Shruti Says by Barkha Khandelwal

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Ninth Session (Prthu Story completed)

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Chapter 21 to 23

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‘What other position (beyond the heavenly region, in Vaikuntha) could be beyond the reach of those mortals who, though their span of life on earth is so uncertain, attain spiritual wisdom, which indeed leads to God-Realisation.

Alas! he has been badly deceived and is proving his own enemy, who having attained with great difficulty the human state, capable of yielding the fruit of liberation, becomes a slave to the pleasure of the senses.’

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Story: 

After the Darshan of Shri Hari and befriending Indra, Prthu returned to the Kingdom and was welcomed in a grand manner by his citizens. Prthu was not only pious of heart but blissful to look at. His divine features were more prominently visible, as he had abstained from wearing ornaments. 

He recounted his own experience for the benefit of the people and while he was talking to the citizens, in his own kingdom descended the Sanaka brothers. Blessed by their sight, he requested them impart the divine knowledge and instruct him on how to get liberation in this very birth.

The were delighted by the question. It is very rare that student worthy of the guru’s knowledge appears. After imparting the divine wisdom, they went away as subtly as they came. 

Prthu ruled and when his sons were ready to take care of mother earth. He and Archi Devi departed to the woods to practice asceticism and both departed to the Vaikunth Dham.

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Pearls of Wisdom:

Though poor that householder and house is blessed where the feet of Lords devotees are washed. 

Worthless like the tree harbouring venomous serpents are those houses though replete with all kinds of riches, are not hollowed by the holy water washing the feet of Lord’s devotees.

King Prthu’s Question

How salvation can be attained in this very birth?

What to ask when we meet a Sage?

The questions can only be as intelligent as the questioner. To the knower of God, can we ask about the mundane material concerns. When he is capable of giving the treasures of the world, how naive can we be only seeking mere stones and pebbles.

Sage Sanaka tell Prthu;

‘A very good enquiry has been made by you, even though you know the answer, your heart being given to the the good of all living being for such is the bent of mind of the virtuous.

The meeting of pious souls is thought highly of both by themselves and by those who meet them; for worthy questions put to and the answers given by them enhance the happiness of all.’

Sage Sanaka and brothers impart wisdom to King Prthu

1. Absence of attachment to things other than the self and intense love for one’s real self, the attribute-less Brahm, have been finally concluded to be the only way of salvation to man.

2. The love for attribute-less Brahm as well as the absence of attachment to the world of matter, both as cause and effect, is easily ‘DEVELOPED’ through intense faith.

  - Through the discharge of duties consecrated to the Lord.

  - Through the desire to know the higher truth.

  - By being firmly established in the yoga of knowledge.

  - Through worship of Lord of Yoga

  - By every listening to the stories of the Lord

  - Through a distaste of the company of those delighting in money and sense-enjoyment

  - By avoiding wealth and sense-gratification esteemed by such people.

  - Thought love for seclusion when finding delight in the self.

  - Through the enquiry into that which is conducive to one’s spiritual welfare

  - By practicing the 12 forms of Self discipline*

  - By observing the 12 religious vows*

3. When the love for Brahm gets firmly rooted one restores to a worthy guru. (When the student is ready the teacher appears)

4. Just like the fire consumes the very source from where it has originated, he dissolves the subtle body (Ego), which envelops his pure self. Just like;

  - The dreaming man no longer sees the things of his dreams when he wakes up.

  - When the mirror is present one perceives the difference between the self and the reflected image.

5. Constant preoccupation with wealth and the object of senses means the Ruination of all the interest of men.

6. There can be no greater loss in the world to a man than the Ruination, though one’s own self, of the soul, for whose sake everything else becomes dear.

7. Know him to be your very self - The Lord who shines as the all pervading ruler of the Jiva.

8. Surrender your soul one make Vasudeva your refuge. Make the feet of Lord Shri Hari your boat and cross the ocean of misery, which is infested with fierce crocodiles in the shape of the 5 senses and the mind.

King Prthu’s Gratitude

What shall I give you, when everything belonging to me, even myself, has been graciously allowed to me by you?

My life, spouse, sons and house, kingdom, army, land and treasury - all this I offer at your feet as something already belonging to you.

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Jaago Grihastha Jaago 

‘King Prthu and Archi Devi were Grihasthas - House holders

- He performed all his duties, at the proper time, in the proper place, in the proper way to the best of his ability and resources as an offering to God. 

- Resigning the fruit of his actions to God with a concentrated mind.

- Regarding himself as a witness of all actions and beyond the realm of Prakrti, he remained unattached to everything.

- While remaining the house holder and endowed with imperial fortune, he was free from egotism and conceived no attachment for the objects of senses. Even as the sun though shining on bog etc, does not get daubed with it.’

“Na jag chodo na hari bhulo,

Karam kar jindagani mai.

Jiyo dunia mai yo jese,

Kamal rehta hai Pani mai.”

Spiritual Wisdom - Lucid as the water of Ganga 

‘Having got rid of his self-identification with the body and realised the true nature of the Self, and freed of all cravings he gave up the pursuit of even that wisdom by which he had been able to tear the veil egotism.’

‘Beliefs are required to detach people from their worldly misguided attachments. Sanskaars are also a Sadhan. The purpose fo belief is not to create an inanimate, obstinate machine with rigid mindset. 

Sanskaars are to be given up ones they have fulfilled their purpose of controlling wrong tendencies.’

Love for the Divine is the only thing possible to rid us from the clutches Sanskaars.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Eight Session (Prthu Story continued)

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Chapter 20 and 21 

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In the 27 th session we heard the story of Prthu and Archi. We made an attempt to decode the underlying message. However, sometimes it is essential to read word by word what is being said in the ‘Granth - Scripture’, as the narration can not cover each and every pearl of wisdom. 

Pearls of Wisdom

Have been divided into four parts;

- Lord talks when he Manifests himself in the sacrificial hall of King Prthu

- Indra and Prthu bond

- Prthu talks when the Lord offered him a boon

- King Prthu teachings to his subject and the prerequisites to understand his teaching

The Lord Said;

1. The pious souls in this world, who are possessed of good understanding and are the best among men bear no ill will agains there fellow being, as they know that the body is not theirs ‘Self’. 

2. The people who render service to the elders (meaning by wisdom and not age) have a blessing and do not get bewildered by ‘Maya’.

3. The awakened souls know that body to be a product of ignorance, desire and action and never get attached to it. 

4. When there is non attachment to the body, the wise man does not have a feeling of ‘Mine-ness’ with regard to the house, 

5. progeny or wealth, produced by that body.

6. The mind of the man who daily worships Me with reverence (in all his duties) expecting nothing from me, is purified. 

7. He whose mind is purified dissociates himself with the world of matter and attaining true wisdom, enjoys eternal peace which is the same as my equipoised state and is also knows as the Brahma (The Absolute) and attains blessedness.

8. Ruler - Protection of the people is essential for the ruler, there by he gets one-sixth of the merit earned by the people and if he fails he incurs sins.

