Shruti Says by Barkha Khandelwal

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Nineteenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 25 to 29 (Let’s Delve Deeper)

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Krishna Photocopies Himself:

This is a beautiful story, where Brahamaji, feels that Krishna could not be the Divine Self, and as he is the creator he would have known. To test Krishna he steals aways all his calves and friends and hides them.

Krishna realises what had happened and so he photocopies himself. 20 become the cowherd boys and 20 the calves and one remains as Krishna. 

They all return home, and it feels that there is magic in the air. There is more love, joy and contentment in every house, then there ever was. Even the cows are giving more milk then usual. There is bliss in the aura of every being.

A lot of time went by, and Brahmaji realises his folly, and returns the cowherd boys and the calves to Krishna. 

The Essence:

The deepest message here is when we start seeing the Divine Lord in each and every being, immense love for all will be the outcome. 

The problem arise when we seclude the Lord to the furtherest of heavens or most sacred of temples. We distance him and yes, worship him. But, we forget the fact that he is present in each and every being, as their body is his temple. 

Just by the inclusion of this one thought, the world becomes a better place and that me becomes a better me. This is what Kapila Muni’s teaching is all about in a nutshell.

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Swami Sarvpriyanandaji said;

‘Our question show the caliber of our own mind.’

There is one university in which the examination is not to answer the questions, but to formulate the toughest possible question paper. The tougher the paper the higher the marks. The students agreed that it is more difficult to formulate the questions then to answer the questions.

The entire Bhagwatam is the answer to 2 very profound questions which was asked by Raja Parkshit when he had only 7 days to live. He asked Sukhdevji, two questions. 

- How should I die?

- If I want to die like that, how should I live?

Below are the question of Master Mahashey and Mother Devhuti, which when answered, formulated the teaching of Kapila Muni.

Master Mahashey asked;

- How can fix my mind on God or How do I think of God all the time or How do I have intense longing for God?

Note here: 

The answer to another question be it liberation or anything else is turn towards God. But, the problem is how do I turn towards God when I am being pulled by Samsara all the time.

When Vivekananda was asked, by a person who was in a hurry, how do I get God. Vivekananda, gave him a nice long dip, till all he could think of was breath and said, when you crave for lord the way you craved for breath, as you were almost drowning, and nothing else comes to your mind. With that intensity when you seek you will get God.

Over here Master Mahashey has asked - How do I get that intensity of longing for God?

Ramana Maharishi answered; 

- Sing the glories of God (Bhakti)

- Meditate in your mind, meditate in the corner of your house, meditate in the forest, meditate wherever you are (Raj Yoga)

- Always do Viveka - Spiritual discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal. Turn towards the eternal and leave the non-eternal. (Gyana) 

Ma Devhuti also had these questions. She said I understand what you are saying Bhagwana Kapila. But, How do I implement it?

Kapila Muni addressed these major questions of Ma Devhuti;

- What am I? 

- How do I stop identifying with Prakrti?

- How do I fix my mind to the Lord? How do I develop the intense love for the Lord? 

What follows is his discourse to his mother. Below is an explanation of each.

- Prakrti and Purusha

- Devotion 

- Process of eight fold yoga

- Vivek 

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Prakrti and Purusha 

What is Prakrti and what is Purusha (Chart 1 and Chart 2 enclosed)

In simple words, everything that we see is Prakrti and the hidden energy behind Prakrti is Purusha.

When we look at the charts we see that Purusha is no other than the spirit, who is beginningless, devoid of attributes, existing beyond prakrti(matter), revealed in the heart of all beings and self-effulgent.

Pradhana the primordial matter is Prakrti. It consists of three gunas (sativa, Rajas and Tamas) and is the source of distinct categories. The aggregate of the 24 categories is known to be the evolute of the prakrti. 

Pradana

• Ahankar

• Mahat

• Maan

Five gross elements

• Ether

• Air

• Fire

• Water

• Earth

Five sense objects

• Sound

• Touch

• Sight

• Taste

• Smell

Five knowledge-acquiring senses

• Ear

• Skin

• Eye

• Tongue

• Nose

Five working senses

• Voice

• Legs

• Arms

• Reproductive organs

• Evacuating organs

How to attain liberation through the differentiation of matter(Prakrti) and spirit(Purusha)

Just as the sun thought reflected in water remains unaffected by the attributes of the water(such as coolness, unsteadiness and so on, so the spirit thought abiding in the material body, remains unaffected by its measurable and painful experiences. It is devoid of attributes and doership and therefore it is free from change. 

The Purusha however, when it get attached to the Gunas of Prakrti, he begins to look upon himself as the doer, and is completed deuded by egotism. Due to this sense of doership he loses his peace of mind. Just a dreaming man experiences sorrow - even thought there is no real cause for it.

Hence, just as when one awakens from a dream, one realises that it is unreal. In the same way one has to free oneself from this identification with the Prakrti and realise the self (Purusha) as distinct from Prakrti. 

One has to stop identifying oneself with ones body and stop regarding those connected with it as his own. 

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Devotion 

We discussed in the previous session that, bhakti is of four types - Tamasic, Rajasic, Satvik and the most divine is Gunateet Bhakti.

In Gunateet Bhakti is uninterrupted flow of the mind stream towards God, who is dwelling in the heart of all. It is pure motiveless love for the God. The devotee does not want anything in exchange for his love for God. He refutes like a blade grass;

- Salokya - Residence in the divine realm

- Sarsti - Enjoying my power

- Sarupya - Possessing a form similar to mine

- Sayujya - Absorption in my being 

He also refuses the 8 super human powers that come to him (such as the facility to reduce one’s body to the size of an atom and so on which are produced by maya).

Such is a devotee who is assailed day and night by intense devotion to me - developed by hearing my stories for a long time which a heart purified by doing ones duties in a disinterested spirit. 

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Yoga - The process of Eightfold Yoga

1. To do ones allotted duty to the best of ones ability and to shirk from prohibited acts.

2. To remain contented with whatever is got as a dispensation of providence.

3. To adore the feet of one who has realised the self and to cease from duties connected with the pursuit of;

  1. Religious merit 

  2. Worldly possessions

  3. Sensuous enjoyment

  4. To take delight in duties tending to final beatitude

4. To take pure food in a measured quantity

5. To dwell permanently in a place which is not only secluded but also free from molestation 

6. To practice non-violence

7. To speak the truth, to abstain from thieving, to limit ones possession to the extend of ones barest needs, to observe purity of body and mind.

8. To study veda and other sacred texts, to worship the deity, to observe silence, to observe steadiness by firmness in the very best posture, to control ones breath by slow degree, to with draw ones senses from the objects and to direct them to the heart with the help of ones mind. Below are the eight steps in the process. 

1. Yama – Prohibitions and Restraints 

  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

  2. Satya (Truthfulness) 

  3. Asteya (Non-stealing) 

  4. Brahmachariya (Celibacy and Control of Desires)

  5. Aparigraha (Non-hoarding)

2. Niyama – Developing Virtues 

  1. Sochya (Purity)

  2. Santosh (Contentment)

  3. Tapas (Austarities)

  4. Swadhyaya (Self Study of Scriptures)

  5. Isvara Pranidhana (Surrender)

3. Asana – Physical Postures

It is essential to note that, to still the mind the body also has to be stilled. The mind is like a bowl with water in it, if we shake the bowl even a little the water will come out of it. Our body is always trembling and shaking, we are not even aware of how much our body is trembling and moving. 

Example: 

Target shooting - To reach the target one has to totally still the body and hold the breath and shoot. 

If to reach the target so much of stillness is needed, to reach the divine, how much stillness would be needed. 

4. Pranayama – Breathing Control 

We have many a times heard when some one passes away that, he had only those many breath written. We have also noticed how when we are agitated or angry pace of our breath increases and when we are calm we take slow deep breaths. 

Knowing that our breath is precious should we be so reckless with it. It is indeed more precious that anything we have. 

Moreover, focusing on the breath can have a magical implication. The Story about The great mystic Nagarjuna attached explains the same.

A strivers should eradicate the disorders of the three humours of the body (Wind, bile and phlegm).

By these and other such methods one should diligently control one’s breath and then gradually curb ones wicked mind, addicted to evil ways, with the help of ones reason and apply it to contemplation on God. 

5. Pratyahara – Sense Withdrawal

6. Dharana – Concentration

7. Dhyana – Meditation

8. Samadhi – Absorption of the mind on the Divine

Now, in this process we focus our attention on the Lord and his beauty, slowly we focus on one part of his body at a time, for instance when looking at his smile, only that should be visible. When this is again attained, we take him to our heart. 

From there we visualise him in everyone’s heart and everything. 

Having established the self in the glory of Brahman which transcends joy and sorrow, and when the ignorance removed. He discovered that pleasure and pain and their experience, which he till now attributed to the self, are attributed to the ego, which is the product of ignorance.

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Vivek 

By intelligently, constantly and consciously discriminating between - 

1. Cause and effect

2. Source and borrower

Example 1:

We have various electrical appliances at home. The refrigerator, the dishwasher, the washing machine, the lamp and so on. They al have different function. 

But, just imagine if the electrify when off, would any of these function. 

Example 2: 

We all live in a world and especially in Dubai when we look around all the people look very rich. Dressed up in high end brand and driving their high end cars. It is difficult to differentiate the truly rich, from the seemingly rich. 

Some are shopping using their own money, others are borrowers living off the credit card. 

Example 3:

We all cook, now when we boil a potato it becomes very hot. But, is the nature of the potato heat? No it was cold before, hence it has borrowed the heat form something. 

Was it the water, no was it the utensil in which the water and potato were being boiled. No, as the utensil was cold before this. 

It was kept on the fire. Yes, they all borrowed their heat from the fire. 

Fire’s intrinsic quality is to be hot. Fire can not be cold, it is always hot. So, fire is the source and the rest are the borrowers. 

3. Permanent (Eternal) and the Temporary (Non Eternal)

Example: 

In our life when we look around, there is hardly anything that can be said to be permanent, neither emotions, not things nor people. We can say, yes, some things or people are less temporary then the others. But, can we call anything permanent. Everything is nothing but a passing cloud.

so the what is permanent that always remains, when we sit and analyse, we realise that the one permeant is God. 

Should we not organise, prioritise and focus on the things that are less temporary, rather than directing our energy towards the most temporary? 

Moreover, should we not turn towards Permanent? 

4. Actual and mind created

Example: 

Draw three circle indicating the level of pain. 

The smaller circle is the actual physical pain felt, the next circle is the expectation of pain, the mental uneasiness and expected suffering. The biggest circle is the discomfort and the inability to do activities due to the pain. 

70 to 80 % of our suffering are the contribution of our own mind. On the 20 to 30 % is the actual physical pain and the medicine only can reduce the actual physical pain, many times they don’t even work there. 

We have also heard about the placebo effect, and the power mind has on healing. 

5. Utility and not the value(cost and brand) of Material things

6. Value(character of the person) and not the utility(possession and self benefit) of Relationships

Example:

Does the time change depending on which brand of watch you wear? Is the time different for the one who wears a Omega and the one who wears a titan? The time remains the same. 

Does the road change depending on which are you are driving? Is the road different for the one Driving a Ferrari and the one driving a Honda? The road remains the same.

So, why don’t we just focus on the utility of the material things. The material things have a purpose, it does not matter what the cost of a watch or purse is, the watch will show you the time and a purse will carry your things.

However,

Why is it that we mourn the death of a young person, but we are not so agonised when a person of age passes away. Many a times people are heard saying, that man had depends and the old had done their duty. 

So, we are mourning the utility of the person and not only the person himself.

Many relationships today are utility based, dictated by self benefit and the possessions and position of the other person. On the contrary, the character and value system of an individual is considered immaterial. 

