Hari Om!
Swamijis Message
Swamiji’s Introductory Note
Bhagavatham is the unique Scripture written by the great sage Veda Vyasa.The beauty of this holy text is Sri Suka Maharshi, the son of Vyasa who helped in transforming the fearful mind of King Parikshit into a fearless one.The father is narrating the discussion between his son, the Guru Sri Suka and the devotee or Shishya Parikshit.
Bhagavatham is normally considered as a story of different Avathars or Incarnations. But actually it is a valuable spiritual, psychological and scientific counseling provided to elevate a stressed and depressed mind which is caught in the fear of an inevitable destiny.
In this context, Bhagavatham is an eye opener and guide to the modern world where everyone carries the “Fear of Future” or unexpected and undesirable events in life. Bhagavatham deals with the elimination of fear and in another way, it reinstalls mental courage and courage born out of understanding one’s own Self and God.
Veda Vyasa says every mind is capable of Self transformation.
As much as we are aware of our own problems, that much we can
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discover our own inner strength too. Our Indian Scriptures and Rishis like Vyasa insist to use the freedom where we can understand and grow. Bhagavatham helps us to understand, experience and grow.
This series of notes on Bhagavatham is prepared by Smt. Jayasree.M. Hope this humble effort will help everyone to learn this great Scripture and grow mentally and spiritually. I request all my fellow seekers of Truth to use this wisdom and spread it to as many devotees as possible.
There are many devoted minds working on this great mission. I request you to start learning Bhagavatham along with reading the daily notes in this site. Please give me your valuable suggestions from time to time so that I along with my team can incorporate them in our humble effort.
Surrendering at the Lotus Feet of the Jagad Guru Lord Krishna and all our Great Masters in our Guru Parampara,
Swami Udith Chaithanyaji
Hari Om!
Mahatmyam
Srimad Bhagavatham is honoured as the Elixir or Essence of all Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. It is called the “ripe fruit of the tree of Vedic Literature”. This denotes the sweetness of Bhagavatham, the visible form of the Lord.
How attractive is the beautiful form of Krishna?! No superlative adjectives can describe HIS enchanting beauty and charisma. Just a glimpse of the Lord, and you will be spell bound! Bhagavatham is called “Prathyaksha Krishna” as it is the embodiment or visible form of Divinity in its completeness.
As you go through Bhagavatham with total mental involvement, you will merge with the Lord in a divine love. It is like a “salt doll” diving into the ocean to know what the ocean is like – it melts and becomes ONE with the ocean!
We may think that it is true for the devoted seeker of Truth or a devotee who aspires God Realization and that alone!
No, Bhagavatham is for the common man too. It is the most effective Mind Management Text offered to us by Sri Veda Vyasa who is called Vishala Budhi. Thousands of years back, when human civilization in all
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other parts of the world was still in the cradle, our Great Masters presented this precious Knowledge to humanity for its well being.
The great visionaries could foresee the entire future of human race, predict the forthcoming problems in all ages and recommend the remedies too. We will be awestruck to read the most scientific Knowledge as we go through Bhagavatham.
Here, we are making a humble attempt to introduce the Power of Bhagavatham for our most beloved devotees who are not yet familiar with it. It is most needed by our younger generation, who are forced to live an aimless life as there are no role models to guide them.
Our efforts are to show that when we are blessed with such a profound Knowledge we should not worry any more, for any reason! Liberation from all fears, worries and miseries and unshakeable mental strength and peacefulness is what Bhagavatham promises and offers us.
Bhagavatham is presented as a series of beautiful stories. Our Masters were so intelligent that they introduced Knowledge through mesmerizing stories – that is, philosophy through mythology.
Here, we are not focussing on the stories, but trying to unwrap the stories to extract the hidden Truths in them. This is meant to serve as a
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reference guide for the beginner who reads the original Srimad Bhagavatham for the first time.
We are all playing various roles in our lives – as a child, student, teacher, employee, employer, spouse, parent….. what not? Bhagavatham throws light into all these areas of our life and helps us play them efficiently. Yes, life becomes effortless like a play!
How can Bhagavatham help us in this stressful and challenging modern life? Or, what is the benefit of understanding Bhagavatham? These questions are answered in Bhagavatha Mahatmyam.
Before going on to Bhagavatham, let us start with Bhagavatha Mahatmyam which gives us insight into the importance of listening to and reciting Bhagavatham Bhagavatha Mahatmyam (The Glories of Srimad Bhagavatham)
The Bhagavatha Mahatmyam comprises six chapters and is found in the Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda (193 – 198). This contains the story of Bhakti Devi and her two dying sons Jnanam (Knowledge) and Vairagyam (Renunciation), which means observation (jnanam), devotion (bhakti) and engagement (dispassion or vairagyam); developing these qualities is the easiest way for getting out of our problems.
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Bhagavatha Mahatmyam is of great significance since it gives valuable instruction as to how Bhakti or devotion can be revived in this Kali Yuga through the recital and study of the Bhagavatham. Bhakti is the only means of attaining freedom from the bondage of this material world and its various concerns. Bhagavatha Mahatmyam also contains details regarding how to observe Bhagavatha Saptaham.
How does one achieve Bhakti? Only through the association with devotees with a positive mind! This is called Satsang. Listening to the Bhagavatham which contains everything about the name, form, sport(“Leela”) and incarnations of Lord Vishnu, namely, the self of everyone, is the best way to cultivate true Bhakti.
We have to look beyond the stories told in the Bhagavatham, as each of them has real gems of spiritual knowledge embedded in it. The beauty of these stories is that they depict important Truths and messages in a simple way, to help you face all challenges in your life courageously.
Eventually, you will develop an absolutely peaceful, strong and happiest mind – this is real liberation from all kinds of worries and miseries. Yes, the ultimate objective or aim of studying the Bhagavatham is to develop a true understanding or awareness of one’s own mind.
Hari Om!
Chapter 1
Discussion among Narada, Sanaka and Others…
Questions by Sage Saunaka to Sri Suta
In the forest of Naimisharanya, knowing about the onset of Kali Yuga, numerous sages had gathered under the leadership of Sage Saunaka to perform a thousand year Yagam to Lord Vishnu and to listen to stories about the Lord. Yagam means the sacrifice of animalistic tendancies in our minds so as to attain divinity.
(Note – Naimisharanya is the place where disintegration takes place moment by moment. That is, our body itself where cells die every moment).
There Sage Saunaka asked some important questions to Sri Suta (Ugrashravas, the son of Romaharshana and a disciple of Vyasa Deva). He requested Sri Suta to talk about the pastimes of Lord Krishna, which are like sweet nectar to the ears.
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He enquired:
• How to develop a balanced mind by developing devotion to the Lord, and the self-realization that is attained through devotion?
• How does one escape from the illusion created by Maya?
• What is the best way to get out of the problems that come with or without our knowledge or expectation?
• Which is the Sadhana that can purify one’s mind and how can one develop strength?
Sage Saunaka then goes on to glorify the real Guru or spiritual master.
The precious stone Chintamani can give all material happiness one wants, Devendra can give every heavenly riches. But the Guru is the one that can give you the best reward – his valuable advice can give you even the Vaikunta Loka, that is rarely attained even by Yogis. This is the Grace of the Guru, the ONE who dispels the darkness of ignorance.
Note – India was always blessed by our “Guru Shishya Parampara”. We encouraged questioning, criticising and debating on Knowledge. It was a scientific approach. This methodology was the backbone of our culture. Whatever we focus on, will grow and cherish. Our focus was on this precious Knowledge and that is how our Sanathana Dharmam was transferred from generations to generations.
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Here our great Masters were discussing solutions to common man’s problems. We must understand that even though they were beyond miseries of the world, their compassion was so great that they wanted to uplift ordinary people like us from our sufferings too.
Sri Suta’s Answers to Saunaka
Sage Saunaka’s remarkable devotion to the Lord and inquisitiveness to know more about the development of inner strength and happiness, pleased Sri Suta very much.
He agreed to give him wisdom regarding THAT which is the essence of all theories, and which would destroy all kinds of fear, sorrows and weaknesses and increase devotion.
This was none other than Srimad Bhagavatham, the nectar or the essence of all Knowledge that helps one to develop inner God feeling and strength.
This, which has been glorified by Sri Suka (Suka Maharshi, the son of Veda Vyasa) and which is the essence of all the Vedas, is that which will surely destroy the sorrows from everyone’s mind.
(Note – Our minds are filled with fear of death. Time is symbolized by “KalaSarpam”. We do not know when we will be entering it’s horrible
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mouth. Fear of an uncertain future grips our minds. We are unaware that, actually, we are already living in the mouth of this snake (time) and we don’t know when it will gulp us down. Each and every one of us wants immortality, that is, liberation from the fear of death).
How can Bhagavatham help us to discover our eternal, true nature?
When our mind which is stuck up in body consciousness is shifted to the Supreme Consciousness, we realize our true nature or the Self. This is called Self Realization or God Realization.
Bhagavatham gives a scientific, systematic and transformative treatment to the weak mind to regain it’s true strength. Journey through
Bhagavatham is the journey to Self Realization by celebrating every moment of life.
Only the most fortunate will ever get an opportunity to listen to this most auspicious Knowledge.
Sri Suta then tells Saunaka about the Bhagavatham originally discussed by Sri Suka and King Parikshit.
Hari Om!
How the Devas Did Not Get “Bhagavathamrutham” (the Amrut of Atma Jnanam)
Here is a story to show the greatness of Srimad Bhagavatham.
