MATH or MAGIC!

Mahabharata: Vana Parva: Chapter 79 extract

There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena. He was strong, and handsome, and well-versed in the knowledge of horses, and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. He resembled the sun in glory. He was the ruler of the Nishadhas, intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, and possessed of heroism. He was truth-telling, fond of dice, and the master of a mighty army. He was the beloved of the citizens. He was the protector of all and the foremost of archers.

And like him, there was among the Vidarbhas, a king named Bhima, of terrible prowess, heroic and well-disposed towards his subjects and possessed of every virtue. He was childless, but through a boon granted by a brahmarshi named Damana, king Bhima obtained a jewel of a daughter, and three sons of lofty souls. They were named Damayanti, and Dama, Danta, and Damana respectively.

Slender-waisted Damayanti's grace, beauty and brightness became celebrated throughout the world. Indeed her beauty filled with gladness the hearts of even the devas (demigods) in heaven.

In ancient history, there is the exemplary lesson of how a great king, his mind possessed by Kali (the demoniac personality of this age of quarrel and decadence), was driven to ruin by gambling and how he managed to regain control of his mind and senses, force Kali out of his body, and regained his wealth and kingdom with the help of Vedic mathematics.

This incident is recorded in the celebrated itihasa (Vedic history), the Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Chapters 52-79 entitled Nalopakhyana Parva.

It is a beautiful story, filled with romance and tragedy before ultimate triumph. The story of the great king Nala of the Nishadas and his chaste wife Damayanti, who were cruelly separated by circumstances after Nala comes under the sway of Kali and loses his wealth and kingdom when challenged to a gambling match of dice by his younger brother Pushkara.

Mahabharata: Vana Parva: Chapter 72

Mantras are transcendental sound vibrations designed to progressively elevate the consciousness of a person engaged in chanting or hearing them. The Vedas recommend chanting the Holy Names of Krishna (God) as the main method of spiritual advancement for people in this degraded age of Kali.

The most effective mantra recommended for this age (of quarrel) is the Hare Krishna mahamantra. Chanting the Names of Krishna and His principal Incarnations (Dashavataras) and Expansions is all-auspicious for all beings.