9. Ruler - He has to follow the sacred duties approved by the Brahmanas and enjoined by traditions, be unattached to them and rule with righteousness. 

10. I (Lord) am not easily accessible through sacrificial performance or austerities or even yoga (concentration of mind), dwelling as I do in the heart of the ‘Even-Minded’.

Note:

1. Horse Sacrifice - Animal sacrifices were prevalent. When an animal was brought for sacrifice, it was promised that he would get a higher birth, which will enable them to cross the ocean of mundane existence. If not, the person who was sacrificing it, would offer himself as a sacrifice. Such was the strength, that the ‘Demi Gods’ themselves came down to take the offering of the sacrifice. (When this connection and power was lost, sacrifices were stopped gradually)

2. Brahmanas - Nobody is a Brahmin by birth, the one who knows ‘Brahman-That divine bliss’ is a Brahmin. (Gita pages sent)

3. Self - Is the one without a change, pure, self-effulgent, beyond the three Gunas, the substratum of the divine attribute, all pervading, unveiled, the witness of all, having no other soul and distinct from the body

4. Equipoised state, Even-Minded Stith Pragna - Enlighted souls who never give way to the morbid feelings of joy and grief, when the meet with affluent and adverse circumstances. They view the exalted, the middling and the vile alike and are balanced in joy and sorrow. Have conquered the world of dualities, the senses and he mind. 

King Prthu and Indra

Lord Vishnu himself brings Indra to Prthu and Indra is about to touch the feet of Prthu as an apology for his offence of disrupting the Yagna.

Note:

Prthu did not let Indra touch his feet instead embraced him. Indra (Indriyas) should never be suppressed. When one sublimates, there is no need to suppress. 

In other words, sublimate means reach for the higher, the lower tendencies will drop on its own. Reach for the Lord, the Mind (maan, budhi, chitha, ahenkar.. whatever we intent to call it) and the Indriyas will start to support us, and stop pulling us down or revolting.

King Prthu talk to the Lord

He asks for a boon of 10 000 Ears;

1. To enable him to drink to his hearts content the nectar like praises of the Lord. How can one be satisfied by hearing these only ones, with only two ears. 

2. He even refuses ‘Moksha’ where he would merge and says would rather sit with these in the company of the exalted souls, where Shri Hari’s glory are sung by them from the core of their hearts. 

3. These wise souls even after realising the self and attaining wisdom worship you alone, who dispel the delusion caused in the mind of your devotees. They have no other purpose than the constant remembrance of your feet.

4. A boon is a way to push one away from you and get trapped in maya. Hence, as a father does what is good for his child his own accord, without being asked by the child, you too should likewise strive for our good. (This right to tell God, comes only with total surrender)

5. The Lord blesses him with ‘Devotion’. As the Lord said, he has developed a mental attitude towards God, though which one is able to overcome Maya.

Note:

King Prthu asks for 10 000 ears, where keeping only 2 ears engaged in Hari is so difficult.

The world does not enter and reach us through any other as it does thought our ears. Hence, these ears should be ever kept busy and full listening to the glories of the Lord, so that we are able to imbibe his virtues. 

King Prthu teachings to his Subject

King Prthu by his talk tells us the duty of the King does not only consist of providing the martial benefits, but also leading his citizens towards Divinity.

He also said that the prerequisite to under Dharma are;

1. The people who want to understand Dharma have to submit their own conceptions about it to the wise. No matter how much one tries, a vessels which is full or kept upside down, can not be filled with fresh water. To let the fresh water in, one has to first spill the stale water out and put he vessel in a position to receive. 

2. One has to surrender and fix ones mind on God, who is above sense perceptions. He says, in the opinion of believing souls there is a God and is seen in cases. One has to postulate his existence. One has to walk in faith. 

3. One has to be free from The Carping Spirit- Carping spirit, is basically to find fault with others and see no good in anyone or anything.

The Carping Spirit - Quoted from Ananda Blog

I was chatting recently with a gentleman about my regard for someone who seemed to be a good man and well intentioned. My acquaintance remarked, “Yes, I agree, but …..” before proceeding to air his grievances about this person, pointing out one perceived fault after another. I reflected on why my critic friend felt such a need to counter my innocuous, positive comment, with which he agreed, with his own list of negatives. 

It’s a common habit. The mind, ever discontent, looks for, finds, and dwells upon imperfections. “It’s a beautiful day, but….” “That was a great meal, but……” “She’s a noble person, but…..”

“I’m just being trying to see all sides,” some offer as an excuse but is this really true? More importantly, is it helpful to habitually look for imperfections? Why must praise or compliments be tempered by perceived faults? 

When a friend proudly invites you to visit his new home, do you make an inspection of the closets to find flaws? Of course not; you say, “Congratulations” and offer a compliment.

Incessant disgruntlement or feeling a need to “balance” positive observations with negative ones is a mental disease that feeds discontent and subtly attracts to us the very things we dislike. How could they not come if we are constantly on the lookout for them? 

Far from “seeing all sides,” we find ourselves exploring problems to such an extent that intuitive perception of higher, more expansive solutions to those same problems becomes impossible.

Those infected with the carping spirit close doors to spiritual counsel or guidance from others or from the world around them. 

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"We can't drive out darkness with a stick, with a stick. We need light, we need light.."

Let's uplift ourself from the low to the higher level of consciousness. Let's change our view and focus on the joy and good.

🌷”My love for God so consumes me, that there is no place in my heart to hate anyone."🌷

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Seventh Session 

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Chapter 13 to 20

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Sub Story

Power of the Sages

Ramdasji was shivaji’s Guru and the story goes;

- One version: He wanted to give up his kingdom and handed it over to his guru. Ramdasji accepted it and said now you have to manage all this for me. 

- Other version: Ramdasji came to him and asked him to give him alms, Shivaji took a piece of paper and wrote everything, the kingdom, and all that is mine and put it into his begging bowl.

In both cases, the Kingdom now was Ramdasji’s and Shivaji was just working for his Guru, hence, with this in mind, never wanting to let his guru down, he never saw the face of defeat.

Now, this also tells us why the color of Shivaji’s flag is the orche color of the sannyasis robe.

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Story:

Swambhu Manu’s son Uttanpad, and his child Dhruv, was followed by Vatsara who was given the thrown. When we trace down the family tree of Vatsara, there was a King called Anga. He was a very pious king and was married to Sunitha, the Daughter of Mrtyu. 

Ones when King Anga sat for a Yagna, it so happened that non of the deities came down to take the offering. The reason was that in one of his previous births he had sinned. Hence, on the suggestion of the sages, he decide to pray to Sri Hari for a Son.

He was blessed with a son, they name him Vena. However, Vena was a brutal being from the very beginning and he would kill children and animals alike and as he grew up, the devil in him only grew. Anga tried his best to correct his son, but due to his close affiliation with his grandfather ‘Mrtyu’, it was not possible for them to change him.

Anga first regretted, but later thanked God for giving him an evil son. He felt that this kept him away from getting attached to the material world and one night silently left the kingdom. No one was able to find him and the entire globe sank into darkness. 