When Sri Suka, sitting among the sages on a high seat, was preparing to recite the Bhagavatham to King Parikshit on the holy banks of the Ganges, the Devas appeared there. They came with a pot of Amrut and requested Sri Suka to accept it in return of Bhagavatham. They said that King Parikshit could drink their Amrut and escape from death. The Devas wanted to drink the Amrut of Atma Jnanam (self knowledge), namely Srimad Bhagavatham.
Sri Suka was not the one to be attracted and diverted, even by the Devas. He questioned them, how they could even compare their Amrut with the incomparable JnanaAmrut offered by Srimad Bhagavatham? Their Amrut was just a worthless stone compared to the divine gem Bhagavatham.
AMRUT means, a “life giving medicine”, it is most relevant to a dying man only. For Devas, Bhagavatham was important, but not essential. But for Parikshit, Bhagavatham was the last resort to save himself. As we crave for breathing air, we must crave for Knowledge, then only it will do it’s miracle in our lives. The Lord is accessible only to the most
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needy devotee, who can not live without HIM.
A Guru gives Knowledge to the right Shishya only, the one who is capable of honouring it and practising it in his own life. So Sri Suka did not give it to the Devas, and instead gave the nectar of Bhagavatham to King Parikshit.
Parikshit single-focussedly absorbed the truths taught by the Bhagavatham, got rid of the fear of death and transformed his mind into a divine Godly mind.
You can live life fully, if and only if, you are free from fear and misery. Bhagavatham is the mind management text that one should learn right from their childhood to live a life of purpose and higher values.
How Lord Brahma Came to Understand the Greatness of Bhagavatham
Now let us go on to another story in the Mahatmyam that shows the greatness of Bhagavatham.
When Brahmaji (Lord Brahma) heard about the divinity of Bhagavatham, that King Parikshit could by listening to and understanding Bhagavatham, he was very surprised. And what did he do?
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He put the Bhagavatham on one pan of a weighing balance and tried to balance it with the six Sastras and their different Angaas (sub-divisions) as well as everything else including all other Puranas and holy texts, on the other pan. The Bhagavatham naturally weighed more, signifying its immense greatness.
Seeing this, all the sages in Satyaloka who were wonderstruck said that undoubtedly in this Kali Yuga, listening to and reciting the Shrimad Bhagavatham was the only way to get out of the cycle of all weaknesses, fear and sorrows.
What is the message that we get here?
Bhagavatham is the way to devotion, acceptance and surrender – that is the ultimate destination a human mind can reach, the Lotus Feet of the Lord! What else can outweigh this precious Knowledge?
In fact, the four sons of Brahma (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanat Kumara) and others had long ago instructed Narada that any living being could attain strength through listening to “Bhagavatha Sapthaham”. Sage Narada had heard the Bhagavatham from Lord Brahma, but it was Sanaka and other sages who gave advice regarding Bhagavatha Sapthaham and the good results one could attain by listening to it.
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On hearing this, Sage Saunaka asked Sri Suta where Narada, the one free from material bondage and who travels all over the universe, had met Sanaka and the other sages. He also wanted to know how a wanderer like Narada could stay in one place for seven days happily listening to the Bhagavatham. Then Sri Suta narrated how Narada had met the great sages.
How Narada Met the Four Kumaras
Once the four sons of Brahma went to Badari Ashram near Badarinath (north-eastern side of the Himalayas), to be in the sacred company of saintly people. It was there that they met Narada.
They saw that Narada was sad and anxious and seemed to be going somewhere in a hurry.
Since it was unusual of Narada, they asked him why he was distressed. Narada said that he was travelling in the Bhuloka (Earth) thinking that it was the best among all the worlds.
But, very sad to say, he could not find peace or happiness any where. Every body’s mind was filled with unhappiness and then he discovered the truth. The mighty Kali (kalaha – selfishness) had influenced the minds of the people on this earth; every mind was polluted with greed,
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jealousy, arrogance, guilt and regrets. Adharma had spread over the entire Bhuloka.
We can see that even the “always joyful” Narada was filled with sorrow. That is the empathy of Mahathmas.
Narada Tells about the Dark Nature of Kali Yuga
Narada then went on to describe the terrible nature of Kali Yuga. Good qualities such as Truth, Trust, Understanding, Tolerance, Sharing, and Gratitude had all disappeared. People were interested only in earning, spending and filling their stomachs. They were forcing their minds to commit sins to acquire more and more wealth and pleasures. They had no mental peace and no moral strength. There was exploitation in the name of faith – the weak were exploited by the strong who generated fear in their minds.
Because of the love for pleasure, a house was no longer a home – a place of love and respect. Parents saw their children as a source of status or source of income, and hence they were all being neglected by children. Out of greed for wealth and status people spoiled the unity and peacefulness of the society. Hence there was competition and jealousy. Husbands and wives quarreled constantly for silly reasons. The so called religious priests created fear and exploited the people by
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misquoting the Veda.
Women were forced to undergo more suffering. Hence the children were spoiled with all bad characters. It is evident that children brought up by evil women will be a curse to the society. Goodness had been burnt to ashes in the fire of Kali Yuga.
Note – When the night is the darkest, it is so scary and it will seem that the dawn will never come. But remember, Lord Krishna was born in the darkness of mid night. So, when every thing seems to be upside down, it can turn out to be the best moment too.
Wise people always advise carrying mothers to participate in Satsangs and listen to discourses so that the new born child will come to this world with that culture.
Narada’s Meeting with Bhakti and Her Sons
Wandering all over the earth, dismayed by the state of affairs during Kali Yuga, Narada reached the banks of the River Yamuna. This had been the favourite spot of Lord Krishna. There he saw a beautiful young woman sitting sadly with two old men lying unconscious on her either side.
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She was trying to bring them back to consciousness, but all in vain. She kept crying as they were not recovering. Not seeing anyone around who could help, she herself fell unconscious due to deep sorrow. Many women were fanning her and trying to revive her.
Seeing all this, Narada went there to find out what was happening. On seeing Narada, the young woman got up and addressed him in a very sad voice. She requested him to kindly stay with her and wipe out her sorrow.
The presence of holy people itself can help the weak to gather strength. Narada’s vision itself was so holy that it would destroy all the sins of worldly people. One had to be immensely fortunate to get Darsana of such a great sage as Narada.
Note – Our mythology is a treasure house of case studies, where enlightened masters come to the rescue of sufferers or ignorant laymen. This satsang of great Masters guided many people to reach greater heights in life.
Narada came to understand that the young woman was Bhakti, and the old men lying unconscious by her side were her two sons Jnanam and Vairagyam. Under the influence of selfish and business minded people they had become old and weak. The women serving her were
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Ganga, Saraswathy and others. Bhakti told her story to Narada.
She was born in the most holy and divine land in this whole universe, this land named “ Bharath ”. ‘BH’ means “light of knowledge ” and RATHA means “ one who lives in the light of spiritual wisdom”. This was such an honourable land, because this country had given birth to many great personalities who alone could unite the minds of everyone with real wisdom and truth.
But other faiths that invaded this country influenced the minds of the people here. Instead of uniting the people, those invaders started collecting others into their illogical faith where there was no wisdom and scientific truth. Because of them people lost the real understanding of spiritual truth, hence Bhakti Devi was exploited.
But fortunately because of some good people, she and her children never lost their lives completely, but lost their real youthfulness and beauty.
Note – In the company of good people our energy levels are high. Every one wants only peace and joy in the core of their hearts. When we are in the company of negative people our enthusiasm and cheerfulness vanish. So, wise people advise us to avoid bad friends (or DUSSANGAM) like we avoid poison.
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Bhakti requested Narada to help her and her children to regain their power. By this alone this great country could stand firm in her ancient, yet ever scientific wisdom. Then this country and her children would become so strong and be respected by all other believers. It would be a real place for universal peace and togetherness.
Narada Comforts Bhakti
Narada advised Bhakti not to cry anymore and assured her that the great Guru tradition would protect her and this ancient old culture. They would shower all blessings on her. He explained to her that though selfish minded people were trying to spoil the culture, there were still good people who would rise to rejuvenate the ancient old wisdom.
In this battle for peace, good people would have to suffer a lot because selfish people would hold the power and wealth. These selfish people would use all cruel means to destroy the good ones. But the selfish wouldn’t survive because they lacked mental strength and they would not have any peace of mind.
Finally the victory would come to people with divine minds (Sathyam Eva Jayathe).
Note – The misery of the world is not due to the action of the bad people
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alone, but the inaction of the good people. When money and power are with bad people, it becomes harmful. When money and power are with good people, it brings peace and prosperity to all.
Narada Explains Why Bhakti and Her Sons Are Weak
This Earth was accumulating all kinds of evil by spoiling Mother Nature with all poisons. There was no ethics or values in family life, or equal freedom to all. People were confined with body consciousness and was in search of physical or sensual pleasure alone.
On one side men used women as their source of pleasure and on the other side women disrespected and disregarded men. Mutual respect and love were lost. In this situation our great culture alone would provide the real solution for a harmonious life. Our people lost in materialistic life had forgotten the ancient culture and wisdom. They were too busy indulging in a materialistic world, that they had no time for understanding this wisdom.
Since nobody was caring for real Bhakti, she had become old and feeble. She had regained her youth because of the greatness of some good people. Bhakti’s two sons were still old and weak because the good people were not able to awaken them as there was nobody who wanted them. However, because of the holy touch of Vrindavana,
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they were still breathing and sleeping soundly.
Note – Bhagavatham stories give very relevant insight into human psychology. When you are wanted by every one, you become energetic and dynamic, otherwise you feel old and discarded. Then you will be
pulled down to lethargy. Only the presence of Wise men can motivate and bring you out of this self-destructive situation.