We need to activate our Vivek..

We need to become more Aware…

We need to Awaken…

We need to stop existing…

We need to Start Living...

Jaano, 

aur nahin jaan pa rahe ho tou,

iss Saach ko Maano.

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Eighteenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 25 to 29 (The first Glance)

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Kardama Muni

He perceived the Lord, his own self, as present in all living beings, and all living in the Lord, his own self. 

In this way, Kardama, who had no desire and was free from malice, who was even-minded towards all, and who had developed devotion to the Lord, attained union with him. 

Saunaka said to Suta Dev

The Lord assumes by his own maya, a personality confirming to the will of his devotees. 

Kapila Muni to Ma Devhuti

Thought renunciation of the material object of sense, thought wisdom supplemented by dispassion, thought yoga (concentration of mind) and through devotion directed towards me, the man attains me, the self of all embodied soul. 

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Kardama Muni and Devhuti, the blessed divine couple who gave birth to the divine Kapila Dev, were no less than the Brahman themselves. Where Kardama Muni, went away to go on with his inward journey to unveil the Brahman within, Devhuti, stayed behind nurtured her dear son, devoid of all worldly desires. 

In due course when Kapila Muni was old enough, she shun her motherly attachment and taking him as her Guru, sat down at his feet, and requested him to help her remove the veil of Ignorance.

The preaching of Kapila Muni to Devhuti, is known as the ‘Shankya Philosophy’. 

Pls Note: This is not the Shankya Philosophy which is being preached today. In that they don’t believe in Ishvara. However, Kapila Muni, very much acknowledged the presence of That divine. 

We will try to understand his teaching in the beautiful question by his mother and his loving answers. Every time she asked and addressed him as Bhagvan and Guru, he replied by addressing her as Ma and Mata. 

True enough, even God is indebted to the Mother who nurtured him, no matter what there is no one greater than her. 

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Devhuti said;

My Lord, I am awfully sick of the craving for enjoyment of my wicked senses. It is because of my unremitting effort to gratify these craving that I have fallen into the deep abyss of ignorance. 

Please dispel my great delusion;

- The feeling of I-ness, with regard to this body and Mine-ness to all that is connected with it. 

- The true nature of Prakirti and Purusha

- How to attain liberation through the differentiation of matter and spirit

- The type of devotion to be developed

- The characteristics of Yoga

Kapila Muni;

Ma, in my opinion the only means to final beatitude is yoga in the form of contemplations on The supreme, That Divine.

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Mind - A friend or a foe/ Mind a friend AND a foe

1. Mind alone is responsible for bondage and emancipation of the soul. When attached to the object of sense it leads to bondage; when however, it develops the affinity to the supreme it brings liberation. 

2. When the mind goes beyond I-ness and My-ness, when it is cleaned from all its impurities in the form of vices, it develops indifference to duality and becomes equipoised.

3. Mind when equipped with True Knowledge, Dispassion and Devotion. The realisation that;

  1. Self is one without a second

  2. Undifferentiated 

  3. Self- effulgent

  4. Subtle 

  5. Indivisible 

  6. Unattached 

  7. Beyond Prakriti

A Beautiful analogy:

The Worldly Mind and the Spiritually Cultivated Mind can be compared to the muddy Ganga river during spring and its clear water during winter. 

- Lots of thoughts/Few thoughts

- Keeps changing/Does not change it stops at times

- Impure-anger envy lust/Pure thoughts 

- Can not give joy and creates disturbances/Gives peace and radiate peace and joy

- Destructive to self and other/Non-Destructive 

Attachment - Good or Bad/ Good AND Bad

1. When one is attached to the material world, it torments, but serves as an open door of liberation when directed towards the Saints (holy men).

2. Attachment to the Lord in the form of devotion, it is a divine knot, which cuts all other bondages.

Shankracharya said in Bhaj Govindam

Satsangatve Nissangatvam

Nissangatve Nirmohatvam

Nirmohatvam Nishchalattvam

Nishcalattvam Jiivanmuktih

From Satsang, comes non-attachment; from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self. From the knowledge of self comes liberation.

Pls Note: This will happen only when you don’t get stuck at any point. Not at the sangh, not at the Guru and not at the Lord. 

Example: To give up chocolate and Sugar, one may temporarily supplement it with Jaggery. But, the objective is to remove the sweet craving, be it sugar or Jaggery. 

Prakirti and Purusha

Inspite, of all the 25 tattvas being there, and trying there best to unite and awaken by their own power, they could not. They needed the presence of an inner controller. From the cosmic being to everything that we see is awakened by the inner controller.

Vivekanada - We are all That One Divine Spirit

Tattvagyan and A profound question:

Do you consider yourself to be the clay or do you consider yourself to be the vessel? If you consider yourself a vessel, you have had a birth, and it may break. It might be filled with anything, water, wine, etc. But, if you say you are the clay, there is no question of being filled with anything. It does not matter weather you are a vessel or smashed to pieces. You are Clay.

Tattvagyan and A beautiful Analogy:

There was this wave, who was very proud of himself, he was the biggest, the strongest. He talked to another wave and said see how strong I am. This little wave said, that is ok, but look ahead. The big wave cried, as it was about to die- It was about to hit the ocean.

This little wave was wise, he was a tattvagyani, he said, do you know who you are? You are the ocean. 

The big wave looked within, it was indeed the ocean. With joy it embraced the shore, knowing that it cannot be destroyed.

Shri Bhagvana Raman Maharishi and his story of enlightenment (Documentary attached) - Constant Self inquiry and Attention within 

Reason now:

During a marriage there was one person who no one knew. Each party thought it was from the other side. The brides side people thought he was from the bridegrooms side and vica versa. Later they found he was from neither. 

In the same way, watch the drama and your agitation, the constant fits that are being thrown, observe and Question. 

- Who is getting agitated? 

- I right

- Who is this I?

- Is this I me or the mind?

- But, this I is causing the mind to be agitated and there is something that knows this.

- Who is this? 

- Is this the real I?

- If yes, what/who is that I?

- Is that I the ego

- This deeper witness knows if the ego is at play, he know it is wrong.

- Chase it, chase it - Till it disappears.

- What remains then is you the Divine Self - The Drista - The inner controller - Me

How to attain liberation through the differentiation of Matter and Spirit

Does the sun, get affected by the attributes of the water, when its reflection is seen it?

Just in the same way, thought the spirit is in the material body, yet it is unaffected by all it’s dualities. But, when it attaches it self with the body, it begins to feel the pains and joys, the pinch of doership and the trap of the gunas. When in reality it is just a Drishta.

Here again, the story of Raja Janak and his Dreams come forth. Who is the one watching? Who is the one constant, during the dream, the deep sleep and walking state? 

That who is able to go beyond these three states is in the state of Turiya - Bliss. He is able to see his true self. He is able to see that same true self in everyone and everyone in himself.

How to stay established in this state? 

Now, take a mango for example, during this season. Now Suppose, if a mango falls down, and you have just about had a bite. You would be tempted to pick it, wash it and eat it. 

But, now if you have eaten it till not a single drop of juice remains on the seed, and have licked the skin clean also. Will you be tempted to retain it.

Imagine the stick that is used to kindle the fire, is it not absorbed by the fires totally??

Immerse yourself Devotion and Yoga - the meditation of the self - ones one is awakened the delusion does not stay.

Devotion

A mind fixed on Me through the intense practice of devotion and steadied thereby - This is the only means.

The Four types of Devotion 

1. Tamasik Bhakti - A man who is given up to anger and views me as distinct to himself, and who practices devotion to me with a mind full of violence, hypocrisy and jealousy.

2. Rajasik Bhakti (Lower Rajasik Bhakti is praying to make the Devtas favarouble to us - Note: There is a difference between that divine and the devtas) - He who worships me through an image, distinct from himself with a view to acquire object of sense, fame and power.

3. Sattvik Bhakti - He who adores me as distinct to himself, aiming at eradication of his sins or with an intention of offering his action to the supreme or again with a feeling that it his duty to worship me.

The most divine form of Bhakti is even beyond Sattvik Bhakti it is Gunateet Bhakti

4. Gunateet Bhakti (Mira ki Bhakti, Gopiyo ki Bhakti) - Where the difference between me and Lord disappears. When he hears the qualities of the Lord, thoughts flow effortlessly towards him, just as the water of the river pours itself into the sea. No further cause is needed, for them to get engrossed in the thoughts about the Lord. The Lord is always seated in their heart and is won over by such love and devotion. 

Gunateet Bhakti Story 1: My mother had come to render moral support to me when I was studying in IIM-Lucknow. When after my exams were over, she was leaving. She was at the station waiting for her train all alone. Her purse which contained all her jewellery fell down on the track and the train was about to start. 

She looked around, a true bhakth of Hanuman, whose heart is his abode. She did not know what to do, her luggage was in and her purse was down. Suddenly out of no where a cooli came, he jumped down picked up the purse, handed it over to mummy. Gave her a hand, made her climb the train. The train that very moment started to move.

When she looked at him, he said Ram Ram. My mother had tears in her eyes. She said in her heart, mere Hanuman.

Gunateet Bhakti Story 2: Ones Sudama fell into the well, and he started shouting Krishna Krishna Krishna. Suddenly out of nowhere, came a little cowherd boy. He pulled Sudama out and was about to run away. When Sudama held his hand tight and said. You are my Krishna, you are my Krishna. The boy said no I am just a boy. He being much stronger escaped the grip of Sudama’s hand and ran away. 

Sudama with tears filled in his eyes shouted, Krishna, I weak that is why you are running aways from me. But I will consider you strong only when are able to escape from heart.

Haath chuda kar jaath ho nibal jan kar mohe,

Hirdaya se jo jaao tau, sabal mai janu tohe.

The Essence of Bhakti is Universal Love. Kapildevji says;

I have made the bodies of all creatures my Temples, and I am seated therein as the Atman. So, when someone insults another - Forgetting that I am seated in the heart of that person - and then makes a great display of ritualistic worship, it is mere mockery.

If the man has hatred for someone, he hates Me, as I am seated in the heart of all. When he thinks he is great and special, and shows partiality for some and prejudice against others, he can never attain peace.

Hanumanji’s when Ramji asked him who am I to you;

- When I am in this world, engaged in all its activities, I am your servant and you are My Lord.

- When I gather myself and start moving inwards, I am a part of you.

- When the outer world disappears, and I am totally established in the self. I am you and only you remains.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Seventeenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 21 to 24

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Sub Story - To bring our mind to the session

There ones was a King who had 4 very fine horses, the best breed possible. But, he could not train them and no one could either. Training was one thing, they did not allow anyone to lay a finger on them. Many tired and many got injured.

One day a man said he would be able to train them and asked to take them with him for a year. The king gave him told him about he danger and when the young man persisted he agreed The king waited but was sure that it was impossible. But, as time went by he almost knew that he would never see the man or there horses again.

Exactly after one year he saw a man riding one of the 4 well trained horses. The horses danced and walked in perfect rhythm as guided but he man. They were no other than the king’s wild horses.

The King could not believe his eyes and asked how could this happen. The man replied I never forced them, I tried and became their friend. I would eat with them, sleep with them, play with them and day by day they started accepting me as one of them. Soon I touched them and one day gradually I started to ride them and they accepted me and would do as I say. 

Ponder Now:

These four horses are our Maan, Buddhi, Chit and Ahenkar or they could be taken as 5 horses- Which could mean our 5 senses. We have the finest of the faculties, but the irony is that they work against us and not with us. We have only these to help us reach that which can only be understood.

To understand the self one needs;

- To sublimate and not suppress. 

- To be persistent and aware. 

- To be Dedicated, determine and disciplined.

Just by repeatedly hitting a hard mountain, the wave is able to carve its impression on it.

Just by constantly listening to Hari Katha, Hari Kripa happens.

