars like Sajitha Madathil presented papers. The performances of notable artists like Usha Nangiar, Sukanya, Salini, Kapila Venu, G. Indu have portrayed different characteristics of Draupadi, Madhavi, Kunti, Ahalya etc. Dr. Sudhanva Deshpande of Jananatyamanch, Delhi in his speech on Tradition in Service of the Modern: The Theatre of Habib Tanvir explored the dialectics of Tanvir’s relationship with tradition in order to forge a uniquely contemporary expression.

Hon’ble Vice-chancellor Prof. Radha Vallabh Tripathi at the Kulasekhara Theatre Festival

Dr. Udayan Vajpayee, Ms Natalia, Dr. Paulose Dance demonstration during Kulasekhara Seminar

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Newsletter March 2013

The last session led by T. M. Abraham, theatre Directors such as Shibu S. Kottaram, Sajitha Madathil and Chandradasan shared their experiences while encountering tradition. They are of the view that women’s social history is not documented. Kathakali on Kalyanasaugandhikam by Tripunithura Kathakali Kendra, Kutiyattam on Tapatisamvaranam by Usha Nangiar, Subhadradhananjayam Kutiyattam by Margi Madhu and Suraj Nambiar, Nangiarkuttu by Kalamandalam Sindhu and Kalamandalam Girija, Kathakali on Tapasattam by Renjini Suresh were some of the outstanding performances.

Directors Meet—Prof. K. G. Paulose, Keerti Jain, Chandradasan, Sudhanva Deshpandey, Sajitha Madathil, Sri T. M. Abraham, Shibu S Kottaram,

The dramas Draupadi directed by Chandradasan of Lokadharmi theatre, Malavikagnimitram by the theatre called Sopanam of Kavalam Narayana Panicker and Begum Panicker by the theatre repertory, FACS, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady were Koodiyattam — Margi Madhu and Usha Nangiyar interesting, fascinating and were based on social issues having perennial relevance. The last and notable item was the traditional art form called Mudiyettu performed by Kizhillam Unnikrishnan and Party. Bharata’s Natyasastra was at the core of all these events. All seminars and performances provided a lot of insights on the values embedded on our invaluable traditional art forms and must have inspired the younger generation to feel that it is their bounden duty to preserve and protect them.

Recent Release Chinmayanandacaritam ISBN 978-93-80864-08-2/ Language – Sanskrit/Author - K. Ramakrishna Warrier/Pages – 150/Price - ` 300 H. H. Swami Chinmayananda is the founder of the Chinmaya Mission who rendered yeomen service in the spiritual, educational, cultural and social fields. Chinmayanandacaritam is a poem that delineates the complete life of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. It begins with Pujya Gurudev’s birth and ends in His Mahasamadhi. Gurudev travelled all through the world spreading the message of Advaita Vedanta through his Gita Jnana Yajnas and Spiritual Camps. The poem is an original rendition of the whole life of Swami Chinmayananda in 18 chapters. Shri. K. Ramakrishna Warrier’s simple Sanskrit language is easily understandable and pleasing even to people who has no knowledge of Sanskrit .

Sri Kavyakanthacaritam ISBN 978-93-80864-07-5/Language – Sanskrit/ Author - Dr. Penna Madhusudan/Pages - 156/Price - ` 250 Kavyakanthacaritam is a poetry narrating the life of Sri Kavyakantha Ganapatimuni. Sri Ganapatimuni was born in Andhra Pradesh in 1878, endowed with rare poetic talent. He composed many poems and won the most coveted title Kavyakantha and known to be Kavyakantha Ganapatimuni. He was an extra ordinary scholar, a perfect yogin, a patriot, an astrologer-par excellent and saintly. He composed about a hundred books in metric style besides books in the form of sutras and bhashyas. Kavyakanthacaritam is an epic poem complete in 21 cantos in about 1000 verses. The description begins with the eulogy of the Andhra State, its culture and people and goes on elaborating his birth, childhood, education, his marriage, his desire to do penance, meeting with Sri Ramana Maharshi and accepting him as his spiritual Guru, his last days etc.

Tattvopaplavasima ISBN 978-93-80864-11-2/ Language - Sanskrit & English/Author - Sri Jayarashi Bhatta/English Translator - Prof. V. N. Jha/ Pages – 494/Price - ` 600 The Tattvopaplavasimha is often regarded as belonging to the Carvaka school, which would make it the only extant authentic text from that school. It proves that none of the pramanas (sources of knowledge) is sufficient for establishing knowledge. Inference relies on inductive reasoning, testimony requires the reliability of the witness, even direct perception cannot establish truth, because it requires that the perception is not erroneous or illusory. Jayarasi challenged the astika establishment's belief in supernatural beings with different arguments in Vaitandika style and elaborated the different technical terminologies of philosophy used by the philosophers of that period while establishing his own doctrines. Prof. V. N. Jha has translated this book in to English on the basis of Baudhabharati, Varanasi edition, 1987 by Pt. Sukhlalji Sanghavi and Rasiklal Parikhji. Broken Sanskrit portions in the texts are untouched. It is complete with an introduction, detailed analysis of the edition and English translation with extensive notes of the complete text and indices of all technical words used in the text.

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Newsletter March 2013

Recent Release... Vyakarana Mahabhashyam with the Malayalam commentary, Punarnava ISBN 978-93-80864-14-3/ Language – Malayalam/ Commentator - Prof. O. Vatsala/ Pages – 508/Price– ` 800 The present edition of the first five Ahnika’s of Patanjali’s Vyakarana Mahabhashya with the Malayalam commentary entitled Punarnava by Dr. O. Vatsala is very valuable for the students of Sanskrit grammar.

Research Journal of Chinmaya Shodha Sansthan Dhimahi

Dhimahi ISSN 0976-3066/ Language - Sanskrit, Hindi and English/Editor - Dr. D. K. Rana/Price - ` 200

Volume 5 Journal of

Dhimahi Vol. III - Special Issue has 24 research articles on various branches of knowledge in Sanskrit, English and Hindi by reputed scholars. It also contains 5 book reviews.

Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan ISSN NO - 0976 3066

Dhimahi Vol. IV - with 24 articles in English, Sanskrit and Hindi with one book review. 2014

Forthcoming Titles              

Newsletters –2 issues Research Journal - Dhimahi yearly Journal Tejas (new) half yearly 2 issues Meghasandesam with 12 commentaries - Ed - Prof. N. P. Unni Visnusahasranamabhasya of Nilakanthadvija - Ed - D. K. Rana Patiganitasara or Trisatika of Sridharacharya with English Translation by Venugopal Heroor Brahmaguptaganitam – with English Translation by Venugopal Heroor Vilasini of Krishnavilasa Kavya by Ramapanipada with critical edition by Krishna Kumar Catuhslokibhagavata with commentary by Ramarayakavi with English Translation Sankaracharyacaritam by Ramakrishna Varrier Naiskarmyasiddhi with English Translation by Prof. R. Balasubramanian Lilavati with English Translation by A. B. Padmanabha Rao Vivarnadi Visnusahasranama of Ramarayakavi Dhatunamanekarthatvasadhanam – validating the multiple senses of roots - Dr. V. R. Manoj

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Newsletter March 2013