Bhakti’s Questions to Narada and His Answers
Bhakti wanted Narada to explain to her why King Parikshit did not destroy the sinful Kali (the evil traits in human mind)? Kali was responsible for pushing people to indulge in sinful activities. She asked Narada why King Parikshit neglected Kali instead of destroying him. She wondered why even the most merciful sages were tolerating this unrighteous Kali.
Narada started explaining to Bhakti to clear all her doubts and concerns. He said that from the day Lord Krishna, who is the Self and Father of every mind discarded his physical body when he was 125 years old, Kali or selfishness (selfish minded people) set foot again on this Earth. He started destroying good people to achieve his selfish motives.
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When King Parikshit was traveling all over the Earth, to see the life of his people, he could see the presence of Kali. The King became aware of the evil nature of Kali and was about to kill him. Then Kali put on a piteous face, pretending to be sorry (covering the crooked mind) and fell at his feet. Since it was against the Dharma of the kings of Bharatha to kill one who came asking for shelter and protection, Parikshit spared the evil Kali. Our kings were noble rulers who had care for all and never expressed intolerance like invader kings from other faiths.
This shows the divine culture of our country. Great people show compassion even to wicked people and give them opportunities to improve. Bhagavatham narrates so many such stories of various aspects of human mind.
This chapter gives us important messages regarding true devotion.
True devotion or Bhakti will surely give you knowledge regarding the Self, and the way to renunciation. Renunciation is not to be understood as running away from the world or your duties. It is the capacity to develop equanimity or balance of mind in all situations, whether good or bad. It is the ability to accept everything as the Lord’s Prasadam (gift) wholeheartedly.
In this story, Bhakti is always seen with her sons Jnanam and
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Vairagyam. This means that Jnanam (Knowledge or observation) and Vairagyam (Renunciation or dispassionate engagement), come along with true Bhakti (Devotion).
Devotion means diversion of one’s mind to the inner Chaithanyam. Jnanam and Vairagyam have no existence without Bhakti. When one has true Bhakti, it is easy to get knowledge regarding one’s own duties and responsibilites. This is the sincere service to the Lord. A mind that is constantly focussed on the Lord (or Chaithanyam within) soon becomes balanced. Thus it becomes capable enough to face all experiences in life.
Now let us come to the story of King Parikshit. He was cursed by the son of Sage Shamika, and thus he was to die of serpent bite within seven days. Hearing this, Parikshit renounced his kingdom and went to the banks of the River Ganges, having decided to fast until death. But he was so fortunate that Sri Suka recited the Bhagavatham to him and removed his fear of death.
What dragged Parikshit into such a misery? Even as a great man with noble virtues, he could not control his anger and impatience when Sage Shamika did not acknowledge his visit. His ego was hurt and he wanted to return the insult by dropping a dead snake around the Sage’s
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neck.
Little do we know the outcome of our spontaneous words and actions when we are agitated. So, we must wait a few moments before jumping into hasty decisions that can turn harmful later.
In the case of Parikshit, the inevitable destiny played it’s role.
Death is like a snake which comes creeping towards us day by day. But for Parikshit, it was certain in just seven days. As a wise man, he could understand this in its true sense and decided to divert his attention from worldly things. We should also learn from King Parikshit how to face destiny with courage and wisdom.
When the whole world is helpless to support us, we realize that the only solace is at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
We will see how the miserable and weak mind of Parikshit got transformed into a fearless and strong mind, by listening to Bhagavatham, the Glory of the Lord.
How merciful the Lord is, to bless us with the gift of the Bhagavatham which even the Devas desired to have. Only the true devotees are entitled to reach HIS abode. The Devas were disqualified as they got immersed in heavenly pleasures. But how fortunate we are, that we are
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given the rare opportunity to listen to and understand Bhagavatham, the essence of all Vedic Truths.
This means that as long as a person derives pleasure from sensual objects, the sublime happiness is beyond his reach. Delicious and special sweets are protected by encircling them with a line of sugar; ants go upto that circumference only and get contended with sugar. They never know that beyond that level, the special sweets is awaiting them.
Only the most intelligent explores and discovers the Supreme Truth or Bliss.
Now let us go to Chapter 2 of Srimad Bhagavatha Mahatmyam.
Chapter 2
Narada Tries to Comfort Bhakti
Now, Sage Narada requests Bhakthi to become calm and assured her that there was no need to be so sad. She could be free from all anxiety and sorrow just by meditating on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. Bhakti is the dearest to the Lord, Narada asked her to remember how Lord Krishna protected Draupadi, his dear devotee from the cruel acts of the Kauravas.
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While Jnanam and Vairagyam were the means of attaining liberation in the Satya, Treta and Dvapara Yugas, Bhakti alone could help one attain that in Kali Yuga. The Lord removes all fear and anxiety and wipes the tears of his true Bhaktas, who surrender completely to the Lord.
Narada reminded Bhakti that Lord Hari had created her for supporting his devotees. Once when she went to Lord Vishnu with folded hands to ask Him what her mission is, the Lord asked her to go and nurture and support His devotees. Bhakti immediately obeyed him, and the Lord sent Mukti as her servant and Jnanam and Vairagyam as her sons. This means that when one utilizes Bhakti (devotion) to develop Jnanam (observation) and Vairagyam (dispassionate engagement), one can develop a balanced mind.
Bhakti lives in Vaikuntham – the abode of the Lord where there is only peace and happiness. She appears on this Earth also, to help sincere spiritual seekers.
Note -This implies that Bhakthi or Devotion is the easiest way to reach God. Why?
Knowledge is always associated with the “I know” attitude that nourishes the ego. Dispassion is very difficult to attain while living in this world. But Bhakthi melts your heart; an unconditional love for the
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Lord overflows from your heart. It immerses you in the Palazhy of divine love and you become ONE with the Lord. Then naturally Jnanam, Varagyam and Mukthi come to you.
The Importance of Bhakti in Kali Yuga
The story says that from Satya Yuga to Dvapara Yuga, Bhakti happily stayed in this earth along with Mukti, Jnanam and Vairagyam. But when Kali Yuga started, Mukti was in danger at the hands of the invading faiths.
So she obeyed Bhakti’s orders and immediately went back to Vaikuntha Lokam. Mukti now comes to this Earth only for short visits whenever Bhakti wanted her and would return to Vaikuntha soon after.
Bhakti could not leave her sons Jnanam and Vairagyam and remained with them always, protecting them. Her sons were old and weak because nobody wanted or cared for them in Kali Yuga. Narada pacified Bhakti saying that her sons would recover soon. He would definitely find a way to make them young again.
Narada told Bhakti that not every thing was bad about Kali Yuga. Unlike other Yugas, it is much easier to get the blessings of the Lord in Kali Yuga, through Namasankirtana alone.
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He promised her that he would make every house and every heart her abode. Kali Yuga may be the age of quarrel, unrighteousness and other bad qualities; but nothing can pull down a true Bhakthaof the Lord.
Narada promised that he would protect her from all invading faiths and bring back all our devotional festivals. Bhakti will enter every house and find a place in the heart of each and every person. If he did not help Bhakti, how could he claim that he was the servant of Lord Hari?
Note – Veda Vyasa is symbolically stating that Mukthi (liberation) rarely visits Earth. That means, very rarely a devotee attains Mukthi. It implies that the entire scenario looks very troublesome and difficult to manage.
But, we can see that Sage Narada is determined to protect Bhakti. This shows the initiative and commitment of a Man of Mission and Vision. Complaining and blaming the environment – people and situations – is the sign of a weak mind. A courageous person will boldly act even in the midst of very severe problems.
In Kali Yuga even evil minded people are given the chance to develop and experience devotion to the Lord. People who have Bhakti or devotion in their hearts become purified. They will not have the fear of death any more. No evil spirit can frighten them or trouble them. When you are connected to the eternal, omnipotent power where is place
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for fear?
You cannot make Lord Hari happy through penances, by studying the Vedas or practicing the rituals described in the Vedas. You can receive ‘Hariprasadam” only through Bhakti. So Bhakti is the best and easiest way to reach Lord Hari. You can actually see Lord Krishna if you are a true devotee.
Narada said, those who have no time for Bhakti would be miserable wherever they are. He reminded her of the experience of Sage Durvasa who had insulted Maharaja Ambarish, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He also pointed out the examples of Hiranyakashipu who was very cruel towards his child Bhakta Prahlada, Ravana who troubled Vibhishana, and Duryodhana who always wronged the Pandavas.
We can see many of such examples in Bhagavatham.
Narada told Bhakti that only she could help people develop a balanced mind and see the Lord in everyone.
Note – Why is it said that you can not please Lord through other ways? Because practising penance or reading a holy text without devotion implies “doership” – the “I do” attitude which develops your ego. Krishna wants us to be hollow and empty like His favourite musical
Hari Om!
instrument Flute.
Bhakthi empties your HEAD and fills your HEART. Arrogance gives way to gratitude and the “rock solid” heart melts. Now, you are ONE with the Lord!
We should remember, the same Lord is dwelling in every one and that is why no one likes to see arrogance in others. You can please any body by your humility(modesty) and sincere appreciation.
Narada’s assuring words inspired Bhakti and she became happy. She became energetic, active and young once again. She thanked Narada for his unshakeable faith in her. How compassionate Narada was to her and managed to remove her sorrow quickly. She promised to live in his heart forever.
But she was still worried about her sons – they were still unconscious and looked very old. She requested Narada to revive them also quickly. With great love and compassion, Narada gently shook Jnanam and Vairagyam, trying to wake them up. He chanted mantras from the Vedas, the Vedanta Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita loudly. Jnanam and Vairagyam woke up slowly and with great difficulty.