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Story

Brahmaji finally was successful in his attempt on making a tangible creation. He created the Swambhu Manu and Shatarupa by splitting his most pure self into two halves. They lived on the most beautiful mother earth and their capital was know as Barhismati. He had 3 divine daughter and 2 sons. These daughters were Prasuti, Akruti and Devhuti and the Sons were Uttanpanda and Priyavrata. The Daughters started going up and one day Narad Muni came, and told them about all the delightful rishis. Devhuti, totally got mesmerised by the description of Kardama Rishi and took him to be her husband. When Manu found out about this he told Devhuti, that they will go to meet the sage soon. 

In the mean time as per Brahmaji’s Instruction Kardama Rishi decided to go into intense ‘Tapa’ as he said if i am to become a Grihasta, let Narayan be my son. In the course of his Tapa, the divine gave him darshan, he came on his vahana, Garuda, from his wings come out the Sama veda. He asked him if what was the intent of this divine yagna. Kardama Rishi said, today my Lord you have come here and if I ask so I know you will give me Moksha. However, I can’t and I have to ask for the greater good of the world. Please dear Lord may you only be born to me as my Son. 

The Lord said, so be it and told him that in 2 days Manu and Shatrupa will come with their daughter Devhuti, who is divine, accept her to be your better half on this journey. You and her are an ideal pair who is rare. Kardama Rishi agreed and went back into his sadhana.

Now, soon Manu came and as told Devhuti got married to Kardama. Her father wept, and the agony of separation from his daughter was tearing him apart. However, he gathered himself and returned to his capital, which was free from the three fold agony. The time for his reign that is 71.5 cycles of the 4 yugas was coming to an end. He considered his mission in life achieved as inspite of being in the midst of worldly pressures and material glories, he never got attracted towards them and spend his life in the bliss of self adoring the Lord within.

Kardama Muni went back into his Tapa and Devhuti served him selflessly. Forgetting her own body, she devoted the most precious years of her life in the service of her husband. After years of samadhi, when he came to the world again, he saw his wife wasted but still selflessly serving him. My ’Tapa’ will equally elevate you. How can I serve you now he asked.

She wanted to enjoy the bliss of married life. He said so be it. He created by his yogic power the most magnificent of floating ships, it was like a planet with various rivers and lakes and lavish palaces and hundreds of apsaras to attend to Devhuti’s every need. A dip in one of the rivers made them both young and vibrant again. She was adored with the finest of jewels and cloths.

They spend hundreds of years, which were but an hour for Kardam Rishi enjoying the worldly bliss. The went into deep Tapa together, and were blessed with 9 Divine daughter and when the time was right Brahamaji and Narada muni found them the match of their choice. 

1. Kala wed Marichi

2. Ansuya wed Atri

3. Shradda wed Angira

4. Havibhu wed Pulastiya

5. Gati wed Pulaha 

6. Kriya wed Kartu

7. Khayati wed Bhrigu

8. Arundhati wed Vasistha

9. Shanti Wed Atharva

When the daughters left, Kardama Muni was also wanting to depart and he said that he had a distaste for worldly pleasure. But, Devhuti, reminded that they still had not gotten Narayana as their Son, and he promised to be with with her till then. Moreover, she felt that she never knew his yogic power and felt silly to have asked for mere sensuous pleasures. 

When this distaste for pleasure came, she was finally ready to gain glory of becoming the mother of that divine. They bother did intense Tapa and were blessed with Kapiladev, who was no other then the divine one. Kardama Rishi did his parikrama and said you are the that nirakar who has taken the sakar form for the benefit of the world. He told him to take care and enlighten his mother.

Saying this Kardama went on his journey towards self realisations. He gave up even the agnihotri and wandered, giving up all, he became established in the Self. Over here Devhuti lovingly took care of her son.

——————————

Points to Ponder

Grihasta Jaago 

The householder needs to awaken and take charge of their responsibility, as you have all the power. The material power and the power to give the world Human Being as children, and not Human beasts

The Grihasta Ashram is not less that the Sanyas Ashram - They are equally capable of achieving enlightement. If at all the path is more difficult for a Grihasta, as he is time and again faced with the worldly challenges. 

However, if Sanyasi is the ocean, the Grihasta is drop of water and if sanyasi is the blazing sun, the Grihasta is a candle. To this I totally disagree. All our great rishis were Grihastas, the only difference is they were not deluded like we are today.

Brahmacharya

The importance people used to pay to brahmacharya. The seed of those who lack self control and austerities is weakened, resulting in the birth of a weak person.

Devhuti 

She teaches us that when it is possible to worship Lord in a statue made by man, why can’t we see and worship the Lord in the Man, who is made by the Lord. Unselfish service always bring benefits like control over sense organs, a purified mind, and merits equal to that of great ascetic. 

Divinity in the Married life

Don’t forget the decorum of the married life. Become human being and shun being human beasts.

When each sees each other as divine and worships each other. There is pure selfless love and the aura of the house is like a temple. Then it does not matter how much material possession one has or how poor one is. Togetherness is all that matters. 

Diti vs Devhuti - Conception and Pregnancy 

According to the Vedas, the consciousness of the parents at the time of conception determines the quality of the child.In that sense it is interesting to contrast Diti’s union with Kashyapa with Devahuti’s union with Kardama. Both women served their husbands but Diti was impurely motivated by her desire.

On the contrary, Kardama Muni’s response to her was definitive, that she must engage in devotional service with austerity and sense control, following all religious principles and performance of charity. Devahuti being faithful and respectful to the instructions of her husband worshipped the Supreme Lord. And after many many years of such worship their union resulted in her having Kapia muni as her son.

Srila Prabhupada states, “By bodily union of the husband and wife their qualities are expanded: children born of good parents are expansions of the parents’ personal qualifications. The mental situation at the time of sex life may then be transferred into the womb of the wife, and good children can come out of that pregnancy.”

Children become not as an accident of passion or a product of family planning but as an aspect of the same nature in which the parents are already immersed. These stories of these great personailities are there for a reason in Srimad Bhagavatam.

Desire for knowledge

Devhuti even after having all that even the gods could dream of did not find joy. She felt that inspite of being in the company of such a great sage, she was still inclined towards material thing and suddenly felt averse from them. The beauty of good company. 

Husband and wife are life long companions. Both have a tremendous influence on each other. Let this influence be blissful. Many a times a devote spouse is rendered totally atheist, just by the influence of his/her spouse. At the same time many atheist are turned towards God by their better half.

The spiritual journey of a Grihasta - It is never and independent journey for a married couple - The Nara and Nari have to be aligned. It is indeed a rare combination. If by your effort this alignment has happened, don’t miss the opportunity for realising the Self. 

This Human birth is rare, are rarer it is to find a companion on the spiritual path. If you have both, what are you waiting for.

Nirakar or Sakar - The beauty of Sanatan Dharma

The beauty of Sanatan Dharma is in its lucidity. If you are a Nirakar Upasak, that is divine and if you are a Sakar Upasak that is equally divine, and if you are not an upasak, you have another way, that is also welcomed.

‘Jitne log utne raste, 

uus saach tak pahuchne ke.’

If there are 7 billion people, there can be 7 billion philosophies and no one would challenge it. That is why from this umbrella came so many religions - each accepted and applaud by ‘Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran’ as founded by someone worth worshiping. 

Kardama muni, was heading to find the Nirakar, but acknowledge the Sakar. 

People debate wether the atman is Nirakar or Sakar. Some are convinced that it is Nirakar and some are sure he is Sakar. It is however the same, that comes and take the sakar form and that is the same which resided in the depth of our heart in the Nirakar form. 

‘Nirakar sakar hogaye bhakto ke angan mai,

Nirakar Sakar hågade bhakto ke angan mai.’

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Shri Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Sixteenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 1 to 20 (Tying the loose ends)

—————————

In life we are always faced with two elements, ‘Controllable’ and ‘Uncontrollable’. Instead of freighting over what we have no control on, work on what we have control over and see the magic unfold.

————————

Point 1

Don’t Lose focus - Chapter 3 is to understand Sarga. 

Every book in ’Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran’ has been written to explain a point and bring us to Asreya. 

Sarga - How was this world created?

Visarga - How were the different species made, when all the creatures are formed out of the same tatva?

Till -

Asreya - What is the nature of that, which upholds all else.

Now,

It contains 33 chapters and points at the Lord through creation. ‘The changing balance of the three gunas, within the light of the Brahman, cause all the variety seen in this world.

The first nineteenth chapters describe the Asura Visarga and the remaining fourteen chapters describe the Daiva sarga.

Point 2

All is one - No question of Inequality - Drop the mundane struggle of addressing disparity where there is none. Use these scriptures to understand the true culture and the Higher Self.

There is NO:

- Child marriage concept 

- Women inequality 

- Wife as an inferior element

- One is higher than the other 

  - Be it Sage or God

  - Servant or master

- Difference between Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh 

- Taboos: What we shy off in talking about today are covered in the scriptures as normal. But, with an insight into the decorum

- Demons: Even the so called evil, followed rules.

Point 3

Human the Supreme Being and the first tangible creation.

Brahma after repeated round of Intense Tapa and Effort. After removing one layer after an other of various tendencies. Created the Human Being from his purest self and equipped him with the purest of tendencies, for the benefit of the entire creation.

Point 4

What is that which is in all? What is that which is changeless? What Is that which is all? What is that beyond the name and form?

What is that?

When we look at the creation happening, we realise that there is something that permeates all. 

Story 1: 

Sati’s doubts Ramji as the supreme self and goes to test him. He not only recognises her, who is in the guise of Sita. But also, gives her a divine vision. 

She saw multitudes of universes, and each separate vision of Ram was attended by a host of gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, various species and animated and in animate creation. 

But, while all that adored the Lord appeared in various garbs, the garbs of Ram, Sita and Laxman did not vary.

Story 2: 

Kaagbhasundi had a doubt on Sri Ram, when he saw him crying like a ordinary baby. This was at the time when he would go and spend time with Ram when it was time for Ram Leela.

When this doubt entered he began to fly away but was chased by this crying baby, with his hand stretched out to catch him across universes. Not only this, when Kagabhasundi gave up and feel down. He was taken in by this Small Rama and resided in him for 100 of years going from one universe to the other in his body. 

He says, ‘ Everything is saw had a distinctive stamp of it own. But, in my round of the innumerable universes, I saw no other Ram.’

Point 5

What is this Ram they are talking about?

Tat Tvam Asi means You Are That

Ahaṁ Brahmāsmī means I am Brahman

Story 1: Princess of Kashi (Link Shared)

Story 2: Raja Janak (Link Shared)

‘Na yeh Saach, Na woh Saach, bus tu hi saach.’

Point 5 

Varaha Avatar is the form that is made up of scarifies which can not be perceived by sinful. He is all the sacrificial act, the sacrificial material and the result of the sacrifices also. 

He is the outcome of that Yagna which is smokeless. Where the eyes water because of the love for God. Where there is not smoke as there is no pain because of sacrifice, but only a joyful bliss. 

Where there is the realisation that by forgoing the pot, I have lost nothing as I have secured the Clay. 

‘Who else but you O Lord could venture to lift up the earth, that had sunk into the lowest depth of water.’

Just like by fixing our mind on you can we remove the Avidhya that our true self has been surrounded by.

Point 7 

In Ramayan Uttarkand, we saw how Garuda got deluded and he flew to Shivji, who is all pervading to seek help in getting rid of ignorance. To which Shivji replied and this guidance applies to all of us.

‘Garuda you have met me on the way, how then shall I instruct you? Doubts are wholly resolved only when one enjoys the fellowship of saints for a long time and listens to the delightful stories of Shri Hari, that have been sung by sages in diverse ways and the sole theme of which in the being, in the middle and in the end is the Divine Lord

I shall accordingly send you to a place where the story of Shri Hari is recited everyday; you go there and listen. 