Looking at the rampant increase in crime all around, the Sages saw of no other means to save this orphaned world, but to crown Vena the King. As soon as Vena was made the ruler, all dacoits and thieves when into hiding, as they feared his brutality. But, this did not solve the problem as Vena himself began to torture and torment the people.

The sages again came to advice Vena, and requested him to correct his ways. But, he refused and declared him the only God that could be worshiped. The Sages destroy Vena. It took them only the sound of ‘Hum’ to put an end to this demon. However, plunders went rampant again.

The sages knew that a righteous ruler was needed. Hence, they requested Sunitha for the body of Vena, which she had preserved and began churning the thighs. From the thigh came a dwarfish strange looking being. Who took onto himself all the evil which was there and asked for instruction. The sages first asked him to wait and later sent him to the woods.

Then they took to churning the right arm of Vena, from which emerged a divine couple ‘Prthu and Archi’, they were the divine ray of Shri Hari and Lakshmi and were crowned the King and Queen. Their praises were sung, and when Prthu objected to the praises, as he was yet to act, they sang the glories of how divine his rule will be.

In the initial days of his rule, the earth refused to provide to the people and there was agony and starvation. He summoned the earth and chased her. She later confessed that she refused to nurture sinners and now that the right ruler had come, who would lead people to divinity she was willing to give every pious soul what they needed. But, they had to request her like a calf does to the cow for milk. Prthu took earth as his daughter and hence, she was called Prithvi.

His rule filled everyone with joy and prosperity. He also took to completing 100 yagna, but when he had completed 99 Yagna and was about to being the 100th Indra got scared, that prthu will take over his position and stole the sacrificial horse and disguised himself as a Sadhu.

Instructed by Arti, Vijitaswa chased Indra to kill him. However, was unable to, and Prthu got enraged and was about to strike, when the sages, stopped him from doing so. He was willing and capable of destroying Indra and completing the 100th yagna, but when instructed not to he stopped. 

Just when he got up, giving up the desire to complete yagna, and embraced peace instead, Shri Hari himself appeared with Indra by his side. Indra apologied and Prthu embraced him. This marked the completion of the 100 th Yagna. When asked by Lord for a boon, Prthu asked for 10000 ears, to hear the glory of the Lord, and never ending devotion. 

Points to Ponder:

1. Kaliyug mai ‘Hari Naam Aadhar’

Over here when the when the Gods did not accept the oblations or descend to be a part of the Yagna, the Sages analysis the matter mentioned the following;

- The material of your oblations is pure and has been purchased with reverence.

- The vedic text recited in th cause of the sacrifice too are in no way lacking inform, since they are uttered by men who are steadfast in their vow.

- There has been no disrespect to the Gods, who know it all.

- King Anga not the least sin has been committed by you in this birth.

However, you have committed a sin in your previous birth, hence you are issueless.

Note: 

Even one sin stopped the Yagna from being completed. As Swami Avdeshanandaji said, if there is smoke in the ‘Havan’, it is not successful. The true havan is when the eye waters not cause of smoke but cause of love for God.

That is why it is said, Kaliyug mai ‘Hari Naam Aadhar’, keep chanting the name of Hari. 

(Remember the Valmiki story were did, just like he chanted the name of Hari)

2. Worship that one Divine

There is one Lord beyond the diversity. When he is worshiped with reverence, all others Deities/God are appeased. The worshipper is rewarded precisely accordingly as the Lord is rewarded by them.

3. Bond of Attachment/pleasure

Just like Kunti, asked for never ending sorrow, so that she may not forget the Lord. Anga here thanks the divine for the agony and displeasure caused by Vena, who was a brutal son. A good son causes bondage, where as an evil one frees one from he bondage of attachment and pleasure, and pushes one towards God.

‘Dukh mai sumiran saab kare, Sukh mai kare na koi,

Jo sukh mai sumira kare, to dukh kake ko hoi.’

‘Everyone prays to God in the time of sorrow, where no other hope is visible. But, no one prays to him during the period of abundance and joy. 

If he/she prays during the time of joy, will sorrow every be able to make it’s way towards him.’

4. Moko kaha dhunde re bande, mai to tere paas mai

When Anga could not be found anywhere it seemed as, ‘Even as the yogis not knowing the secret of Yoga look outside for the supreme person concealed with the heart.’

If we think on these lines;

- Anga can be said to be that divine bliss which shines in all of us alike. 

- Vena the ‘Ego’ that conceals the true ‘I’, and the I-ness and Mine-ness to everything and related to the Body.

- On churning, Just like the devas and the demons churned the milky ocean, first the Halal (poison) comes out and then latter the positive things and finally Amirt.

  - First Nishada comes out and dissolves all the negativity, and lower tendencies.

  - Then Prthu and Archi, emerge who are a ray of Shri Hari and Lakshmi herself.

When the churning happens, we will be able to see alot of negativity in us. Till before the churning we could see negativity only outside in the world around us.

‘Bura dekhan mai chala,

Bura na dikhya koi,

Jub maan jhaka aanpa,

Mujse bura na koi.’

We should keep churning and dissolving one negative tendency after another. Then all that remains in Sattva, and Rajas and Tamas disappear.

5. Duty/Power of the Wise (Brahmanas - The knowers of Brahm - The divine bliss)

‘If the Brahmanas who look upon all with the same eye and is tranquil by nature, ignores the afflicted, the spiritual energy stored even by him by penance, will run out like water from a broken jar.’

- The people who are pure have immense power, we should not take their calm to be their weakness. 

- Having the guidance of wise in our life helps us uplift ourselves. We are the company we keep and the people we listen to.

- When we look at Shivaji’s story and the story of how the sages took into their hands well-being of the kingdom. We are being told that spirituality is not distinct form the material world. Make a spiritual base and build your material world on it. 

- When one surrenders to a true Guru, it is the Guru who takes all the burdens on his own shoulders. In both the story and the sub story - We see how defeat and calamities cannot touch the one who is shielded and guided by the pure pious Guru.

Don’t be a witness to wrong, stand up and act, even if it means you are standing alone.

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” (Albert Einstein)

6. Prthu declines all Prasie

‘ Who would have himself extolled for the qualities which are non-existent in him, even though he maybe able to manifest remarkable virtues in himself. Why would one get oneself praised on mere possibilities. 

A noble-minded person shrinks from their own praise even when they are appraised for the qualities confirmed by conduct and known to all, just as those who are truly modest and supremely generous do not appreciate sincere praise for any show of velour.’

Note: Praises just feed the ego and the one who is wise never allow them to be a cause of his downfall.

7. Prthu and Prithvi - The calf and the cow 

Mother Earth - ‘I noticed that that my resources were being used and enjoyed by those who were unrighteous. 

I therefore absorbed all into my own blossom, finding myself unprotected and uncared for by your predecessors and that a generation of the thievish people flourished on earth. 

I meant to preserve them for the righteous.’

The nature is alive, knows and reacts. 

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”

—John Paul II

Note: 

There is a great difference between a person who does ‘Upyoga’ and how is merely into ‘Upbhog’.