Hari Om!
But again there was a problem. Though awake, they were not opening their eyes and looking around. They were so lethargic that they yawned again and again. Their hair was white like the feathers of a white stork. Their limbs were like dry firewood and weak, without any sign of life. They were terribly hungry and thirsty as well as sleepy. Narada wondered how to revive them from this sleepiness and the weakness of old age. To find the right solution he meditated upon the Supreme Lord.
Suddenly he heard a voice from the sky(“Ashareeri”), asking him not to worry because his efforts would be surely successful. The voice said, “Narada, you have to perform one noble Karma (Salkarma ) with great shraddha. Saintly people would advise you on how to do that. Once you do that, Jnanam and Vairagyam will immediately recover from their old age and lethargy. Moreover, Bhakti will have a place everywhere.”
Everybody present there heard this voice. Narada was astonished. He wondered what that Salkarma could be.
Note – We may wonder, why our holy texts could not recover Jnanam and Vairagyam completely from their dismay? We will see in the coming sections, how Bhagavatham is different from all other holy texts!
Hari Om!
Narada was in a dilemma. He wondered, “This Ashareeri didn’t say what that Salkarma is. How I can find out what it is? Where am I to find those saints who can help me? What am I to do now?”
Narada’s Efforts to Find out What the Salkarma Is
Leaving Jnanam and Vairagyam in that pathetic condition, on the banks of River Yamuna, Narada left that place. He travelled to various holy places and met many saintly people. He told them the miserable story of Jnanam and Vairagyam. He asked them whether they have heard of the “Salkarma” that could revive these sons of Bhakti.
Some of the saints listened carefully but were not able to help him. Some others said that the Salkarma cannot be accomplished. Some saints said that it was difficult to find out what this noble Karma was. Some of them kept quiet and others ran away from there, the minute they heard Narada’s question.
Everybody present there began discussing about the Salkarma. They thought, “ If Jnanam and Vairagyam could not be rejuvenated even with the chanting of the Vedas, Vedanta Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, what else can help them?” Even Devarshi Narada, who is the “giver of knowledge” didn’t know what the Salkarma was. Then who else would know?
Hari Om!
When he didn’t get an answer from anyone, Narada decided to go to Badrivanam and perform tapas to find out the way to revive Jnanam and Vairagyam. Before he started his tapas, Sanaka and the other sons of Brahma appeared there. The four Kumaras shone like a million suns.
Narada said to them, “It is indeed fortunate that I could meet you now. Please be kind to me and suggest a solution to my problem.”
Note – We all would have undergone this experience as Narada did. When we seek advice or solution for a problem, people respond like this. They discourage us, show indifference, keep quiet and sometimes run away from us. Only compassionate and courageous people try to help the needy and encourage them. Which category do we fall into? It is high time we did a Self Analysis.
Narada told them,
“You are all Yogis, and highly knowledgeable. Yet, you appear like five year old boys and don’t seem to grow beyond that age. But you are wiser than the wisest. You always reside in Vaikuntham, and engage in Harikirtanam every minute of the day. As you drink the Amrut of the Lord’s Avatara Leela and chant HIS names, old age and its weaknesses do not even dare to come near you. Words cannot describe your greatness.
Hari Om!
Once, just by the movement of your eyebrows, Jaya and Vijaya (gatekeepers of Sri Hari) had to take birth on this earth. Later, as a proof of your kindness, they could once again attain Vaikuntham. It is my great fortune that I have got your Darsana in this Badari Ashram. You are merciful and please show mercy to me too”.
Narada continued, “Please tell me about the Salkarma that the ‘ashareeri’ mentioned. What is it that I have to do to revive Jnanam and Bhakti? How can Bhakti and her sons become happy? How can they find a place in the hearts of all?”
The Kumaras comforted Narada. They said, “Oh, Blessed Sage, be happy. There is an easy solution to your problem. Narada Muni, you are most blessed and the greatest renunciate (Sanyasi). You are the first among the dasas of Sri Krishna. You are the sun that has shone forth Bhakti Yoga. It is therefore not at all surprising that you have undertaken this great effort for the sake of Bhakti. As a sincere devotee of the Lord, it is only natural that you are trying to establish Bhakti in the hearts of each and every person.”
Hari Om!
Note – It is indeed so humble of sage Narada, such a great Devarshi to seek advice from very young Kumaras. Knowledge has to be honoured irrespective of age, gender, caste and creed. The greatness of India lies in the upholding of Knowledge or Wisdom.
The Salkarma that Would Empower Bhakti, Jnanam and Vairagyam
The Kumaras continued, “The great Rishis have told us of many solutions. They have shown us many paths we should pursue to reach the Lord. But they are all extremely difficult to follow and moreover, what is the maximum good you can achieve? Swarga Loka (heaven)! The path that can lead you to Vaikuntha Loka still remains a secret. It is indeed difficult to find a great personality who can guide you in this.
Now we will explain the nature of the Salkarma the “ashareeri” was talking about. Yes, the Rishis have taught us that yajnas, tapas, meditation, study of the Vedas and practising austerities can take us to the Lord. However, only those who have acquired punyam through many births are qualified to undertake that Yajna that would help them understand and experience the Paramatma. That divine Jnana-Yajna is
Hari Om!
Bhagavatha Kathanam which was sung by great personalities like Sri Suka.”
“Have no doubt, just by hearing the words in Srimad Bhagavatham, Bhakti, Jnanam and Vairagyam will gain more power in this Bhuloka. Jnanam and Vairagyam will be relieved and Bhakti will be most happy. Bhagavatham will surely empower Bhakti. Just as wolves run away in fear when they hear the roar of the lion, all the doshas of Kali Yuga will be blown away by the mere sound of Bhagavatham. Not only that, Bhakti which helps you experience the rasa of divine love will enter every house and live in the hearts of everyone along with Jnanam and Vairagyam.”
Note – We remain prayerful and surrendered before this song of Glory of Srimad Bhagavatham! This most sacred holy text is none other than Lord Krishna in disguise.
(If you need any clarifications, Please post in the Q and A form given on the top right side of this website).
Hari Om!
Discussion between Sage Narada and the Kumaras continues…
Narada exclaimed, “I chanted the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita and tried to awaken Jnanam and Vairagyam, but all in vain. Is it possible to revive them with Srimad Bhagavatham? I know, Bhagavatham is the essence of the Vedas. Still this is my doubt. You are knowledgeable and always kind to those who seek your protection. So please clear my doubt, why is Bhagavatham so great?”
The Kumaras said, “Devarshi, Srimad Bhagavatham is indeed the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads. It is the fruit of the “tree of Vedas” and therefore glorious. The rasa of any tree is present from the root to the tip, but it can be tasted and relished only from the fruit.
Tree is the source of the rasa, but only when that rasa is transformed as in the fruit, you can taste it and enjoy its sweetness.
Take another example. You can not taste the ghee invisibly present in the milk, but only when it is extracted from milk. Sugar in the sugarcane becomes sweeter when it is extracted.
Hari Om!
Similarly, Bhagavatham is made from the condensed rasa spread out in the Vedas. Therefore, it is sweeter and can be more easily enjoyed by everyone. Bhagavatha Purana is equivalent to the four Vedas. Vyasa Deva took the essence of the four Vedas and created Bhagavatham in order to empower Bhakti, Jnanam and Vairagyam.”
Note – Of all tastes, sweetness attracts the most. In our daily life too, when our smile and words are sweet, it will attract every one. (So, it is in our own hands to make friends or enemies).
Every thing about Krishna was sweet – his glance, smile, words, flute, dance….. HE was enchanting. For Indians, God is so sweet and beautiful. Rama is the ONE that gives joy, Krishna is the ONE that attracts the most. So, you can find all that is beautiful in God. We are not afraid of God, but belong to God and HE is the dearest to us.
This is evident in all our performing arts and symbols. No wonder, our national bird is the most beautiful bird peacock and Krishna wears “Mayilpeeli” on his forehead!
Hari Om!
The Kumaras wondered why a Devarshi like Narada should be so confused. Once when Vyasa Deva was upset and sad, it was Narada himself who gave him the message of the Bhagavatham through the Chatusloki Bhagavatham. It immediately strengthened Vyasa’s mind. The Kumaras advised Narada to chant Srimad Bhagavatham to Jnanam and Vairagyam. That is the Amrit like medicine to cure their old age and weakness.
The Kumaras are constantly drinking the Bhagavathamrut, flowing from the thousand faces of Lord Adi Sesha. Thus their presence itself can remove the sins of every living being. Narada therefore sought their blessings to propagate Bhakti most effectively.
Chapter 3
The Revival of Bhakti, Jnanam and Vairagyam
Narada decided to perform a Jnana-Yajna by chanting the Bhagavatham as it was told by Sri Suka. The Kumaras advised him to conduct the Jnana Yajna at Ananda Ghata near Haridwar on the banks of the River Ganges.
Hari Om!
This was a very special land blessed with the presence of the saints who lived there. It was a beautiful, greenish location with soft sand on the ground. The air was always filled with the sweet smell of lotus flowers. Even lions and tigers lived there in harmony with other animals.
The Kumaras assured Narada that once the Yajna starts, Bhakti would immediately come there, accompanied by Jnanam and Vairagyam. The divine chanting of Bhagavatham would bless them with youth and well-being once again.
Note – The right place to see divinity is in the lap of Mother Nature. What can be more appropriate place for a Satsang, rather than the banks of Holy Ganges?