As you hear it all your doubts will vanish and you will develop intense love for the Lord. 

Except in the company of saints there is not talk of Shri Hari, and one can not be rid of error except through such talk. And till ones error is dispersed, one can not have deep rooted affection for the Lord.

Jai Shri Ram 🙏

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Fourteenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 10 to 13 (Continued)

—————————————

Swami Mukundnandaji had a very lovely story to tell. He said one day there were two mice, sitting and talking to each other, when they heard a cat meow. One of the mice got so scared and said;

Mice one - Lets run away, run for your life.

Mice two - Don’t worry stay put, I know a foreign language.

Mice one - What ??

Mice Two - Bhaw Bhaw Bhaw Bhaw

Hearing this, it was not the mice, but the cat which ran for its life. The mice had a great laugh.

Moral of the story is knowing a foreign language is very essential. The moral of the story is - Don’t Run Away.

In the spiritual path also there are 4 major types of languages, which are used to understand ’That’

- Vaikhari Vani (Expressing in words)

- Madhyama Vani (Words use in our mind in the process of thinking)

- Pasyanti Vani (Thought in the form of flashes and not words)

- Para Vani (Beyond any form of words and thoughts - you just know it, feel it and understand it)

We all makes attempt to understand and explain in the various ways, but The Eternal can be understood only in Para Vani. All the others are mere attempts to ignite the spark. Beyond the words, you reach the Sat Chit Anand. 

Hence, the knowledge of scriptures is passed and gathered with the help of ‘Para Vani’ due to which, the element of distortion in eliminated and what reached is pure unadulterated ‘Gyan’.

The knowledge of our scriptures and that ‘Divine’ is ‘Dynamic’ and not statics. You walk in faith and then you have an experience, with the experience your faith increases and with the increased faith you have deeper experiences, and the understanding becomes better, with this your faith becomes stronger. It goes on.

In others words, you start walking with Bhakti and you get Gyan (true Knowledge), with more Gyan, your Bhakti increases and with increased bhakti more Gyan comes. 

This a point in time when Bhakti and Gyan merge.

In our scriptures we will see that many topics are repeated again and again after a certain duration. Cause every time on the journey our understanding will become clear and deeper. 

The same scripture when picked up again, after a period of Sadhana will reveal more hidden messages. 

So the key is to Keep Walking in Faith.

—————————————

‘All Creations of God stretch Infinitely,

All Times, Past, Present and Future,

Worlds imagined and unimagined..

Everything that Can be,

Everything that Cannot be, 

All exist somewhere..

Beyond this world are myriad worlds,

And beyond all worlds,

Is the One that is Eternal..’

——————————————

‘EVERYTIME the Lord exhales, a Universe emerges from EACH of his body pores and with EACH of His inhalations, ALL these Universes merge BACK into His body! The multiple universes generated are floating, and they are scattered all over the Karana Ocean (Causal Ocean).

If ever there is a Grand description of God in World literature, it has to be this one! How infinitesimal and tiny our entire existence appears to be if we humbly give thought to this notion. Our entire lifetimes are nothing, not even a fraction of a second for Lord Maha Vishnu!’

This magnificent act as we see it, is nothing but a mere shadow, in the flood of the divine light.’

——————————————

Points to Ponder

Questions: 

1. How many oceans are there?

2. How many types of Vishnu?

3. Which Vishnu did Brahma of the universe come out from?

4. How Big is our universe?

Answers:

Note: 

Pls refer to the pictures Galaxy and One universe

- There are three types of ocean as we understand it so far - The Karana (causal) Ocean, the Garbhodak Ocean and the Ksirsagar.

- Garbhodakaśāyī Vishnu is an expansion of Maha Vishnu. There are three types of Vishnu: Maha Vishnu, Garbhodakaśāyī Vishnu and Ksirodakasayi Vishnu. Each form has a different role in the maintenance of the Universe and its inhabitants.For material creation, Lord plenary expansion assumes three Vishnus. 

  - The first, Maha Vishnu, creates the total material energy, known as the mahat-tattva. 

  - The second, Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, enters into all the universe to create diversities.

  - The third Ksirodakasayi Vishnu is diffused as the all-pervading super soul in all the universes; in the heart of every living being, is known as Paramātmā. He is present even within the atoms.

- From the Naval of Garbhodakasayi Vishnu came out the Lotus and on it Brahmaji. The stem went upto to the Satyaloka - the Abode of Brahmaji in the universe.

- Our universe is five million Yojans or 40 million miles in diameter. It has 7 sheaths covering it ether, air, fire, water, earth, cosmic intelligence and false ego. Each layer is 10 times larger than the previous one. We have 5 mandals, 7 upper lokas and 7 lower lokas and 3 trilokies. 

Questions: 

1. Is time - Cyclic or Linear?

2. How many Manus and Manvantars?

3. What is the life cycle of Brahma?

4. What is the duration of the Kalp?

Answer:

Note: 

Pls find the detailed answer attached in the sheet - ‘Lets Journey from Pranamu to life duration of Brahma’. Pls also refer to the chart ‘Life of Brahma’ 

The current Kalp is called the Swetha varaha Kalpa. 

Question : 

What is Pralaya and types of Parlay?

Answer:

‘Pralaya, in Hindu cosmology, is an aeonic term for Dissolution, which specifies different periods of time during which non activity situation persists, as per different formats or contexts. The word Mahapralaya stands for Great Dissolution. During each pralaya, the lower ten realms (loka) are destroyed, while the higher four realms, including Satya-loka, Tapa-loka, Jana-loka, and Mahar-loka are preserved. During each Mahapralaya, all 14 realms are destroyed.

In the Samkhya philosophy, one of the six schools of classical Indian philosophy, Pralaya means "non-existence, a state of matter achieved when the three gunas (principles of matter) are in perfect balance. The word pra-laya comes from sanskrit meaning 'dissolution' or by extension 'reabsorption, destruction, annihilation or death'.

According to Vishnu Purana and Agni Purana, there are 4 different types of pralay:

- Praakritik Pralaya

- Naimittik Pralaya

- Atyantik Pralaya

- Nitya Pralaya.

Praakritik Pralaya, which is of 311,040,000,000,000 solar years duration, occurs after the completion of life of Brahma (i.e. 100 Brahma years = 311 trillion and 40 billion earth years = one day of Vishnu = 1 Parama). After the completion of one Brahma life cycle, the complete dissolution of all the entities (i.e. the Pancha Mahabhutha or Universe) takes place in the eternity (God). Praakritik Pralaya is the time for which Vishnu sleeps. The next morning, he again gives birth to a new Lord Brahma and asks him to create new worldly entities. Noticeably, Praakritik Pralaya and the Life of Brahma are of equal duration.

Note here: 

Some times it is put as one inhalation and one exhalation. 

Naimittika Pralaya, which is of 4,320,000,000 earth years, occurs just after the end of a Kalpa. Also, known as the Night of Brahma, it signifies the end of living world. In Bhagvata Purana, sage Shukdeva told king Parikshit that if Lord Brahma is supposed to be a child (for example), then in a similar way as a child plays with his toys i.e. making various structures from his toys during day and breaking or dismantling them before he goes to sleep at night; Brahma makes the living world during his day (i.e. alpa) and destroys it before going to sleep during night (i.e. Naimittika Pralaya). A new living world is created by Brahma, when he wakes up the next day and so on the cycle continues till Praakritik Pralaya. Again, Naimittika Pralaya and Kalpa are of equal duration.

Note here:

It is the fire from Shankarasna located in the Gharbodhak Ocean. That destroys the first 10 Lokas. At this point in time, due to the heat, Rishis residing in the Mahar Loka move up to the upper lokas.

Atyantik Pralaya, also termed as Moksha, is the final deliverance or the attainment of salvation by a jivan (soul) and after that the jivan is never again in the clutches of karma; nor bounded by the tight ropes of Samsara. It is therefore a variable time span conditioned or determined by the practise of the different kind of Yogas or Prapatti. It is the final immersion of a soul (i.e. atma), thereby completely eliminating its individualism into the eternal almighty (i.e. Paramatma).

Nitya Pralaya, is the sleep or by an extension thereof, Death.’

Questions:

1. Is Brahma a designation? Are there more Brahmas?

2. Why Sages like Sanat Kumar are considered created by Prakriti and Vikriti, when they came after Brahma and from him?Why only 3 Lokas were created, we have 14 Lokas or Why only the lower 10 were destroyed and the upper 4 remained?

3. When the creation is yet to begin, how is Hiranyaksha still there?

4. Where did the earth sink?

Answer: 

Note:

Pls refer to the Pictures - Maha vishnu and One Universe.

- Brahma is a designation. After his life duration that is of 100 Brahma years. He dies and after Maha Pralay a new Brahma takes his place. There are various Brahmand and each has his own Brahma. Now, our Brahmand is said to be one of the smaller one.

- It is worth nothing here that the life duration of these Sages, is equivalent to the life duration of Brahmaji. Hence, they remain even when the partial parlay (Naimitika Pralay) takes place, after every day of Brahma when he sleeps. These sages are born enlightened and do not need any Guru. 

- From the Loka perspective lets take an example. Our body can also be considered a replica of the universe. Each part of the body has a different cycle, destruction and creation, but some are not destroyed till we live.

  - For example, neurons are amitotic, or they do not undergo the process of cell division. They are in your body throughout your entire life, and you do not get new neurons once they die. Muscle cells also do not divide.

- ‘The answers given in the Purana’s is worth listening to. Hirayaksha and Hiranyakashipu were not born in that Kalpa. They were creatures of the Padma Kalpa. In which the age ends with everyday of Brahma’s life. Destruction is not total in the end of those ages. During the partial pralay. They consider themselves as monarch of the water. Hence, when the Lord Varaha went to rise up the Earth, Hiranyaksha blocked his path, claiming that earth belonged to him.’ Hence, this kalpa is also knows as the Varaha Kalpa.

- The earth sank in the Garbodhaka Ocean, which is in the bottom of the Universe. In which the Garbodhaksahe Vishnu reside.

Questions

1. Where did Rudra come from?

2. What does the name Rudra signify?

3. What is meant by the 11 Rudra?

4. What is meant by the location of his abode stay?

5. What was Rudra actually destroying?

Answer:

- Rudra came from Brahmaji’s ‘Effort to control his anger’ and not from Brahmaji’s Anger. It is very essential to note. We often say he came from anger which is not so. Hence, as he came from the effort to destroy anger, or we can say vices, that is what he helps us do.

- Rudra is the one who cries - To me, he cries to see the plight of the people trapped in Maya and also cries in the ecstasy for his love for God.

- Lord Shiva is made up of 11 Rudra. Even in Ramayan he tells Parvati the secret of his 11 Rudra and from 1 of it he makes Hanumanji and with the rest 10 he remains with Parvatiji. 

- When we actually look at the places located to him to stay(The heart, the senses, the air of life, the sky, the air, the fire, the water, the earth, the sun, the moon and austerity), we realise that he is all pervasive in the universe. He is present from the outer layer( which is made up of ether, air, fire, water, earth, cosmic intelligence and false ego) to every element.

- Now the creation is not free from the various form of vices, it is inflicted by maya. He is the destroyer of all the negativity which is imbibed in the creation. So he and his progeny start to destroy the same. It is worth nothing that even Satyaloka is nor free from the strands of vices it seems. 

- Another way to look at it could be that till there is any form of Guna, be it Satya, Rajas or Tamas. The work is not complete. The designation is beyond.