“The earth provides enough to satisfy everyman’s need, and not every man’s greed.”

“One of the first condition of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” Leo Tolstoy

8. Prthu - When Hari himself Manifests 

We started book 4 to understand four aspects;

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha

The story of Dakhsa showed us what true Dharma is, with the story of Dhurv we understood what Artha is. In this story of Prthu, we see what kaam means. 

Prthu was a result of search of Satva, his desires were satvik and desired to make this world a better place and gain complete control over his Indriyas.

However, but even a satvik desire can threaten the ultimate purpose of the entire exercise, that is discovering the divine. On being stopped at the right time, by the right gurus. He gave up even the satvik desire that he nurtured.

 When all desires are dropped be it good or bad and one accepts what is, the way it is, he has freed himself from the bongdage of Kaam. It is than that Shri Hari manifests himself, when Shri Hari manifests, everything (Indra) surrenders to the one who has surrendered.

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Sages to Prthu and a deep message to us all 

‘A ray of Lord Vishu, you have now appeared on this earth from the body of Vena in order to preserve the religious faith of the people, in the form of various scriptures that had been undermined by his misdeeds. 

Therefore, considering true welfare of the people, fulfil the desire so the pious souls of this world, who have fondly cherished the hope that Lord himself will manifest in your person and bring salvation to the world and foil the conjuring tricks employed by Indra in the shape of the terrible path of pseudo-religion which gives rise to a number of false creeds.’

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 26

The synopsis has been divided into two parts because of the length.

- Story

- Points to Ponder 

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Fifth Session

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Chapter 8 to 12 

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Sub Story:

Once a man got lost in the desert and soon his water supply also got exhausted. He had no clue where he was and what direction to go to. At that time in a distance he saw a hut, he was worried, it could be just a mirage, but with faith in heart he walked towards the hut. 

To his delight the hut was there, no one was inside, but there was a water pump. He tried to work the water pump, but no water came out. He was about to give up and accept his faith, but at the time he saw a nicely sealed bottle of water. 

He rushed and was about to drink the water when he saw a note saying, put this water in the pump and later re-fill this bottle with the water from the pump and leave it here.

This man was in a dilemma, what if, he thought, the pump did not work and this water also got wasted. He would die for sure. But, between these two difficult choices, he decided to work the pump. It did, so much water came out that he had more than he could consume. After drinking he safely filled the bottle and kept it secure for someone else to use.

On the note, he added his own lines to the existing message;

“Trust me, it works.”

Ponder Now:

When we are reading the scriptures, they are shouting out a message, only the person who has had the courage to delve deep would actually tell you;

“Trust me, it works.”

It is but, a choice we make, to trust or not to trust. You have to walk in faith, because the experience comes a lot later in the journey.

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Family Tree:

We have been reading about the the decedents of Manu and Shatrupa. We read about 3 of his daughters by the name of Prasuti, Akrtuti and Devhuti. He also had two sons;

- Uttanpad 

- Priyavrat

Now,

Uttanpad had two wives Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti had a son called Dhruv and Suruchi had a son called Uttam. (Uttam was killed by a Yaksha)

Dhruv had two wives Bhrami (Daughter of Sisumara) and Ila (Daughter of Vayu). Bhrami had two children by the name of Kalpa and Vatsara and Ila had two children by the name of Utkala and a daughter. 

After Manu, Uttanpad ruled and after Uttanpad, Dhruv followed by Utkala were crowned the King. 

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Story:

Uttanpad had two wives Suruchi and Suniti. He was madly in love with Suruchi and totally ignored Suniti. Not only this, he made a separate palace for Suniti so that he would not have to see her much.

He used to love Suruchi and cajole Uttama the son born from her. One day when he was playing with Uttam, Dhruv his other 5 year old son, born from Suniti happened to enter the palace and desperately wanted to play with Uttanpad his father. He tried to climb up to the lap of his father, but out of the fear of upsetting Suruchi, Uttanpad did not even look at this little boy. 

Not only this, Suruchi pulled him away and shouted at him saying, that if he ever wanted to sit on the throne Dhruv would have to do severe penance and be born from Suruchi’s womb. This not only hurt Dhruv, but angered him as well. Hurt broken and hurt by the behaviour of his father and step-mother he ran to his palace, straight to his mother.

Nor, Suniti heard about what had happened. She was crying bitterly, but as soon as Dhruv entered she stood up and hugged him. She told him your step-mother has said nothing wrong, praying to God is the way forward. 

This little boy of 5, asked his mother, how do I pray, how does he look, what do call him. His mother said he has many names, you can call him Vasudev, Govinda, Hari, Gopal. He will come for sure, if you call him. 

Dhruv took leave of his mother, and went to the forest calling out the Lords name. At that time God asked Narad Muni to go and help him. Narad muni, first tried to deter Dhruv from going on and asked him to go back home. But, when he saw the this little boy was adamant and would not turn back until he met the Lord, he gave him guidance to accomplish his desire.

Dhurv was interacted by Narad Muni to go to the backs of Yamuna and do his tapa in Madhuvan in Mathura. Everything from how many dips to be taken to what was to be eaten was explained. He also gave Dhruv the Mahamantra that was to be chanted;

‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’

Dhruv went on and undertook major tapas. Narad Muni went to meet Uttanpad. Uttanpad had realised his mistake and was ashamed and sorry for his behaviour. He was worried about his son. Even Suruchi was feeling extremely horrible for her act. Narad muni assumed all of them that Dhruv was alright and will come back soon, after he meets God.

Dhruv on the other hand, went on with his tapas. The devtas tried to deter him by scaring him with wild animals and ghosts. However he did not give up and went on with his tapas, till one day he stopped eating and was standing on one toe. This was causing the earth to tilt. He soon stopped breathing, and it just so happened the that three worlds started getting suffocated. At this the Devas prayed to God and finally Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Dhruv.

However, he was focused on the form he saw in his heart, so Vishnuji removed that form and Dhruv opened his eyes. The Lord had come sitting on Garuda (who is the personification of the word) and saw that Dhruv wanted to sing his praises, hence he touched Dhruv with his conch (which have the knowledge of the Vedas) and Dhruv sang to his heart’s content the glories of the Lord.

Later, he said that he did not want anything from the Lord, but his bhakti. However, the Tapas was undertaken with a desire to have the highest position in the world. Hence, the Lord granted him the Dhruv Loka (Pole Star).

Dhruv went back and ruled his kingdom well. Uttanpad took Sanyas and went to the forest. One day news came that Uttam was killed by a Yaksha named Guhyakasa and Suruchi got burnt in a forest fire.

This angered Dhruv and he raged a war against the Yakshas. The battle was gruesome and it went for days. Many Demi-Gods died. Till Swambhu Manu, the Grand father of Dhruv came forward and calmed him down. Telling him that just cause of one Yaksha why should all be destroyed. Dhruv understood and stopped the war. The Yaksha King Kuber and Dhurv forgave each other and became friends. 