Every place acquires positive vibrations with the presence of Saintly people. That is why our elders advised us to sit and meditate in the temple premises after each visit. Our mind will also get tuned with those vibrations and that is why we feel more peacefulness afterwards.
Hari Om!
Now let us see how this most auspicious Salkarma was conducted…..
Sanaka and the other Kumaras then arrived at the bank of the Ganges along with Narada Muni. The news about the great Jnana-Yajna spread all over Bhuloka, Devaloka and Brahmaloka (Satyaloka). Everyone was overjoyed and hurried to Ananda Ghata with the deep desire to hear the stories of the Lord’s leela.
Who were the famous personalities that came to attend the Yajna? They were the great sages like Bhrgu, Vasistha, Cyavana, Gautama, Medhatithi, Devala, Devarata, Parasurama, Visvamitra, Sakala, Markandeya, Dattatreya, Pippalada, Vyasa, Parasara, Chayasuka, Jajali, and Jahnu. They were accompanied by their families and disciples.
And came the Vedas, Upanishads, Mantras, Tantras, the seventeen Puranas, and the Shastras in their personified forms.
Sacred rivers like the Ganges, holy lakes like Pushkara and sanctified kshetras like Kurukshetra, sacred forests like Dandaka, the four directions, and magnificent mountains like the Himalayas, the
Hari Om!
Gandharvas and Danavas came to listen to the Harikatha.
The four Kumaras then praised the glories of Srimad Bhagavatham, which is also known as Suka Sastra. You can chant Bhagavatham or listen to it, any time you want. Sri Hari will shine forth in all his glory in the hearts of everyone who listens attentively to the Bhagavatham.
How this holy text is structured?
There are 18000 verses in twelve cantos in this great Shastra. It is in the form of a dialogue between Sri Suka and King Parikshit. It is said that you are destined to wander in this Samsarachakra of countless births and deaths until you become fortunate to listen to Bhagavatham. This great Shastra alone can give you liberation.
A house where the Bhagavatham is recited daily, becomes a holy place and those people are freed from their sins. A thousand Aswamedha Yagas and a hundred Vajapeya yagas do not have even one sixteenth of the glory of the Bhagavatham. No sacred rivers, tirthas and holy places have the greatness of Bhagavatham. None of them can give you the punyam provided by the Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
Note – We must learn that human beings are not the only race or species that enjoy the presence of the Lord. The whole world or creation is the “Virad Swaroopam” of the Lord.
So, nature with all its vivid forms, life in all forms and even enlightened Masters celebrate HIS presence. Bhagavatham takes you to that divine presence! The same presence of our beloved Gopal that enchanted the “Gopi” and the “Gow” alike…
Bhagavatha Yajnam by Sage Narada…
In the presence of all worldly and heavenly beings, the Bhagavatha Sapthaham started. In no time Bhakti and her sons Jnanam and Vairagyam reached there. As the Sapthaham advanced and reached its auspicious end, all of them felt indescribable and immeasurable peacefulness and joy.
Bhakti enquired to the Kumaras where they must go next and stay hereafter.
They replied to her : “You are all purified now. Irrespective caste, creed, gender, wealth and all other differences, wherever the Srimad
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham is recited, please go there and that will be your abode. Live in the hearts of those who recite and listen to Bhagavatham.”
Bhakti and her companions felt immense happiness and relief when they heard it. They went to the places wherever true devotees lived and continues it even now.
Then Sanal Kumaras narrated some stories about the importance of Bhagavatham.
How this sacred text could purify even the worst sinners and liberated them!
Saunaka and the other sages wondered hearing all these stories and expressed their wish to know how those sinners got purified.
Sage Suta happily started telling those stories….
Note – We can see in all our sacred texts that the Shishya or the listener asks questions to the Guru or the orator. The Guru gives answers to the prayerful questions of the intense seeker very happily, while questions for “name sake” are ignored.
Hari Om!
This transfer of Wisdom was considered to be very sacred by both the teacher and the student.
We can see that even God’s incarnations like Rama and Krishna went to the Guru to seek knowledge. The honour given to the Guru even by the Lord is a unique characteristic of India.
Now even in this modern era of information explosion, we can see that Knowledge is Power.
Story of Atmadeva and Dundhuli…..
Once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin called Atmadeva and his wife Dundhuli in a village. Atmadeva was a scolar and a devotee of the Lord, but Dundhuli was neither. She was woman of all vices. Even though Atmadeva was sad about his wife’s character, he was so wise that he never expressed his disappointment. They both were blessed with abundance of wealth, yet the fact that they were childless made Atmadeva very sad. He performed Putra Kameshti Yagna and other Yagas, but good luck never smiled at them.
Hari Om!
As years passed by, Atmadeva’s hopes to have a child started to diminish and one day he became totally desparate. Unable to control his emotions, he set out of the house and started wandering here and there. One day he was walking in a forest when he saw a sage taking a dip in a river. The sage noticed the depression of Atmadeva and enquired about him. Atmadeva couldn’t control his emotions and told all about his desire to be blessed with a child.
The Sage meditated and could foresee that Atmadeva was destined to be childless for seven lifetimes and nothing could be done about it. Even if he had a child, it would bring him endless misery. So it is wise to forget the desire to have a child and live life in the remembrance of the Lord. Thus the sage concluded. Hearing this, Atmadeva literally broke down and said that he would end his life if he was to live a childless life. The sage was unable to console him. The sage tried to advise him that all worldly relations are in reality bondages. They give joy as well as sorrow, so it is better to renounce the world. The only relationship that can uplift you is that of a Guru-Shishya.
Hari Om!
Atmadeva was not ready to hear advices. He still insisted that he wanted a child and pleaded to the Sage to give him that boon. Seeing Atmadeva in that miserable state, the sage became merciful. He gave Atmadeva a fruit and requested his wife to eat it and told him that they will soon be blessed with a child upon eating the fruit. Overjoyed by this blessing, he thanked the sage and went back home and asked his wife to eat the fruit. However, his wife was not very happy to hear this. She had never wanted to have a child as she was not ready for the sacrifices and pain a mother has to face right from her pregnancy. Yet she didn’t want to displease her husband.
Note – It is said that a man who has control over his mind has control over every thing.
How interesting the two characters of Atmadeva and the Sage are! One is dominated by a weak mind and emotions and yield to miserable destiny. The other has won the mastery over his mind and hence acquired even the power to change the destiny of another man.
Dundukari and Gokarna…
Hari Om!
Dundhuli shared her thoughts with her sister who was carrying at that time. The sister suggested that when she gives birth to her baby, she will give it to Dundhuli and Atmadeva will not doubt his wife at all. Dundhuli was happy about this plan and gave the fruit to their cow. She advised Atmadeva to go on a pilgrimage. Everything worked out well as they planned. Dhundhuli’s sister gave birth to a son and handed it over to Dhunduli. Meanwhile, the cow also gave birth to a human baby who had cow’s ears.
When Atmadeva returned home Dhundhuli showed the baby. They named him Dundukari and the other son (who had cow’s ears) as Gokarna. As they grew up, it was obvious that Gokarna had all divine qualities while Dundukari turned out to be very wicked.
He did all immoral things and tortured his parents. When it became intolerable, Gokarna advised his father to leave all these miseries by taking Sanyasa, and read Bhagavatham for getting peace of mind. Then he himself set off on a pilgrimage.
Note – The root problem in every marriage is the lack of understanding
Hari Om!
and compromise between partners. When they try to conquer each other, they fail together. Giving birth to a child is not to be taken casually. The penance of parents, especially the mother is essential for developing a good culture in the child. In that sense, Dundukari was a victim of evil emotions of both his mothers who conspired against his innocent father.
Dundukari’s liberation…
Dundukari started torturing his mother now, unable to bear this Dhunduli commits suicide. As he was left alone, Dhundukari brought home many immoral women. Those ladies decided to kill him to steal his wealth. After killing Dundukari they buried the body, thus Dhundukari became a “Pretham”- unrestful spirit – and started wandering aimlessly.
Gokarna came to know of the death of Dhunduli and Dundukari at Gaya. He did Gaya Sraddham, the most important ritual for giving Mukthi to the departed souls. So Gokarna was so surprised when he saw Dundukari’s spirit when he returned to his village.
Hari Om!
Even after performing Gaya Sraddham, Dundukari did not get liberated.
Seeing the most horrible state of his brother’s soul, Gokarna prayed to Lord Sun for guidance and Surya tells Gokarna to do Bhagavatha Sapthaham. They built a big pandal and installed the spirit on a bamboo with seven branches and made him listen to Bhagavatham. After each day of listening to Bhagavatham a node in the bamboo burst open, and on the seventh day the seventh node burst open. Dundukari the spirit took a divine form and Vishnu Dhootas came to take him to Vaikunta.
Such is the greatness of Srimad Bhagavatha Saptaham. The villagers questioned Gokarna, why it was only Dundukari who attained the holy feet of the Lord and not them? He said, it was because he listened to the whole Saptaham with full devotion and concentration taking refuge in the Lord.
Note – We can see that the craving for pleasure leads Dundukari to a hell-like existance and he had to repay heavily. Gokarna shows unconditional compassion, even to such a horrible sinner and helped
Hari Om!
him to reach the Holy Feet of the Lord.
A person may be reaping the “Karmaphalam” of his Karmam. But it is our “Dharmam” to help him in his worst situation. As the Sun gives light to all, great men love all alike.
Bhagavatha Mahatmyam gives us the most important message that through Bhakthi towards the Lord and uniting with Him alone, we can transcend all miseries in this world.
