USA: With the Blessings of His Holiness Sri Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi Sri Puttige Math, Sri Venkata Krishna Kshetra, Temple, AZ was blessed to host the doyen of Madhwa Philosophy, Padmashri Dr Sri Bannanje Govindacharya. On the auspicious occasion of Adhikamaasa, Guru Bannanje, visited and delivered a lecture on “Vidura Neethi” in Mahabharata on June 27, 2015. He is an eminent philosopher, “Pravachanakara” (speaker on spiritual texts) and writer of many books in Kannada. He is also an eloquent speaker in Sanskrit.
The evening started with a welcome address by Dr Anantram Kalya. Acharyaru in his inimitable style delivered an analysis of:
a. The complex relationships in a family.
b. The extent to which “putramoha” (love for son) blinded Dhritarashtra into not accepting a compromise proposed by Lord Krishna and resulting in Mahabharata war and the annihilation of Kaurava dynasty.
c. Lord Krishna’s words explaining why he did not accept hospitality of Duryodhana, Bhishma, or Drona who sat as silent spectators when an atrocity was committed on Draupadi in the royal assembly. Guruji brought out the secrets and qualities that a great ambassador should possess as demonstrated by Lord Krishna.
d. The key to ruling by following seven principles of good governance by a ruler as described by Vidura to King Dhritarashtra.
The Highlight of the evening was the glowing description of powerful female personalities in Mahabharata like Draupadi and Gandhari and their respective roles; Acharyaru painted the picture of the pain these great ladies underwent in the minds of listeners.
The Talk on “Vidura Neethi” was preceded by a Q&A session by Dr Bannaje on:
a. Madhwa and other philosophies
b. The message of Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita
c. How God directs a Karma, and the need to have knowledge & ability in a person to perform desired activity
d. The importance of performing ones responsibilities and just not sit back saying everything will happen as per will of God.
As all good things must to come an end, the day concluded with presentation of Gurudakshine to Dr Bannanje Govindaacharya on behalf of Sri Venkata Krishna Kshetra Temple and all the devotees, by Sri Kiran Kumar, Chief Priest of SVK Temple with presence of Sri Prasanna Acharya. All the devotees who participated left with a thought-provoking, informative, devotional and moral-filled speech by Dr Bannanje Govindacharya in his inimitable style.
Can I access to acharyas lectures