Jai Shri Krishan 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Thirteenth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 10 to 13 

————————————

Story - Details of Appearance(creation) Included

To Brahmaji the truth finally revealed itself and now Brahmaji was ready to carry out the task. The ocean and the wind that was scaring him before, now did not bother him, he drank it all. He looked around and saw the lotus he was sitting on and divided it into three parts, and the three Lokas. 

- Bhuh Loka 

- Bhuvar Loka

- Suvah Loka 

He sat down again in ‘Tapa’. This time Prakrti(God) come forth to help in the 10 fold creation. Parkrti made the first 6 and following 3 were made by Bhrama(vikriti)

- Prakriti

  - Mahat Tattva

  - Aham 

  - Subtle elements

  - Indriyas

  - Deities presiding over the Indriyas

- Vikriti

  - Plants and trees 

  - Animals

  - Human

- Prakriti + Vikriti

  - Sages like sanat Kumar

With the above in place, conceptually and in the subtle form. Lord Brahma first created the five forms of agyaan (ignorance) :

- Tamas – absence of knowledge about one’s own self

- Moha - Self identification with the body

- Maha–moha – Craving of enjoyment

- Tamisra – Anger

- Andhatamisra – Looking upon death as ones own end

Seeing such a misleading creation as sinful, Brahma did not feel much pleasure in his activity, and therefore he purified himself by further meditation. Then he began another term of creation.

This resulted in the creation of the four Kumaras – Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatana and Sanat-kumara, who refrained from all worldly activities and were Urdhavaretas. Brahmaji urged to help in creation. But, when these four refused to generate progeny, anger (krodh) was generated in the mind of Brahma.

Although he tried to curb his anger, out of his anger from between his eyebrows instantly a child who was red and blue was born.

The child cried loudly to his ‘father’ and requested him to designate him a name and a place.

“As you were crying out aloud the moment you were born, people will address you with the name Rudra”, Brahma pacified the child by first giving him a name.

The heart, the senses, the air of life, the sky, the air, the fire, the water, the earth, the sun, the moon and austerity are places for your residence.

Manyu, Manu, Mahinasa, Mahan, Siva, Ṛtadhvaja, Ugrareta, Bhava, Kala, Vamadeva and Dhrtavrata are your 11 other names

Dhi, Dhrti, Rasala, Uma, Niyut, Sarpi, Ila, Ambika, Iravati, Svadha and Diksa are your eleven wives (the Rudranis).

You are the master of the living beings. Accept these different names and places and the wives belonging to them and increase the population on a large scale Brahma asked Rudra.

Rudra generated unlimited sons and grandsons. All of them assembled together and attempted to devour the entire universe. When Brahma saw this he became afraid of the situation and requested Rudra to stop generating living entities of this destructive nature.

He advised his son Rudra to undergo penance which would result in creation of the universe as it was before.

Rudra took leave from his father and started performing austere penances.

Thus, this attempt also failed to yield the desired result. Hence, ones again Brahma went on with his ‘Tapa’. Now again he tried to have a tangible creation. He created and from various parts of his body came out;

- 10 Rishis 

- Dharma in the form of Nara and Narayan - Right breast

- Adharma - Back

- Kama - Heart

- Anger - Brow

- Greed - Lower Lip

- Vak - Mouth

- Kardamma - Shadow 

So on went the creation, till he got infatuated with Vak. He got attracted and attached to his on creation. This unrighteous act was appalled by the 10 Rishis. They said neither has it been done by any Brahma before or shall be done by any Brahma after. When rebuked like this he realised his mistake and dropped his body. The four quarters picked up the body with continued in the form of fog and darkness.

Now, with his pure subtle self, he went on with the work of creation and from his four faces came; 

- The four Veda and their further subdivisions 

- The fifth Veda, the Itihasa and Puranas

- The four types of priest 

- The four pillars of virtue

- The four types of Ashrama 

- The four types of Brahmanas

- The four types of Vanaprashta

- The four types of Samyasi

- The four branches of knowledge 

- The various meters 

- The gayatri

- The Pranava - A, U and M and AUM combined

This mesmerising creation, coming out of all his four heads, filled the space, but yet, Brahma’s task at hand was not accomplished.

So, he again went into deep Tapa, with which he manifested a pure body for himself and further divided the body into two. One half became Manu and the other Shatrupa. Now, they are ready to obey, but need earth to live on. 

Brahmaji again wonders if this attempt will also fail. He ponders on how to bring the earth out of the deep ocean in which it has been engulfed. While this thought is going on in his mind, out comes a small ‘Boar’ from his nose and multiplies in sizes. He becomes humongous and takes a leap into the ocean, battled Hiranyaksha and kills him and brings the earth back up. 

God in the form of a ‘Boar’ supports and makes possible the act of creation by re- establishing the earth. Amidst the praises and applauses this Boar - which is the Varaha Avatar disappears.

Questions - Food for Thought

Part 1

1. When all was created by Brahma, there is good and bad alike, why is it that humans are more inclined towards ignorance?

2. What is meant by Penance? Is giving up something in order to gain a favourable situation known as penance?

3. What is anger? What kind of anger is right? Is internal anger which is not expressed but kept inside considered anger?

4. Procreation - Bringing a child into this world. What decorum needs to be followed?

5. If Manu and Shatarupa came from the same Brahma, more on the same?

6. Do we also get fully absorbed by our own creation? Full of ourself?

7. What is subtle importance of Varaha Avatar?

Part 2

1. Why only 3 Lokas were created, we have 14 Lokas?

2. Why Sages like Sanat Kumar are considered created by Prakriti and Vikriti, when they came after Brahma and from him?

3. Is Brahma a designation? Are there more Brahmas?

4. In the four pillars of Virtue, why has the word Vidhya been used as a synonym for purity?

5. Is there a significance behind the four face of Brahma and the pair of four for everything?

6. When the creation is yet to begin, how is Hiranyaksha still there?

7. Where did the earth sink?

8. Is time - Cyclic or Linear?

9. What are the types of Pralaya?

10. How many Manus and Manvantars?

11. What is the life cycle of Brahma?

12. What is the duration of the Kalp?

‘Knowledge is having the right answers. Intelligence is asking the right questions.’

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Thirteenth Session .. Continuted 

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 10 to 13 

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Sub-Stories 

It is essential to be in a receptive state of mind when we start reading books and hearing stories about God. We have to to keep walking in faith. We have to walk with Shradha, Vishvas and the willingness to let ‘God’ in.

Story One - Importance of Shradha and Vishvas

One day Narad Muni went out on his routine tour around earth. 

There he saw a Sage submerged in water, he went up to the Sage and did Naman. The sage was very happy to see Narad Muni and he requested Narad Muni to ask God when he would come to meet the Sage. He also added that he was sure that God would come soon. 

Next, Narad Muni saw a cobbler, who jumped up at the sight of Narad muni and did Naman. He was so overwhelmed to Narad Muni. Narad muni stopped, to talk and while taking asked do you have any question for God. The cobbler said, What do I know to ask? But, as you insist, Would I ever be able to meet God? 

Narad Muni went up to God and narrated both the episodes. 

- God said, Tell the sage, another 100 births before he can even think of meeting me. 

- God Said, Tell the cobbler I can’t wait to meet him too, will be coming soon.

Narad Muni was baffled he said, the Sage has been doing so much to please you and the cobbler here does not even have time to pray. 

God said, You will know, when you tell each of what i was doing when asked. Tell them, I was passing an elephant through the needle head. 

The puzzled Narad muni, did as was told. He went to the sage and the cobbler and on being asked what God was doing he told them about the needle and the elephant.

The Sage Said, Impossible, how can he pass an elephant through the needle head. It can not be. I feel you did not even meet God and who know if you are Narad Muni or not.

The cobbler said, Oh, look at the greatness o God, only he can do these majestic things. 

Narad Muni was amazed and for a moment felt this man was silly. He asked, ‘You believe what I am saying?’

The cobbler said, 

‘Yes I totally do believe. God can do anything. Look at this ‘Date Seed’ and look at this big Date tree. If God an put this big date tree in this tiny little seed. If God can put this numerous date trees in this one seed. Why can’t he put a elephant though a needle head. 

God can do anything, it is we who are unable to comprehend his doing with our limited ability to understand his magnificence. Not for a moment do I doubt what you said Narad Muni.’

Narrad Muni, had tears gushing out, and he hugged him telling him that God will be coming very soon to meet him.

Story Two - The willingness to let ‘God’ in

We all know about King Dhruv. It so goes that after the end of his reign, God come down to take him to Vaikunth Dham. 

Now Dhruvji being Dhruvji, was alarmed and said, ‘I really want to go to Vaikunth Dham, but it would be so unfair to leave my citizens behind. I wish I could take all of them with me’. 

To which God said, Don’t bother so much, nobody anyways wants to come to me. Don’t worry, they would rather stay here then be with me’. 

But, Dhruvji felt how could that be possible, who would miss the opportunity be with the Lord. So, God agreed and allowed to him to take whoever was willing to.

Dhruvji was so happy and sent messenger all around the announcing what he felt was a joyous news. But, to his disappointment nobody came, everyone one had one reason or another to not accept this blissful, ones in a life time offer. Now, Dhurvji was alarmed and he extended the offer to go to Vaikunth Dham to animals. Again, no one was ready to, and finally a pig agreed to come with its family.

Dhruvji was so happy, that he could at least take someone to the blissful realm. But, on the way, the pig suddenly asked, ‘What will we get to eat in Vaikunth Dham? Will we get our food the Excrete? If not, I don’t want to go.’ and he turned back.

Dhruvji said, ‘I am talking you to that blissful realm and you are worried about Excreta.’

God saw Dhruv coming all alone and with a long face. God went up to him, hugged him and said come lets go. He further said,

‘I told you, no one will come, you did believe me. I am always waiting to run at being called even ones. But, no one remembers me, no one calls’. 

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Twelfth Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 5 to 9

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There was a Sage who had two sons, both were in the path and the Sage wanted them to go and Seek Bhraman - The divine bliss, and come back and share the knowledge with him. Now both went away and did not come back for years. 

After years of seeking, they came back to their father, the Sage, we have found what we left for, they said. The father asked his sons to share the knowledge. 

- The First Son, started talking and went on and on and on, and kept explaining. Till his father asked him to stop awhile.

- The second Son, when asked, remained silent. His silence was answer enough for the father.

This Bhraman, can not be explained in word, he is beyond it all. He can just be experienced and the same is difficult to express in the limited capacity of the words. 

But, that is the only medium we have as of now. So, we will continue with the help of words.

————————————

Story

We have currently reached a point where Vidhurji has finally met Maitreya Muni. It is a union of a true disciple and an able Guru, when there two meet, knowledge flows.

Vidhurji puts forth a lot of question, his endeavour to;

‘Know that blessed path by following which people succeed in propitiating the Lord, who in his turn settles in their heart, purified by devotion and bestows on them the most ancient wisdom, which brings with it realisation of the truth.’

Maitreya Muni, says all these will be answered in due course by the narration of the ‘Shrimahd Bhagavata Mahapurana’. He tells Vidhurji, how he heard the Bhagavata. Sankarasana told this grant to the SanatKumars, who further imparted it to Sankayana Muni, who told it to Parashara Muni, who further narrated it to Brhaspati. Who on being requested by Pulastaya Muni, gave it to Maitreya Muni

- Sankarasana - Sanatkumars - Sankayana Muni - Parashara Muni - Brhaspati - Maitreya Muni

He further goes on to tell Vidhurji that he is no other then ‘Yama’ the God of Dharma, who was born as Vidhur due to a curse. 

- The Story of Mandukya Muni: Some thief entered his house, and the solider thinking the he was involved took him and were about to punish him, by piercing him. The king came in time to stop this.

- But, the Sage question Yama, on justice. Yama told him that as a child, in his childish innocence he had pierced an ant. Hence, he was being punished for that act. Mandukya Muni, felt it was not just to punish for this act, done under childish influence. Hence, he cursed Yama to be born on Mrityu Loka.