With this, we are concluding the Bhagavatha Mahatmyam and going to read Srimad Bhagavatham from here onwards.
Hari Om!
Canto 1
Now, Saunaka wanted to hear the stories of Lord Hari Himself…
So, Sage Suta continued:
When the Mahabharata war ended, the warriors of the Kauravas and Pandavas had fallen like heroes and wooed “Veera Mrithyu”. Duryodhana suffered a massive blow by Bheema on his thigh and it was broken. He laid down awaiting death, Aswathama could not bear that sight. So, he severed the heads of Droupadi’s sons, while they were asleep with an intention of pleasing Duryodhana. But such a shameful and horrible act was really most distasteful to him.
The terrible slaughter of her sons was unbearable for Draupadi and she cried bitterly, nobody could pacify her. Arjuna, was equally grief stricken, but he was more angry and decided to take revenge on Aswathama. Arjuna put on his armour and taking his “Gandeevam” set off in his chariot with Krishna.
Note – Aswathama expected that Duryodhana would appreciate him for killing his enemy’s sons. But Duryodhana was a courageous warrier who fought directly in the battlefield, he could not approve slaughtering
Hari Om!
sleeping men. Even as the son of a Brahmin and a great teacher Dronacharya, Aswathama committed such a horrible sin.
Here, we should remember that the same Duryodhana had planned to kill the Pandavas while they slept in the “Arakkillam” long back.
This shows the mysteroius ways the human mind works! No body is totally perfect or imperfect. Time changes every thing, and human mind is no exception.
Aswathama, seeing at a distance that Arjuna was rushing towards him, ran for his life in a chariot. But soon his horses were tired and slowed down their pace. He knew that his life was in danger and no one could protect him.
Immediately the thought of “Brahmastram” came to his mind as the only means to protect his life. Even though he did not know how to withdraw the fatal “missile-like” weapon, he shot it from his bow. A fierce flame started charging in the direction of Arjuna. When Arjuna saw the danger to his life, he asked Krishna for rescue.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan replied that Aswathama does not know how to call it back. There is no other “Astram” that can overpower it. Therefore He asked Arjuna to counter attack Aswathama with Brahmastram itself.
Note – Sometimes we can also see people like Aswathama, they leap into trouble without thinking about the consequences and unaware of how to esacpe from it. An agitated mind takes you into a whirlpool of misery. On the contrary Arjuna represents a mind guided by the Lord, and so he can turn to the Lord whenever he needs protection.
The two powerful Brahmastras heading for a collision with each other shook the whole world. The entire Earth, Sky and Space was covered with their fire-faces that shone like Sun’s fierce fire and the mighty fire emanating from Adisheshan’s face. The whole creation was bewildered and frightened. Arjuna realized that the most merciful Lord wanted him to withdraw both “Brahmastarms” for the survival of the world, so he withdrew them as Aswathama could not do it.
Then he tied Aswathama with a rope and dragged him to Draupadi who had not yet recovered from her shock and grief. A single word from her
Hari Om!
would make Arjuna kill him that moment itself. Even Krishna had told Arjuna that Aswathama deserved no mercy from him.
But Draupadi astonished every one by asking Arjuna to set him free. She said she knows what “Putra Dukham” means to a mother, so let Kripi (Aswathama’s mother) be spared from that unbearable pain.
Note – What a great lady Draupadi was. The character of Draupadi is unique in world literature itself. As a wife of five brave husbands, as a queen still forced to become a slave to Duryodhana, as a hurt woman determined to take revenge on him, as the constant inspiration for her husbands, as an efficient housewife even in the forest and exile and as the most dearest friend to Krishna – what all roles she played beautifully.
But the true mother in Draupadi, who, even while experiencing the most unbearable pain, showing compassion to another mother can wet the eyes of a cold-hearted man too!
This Indian woman was such a diverse, multi faceted, rare personality…
Hari Om!
Draupadi’s merciful words pleased Dharmaputra and he praised that she was not an ordinary woman, but a Great Mind. Yet Bheema was apprehensive about her appeal to spare Aswathama. He strongly pointed that he deserved no mercy as he slaughtered the innocent children while they were asleep.
Krishna made a compromising suggestion that it was not fair to drag Aswathama all this way and kill him, even though he was the most wretched enemy. So He said it was sufficient to pierce his forehead and remove the Gem that protected him. In fact, this Gem implies the Knowledge that adorns the intellect of a Brahmin. Without Knowledge, a Brahmin is lifeless like a corpse.
Arjuna obeyed Him, it was humiliating to Aswathama and he went away, injured and insulted.
They all went and offered the last rituals to the departed dear ones. Afterwards Krishna was getting ready to go back to Dwaraka. Then HE heard the bewildered cry of a woman….
Note – Sometimes we wonder why the All Knowing Lord did not prevent
Hari Om!
disasters even for His most beloved people. The answer is very simple – He wanted us to learn Disaster Management techniques. Then only this Sacred Knowledge can rescue us in our own lives!
It was Uthara, the widow of Abhimanyu (Arjuna’s son) running towards Krishna, pale with fear and yelling for help. She was screaming that an arrow was coming to her and it would kill the child in her womb. Krishna saw that it was the “Brahamastram” by Aswathama directed to the one only one heir to the Pandavas.
Aswathama was taking revenge on Pandavas for the insult added to the injury to him.
Uthara pleaded that let it take her life, but at least spare her child, who was the last link in the Pandavas’ family.
Note – A hurt enemy will not forget to take revenge. One should always be prepared to face the consequences before offending another person.
Here, Uthara is showing the sense of responsibility of a Princess –
Hari Om!
she is not concerned about herself, but the lineage of the dynasty. In all our Puranas, our heroes and heroines have shown examples of how to preserve the collective interest of the society rather than their personal interest.
It is more relevant today – an organization is much more important than an individual.
Uthara went straight to the Lord, she did not seek help from anyone else. Who can save us from the clutches of Death, other than the Lord Himself? Uthara’s surrender is so unique because she directly went to the Lord Himself.
Krishna took His Sudarsanam and the mighty weapon covered Uthara like a shield. Brahmastram can not be countered by any other weapon, but the Lord’s Sudarsana Chakram absorbed it wholly into it and protected the Pandavas from peril.
As Pandavas were safe again, Krishna was about to leave them for Dwaraka. Then Mother Kunthi approached Him with a prayer.
Hari Om!
Note – We can take it this way – Brahma, the creator represents the mind. Any creation of the mind and mind itself appears and disappears in the Chaithanyam or the Lord Himself. Sudarsanam means the “good vision” or vision of the Supreme Truth. Even a glimpse of the Supreme Truth makes you free from all threats of the mind.
We can also see later, that the devotion of the mother influences the child in the womb too. So, a carrying mother must be very committed with her Sadhana and Satsang.
Kunthisthuthi…
Kunthidevi offered a very devotional prayer to Lord Krishna by describing His various qualities and remembering all the merciful support He gave them. She sees Him as the ONE that lives in every one as the Chaithanyam.
She said Krishna was kinder to her, more than His own mother Devaki who had suffered in Kamsa’s prison for a very long time and lost her children. But Kunthi and her sons were always protected by the Lord. Bheema from Duryodhana’s poison, all of them from “Arakkillam”,
Hari Om!
Panchali from “Vastrakshepam”, and now even Uthara’s baby in the womb from Aswathama’s Brahmastram. How indebted the Pandavas are to Lord Krishna!
(Note – Let us ask ourselves, if we are given a choice, what will we select – all the worldly wealths or the Lord himself?).
Thus she prayed to Him, to stay with them further and moreover, protect Uthara and her child. How can the most merciful Lord reject such a devotee’s appeal? So, He consented to stay with them.
Note – Krishna’s compassion to His true devotees is vividly expressed here. When you turn back in your own life, you can also see so many examples where you were supported by that invisible force. Whenever your strength vanished and prayed for help, you were always taken care of.
So, let us recognize that Power and feel grateful from the deepest core of our hearts…
Hari Om!
Dharmaputra’s agony…
Now the war has ended and it was time for the crowning ceremony of Dhramaputra, the eldest Pandava. But he could not bear the scenes of war that he saw all around. Only a few warriors were left and all his cousins (Kauravas) were dead. Even their own children were massacred by Aswathama.
How many innocent children lost their fathers and women became widows! Who would take care of the old people in their homes! All this misery for the greed of power, how much blood was shed in this horrible war. Can anyone guess the pain of Dhritaarashtra and Gandhari? Was this war necessary and who wants such a crown of victory?
How can any one kill a Guru like Drona and a beloved grandfather like Bheeshma for gaining power? What happiness can you get from this power, that is blind to the grievances of so many innocent people. Feeling of guilt was stabbing Yudhishtira on his heart itself.
Unable to bear that gripping pain, Yudhishtira went on lamenting,
Hari Om!
seeking permission either to live in a forest or leave his Prana by Praayopavesa – fasting unto death. His brothers, Panchali, Vedavyasa and even Lord Krishna tried to console the aggrieved King, but all in vain.
(This kind of dilemma was always a part of this preserver of “Dharma” which indicates that it is very difficult to define what is Dharmam and what is Adharmam accurately).
Note – This picture gives the trail end of all wars. No one wins in a war and the winners become losers ultimately. Human heart wants only love, peace and joy.
So, our wars should be fought within our own minds to eradicate all evil tendancies and negativities. This is the philosophy of Mahabharatha war too, where the lesser number of good qualities conquered the larger number of bad qualities in human mind, under the guidance of the Jagad Guru Krishna!
Hari Om!