Dhruv was a just ruler and ruled for 36000 years after his fathers reign for 30000 years. Later, he went to do his Tapas handing over the kingdom to Vatsara, the younger brother of Utkala, as Utkala did not want to get involved in the material world and was basking in the glory of the Lord. After years of Tapas, at Visala near Ganga, Sunanda and Nanda two helpers of the Lord came to take him in a golden chariot, Yama also came. Dhruv stepped on the head of Yama and got on the Chariot. He was told on inquiring about his mother Suniti, that she was in a chariot in front of them. This chariot took Dhruv to the Dhurv Loka (Pole star) which is even visible today. It is more dazzling than the heavens. 

One day, it is written in one of the other Purans that Narad Muni visited Dhruv Loka, and was surprised to see that the Throne was empty, the crown was on the floor and Dhruv was sitting in a conner and weeping. Narad Muni, could not believe his eyes. Dhruv had all, that even the Gods envied him, yet he was crying.

When asked he said,

As a child I saw the Lord, however I asked of him of worldly material glories. I regret, why did I not ask the God for God himself, and only his Bhakti. 

Narad Muni, left overwhelmed and said the there is no greater devotee then Dhruv. He sang the glories of the Dhruv even to the Pracetas.

🙏🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Fifth Session.. Continued

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Chapter 8 to 12 

——————————————————

Points to Ponder:

As we have mentioned before the 4th book is addressing 4 aspects of Human pursuit. 

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha 

The first 7 chapters dealt with Dharma. What is our Dharma as a Manusya and as we all would like to call our selves Grahastas.

Pls Note: 

No where our scriptures deter us from Artha (wealth). Dhan Arjan, or earning wealth is not considered wrong. However, one has to be very vigilant of how the wealth is gathered (means of earning) and how and where it is spent.

Ones a sound base of Spirituality and Dharma has been made, one can go on with the other pursuits. In the following few chapters we will deal with ‘Artha’. 

Uttanpad and his Two Wives

Suniti means Sound and Good Principles and Suruchi means Beloved Desires. Dhruv the son of Suniti means Steady and Strudy. Uttam the son of Suruchi means Favorable Joy. Uttanpad here lets go of Principles and was floating around chasing his desires. 

Is it not the case with all of us? We seem to be living only for our selfish desires. Our desires rule. In the ecstasy fo fulfilling one desire after another out life gets wasted.

Any Principle that comes between the fulfilment of our desires and us are conveniently shown the exit door.

A life driven by desire or a Life lead with Principles?

Suniti and Dhruv

Suniti is an ideal mother. She was suffering, as was disowned by her husband and the words Suruchi used while chiding Dhruv, pierced her heart too. However, she did not let her frustration get the better of her.

As a mother, she took the good from the bad that was being said and directed her son towards God. Her composure and presence of mind, during a trying situation was commendable. At the same time, she did not let hatred for Uttanpad, Suruchi and Uttam, take any place in Dhruv’s heart.

Mothers play a very important role in shaping a child. Time and again our scriptures give examples of such great mothers. A mother has the capacity of make a Dhruv.

We have to question ourself time and again;

- Are we doing justice to the immense responsibility that the universe has put on us?

- Are we preparing the next generation of Dhruvs?

- Are we like leaking buckets, where the excitement of the present, anxiety of the future and the regret of the past and taking aways our energy?

- Do we let our frustration get the better of us?

We have to remember,

‘Satyug aap nahin aayega, 

Satyug ko hum laenge.’

Dhruv - What age is apt for Self-Realisation 

We always feel that after we do this, we will walk the path of self realisation. We keep telling ourselves that now is not the age to pray to God.

So, when is the Age?

Dhruv was only 5 years old and he attained Self-Realisation in the shortest duration of 6 months. 

Who knows, how much life we have left?

The sooner one starts the better. Self realisation and spirituality do not take us away from life. They help us lead a better and a fuller life.

Dhruv and Narad Muni

‘Guru Govind dono khade,

kake lagu pai,

Balihari guru aapki,

Govind diyo milaye.’

God and My guru are both standing together, whose feet should I touch. Oh my dear Guru, it you because of you whom I have been able to reach God.

Take the leap of faith and the net will appear. Walk firmly on the path, by Gods grace, you will be provided with the company of sages, saints, gurus, good people, who will guide you on the path which will lead you closer to the divine or the divinity within.

In Ramayan, in Sunderkand it is written, very clearly, when while searching for Sita Ma, Hanumanji reaches Vibhisan’s house. Vibhisan on seeing Hanumanji, a messenger of Ram says;

‘Aba mohi bha bharosa hanumanta, 

Binu hari kriapa mile nahin santa.’

‘I confident that this is all a result of Shri Ram’s Grace on me. For, one can never meet a saint without Shri Hari’s Grace.’

Dhruv and Swambhu Manu

‘Nindak neeyare raakhiye,

aangan kuti chavaye.

Binu pani sabun bina,

nirmal kare savaye.’

Keep a person who criticises you very close to you. Because, by showing you, your faults, he/she cleans your nature and character, without the use of soap and water.

In Ramayan, in Sunderkand it is written, very clearly that;

‘Sajiva, baida gura tini jau priya bolahi bhaya asa,

raja dharma tana tini kara hoi begib nasa.’

‘When a minister, a physician and a religious preceptor, these three use false and pleasing words from fear or hope of reward, the result is that kingdom, dharma, health and faith all get destroyed.’

Over here, Manu came and gave correct council, not thinking whether Dhruv will like it or not. This saved Dhruv from a great blunder.

In the same way, rather the despising people who say thing that we don’t like or are not what we want to hear, we should appreciate them and keep them close.

It is more dangerous to have ‘Yes Men’ around us. 

Dhruv and Kuber

‘Sona sajan sadhujaan,

toothe joore sau baar.

Durgam Kumbh kumar ke,

Ek jhatke aye daarar.’

Gold, good people and God loving people, break and join many times. But, the evil people are like the earthen clay pots, which ones pushed, break and can never be mended.

Dhruv and Kuber were in the middle of a horrible battle when senses dawned and they withdrew there forces. 

Not an iota of bitterness remained after that, they befriended each other as if they were never enemies.

This is the sign of a great soul. The hearts of great souls are unable to hold grudges.

If we take a knife and itch something on the stone. It will stay for a very long time. However, if we take the same knife and itch something on a sandy beach, as we are itching it will get wiped out by the wave. Nothing will remain.

You might feel that something is being written and retained, but if you look closely it is not. 

Dhruv - His Tapas

Dhruv initated his Tapas with alot of vengeance in heart. He wanted name, fame and a pedestal higher than all his fore fathers. 

But, during the course of his spiritual journey. Slowly and steadily the negativity started to slip away. 

His heart started becoming pure and clean. Slowly he started moving towards his Sat-Chit-Anand Swaroop. 

Then there came a time when God revealed himself. At that moment, all he wanted was never ending devotion to the supreme Lord.

Hence, no matter what the reason maybe, that gets you to the path. As you walk deeper, nothing but universal Love will fill your heart.

Dhruv, his Desire and his Regret

‘Nath sakal sampada tumhari,

mai sevak sameth suth naari’

‘God all that belongs to me is yours, 

I along with my family am your servant.’