Maitreya Muni start with the talks of ‘Appearance’ or most commonly used term is creation. He speaks of how all the tattvas come into existence, and all the devas preceding over them also came forth. But were unable to join together and create. Hence, on being requested, the divine bliss entered all of them and bound them together to start creation and manifested himself in various forms.

Vidhurji was alarmed and said why would the Lord do such a thing. Why would he bound himself and experience all the joys and sorrow of the world. To which Maitreya Muni answered, saying all is but an delusion. The free can never be bound. 

He further told, Vidhurji how Brahma came into existence and how he practiced ‘Tapa’ to know the truth of his existence. When Brahma finally experiences, his words become a melodies stuti and the dialogue that follow is as sweet as nectar. He seeks for the greater good of what he was going to manifest, and surrenders himself to the Lord. 

The Lord, says all they have to do is please me, and to please me, please all that is me.

Points to Ponder

Appearance not Creation

The world appearance is more appropriate then the word creation. There is no creation, That is, That was and that always will be there. 

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यते पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥

Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam Puurnnaat-Purnnam-Udacyate

Puurnnasya Puurnnam-Aadaaya Puurnnam-Eva-Avashissyate 

‘Meaning:

1: Om, That (Outer World) is Purna (Full with Divine Consciousness); This (Inner World) is also Purna (Full with Divine Consciousness); From Purna comes Purna (From the Fullness of Divine Consciousness the World is manifested) ,

2: Taking Purna from Purna, Purna Indeed Remains (Because Divine Consciousness is Non-Dual and Infinite).’

Creator not the Creation

The objective of the entire exercise to draw your attention towards the Light(Creator). If this mere shadow(creation) is so enticing, how divine would the ‘That’ Be

‘Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi echoes that the Srutis do not mean to set forth any theories of creation. He says that they mention such theories casually so that the enquirer may please himself if he be so inclined. According to him the truth is that the world appears as a passing shadow in a flood of light. Light is necessary to see the shadow also. But the shadow does not deserve any special notice or analysis.’

The Essential Element and Deities 

‘When they were unable to do their work of creating, because of there heterogeneity and lack of co-ordination, they prayed to Lord’

‘God assumed his divine potency and entered the 23 elements. He united them and evolved the cosmic body.’

Hence, the objective here is not to focus on the division, but to look at the oneness. It is not the many, but the search is for one in the seemingly many. 

How to Please God

‘I am the self of all embodied souls.’

‘My pleasure alone is the highest good to be attained by men through works of Public Utility, Charitable Gifts, Sacrificial performance and also penance, yoga and meditation.’

All the other prayer, going to the temple and offering to the Lord are for our own benefit. They are essential, but for us, to purify. Sadana is essential and has to be under taken again for us to purify.

But, 

When the Lord says, leave aside all and serve me. He further explains that serving all is nothing but his service. 

Seeing everything as him and in him, and offering selfless service and love, pleases the Divine a lot.

As house-holder we should be engaged in 5 kinds of sacrifices (duties). We have a great responsibilty as house holder towards the society.

1. Brahma Yajna- Sacrifice to the holy scriptures and realised souls

2. Deva yajna Sacrifice to God

3. Pitri Yajna- Sacrifice to parents and departed souls

4. Purusa Yajna- Sacrifice to people

5. Bhoota Yajna- Sacrifice to creatures

‘The object of these five daily duties prescribed is to remind them everyday that each individual is an integral part of the world around him, and his prosperity and progress depends on the welfare of others, including birds and animals.’

The knowledge of One = Removal of Agony and Ignorance

When the greater picture comes into place, all is but one and duality is removed. With it vanishes the three fold agony and the 5 Avidyas (With the light of right knowledge, the darkness of ignorance disappears)

Three Fold Agony

- Adyatmik (That having it’s origins in ones own body and mind)

- Adibhotik (That inflicted by other creatures)

- Adidevik (That having its source in natural calamities)

Five Avidyas

- Avidya (Fundamental Ignorance)

- Asmita (Egoism)

- Raga (Attraction)

- Dwesha (Aversion)

- Abhinevesha (Fear of Death) 

When the knowledge of one comes, all emotions of duality disappear. Just like we don’t hold a grudge against our finger for poking our eye. As we know that it was done unintentionally, with no intention of hurting the eye. 

We can imagine here a pendulum, which is moving from left to right and finally it stops, and gets established in the centre. That centre is where the division of the world as right or wrong stops and Just being is established. 

In this state, we have been able to not only conquer the Tamas and Rajas, but also have crossed the state of Sattva. That is using sattva to removed Rajas and Tamas we have also dropped it as its work is done. 

Just like one uses a needle(sattva) to remove the torn(Rajas and Tamas) and puts the needle away, when this work is done.

At this time Jiva (who is pure consciousness and bliss) gets free of of Maya(the cause of distraction) and Time(the cause of transformation).

Lords Said

Practice penance 

You will realise yourself as devoid of the 5 elements, the Indiryas, the Gunas and the inner senses, and identical with me your very self.

You will find the worlds revealed in your heart. Then full of devotion and concentrated in mind, you shall find me pervading yourself and the whole universe and shall see the world as well as the jivas resting in me.

The very moment a man finds me present in all being as fire in every piece of wood, he is rid of all infatuations.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Eleventh Session

Bhagavata Tritiya Skanda (Book Three)

Chapter 1 to 5

————————————

Shaunakji and Pariksit said;

Vidhur who was the foremost of the Lord’s devotees left his kith and kin, so difficult to part with and travelled on foot to all the sacred places on the earth’s surface.

Pariksit said;

Where did Vidhurji’s meeting with the worshipful Maitreya take place and when did he have a talk with him? Kindly, tell me all this, my Lord. Surely the question which the pure hearted Vidhur asked of the noblest sage Maitreya could not have been of small consequence.

Vidhurji asked Maitreya

People perform actions with the sake of happiness; but they neither attain happiness nor succeed in ending sorrow thereby. On the other hand, they undergo suffering again and again as a result of those acts. What is advisable under those circumstances?

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Story

Sutadev Goswami is answering question of Shaunka at Naimisharanya. He is telling them how Pariksit had asked the same set of questions, and what Sukhdevji Muni had said. Both Sukhdevji and Sutadevji go on to tell about Vidhurji who had asked the same questions to Maitreya muni, and what was the knowledge imparted in return.

Vidhurji the half brother of Pandu and Drithrashthra. He was Dharm personified. Not only this, he was one of the finest warriors, won’t be wrong to say that, had he fought for the Kaurava’s it would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible for the Pandavas to win.

It just so happened that, on seeing all the wrong being done by Duryodhan and Drithrasthra. He spoke up and even today the counsel given by Vidhur, is known as ‘Vidhurniti’. But, instead of being appreciated, he got rebuked, such pungent words were showered on him by Duryodhan in the presence of his brother and all the other members, that he decided to just leave all this. 

He got up, left his bow and arrow at the doorsteps of Drithrasthra’s palace, assuring him the he will not fight in favour of anyone, he went aways on a pilgrimage. 

After travelling, he came across Uddhavji at the bank of the ‘Yamuna’ river. When two devotees meet, they talk about God, and tears of love fall from the eyes. Virdhurji asked about the Krishna, his family and Yadavas. He was shocked to hear that the Lord had departed and Yadava clan wiped out. The Yadavas, never realised the divine nature of Krishna and hardly took any of his quality, they fought amongst themselves and perished. 

Vidhurji, could think of the time when, Krishna had rejected the hospitality and luxury offered by Duryodhana and had knocked on Vidhurji’s house telling him that he was hungry, had the simple food offered and lived in his simple house. 

Uddhavji went into a trance, all he could remember was Krishna. Then he started narrating the stories of Krishna, various Leelas, from the time he was a baby till the time he left. Uddhavji told him, how Krishna departed, at the bank of River Saraswati.

Krishna remembered Vidhurji, before leaving his mortal body. He also gave them (Maitreya muni and Uddhavji) the knowledge of Bhagavat, the same bhagavat which he had imparted to Brahma. He further instructed Uddhavji to go to Bhadrikashram where Nara and Narayana were doing a kalp long tapasya. He requested Maitreya Muni, to impart the Bhagavata to Vidhurji

Conveying this message, Uddhavji, left for Bhadrikashram, and Vidhurji on his search for Sage Maitreya. Vidhurji met the Sage in Haridwar at the bank of river Ganga. He did his naman and put forth many questions, the first being;

“People perform actions for the sake of happiness; but they neither attain happiness nor succeed in ending sorrow there by. On the other hand, they undergo suffering again and again as a result of those acts. What is advisable under those circumstances?”

Points to Ponder

Saral Vyakti ki Pehchan

A person who is down to earth, never knows his own humble nature. This one things ‘I am.. so good, so humble, so nice.’ The essence of being ‘Saral’ has not yet been accomplished, till ‘I am’ exits. The one who is, never realises that he is.

Depth of the questions

Pariksit is keen to know what Vidhurji asked. The depth of the person determines the depth of the questions. Here, we are talking about a devotee, who Krishna specifically remembered before leaving his mortal body. He knocked on his door, saying I am hungry, and I want to live in your house. 

For us to remember God, should be normal activity

But, for God to remember us, is it not beautiful

For us to miss God, should be normal emotion

But, just imagine the glory of the person whom God, himself keeps in his memory and heart. 

So, if Vidhurji, who is one of the greatest devotees, has to ask, he would certainly ask question for the greater good of the masses and deeper understanding of even the lowest common denomination. What he will ask, will have the capacity to enlighten not only the capable, but also the ones with dim witted.

Krishna - The Wave which realised he was the Ocean

When we here that Krishna saying he imparted the knowledge to Brahma, we can feel that he is the Supreme One. But, the one who has realised the Self, is not different from that. As we say;

- Tat Tvam Ashi

- Aham Brahmasmi

To understand the essence of Bhagavatam, we have to try and keep the concept of ‘One’ in mind. 

Krishna’s divinity unknown to the Yadava

To understand this, let us consider a Diamond, ‘Parakhi’ a person who knows how to assess the quality of the diamond will be able to identify the value. For the masses, to distinguish, a real diamond from an artificial one is difficult. 

In the same way, you have to know, to identify. It is only one Saint who is able to identify another. It is only the divine who can understand and appreciate divinity. 

The first Question - Happiness

There is a beautiful saying ‘Pani mai rain payasi’, where they are talking about the fish which is thirsty even when in water. Another example that comes here is the ‘Kasturi Mrig’, the Kasturi deer, which spends all his life running around looking for the Kasturi (the beautiful smell) which is in him. The Mrig is so much like us, seeking happiness outside, in the material world.

We need to ask ourselves;

- Does the world not exit in two halves, one which gives us happiness and we like and the other which does not and we dislike? 

- The one who pamper our ego give us happiness, and the other who hurt our ego give us sorrow. But, if it is the ego, which is hurt, why am I so worried? It is between them and the ego, and not me.

- Where is our Locus of control - External or Internal? Have we given others/things the key to our happiness?

- Where are we seeking happiness?

- What are we seeking happiness in?

- Is that which we seek happiness in permanent or temporary?

- Won’t temporary things give use only temporary happiness?

- Won’t things which are perishable only give us perishable happiness?

- Can one actually seek happiness outside?

- Is happiness not an inside thing?

Are we not all SatChitAnand Swaroop- If we are bliss, Anand, then why are we not looking for the self in our quest for happiness? 

If I am ‘That’, how do I know? 

How should one live, to be able to discover this real happiness.

————————————

There was ones an architect, and a fine one indeed. He worked for an amazing person. One day after years of service, the architect desired to retire and shared this with the Boss. The boss requested the architect to build one last house, and asked him to build it as the architect wished, he gave him no budgets or limits.