Bheeshma Sthuthi…
Lord Krishna knew how badly this “man of justice” was perplexed. So, Krishna took the frustrated Dharmaputra to seek advice from his grandfather Bheeshma who was still lying on “Sharashayya” – a bed of arrows – in the war field itself. He was awaiting the arrival of Uttaraayana, the auspicious time for leaving his body. The Pandava brothers along with Sage Veda Vyasa and other Sages followed him.
Bheeshma Pitamaha was lying like a fallen mountain on the bed of arrows that adorned his entire body. As he could not get up from there, he offered Pranam to the Lord with his glance and words of honour. Pandavas prostrated before him and he looked at his grand children with wet eyes filled with compassion and great love.
How understanding he was, as he soothed them with his kind words. He knew how badly the Pandavas were treated by the Kauravas right from their childhood and what all crises they had to face all those years. If not for the support from the Lord, what would have happened to them and their mother! More than anyone else, Bheeshma knew that the war
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was inevitable and he was helpless in influencing Duryodhana too.
Now, Dharmaputra started conversing with Bheeshmacharya and that wise man answered all his querries. Bheeshma was successful in convincing the depressed man and recharging him with enthusiasm.
The presence of the Lord was the most happiest thing for the dying man and all his pains vanished. Then Bheeshma praised the Glory of the Lord and this is known as Bheeshma Sthuthi. “Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam” is the recital of the Lord’s thousand names by Bheeshma.
Note – It is surprising to see that a young and physically strong man was motivated by an old, physically weak and moreover, a dying man! Our body – its physical and mental faculties – can not function without a strong mind. When the mind is weak and we are caught up in an emotional turbulance, we become dysfunctional. But even on the death bed, Bheeshma displayed immense mental strength that could undoubtedly uplift Yudhishtira’s weak mind which even Krishna seemingly could not do.
We have also experienced this in our lives – a physically challenged
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person may exhibit extra-ordinary mental strength and thus achieves and attains greater heights, much more than ordinary people.
Krishna’s Supreme intelligence knew how to apply a psychological approach to solve Dharmaputra’s emotional problem, and as always He was right…
Hearing Bheeshma’s advices, Dharmaputra got immense mental relief. As the time for his departure from the worldly life came, Bheeshma focused all his attention on the Lord and he got the vision of the Supreme Lord in His “Chathurbhuja” form. He could see the Lord alone in all beings and all happenings in the entire creation.
As a true warrior Bheeshma Pitamaha accepted his final moments gracefully and merged in the Lord Himself. Even though the Pandavas were sad as their beloved grandfather left them forever, they were peaceful too as his final moments were blessed by the Lord.
They all went back to Hasthinapuri and consoled the bereaved King Dhritharashtra and Gandhari Devi. There after, Yudhishtira was crowned as the King and the Pandavas started ruling the Kingdom.
Hari Om!
Note – This is an exceptionally beautiful part of Bhagavatham where Krishna displays His divinity and compassion that encompass all. Profound Knowledge was transferred to two Pandavas before and after the Kurukshetra war. Bhagavath Geeta, the most precious song sung by the Lord was advised to Arjuna just before the war started, when he was depressed and frustrated with GUILT to fight against his Gurus and beloved relatives, especially Bheeshma Pitamaha. Now, just after the war ended, we can find Yudhishtira in the same mental agony added with REGRET too.
We may wonder why Krishna was not uplifting his mind as HE did with Arjuna.
The answer is, He was enlightening Yudhishtira by giving an opportunity to Bheeshma too. As a grandfather, Bheeshma’s silence and inability to stop the war cannot be justified. It had caused immense trouble to the Pandavas all through their lives. But, now his words of wisdom have repaid all the debts he owed to the Pandavas by rejuvenating Yudhishtira’s mind. This was nothing but the grace of the Lord.
Hari Om!
Another beauty is, Bheeshma’s vision of the Lord as the Omnipresent Chaithanyam in every thing. As long as we see God as a person, separate from ourselves, we cannot transcend the fear of death. So, we can see that Krishna’s compassion saves the grandfather and the grandson simultaneously.
Dharmaputra’s rule re-established the “Dharmarajyam” in the country. Mother Nature blessed the land lavishly and every one was very happy. Bhagavatham describes the noble ways he ruled the country and protected his people like a father.
As we can recall, Uthara’s child was saved by Lord Krishna from Aswathama’s Brahmamastram. Now Mother Kunthi and Uthara requested to Krishna to protect the child who was still in the womb. So, He gave Darshan to the child (entering her womb) in the “Chathurbhuja” form. Thus He protected even the unborn baby. In the due course of time, Uthara gave birth to her child and he was named “Parikshith’ signifying the TESTS he had undergone even before he was born.
Hari Om!
Note – What do we learn here? It is said that a child in the womb sees the Lord. However caring a mother is, how can she protect her baby who is not yet born? So, who takes care of the child, other than the Lord Himself?
According to our Scriptures, God is the ONE that connects the body, breath and the heat in the body. This is the only power that protects us right from the womb till the end of our life. A mother becomes the first Guru for the child when she initiates devotion and love for the Lord in the child. So, it is highly recommended to chant Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam, listen to Bhajans and attend Satsangs when a woman is carrying a child in her womb.
Now it was time for Krishna to say farewell to Hasthinapuri and return to Dwaraka who was waiting for His “Darshan” for a long time. Pandavas, Mother Kunthi, Draupadi and all others were sorrowful to see Him going away from them. No wonder, you will get glued to the Lord once you get caught up in His charm. Dwaraka welcomed Krishna with tears of happiness.
Hari Om!
The story’s focus now goes to Parikshit. He was an intelligent child right from his childhood. He acquired mastery in archery and all other kingly skills. He showed expertise in art forms and sports too. He became a good scholar. All predictions by Sages about his valour and greatness proved to be right, as he grew up.
Vidura came back to Hasthinapuri after his prolonged Theerthayatra; he had a very serious discussion with Dhritharashtra. He urged the old, blind king to renounce the wordly life and thus Dhritharashtra went On Vanaprastha with Gandharidevi and Kunthidevi.
Now it has been Thirty Six years since Dharmaputra started ruling the country. Time was ticking away as usual and there is an end for every thing in this world, even to the Lord’s life when it is manifested in this world.
Dwapara yuga was nearing its end and it was time for Lord Krishna to leave this world. The purpose of His incarnation had already materialized. Thus, at the age of One hundred and Twenty five years, HE discarded His physical body and did “Swargarohanam“. Arjuna had
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his last meeting with Krishna and then went back to Hasthinapuri with a heavy heart – we will see all this in detail…
This shocking news pushed the Pandavas into a vacuum and they decided to leave the palace. Parikshith was crowned as the new king. As all their worldly duties and responsibilities were met, the great Pandavas along with Panchali set off on their “Mahaprastanam” and finally reached their heavenly abode.
Note – A beautiful picture of human life and its dramas are vividly given here. Indian culture was such a great way of life where one would do all his worldly duties and responsibilities and pass it to the next generation with total dispassion and contentment.
Our kings and rulers considered themselves to be the temporary custodians of power and wealth. As long as they were in their designated positions, they honoured it and protected it. When the time to pass the crown to the next heir came, they did it with a sense of satisfaction and a “heart” full of blessings.
We have just seen the Three “Farewells” – by Dhritharashtra’s Vanaprastham,
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Lord Krishna’s Swargarohanam followed by Arjuna’s agony and the Pandavas’ Mahayanam.
If we go deeper into these stories, we will be amazed to see the Wisdom unfold before us. Let us analyse the Dhritarashtra’s story first. The blind King was actually blind with attachment – in all forms. All these bondages destroyed his life and pulled down all around him. Instead of giving proper advice to his wife, children and others he led his life immersed in sensual pleasure.
When Gandharidevi decided to blindfold her eyes to deny herself the vision that her husband could not enjoy, he could have stopped her. So, Kauravas were deprived of the watchful attention of both parents. A mother’s keen observation is needed for the healthy (mental) growth of a child. Even if the father is inefficient, mother should take up the responsibility for her children and guide them in the right direction.
On the contrary, Kunthidevi was always mentoring her children. Even when Madridevi died along with King Pandu, Kunthidevi survived from that grief and took care of Madri’s children too. She is an excellent
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example of the strength of Indian motherhood.
When you do not do your duty well, you will blame others, even the Lord Himself. Later we can see that Gandharidevi cursed Krishna after the war, blaming Him for causing such misery. She could not realize that her children brought up in the blindness of ignorance had lost the right direction long back.
After the war, both Dhritharashtra and Gandharidevi were living in the palace with the Pandavas who cared for them very well. At this time Vidura came back after his Theerthayatra which he started before the war started. Now we can see the way this noble man advises the old king. He showered even hurting words on him asking him “Don’t you feel ashamed to eat the food that Bheema feeds you with?”, indicating that Dhritharashtra deliberately tried to kill the second Pandava for killing Duryodhana. How could this old man relax and continue to live such a luxurious life after all his sons died? This pierced the old heart to the core and he decided to renounce the palace and the comforts and spend his last years as a Seeker of Truth, accompanied by Vidura and Gandharidevi.
Hari Om!
We can see two extremely different old people here – Dhrithrashtra and Vidura. The former represents the majority of today’s old age who are still cherishing the good, old memories of their youth and striving to enjoy to the maximum even in the last days. They seldom devote time for spiritual awareness and they are incapable of guiding the young generation too. Vidura represents the wisdom of old age acquired through constant introspection and Satsang. He shows exemplary power of discretion by not interfering in the war too. Such a person alone can guide others and live a meaningful life with self respect and confidence.