Most of us turn to the God to fulfil our material desires and wants. He blesses us with what we so desire and wish. Inspite of that, are we not all losers. 

Dhruv felt he made such a massive mistake by praying to God to fulfil his desires. Inspite of getting the Divine Dhruv Loka he was miserable.

When by asking you can get anything from God, why not ask for God and his never surging Bhakti. 

Duryodhan took everything that belonged to Krishan and Arjun all he wanted was Krishna.

We all know what followed..

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 24

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Third Session

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Inputs for the session from:

Chapter 1 to 7

Forms of the Devi

Durga Sapthshati

——————————————————

Ramayan and now Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran, both have placed a lot of emphasis on the Sati, Parvati and Shiv Story. The question arises as to what are they trying to convey. 

In order to understand our scriptures one has to delve deeper into the hidden gems in the stories. From the tales to the names, every detail is there for a reason. 

———————————————————

During the Nine days of Navratri, each day different forms of Devi are worshiped;

Day 1 - Shelputri

Day 2 - Bhramacharini

Day 3 - Chandraghanta

Day 4 - Kushmanda

Day 5 - Skandamata

Day 6 - Katyayini

Day 7 - Kalratri

Day 8 - Maha Gauri

Day 9 - Sidhidatri

The nine days can also be divided into 3 parts as;

Day 1-3 - Durga

Day 4-6 - Laxmi

Day 7-9 - Saraswati

Day 1-3 - Tamas

Day 4-6 - Rajas

Day 7-9 - Satva

Day 1-3 - Gross

Day 4-6 - Causal

Day 7-9 - Subtle

It is also worth nothing that there are 4 Navratri in a year, of which 2 are the ‘Gupth’ hidden Navratris.

Many gurus also go on to say that, every month, after the Amavasya - the following 3 days are Navratri. 

The energy and the Nakshatras at this time of Navratri is conducive for Sadhana, where the universe is reaching out to connect to the Sadhak.

Lets try and understand why this particular sequence of worship is followed during the nine days of Navratri.

- First the stories behind each form and the festival are mentioned

- Second the interpretation has been mentioned.

———————————————————

Story 1

Kushmanda 

There was nothing only dark space and there existed energy. This energy was known as Kushmanda - The cosmic egg or the cosmic seed of energy. Goddess kushmanda created the universe from the radiance of her smile. She is the mother of creation.

Story 2

Madhu Kaitab

The universe has just been created, Brahmaji is trying to figure out the nature and purpose of his existence, when he is attacked by Madhu and Kaithab. He looks down and goes to Garbodak Shayi Vishnu, who is lying on sesha naag without Laxmi. He later learns that these two demons have come from the ears of Vishnu himself.

Vishnuji summons Para Shakti and with her help destroys these two demons. 

Story 3 

Sati Dhan

Sati is the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and Prasuti. She goes against the wishes of her father and marries Shivji. 

Daksha demeans Shivji in one of the yagnas, where shivji did not stand to great Daksha. Later, he does not invite Sati and Shivji to another Yagna. 

Sati goes despite being deterred by Shivji. There she witness that there is not place kept for Shivji, this is a great insult. She gets furious and refuses to be associated with Daksha anymore and burns herself. 

What follows is destruction and mayhem. Later shivji and his ganas are pacified and everything restored. 

Story 4 

Shelputri 

Sati is reborn to Himavan and is named Parvati (Shelputri). She grows up oblivious of her past and purpose, till reminded by Narad Muni. 

Bhramacharini and Maha Gauri

She goes to do the greatest of tapasya to reach her Lord Shiva. When one aspires the universe conspires. All the devtas and Sidhas help her reach her goal. here she is known as Bhramacharini, who is successful in winning the blessings of shiva. Due to extensive tapas, her body is all bones. Ganga poured by Lord Shiv revives her, she becomes radiant again and is known as Maha Gauri.

Chandraghanta

The wedding preparations happen and the wedding day arrives. The grooms procession petrifies the the girls side. On the request of Parvati, Shivji shuns his terrifying look and is adorned by Vishnuji. Parvati adorns the half moon on her forehead, to show her appreciation for Shivji, who always has a half moon on his Jata. Hence, she is named as ChandraGanta.

Skandamata

They both have a son called Skanda or Kartikeya. Who is raised by the Kritikas and is the one who defeats the demon Tarakasur. Parvati the mother of Skanda is also known as Skandamata.

Story 5 

Katyayini - Mahishasur Mardini

There was this Demon called Mahishasur who was born to Ramba and Mahishi (an afsara who was cursed and became a water buffalo). He was ruthless and fearless, as he had a boon that no one could destroy him except a woman. Taking woman to be powerless, he considered himself immortal.

All the Gods, summoned Para Shakti and she promised to come and help them. She was born to Sage Katyayan. She grew up to be a beautiful girl. One day Chand and Munda two demon saw her and felt that she would be a perfect fit for Mahishasur. Dundubi was sent to her to ask her to marry Mahishashur. 

She said that only the one who won against her in a battle could marry her. The preparations for the battle happened. The Gods descended and each granted her his power and weapons. They made her so powerful that all the Gods put together, was the power she possessed.

The battle began Dhundubi and thousands of demons were destroyed. Chanda Munda escaped. Mahisahur finally came to the battle field and a fierce battle took place. after 9 days on the 10 th day Katyayini slayed him, at that time he was half demon and half buffalo. Here, on she was known as Mahishasur Mardini.

Story 6

Kalratri ( also known as Shubham Kari)

Ones there were two bothers called Shumbh and Nishumb. They were troubling the devas and Indra had gone into hiding as he could not defeat them. Chanda, Munda and Rakthbeej had joined hands with Shunbh and Nishubh, after Mahishasur was destroyed. 

Again Sumbh and Nishumbh wanted Kaushaki to marry on of them. To which she again said only the one who could defeat her in battle would be able to woe her. A fierce battle followed. She destroyed Chanda, Munda and was known as chamunda and later Ruru and all the other demons. 

There was a demon called Rakhtbeej who had a special boon. Every drop of blood shed from his body would create another Rakthbeej. Hence, so many Rakthbeej came into existence. So Kaushaki summoned Kalratri to drink up their blood as she slaughtered them. This way he was destroyed.

Later Nishumb was killed and finally Shumbh also met his end.

Story 7

Siddhidatri 

A goddess called Kushmanda had created the universe with the radiance of her smile. She further created the trimuti - Bhrama, Vishnu and Manesh. Shivji wanted to be bestowed with 18 kind of perfection. To do this she created a Goddess called Sidhidatri who bestowed Shivji with all the sidhis. 

Brahama was given the task of creation and he needed both man and woman to create the world. So Goddess Siddhidatri created the Ardhnarishvara swaroop of Shivji, which is half male and half female. 

Hence, she is worshiped as the giver even to Brahama and Shiva.