The architect unwilling took up the offer and half heartedly built the house. On completion he went to hand over the keys to the boss. The boss gave back the keys saying this house was for him.

The architect was surprised by this kind gesture, but felt terribly sorry at the same time. Had he known this house was for him, he would have done so much differently and whole heartedly .

Knowing that you are building a house today that you would have to live in later. 

What kind of a house would you build? 

What kind of a life would you live?

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Tenth Session - Part 1

Bhagavata Dwitiya Skanda (Book Two)

Chapter 4 to 10

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The four short stories which present the essence of ’Book Two’ in a nutshell.

Story 1:

There was ones a place, where there was a norm followed. The norm was, that a King would get to rule the Kingdom for only 21 years. After the time of his rule was over. He would have to depart to the jungle, empty handed and alone. 

The citizens would cry for they know that now there was a difficult life in store for this King. The king would also weep, knowing that hardships he was to face, for all he knew he would be eaten up by a wild animal.

Now, in the same Kingdom, came a very smart King. During his reign of 21 years, not only he ruled the kingdom, well, but he also ensured, he worked on the development of the Jungle. He made a jungle a safe, nice peaceful dwell, with all that was needed to survive, along with a nice house and well etc. 

When his time to leave the Kingdom came, the people cried, as not only were they losing a just ruler, but also worried about the hardships he would face. But, the King, left happy and at peace, sure to be safe and secure.

Story 2: 

In Ramayan, if you remember, when Jatayu was injured trying to save Sita Ma from Ravan. He fell down, as his wings were severed by Ravana. In this state, he kept his prana, waiting for Ramji, in order to tell him, what had happened. 

Now, when Ramji came, he said, “My dear Jatayu, I can help you. I will give you back your life and restore you, with my powers”

To this, Jatayu said, 

“No no, I don’t want even a single breath beyond this.

The wise people, spend all their life, working very hard, so that when their last breath comes, they are quickly able to connect to you, your thought and your name, and throw everything else away. It takes immense ‘Tapasya’, just for that name to comes to ones lips, when the soul is ready to depart, as entangled one is by your maya, in the worldly attachement.

But, look at how lucky I am, I have you right in front of my eyes, you are holding me. The purpose of my life, has been accomplished, what will I do with more breaths.”

Story 3:

There were two very close friends, but it just so happens that one of the friend suddenly stopped calling. The other friend got concerned. He went upto his house and knocked, but no one answered. He waited and wondered, and then saw and open window. So, he climbed into the house thought the window.

When he entered, he saw that his friend was lying unconscious and the house was in a mess, there was nothing to eat. He called the doctor, cleaned the friends nursed him back to health, cleaned the house and filled the grocery.

This other friend, was thankful and asked, “I never called you, yet you came, how?“

This man said, “The window was open, I got concerned about you and entered from there.”

Story 4:

Someone went to Brahma Loka, and he looked down and was very sad to see the suffering down below and felt he was selfish to seek his own salvation. So, 

He told the Lord, “Please grant me permission to live in everybody’s heart’. 

The Lord in astonishment said, “I am already there, what will you do?”

He said, “You my Lord, is only the witness of the joy and sorrow. I will not disturb your witnessing. What I will do is, I will just let all the sorrows come to me, and let the people experience only happiness.”

The Lord laughed with joy, when he heard such loving words of his devotee.

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“These four simple stories which answer the question of ‘How to die?’, and ‘How to live?’”

Story 1: This life is not the end, it is the means to the end. Don’t forget. 

Story 2: Work hard, so that you are able to bring yourself up to the level, where connecting to the Lord is easy, in any situation.

Story 3: It is hard, but keep listening to Hari Katha, do Hari Kirtan, Sing the praises of the Lord. Before you know through the window of your ear, he will enter your heart.

Sutaji has stated with absolute clarity that our ears are the only opening for the Lord to enter through. Just as all the water bodies become lucid when autumn comes, so too our hearts are cleaned as soon as the Lords enters.

Another way to think of this is, the pure person is one whose very memory is enough to purify the impure, to uplift the fallen, to bring forward those who lag behind and to raise them to greater heights.

Story 4: When ‘I’ and ‘mine’ vanish, and only one remains, then entire outlook changes. 

————————————

Ponder on this, this Week

‘bhajagovindam bhajagovindam

govindam bhaja moodhamathe

samprapte sannihite kaale

nahi nahi rakshati dukrinkarane

Seek or worship Govinda, seek Govinda, seek Govinda, o fool or ignoramus. when the death comes at the appointed time, grammar rules will not save or rescue you.

By repeating the words "bhaja govindam" thrice Jagatguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya is trying to bring home the point that human being has no other escape except immersing oneself in the thoughts of lord, and praying with utmost sincerity, reciting the divine names of the lord rather than getting engrossed in anxieties to possess wealth or acquire social status or achievements. Here the rules of grammar mean all the material knowledge and earthly acquisitions or possessions. The one who runs after materialistic gains is moodhamathi.

Any amount of knowledge cannot save the soul when death knocks at the door of this limited body. At that time, one has to leave behind one's material benefits and social status. These acquisitions will not help one gain the knowledge of the soul, which is permanent, when the impermanent body withers, it turns out to be a dead-wood. It does not mean that one should shun away the pursuit of living for knowledge, but, at the same time, one should understand its limited capacity, and one should seriously try to acquire that knowledge which alone can save a person from the slavery of imperfections. we should remember the truth that it is a manifested world and it is impermanent. Other than god or soul, everything else is temporary.’

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Tenth Session - Part 2

Bhagavata Dwitiya Skanda (Book Two)

Chapter 4 to 10

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Lets summarise what we have done so far in the first two book. 

The First Book is the Adhikari Skanda - Where the qualities of the speakers and listeners of ‘Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana’ have been described, Suta-Shaunak, Sukhdev-Parikshit, Narada-Vedavyasa.

The Second Book is also know as the ‘Sadhan Skanda’ - where it states that ‘Tapa’ is essential, Sadana is essential. Here, Sravanam has been given utmost importance. Now, what do we need for Sravan;

- We need to know Tattvagyan

- We need Yama - Niyama

- We need a Pure Heart

- We need to praise the Lord

- We need Manan

Shravanam is achieved only when we undertake manan with a heart which has been purified by meditating upon the essence of the Lord.

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That in which the description of the Lords devotees exceed the description of the Lord is called the ‘Bhagavata Purana’. the Lord has himself talked about the great qualities of his devotees, therefore Bhagavat is the, the Lord’s own description of the wonderful qualities of his devotees.

The thrust of the message of the Bhagavata is that creation is created by God, within himself and will dissolve in him. Whatever is created within something is sustained within it, and is not separate from it. Thus the creation we see is not separate from the God whose creation it is. It is his play, his Leela, his pleasure and his frolic.

The divine truth thought by the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran is that we should focus upon the Lord who abides in every heart, in everything and in every place. It is all him.

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The Second Skand or the second book can be divided as follows;

- Dhyana-Meditation

- Hriday Prasad - Gift of the heart which is ‘Ananda’

- Mind

  - Uttapati - Birth

  - Uppapati - Demonstration 

In the last, tenth chapter of the Second Skand, Shukdev Goswami tells Pariksit, that ’Shrimad bhagavata Mahapuran’, describes the Lord by raising 10 points.

1. Sarga - How was this world created?

2. Visarga -How were the different species made, when all the creatures are formed out of the same tattva and the same panchbhootas?

3. Stithi - How is the world upheld and where?

4. Poshana - Who provides the life sustaining water when the earth dries up?

5. Utis - Which are the different desires that arise in peoples mind?

6. Manvantars - How is time divided?

7. Isanukatha - What is the nature of Bhaktas?

8. Nirodha - How does one control the mind, to love the Lord?

9. Mukti - What is mukti?

10. Asraya - What is the nature of that, which upholds all else?

These are not 10 different topics, but the ultimate goal of all the nine is to make us understand the ‘Asraya Tattva’.

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Points to Ponder - About the nature of that, which upholds all else

1. Bewildered by maya, fools speak of the body as the self(I) of that belongs to it as mine. In reality there is no substance other than Lord neither the elements, nor karma, nor time, nor swabhava and nor the individual soul.

2. The sun, thought illumining and warming all with its rays, is yet distinct from all. The Lord from whom was evolved this universe, is entirely beyond the universe and its cosmic body. 

3. The universe rests on the support of the same Lord who thought essentially devoid of all attributes, assumes innumerable attributes at the dawn of creation.

4. There is nothing in this creation whether existing as a cause or effect which is other than the Lord.

5. Even as the sky knows not its limits, he too is unable to realise the extend of his own maya, how then can others know it?

6. Those who are given to contemplation realise him only when they have perfectly subdued their body, sense and mind. He is beyond the sophisticated reasoning.

He is beyond ….

Jai Shri Krisna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Ninth Session - Part 1

Bhagavata Dwitiya Skanda (Book Two)

Chapter 4 to 10

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By now we have realised in the Bhagawtam that when a question in asked, the speakers, says that the same question was asked by so and so. When he answers also, he says that this answer was given to the question asked by so and so. 

This serves very important purpose, Firstly it deflates the ego of the questioner, stating that this question has already been asked and at the same time keeps the ego of the person answering in check, as he knows that the knowledge that is being imparted is already there, and he is just re-stating it and not creating anything new.

Secondly, it also validates and gives credibility to the answer that is being given. In which, the questioner knows that it is an answer which is not personal to the speaker, but has been given by authorities in the subject, and enlightened souls. The same is being experience and shared. 

Below is a long list of question asked by Pariksit and Narad muni. Pariksit while asking these questions says, inspite of fasting I feel nourished by the nectar like stories and talks of Shri Hari. They are nourishing my very soul.

Questions 

Narada to Brahma

1. What is the wisdom that make me realise the truth of the spirit?

2. Kindly tell me in essence the truth about the universe, as to;

  - What its characteristics are

  - On what it is supported

  - By whom it has been created

  - Where it ultimately rests

  - By what power it is ruled 

  - What it essentially is

3. What is the source of your special knowledge and by who are you supported

Pariksit to Sukhdevji

1. How the Lord by his own Maya creates this universe?

2. How the all pervading Lord protects the universe and how again he destroys it?

3. Which of his innumerable power does the supreme person assume when he plays with his own self, transforming himself into so many playthings?

4. How does the Lord who is one without a second, assumes all at ones the three guna of prakriti in order to perform the various function and manifest himself in different forms?

5. When Brahma urged Narad muni to describe at length the virtues of the Lord, to what particular individuals did he discourse and in what manner?

6. Who are foremost among the knower of the vedas?

7. How am I to fix my mind which is free from all attachments, on the Lord, before casting off my body?

8. In what way does the Lord differ from the common man?

9. Where does the supreme person, who is the Lord of Maya and the indweller of all hearts, rest after throwing off his maya?

10. What is the length of the Mahakalpa and a vikalpas?

11. How is the passage of time (past present and future) to be known?

12. What is the allotted span of life of the creatures that have identified themselves with the physical body?

13. How can the subtle and the long movement of the time be perceived?

14. How many destines are to be reached through Karma and what are their characteristic?

15. What kind of jivas, resort to what kind of action, to gain what kind of fruits?

16. How does everything come into existance?

17. What are the dimensions of the egg shaped universe, within and without?

18. What are the characteristics of various yugas, the duration of each and the course of duties prescribed to each?

19. The stories of Shri Hari’s decent.

20. The stories of the exalted souls.

21. Distinctive characteristics of different Varnas and Ashrams.

22. What are the common duties enjoyed on men, what are the special duties and what are the duties depending on the trade?