🙏🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-Third Session .. continued

Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)

Inputs for the session from:

Chapter 1 to 7

Forms of the Devi

Durga Sapthshati

———————————————————

Navratri - Discover the Shakti within

All the stories mentioned in the last part one of the synopsis, are very common stories. Most of us at some point or the other have heard them and have narrated them

Lets delve deeper into the interpretation and analyse them based on the sequence in which the Devi has been worshipped.

Day 1 - Shelputri 

(A journey from Sati to Parvati)

‘When neither my Ego nor Expectation dampen my spirit

When my mind becomes focused and a calm envelops me

When I know that there is more to what I am’

Daksha = Ego

Sati = Fickle mind

Burning = Gyan (True knowledge)

Himavan = Calm and composed

Parvati = Focused intellect

Shiv = Divine bliss (God)

When one disconnects with Ego and cleans the mind with the help of true knowledge, the person becomes calm and composed and with one pointed intellect is able to seek the Divine bliss.

Here, Narad muni acts as a facilitator, or the igniter of the spark of knowledge 

When the divine spark is ignited one realises that there is more to ones self than meets the eye. The true ‘I’ needs to be found.

Day 2 - Brahmacharini

‘When the quest to know the self begins’

Ones the desire to know the self arises, begins the effort. If the effort is sincere, pure and selfless, the entire Universe conspires when that One aspires. 

But, first tremendous effort and a single pointed destination has to be set. One has to burn ones bridges and more forward. 

The Sages and Gods are the universe that is conspiring, when Brahmacharini is aspiring.

At that point the divine (or the destination, Shiva) get pulled and compelled to reveal the self. 

Day 3 - Chandraghanta

‘When the divinity does not seem distant’

When the divine reveals itself, the seeker sees that he/she posses qualities which are not too different from the one that he seeks. The Sadhan has purified one so much that the distinction diminishes. 

Or it would be better so say that the veil has began to unveil and the bliss within him/her has begans to reveal itself.

She adorns the moon that Shivji has on his Jatta, which signifies that I am but a ‘Amsha’ a part of you. 

Day 4 - Kushmanda

‘When the divine in me is unveiled’

When the seeker keeps walking on, the Sadhan does not stop and the effort does not diminish. The revelation that ‘I am that’ ’Tat Tvam Ashi’ dawn.

It is an experience that changes ones outlook. Then begins the journey inwards with conviction, that I am that divine energy.

Day 5, Day 6 and Day 7

‘When the blazing seed of awakening blinds

the outer world and illumines the world within’

Day 5 - Skandamata

The birth of Kartikeya or Skanda. Is when Parvati meet Shiv, or when Jiva Atma realises that he is no different from the Paramatma. 

At this time all doubts and inner arguments (Tarak) end and with acceptance one heads forward to get liberated (Taaran) 

Here Skanda the seed of awakening destroys the demon Taaraka/Taraka Asur (doubt, arguments and the hinders to self relation)

Not, with doubts but one has to walk in faith. 

‘Take the leap of faith and see the net of grace appear.’

Day 6 and Day 7 - Katyayini and Kalratri

Here we see a massive destruction of demons or demonic tendencies.

The Gods summon Para Shakti and she take a form. It is also mentioned that the Gods give all their power to the form of Shakti. 

There is a deity presiding over all our sense and organs (discussed in depth in the previous sessions). Most of the time they are outbound. But, when they all turn within and and blind the outer world, and give all their power to the quest of the self, she becomes equipped to destroy the darkness within.

One by one the demons are destroyed- These are all our vices. After all, ‘All Good = God’

- Taarak Asur/Tarak Asur - The demon of doubt, which weakens one’ faith and keeps us aways from realisation.

- Dhundubi - The sounds of the world, which we every find so appeacing. We totally scum to the praises and the criticism. An external locus of control makes us so vulnerable.

- Mahisasur - All the demonic and animal tendencies in us. God has given the Human for, the capacity beyond any other form. However, we just behave as animals and indulge the self in momentary pleasures of life. 

- Chand Munda - Our cunning and evil mind. Chand (cunning) munda(mind). ‘Maan ke maate na chaliye maan ke maate aanek.’ Don’t just flow your mind thoughtlessly if will make you dance around. Destroy this cunning monkey mind and get a focused intellect in place

- Dhumralocan - Our hazy vision. All the evil that we see in the world is but within us. All the faults that we see in others, are but with us. Had we not know how an apples looks, would we be able o identify if? Clean your vision and the world will become beautiful.

- Raktabeej - The never ending surge of desires and wants. The greed for more never ends. All our life we strive to satisfy all our desires. But, it is life drinking water from a mirage. Alas, become content, seek contentment.

- Nishumb - Analysing all the situations and say this is bad, why did this happen. Rise about it, as there his nothing bad, all happens for a reason. 

- Shumbh - Analsying al lt he sitations and staying all is good, all is right, all is for my good. Rise above that also. Why categories something as good as well. 

‘We use a needle to remove the thorn, but after the thorn is removed we put away the needle also. We use Satva to remove the Tamasic tendencies. But, have to leave the Satva also and reach the state of ‘ Just being’.

Day 8 - Maha Gauri

‘When under the shower of divine bliss one blossom.’

When all the darkness disappears the self is fully revealed. That day on becomes Maha Gauri. It is denoted by Shivji pouring Ganga on Parvati.

When under the shower of divine bliss one blossom.

“The illuminatator, 

illuminates,

The illuminator in us.”

(Chinmayandaji)

Day 9 - Sidhidatri

‘When the taker is no more and the giver is born’

When we get filled with Divine bliss and become the bliss. Who can give us anything. We become Purna every complete in the self. 

Om purna mada purna midam

Purnaat purnam udachyate

Purnasya purnam adaaya

Purnam eva vasishyate

Om shanti shanti shantih"

Which translates into:

"That is the whole, this is the Whole; from the Whole, the Whole arises; taking away the Whole from the Whole, the Whole remains"

The days can further be divided into three parts-

Durga (Durgati Nashini) 

Destroys all the Tamasic or Negative tendencies (In the form of various demons mentioned above). 

We may interpret durgati as the bad situation or sorrowful even in out life, and say that she remove obstacle from our life. 

But, the true obstacle is the obstacle in our path of ‘Self Realisation’.

When one realises the self no matter how, so called bad the situation is outside, the bliss within does not diminish.

Laxhmi (Laxhmi Tatva)

When this situation arise our entire being gets filled with the Laxhmi Tatva. 

Laxhmi does not signify wealth and prosperity. No matter how rich a person is, he could be the poorest of all who craves for more and not contented. On the other hand, as person could be the poorest in the world, but if is a contented soul, no one can be richer than him.

Laxhmi Tatva fills one with absolute Contentment.

Saraswati (True Knowledge)

With the demons demolished and the heart filled with contentment. One expands beyond the so called boundaries of the self. 

At this point the vessel disintegrates and what remains is Just one.

WARNING

The state of Just Being - It is import to understand over here that a Sadhak is not in a state of inertia he is alert and full of energy. 

So much of undesipated (in the regrets of future, excitement of the present and anxiety about the further) surplus energy which is channelized towards the greater good.