23. What are the duties of Royal sages as well as the men in adverse circumstances?

24. The method of worshipping the supreme person.

25. What is the yoga taught by the sage patanjali (Astang Yoga)?

26. What are the power acquired by the masters of yoga and what is their destiny?

27. How does the Linga Sarira (Subtle body) of the yogis dissolve?

28. What are the distinctive character and the theme of the vedas and the subsidiary vedas, Dharma-sastra, the Itihasas and Puranas?

29. What is the purpose of performing vedic rites and works?

30. What is the unobjectionable method of pursuing the three objects of human aspirations (Dharma, Artha and Kama)?

31. How are the divas whose individuality ha been merged in prakrit during mahapralaya, invest with a body again?

32. What is meant by bondage and emancipation of a soul?

33. What is meant by soul realising its true character?

Raja Pariksit said, ‘If I have left anything or there is more to know please tell me that also’.

This list can be kept handy by the people who are seriously wanting to gain the knowledge from this Granth. This list can be added, as and when a question arises in your mind and marked as and when a question has been answered, which might not be immediate or direct. 

The process is going to be slow, as and when we progress in the Granth, we will keep getting the answers. At the same time we might negate some answers which we felt were correct initially, as the horizon of our Knowledge increases in the course of the journey.

It is essential to keep an open mind, without forming any rigid conclusions, one should walk on this path of the divine knowledge. 

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Ninth Session - Part 2

Bhagavata Dwitiya Skanda (Book Two)

Chapter 4 to 10

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Story

In the dawn of the Mahakalp, after the Mahapralay, Brahmaji is sitting, and wondering about what, where and how of his existance. Not knowing, what has just happened and what is to be done. At that time, immersed in only one thing, knowing the truth, he delve in the depth of his heart and there comes a sound which says ‘Tapa’. 

Not knowing who and what and why, he just walks forward in faith. He undertakes the hardest of Tapa, and not asking when it will end, he continues in Love and faith. When after 1000 years of Brahma’s life, the all divine Lord, reveals himself. 

He discloses the sacred truth and the deepest of secrets, that are hidden safely for the ones who truly deserve to know. He take Brahma to his beautiful world, the divine glory of the Lords world is just mesmerising and the secrets of this magnificent creation so enticing and serene. The Lords, shows him;

- His Virat Swaroop (Picture and write up attached)

- His kingdom where he sits in a royal seat between his 25 potencies. (Chart 2)

- His body taking a shape (Visualise here the the baby growing in a mother’s womb) He is in Nara (water) and hence called Narayana. Each part of his body - has tree elements (Chart 3)

- How he ever there hidden behind the layers of Koshas(Chart 4)

- How the creation takes place. This one cosmic being future becomes many. By the shear imbalance in the gunas by kala. (Chart 1)

- Further more, this Divine being reveals the ‘Chatusloki Bhagwatam’. All that is to know in just 4 Shlokas. 

This vision, leaves Brahmaji equipped with the work ahead and immuned to the disease of ‘doership’. He begins his work of creation by a sacred yagna, taking all that is needed to be offered, from the divine being. For, there is nothing other than him. All is him and in him.

Soon Narad muni, the mind born son of Brahma, asks;

- What is the wisdom that make me realise the truth of the spirit?

- Kindly tell me in essence the truth about the universe, as to;

  - What its characteristics are

  - On what it is supported

  - By whom it has been created

  - Where it ultimately rests

  - By what power it is ruled 

  - What it essentially is

- What is the source of your special knowledge and by who are you supported?

To which Brahmaji, again tell him all that he knows, and the four shlokas, which the Lord had presented. He further instructs Narad muni, to go and share this knowledge, expand it make it understandable. Narad muni went on to impart the same to Veda vyasa and Veda Vyasa expanded it and shared it with Sukhdevji, who narrated it to Pariksit. 

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Points to Ponder

Two Parts:

1. Chaturshloki Bhagawatam 

  1. Brahman

  2. Maya

  3. World

  4. How to reach Brahman

2. Tapa

  1. Yama 

  2. Niyama

Chaturshloki Bhagwatam (These 4 shlokas, for our understanding have been expanded into 18000) 

Brahman

I alone am, I alone was and I alone will be. 

Because, we insist that the creation is real, hence, we are using ’was and is will be’, in the actual sense the Lord is beyond the realm of time and devoid of attribute.

In the beginning Lord alone was, and he is devoid of all difference. Then creation came into place and it seemed at that Lord became many, but in reality there is nothing but him even then. Then again after the dissolution only he the unchangeable will remain. He is beyond the manifest and the unmaifesjt, beyond sat and asat, beyond all tangibility and intangibility

‘Ataman alone and nothing else.’

Maya

Maya is cause of which, what is real seems unreal, was unreal seems real. What is, is hidden and what is not is revealed. Just like the world is not real, but we see it and the Atman is the only reality, which is never seen.

Eg: A mere rope can be seen as a snake, when there is not enough light. But, when the light is turned on, the truth of the rope comes forth and the fear is eliminated.

Maya itself is not real, it is just a projection, yet it dominates. Does it not?

World

The world is nothing but him, him alone and only him. we have just given him another name - The World

Can we have

- Clay pot without clay

- Gold bangle with Gold

- Waves without the Ocean

The clay pot is nothing but clay, the bangle is nothing but gold and the wave is nothing but he ocean. 

The world is nothing but the Lord - Everything is in him, yet nothing is in him - It is all just an appearance.

‘The world is just a dream, let the vision cease. But, if you can not, just give love to all and service free.’

How to reach Brahman/Self

Delve deeper keeping the concept of ‘Presence and absence in mind’

Can there be

- The clay pot with out the clay

- The Gold bangle without the gold

- The waves without the ocean

There can be

- Clay without the clay pot

- Gold without the gold bangle 

- Ocean without the waves

‘Analysing like this we finally reach the atman, or self. This is where analysing is not possible because it is infinite, one without a second.’

Tapa 

Lord to Brahmaji - Penance is very dear to me, and I am the essence of penance. It is by penance alone that I create this universe and through penance I maintain it and it is through penance again that i absorb it. My strength consists in Penance which is hard to practice.

Sukhdev to Parikshi - It is this penance which is the true wealth of men. 

“Yamaniyam sanjama apa kiyo,

Puni tyaga virage athaga lahyo,

Vanavasa liyo mukh mauna rahyo,

Drdha asana padma lagaya diyo

Mana pauna nirodha svabodha kiyo,

hathajoga prayoga su tara bhayo….”

Tapa tapa tapa…has to be undertaken to walk further. 

Many times we get agitated and defensive, and say how is it possible to give aways all our wealth. Sad, how every endeavour is associated with the material and tangible, which is not even a small part of the entire process. 

Work, on the subtle, tangible mental level first. 99 % of the Tapa is internal - 1% material part of it we can deal with when the inner battle has been won.

Lets delve a bit deeper into these two elements of Tapa Yama and Niyama. 

Yama - 5 Noble Values of Life 

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

“Non-violence in speech, action and thoughts. Non violence to others, as well as self.”

Ahimsa is abstention from injuring any living creature. Ahimsa is not merely non-killing. It is perfect harmlessness and positive love. It is to abstain from the slightest thought of harm, and even unkind looks. 

Not only this, to fail to relieve pain or trouble in another is negative himsa. To approve of another’s harsh actions is also against ahimsa.

Satya (Truthfulness) 

“Truthfulness is speech action and thought, and to always be on the path of truth.”

“Satya bolo, mitha bolo, kaatu Satya maat bolo”

Find a way to say the truth in a nice an soothing manner. Don’t keep it, say it.

Pls note: A person who is not truthful can never be a spiritual seeker.

Asteya (Non-stealing) 

“Practicing honesty, non-stealing, and not talking that which does not belong to you.”

Why does a person steal? He wants something. When he cannot get it by legitimate means, he steals it. Desire, thirst or trishna is the root cause of stealing.

You remove a thing secretly without the knowledge of the owner and you do not want others to know of this act. This is stealing. 

Eg: Taking blotting paper, pins, paper, pencil, etc. from the office is stealing. 

Those are all tangible forms of stealing right. But, 

- Stealing someone’s peace of mind. 

- Stealing someone’s confidence.

- Accumulating too much money

- Eating too much.

- Adding to your cravings. 

These are also forms of stealing, and this kind of stealing is much more grave in it’s nature.

Aparigraha (Not hoarding)

“Not to possess beyond what is needed for survival. Not to hoard things, emotions and feelings.”

Giving aways the excess of whatever you have to the people who are in need. The more we have the more we want to have.

As someone rightly said, we are not communist, socialist, etc we are more-ist. All we want is more and more.

It can also be emotions and feeling. Like someone said something to me 10 years back, but you don’t forget it and want to take revenge. 

Let go, our mind is not a garbage can, where we keep storing ugly emotions of hatred and hurt. 

Brahmacharya 

Lets first say what Brahmacharya is not - Brahmacharya is not Celibacy. 

Brahmacharya is to be like brahman - compete in itself, complete in oneself.

“Purnamada, purnamidam .. (Detailed explanation enclosed)

And when you are complete within yourself. You do not need someone else to compete you. 

However, at the physical level. It means that a Sanyasi should abstain from Sex and for an house-holder it should be only with the spouse. Here also don’t forget to follow a discipline and decorum. It is a meant for procreation and not recreation.

One should analyse if it is a impulsive, compulsive action or a thoughtful one. 

“The same Law is applied to the married or the single. If one wastes the most potent force (Ojas Shakti) of one’s being, one can not become spiritual." Vivekananda

Niyama - 5 Daily disciplines 

Tapas (Austaritites) 

“To bear anything and everything that comes across on the spiritual path and complete dedication to the spiritual practices.”

Tapas also means restraint of the senses and meditation. It leads to control of the mind. Austerities like occasional fasting and observance of silence increase the power of endurance.

Mental tapas is more powerful than physical tapas. To keep a balanced mind in all conditions of life, to bear insult, injury and persecutions, to be ever serene, contented and peaceful, to be cheerful in adverse conditions, to have fortitude in meeting danger, to have presence of mind and forbearance, are forms of mental tapas. 

Shaucha (Purity)

“Cleanliness, not only outer cleanliness but also inner purity.”

External as well as Internal Purity is very essential. External purity is being clean externally. Keep the body and surroundings clean and uncluttered. In fact, whatever we intake should be pure. Pure thoughts, pure food, pure company etc.

Eg: Jesa kaho aan wesa hoga maan - feeding in purity

Eg: Purity of interaction - interact with Positive people.

Internal purity is purity of thought word and deed. It is a freedom from all the vices. Freedom from vicious thoughts. It is Purity of intentions. Purity of spoken words, which are truthful and at the same time sweet. Freedom from diplomacy and hypocrisy. 

“Vani ek anmol hai, 

Jo koi bole jani.

Hiye taraju tol kar, 

fir mukh bahar aani.”

“Weigh every word in your heart, before it comes out of your lips.”

Santosh (Contentment)

“Choice-less acceptance of all that is happening in ones life.”

Santosh or contentment cuts at the root of all desires. It bestows peace, one-pointedness of mind, serenity and satisfaction. It gives a willingness to accept things as they are and to make the best of them.

A contented person is satisfied with his lot. He is happy in whatever condition he is placed, he does not crave for things he does not have. 

Contented person is the most energetic person as he does not let his energy dissipate in the the form of anxiety and worry. He is free from the baggages of the past and the worries of the future. It is just being in the moment. 

Swadhyaya (Study of Self and the study of Scriptures

“Involves self learning and learning about oneself.”

Swadhyaya or self-study is not just study of scriptures and books written by the realised ones, but also enquiry into the nature of the self. Swadhyaya is asking the question, “Who am I?”

It is very important for us to spend time alone, in understanding the self. For instance, Why do we react in a particular manner in a given situation? What makes me sad? What is it that I can do to make me happy? All big...