On has be alert and aware of ones state, it is a state of inertial/laziness or a state of pure contentment which is leading one away from the Rat Race of the world.

Vishnu is laying doing with Lakshmi and he falls a sleep - Lakshmi is contentment. He is the preserve of the good in us. He has to be always alert. Here without contentment the preserver of the good faltered and so came out Madhu and Kaitabha. 

Finally Garba - The divine dance

The dance was traditionally done by keeping a light (deep) at the centre and people danced around it. 

The Dance Garbha (note: There is a difference between Dandiya(sticks) and Garba (hands) which is done on the days of Navratri has a deep significance. It signifies the dance of ecstasy of realisation, around the light of knowledge.

Garbha has the word Garb in it means womb. We spend 9 months in the mother’s womb. But, the womb is not the end, it is just where the new born is being prepared for the world. 

In the same way, all that we do in this world is not the end. This life is not it, it is a preparation for the journey beyond.

“If your eyes are opened,

you will see the things worth seeing.”

(Rumi)

Shubh Navratri 

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 22

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twenty-First Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 31 to 33 

————————————

Ponder and Uncondition

Scenario 1:

A student comes into the exam and there are multiple sets of question paper which have been given, to avoid cheating. Now, the child finds nothing he knows in the sheet allotted to him. He requests the examiner for another sheet, and yet another sheet. 

Finally, the examiner says don’t worry go and sit down, with the sheet you have in your hand. He comes and marks a ‘B grade’ on the paper.

Another student objects and the examiner justifies his action by saying, he has certainly studied, that is why he is looking for set of question he knows the answers to. 

Now,

Are we all not like that, we all are just looking for that set of Information that agrees with our current knowledge. If it does, we accept and if it does not we reject. Moreover, we are not receptive of what is being said, we are filtering it to fit our mind set, and many a times we have a selective reception. No matter what is being said, we will understand it based on our own sensibilities. 

If we sat with an open mind unconditioned mind, how different would our journey be.

Scenario 2:

A man for the first time comes to India and visits a village, and sees Cow Dung on the Wall. He asks his friend what is this, the friend said this is Cow Dung. Do you know what we use it for? The man says, Please tell me first how did the cow get on the wall?

Now,

The cow does not get on the wall, some one picks the cow dung, flattens it and puts it on the wall. 

All that we read is an experience of another. Many a times it is quoted from others experiences and other books. We choose and pick and accept it as our own. We become so rigidity, to an extend that it makes us a fanatic. 

Not only this, the saddest bit is;

It robs us of the ability to have an individual experience. 

The lord is nothing but absolute consciousness, thought one he appears in diverse forms, the seers, the object seen, the means of sight and so on. 

Just as one and the same substance possessed of several attributes (such as colour, taste and so on) is perceived in different ways thought the sense. Even so Lord though one is realised thought different paths.

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Story/Kapil Muni teaching continued

We have delved deep into the concept of Appearance(creation) and also have been trying to understand Kapila Muni’s Shankya philosophy, along with mother Devhuti. 

Kapila Muni goes on to say that we take re-brith based on what we are attached to. If we are attached to a woman we will be born as one, if a woman is attached to a man she will be born as man. This combined with our deeds determine the next birth we take.

Examples: 

We know about Bharat and his immense attachment to the deer. He was so concerned about the deer, died with the deer in his mind. In his next birth he was born as a deer. 

If we practice today, we will be able to turn our mind inward towards God, and detach from the people and things that surround us, at time of death. 

Kapila muni goes on to say that we depart from the Dark Path and the Bright Path, depending on the deeds and attachments. 

Destiny of the soul departing from the Dark Path

- If an individual is only focused towards his body and things related to it. If he is not able to let go of the ‘I’ and ‘Mine’, and all his life is focused only on the three objects of Human Pursuit - Religious merits, wealth and sensual enjoyments. His soul departs through the Dark Path. To the lower realms of the manes and when he exhausts his merits is reborn in the Mritu Loka.

Destiny of the soul departing from the Bright Path:

- If an individual is beyond ‘I’ and ‘mine’ and and surrenders to the divine bliss, departs through the bright path and merges into the divine bliss.

On the contrary, if one worships Brahma he attains satyaloka and merges into him at the time of the great dissolution. Later when the creation happens, he is reborn from the same Brahma, if the divine so desires. 

If we pray to the Gods, we are taken to the heaven and enjoy there till the bundle of good deeds is excused and then decends back to the Mriyuloka.

Hence, the departure of the soul from the various paths determines the journey and destination of the soul.

After all this knowledge was imparted, Kapila Muni went away, he wandered in the deepest of forests. He is said to be still meditating for all of us. 

Devhuti, inspite of gaining all the knowledge was very distorted, when she saw her son leave. She felt the pangs of separation from her husband and now her son. 

She stepped down from the beautiful mystic craft island of hers and went to the hermitage where her husband had ones sat in Tapa, where she had served him. The tears in her eyes knew no solace. 

She gathered her self and decided to practice what she had learned. Over time, her Tapa become effortless, she lost sense of her body, established in the self she sat there. The divine apsaras took care of her and protected her mortal body, till she dropped it and her soul merged into the divine.

Note: 

It takes at least 10 000 to 15 000 hours of practice ‘Tapa’ to make something effortless. Only when things become effortless, we should say that the first step has been taken. Post which, nirantar-continuous ;

- Prayataan 

- Prarathana 

- Pratiksha 

Ek pal ya ek Kalpa, 

Ek sadhak phir nahin sochta. 

The two mistakes that most people make is, first they don’t embark on this journey, and if they do they turn back half way.

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A Deep Message

‘Family bonds are temporary since they are limited only to the present human birth. 

The temporary bonds neither existed in the previous birth nor will they exist in the future birth. The bond with God, is always permanent and real. 

The body is like a seat in the train and you, the soul, are the passenger. The family members are like just bench-mates in the same train. Life is just a matter of a short one-hour train journey. Your bench-mates will get down at their respective destinations and will not remember you thereafter. Even you will have to leave your seat and move on.

After death, you have to leave your family members, who will not recognise you in their next birth. After getting down from the train of this life, you have to face the outcome. 

You will have to leave your own seats and all the bench-mates behind anyway.‘

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A numbness grips and the moment of surrender says;

Everything is nothing but God. 

But, God is distant to all of us. It is an abstract concept for most of us. 

But, How can we negate the dawn of a new outlook today, that;

- Everything I see is mine. 

When we look at the creation and delve into the concepts of re-birth, everything becomes so deeply interwoven. 

- A best friend who sacrificed her life for me in the previous birth, could be standing as a person I hate from the bottom of my heart.

- The mother who I respected and fed me, could be standing in front of me as a beggar, whom I refuse to give even a piece of bread.

- The father who sheltered me, could be a born as a Dog, I kicked away from my house.

- The child that is so protectively nurtured by me today. Tomorrow could be born as a flower, that I crush under my feet, without a care.

Can I still live in denial?

Can I still let the ignorance and delusion prevail?

Can I still live in the cocoon of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’ 

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Shri Ram🙏

Shrimad Bhagwat mahapuran Session 20