Whatever be the way you live, Satsang will definitely guide you in the right way. That is what we can see here, as Vidura guided Dhritharashtra in the last days of his life.
Dharmaputra was agonized when he knew the departure of Dhritharashtra. But Sage Narada consoled him by enlightening him about the impermanence of life. Now let us see what happened in Dwaraka. Arjuna had gone there to visit his friend and Guru Krishna. As Dharmaputra awaited his return, he was seeing bad omens all around
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and got worried. Then he saw Arjuna returning as a feeble and frustrated man.
This is a dramatic turning point in Arjuna’s life. He could not speak anything for quite some time. Then Yudhishtira bombarded so many questions about Krishna’s welfare. Finally Arjuna started answering in a stammering and shaken voice. He told them all that happened in Dwaraka – the sons and relatives of Krishna fought with one another and got killed among themselves and Dwaraka was swallowed by sea. Krishna asked Arjuna to protect his 16000 wives before he left HIS physical body and he agreed to it. But as they were walking, some savages came and took them away from Arjuna. The mighty warrior Arjuna could not even lift his Gandeevam and he had to watch it helplessly. Now he realized that it was Krishna that gave him all the strength all through these years.
What do we understand here? Krishna is the Self or Chaithanyam that resides in every one and our mind has existence only in this life force.
Here, Arjuna symbolizes a mind separated from this divinity, and so it
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becomes dysfunctional. The wives of Krishna represent all the skills and talents in us. With a dysfunctional mind all our potentialities are misused or abused like a dignified woman being abused by a savage.
We can see this happening every where – even technology has good use, misuse and abuse. And however talented a person is, if he becomes a drunkard or a drug addict, all his talents will be misused or abused. So, it is the divinity in our heart that makes our life purposeful and blossom into perfection.
Now we can see that Arjuna is recalling all his experiences with Krishna – his most beloved friend, companion, mentor, teacher and guide. One by one, each experience passes through his mind and he realizes that it was just because of Krishna that he could transcend all those difficulties in life.
How he helped Arjuna win Draupadi in “Swayamvara”, saved them from many hardships while living in exile, saved Panchali from the curse of Sage Durvassavu, from the abuse of Dussasana, how he played the role of peacemaker before the war, how he saved him from depression
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in the war-field by giving the most precious Bhagavath Geeta, how he saved Bheema from the “Dhritarashtralinganam”, how he took Yudhishtira to Bheeshma and made him present the most auspicious “Vishnu Sahasra Namam”, how he saved Parikshith from Brahmastram…… His blessings were countless and His grace was immeasurable. How could Arjuna live without Krishna? How could he ever escape from this grief?
Now a wonder happened! As Arjuna was melting in the remembrance of the Lord, gradually he became peaceful and he was overpowered by an unknown joy. What is the message that we get here? More than the physical presence, the mental union with the Lord is the true source of joy. That alone can save us from the miseries and agonies of life. We can transcend all worries by the constant remembrance of the Lord and that is the only means to live peacefully in this turbulent world. Let us remember what Poonthanam Thirumeni said when he lost his only child: “Unnikrishnan manassil kalikkumbol unnikal mattu venamo makkalai?” Like Arjuna we too must be able to feel the presence of the Lord as our constant companion and Guru in our lives.
Hari Om!
Once you know that presence you will be able to live in this world without allowing the world to enter and live in you. Then life becomes a true celebration…
Arjuna realized that the profound Knowledge that Krishna had imparted to him in the form of Bhagavth Geeta has once again dawned in him and saved him. The SadGuru’s words are never in vain. He became dispassionate and he could experience the presence of the Lord within.
This is the message that the Lord has been giving us from time immemorial. Are we, the highest species in evolution making use of this God given privilege or are we leading a life of mere existence? The possibilities of the human mind are unimaginable and that is the biggest wealth we have got. So, every human mind should introspect whether we are using this highest right or privilege granted to us.
Now, Dharmaputra realized that it was the right time for leaving his worldly duties. We can see this happening in and around us. When the highest motivating factor of our life disappears from our life, we feel like withdrawing from our duties. The “Ruchi” in worldly matters diminish.
Hari Om!
A King can not survive like that. If you can not perform your duty well, it is better to pass it to eligible hands.
On hearing her most beloved Krishna’s “Swargarohanam” Mother Kunthi discarded her physical abode too. As the beginning of Kaliyuga started, Yudhishtira decided to go on “Mahaprasthanam” and he sacrificed all his kingly symbols denoting the “I”ness and “My”ness in Agni.
Thus Parikshith who was an embodiment of noble qualities as a king was crowned. Then Yudhishtira started his journey in the North direction and other Pandavas followed him alongwith Panchali. All of them attained their heavenly abode and we are concluding the story of Pandavas here.
If we look at their lives, we can see that they had suffered more in their life than their cousins Kauravas who lived in the palace. But their life was spent with the Lord Himself, which turned their huts (in exile) and palaces (in Hasthinapuri) equally into spiritual abodes. What an eventful and blessed life they had with their most beloved Krishna!
Hari Om!
Canto 2
The story of Parikshith…
In a very short time, Parikshith became a very good ruler and administrator. He was deeply loved and liked by his people. On the banks of holy Ganges he conducted three Aswametha Yagas. He was strictly following the Dharma advocated by his ancestors. His sole focus was in the well-being of his people. He used to roam around in his kingdom to know the actual position of his people and the state of affairs in the country.
All these visits gave him insight into his past and his ancestors. Thus he came to know about the greatness of Pandavas, the Dharmayudham at Kurukshetra and all the tales of his big family. The more he heard and knew about Lord Krishna and how he saved them from unending troubles and saved his own life from Brahmastram, his devotion in the Lord became stronger day by day. He became a true devotee of the Lord.
One day as usual he was traveling in his country, then he happened to see an unusual thing happening before his eyes.
Hari Om!
Note – a vivid description of a noble ruler is given here. Our rulers should read our Scriptures to know how to rule the country. The direct interaction with the people alone can bring harmony between the ruler and the ruled. Then there is no scope for lack of communication or understanding. Such a King will be admired and loved by his people.
Only spiritual awareness will give that clarity and conviction to the ruler in discharging his duties well, and to the people in respecting and following the systems well.
It was a piteous sight. He saw a bull, with only one leg and the other three limbs were bleeding. He was trying hard to stand on his one remaining leg. There was a cow crying inconsolably with sorrow, standing near the bull. The bull was none other than Dharmadevan and the cow was Bhoomidevi.
Dharmadevan was conversing with Bhoomidevi, asking her:
“why do you cry oh Devi, what ails you? Did anything happen to make you so sad? Are you crying because you see me trying to walk around on one leg? Or maybe you are sad of thinking what will happen to you in
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the coming years, as all the Dharma has vanished from this earth, and the Devas do not get what is their due from the people?
Are you worried about the wives who are going to be deserted by unfaithful husbands? Are you grieving about the children who will be abandoned and tortured by beast-like parents? Are you concerned about the uncontrollable lust in people who will not be using any discretion in choosing their partners?”.
Thus Dharmadeva details all the calamities that will be falling on the earth due to Kali. He enquires further, “as our most beloved Bhagavan has taken up his heavenly abode, you are inconsolable. Is that it?”
Note – We will be shocked to read these questions by Dharmadeva as this is exactly what we can see happening everywhere in the world. In our country, women and children were always spared from cruelty and injustice. But now, they are the worst victims of greed and lust. Some children are deprived of even their own mother’s love and father’s protection. What are we heading to? What happiness and peace are we searching for? Isn’t it high time to wake up from lethargy and awaken
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others too?
Shathakodi Pranams to the “Vishala Budhi” of Sri Veda Vyasa who had predicted all these features of Kaliyuga many thousands of years back!
And Bhoomidevi answers him, “Oh Dharmadeva, what you have talked about my plight is true. But what happened to your legs? Why are you limping around on one leg? The Lord, who made you whole, who lived here in this earth, and because of that the earth itself became vaikunda, have left us now. We are now orphans…”.
Mother Earth continued lamenting citing all her woes. How can she bear the sins of her own sons who are immersed in all kinds of cruel acts? When the Lord was here, He had ensured that every one was in the path of Dharma and Mother Earth was happy. Now both Dharma and Bhoomidevi are miserable…
Thus they were conversing, when King parikshit came upon them.He realized who they were. Dharmam was standing on his only leg Sathyam. His other legs “Thapas”, “Shaucham” and “Daya” were cut off by “Kali”.
Hari Om!
He saw another sight too, that made him angry. He saw a man wearing a king’s attire, beating Dharmadeva, the bull and Bhoomidevi, the cow. This made him jump from his chariot and spoke in a loud voice to the ugly creature, “Who are you? who gave you right to beat this poor limping bull and cow? I will kill you for violating the Dharma”.
Thus said, he drew up his bow and arrow and charged to kill the Sudra. The Sudra was “Kali” who had taken up the attire of a king.
Note – We can see that even if all other virtues are destroyed by evil minded people, Sathyam will remain. That can not be destroyed by any thing. Hence it is said “Sathyameva Jayathe”.
It is quite noticeable that “Kali” was wearing the dress of a King and behaving like a merciless savage. This is what is happening in the world today. The rulers who should protect the people like a father, are exploiting and torturing them like savages. Now we can see that all over the world, people have started retalliating. Rulers like King Parikshith should come to power to re-establish Dharmam and protect Mother Earth.
Hari Om!
Parikshith revives Dharmam…
Parikshith says that it is his Dharma as a king to save the helpless victims from oppressors. Seeing that the Maharaja was going to kill him, Kali pleaded with him to spare his life. He said, what he was doing was only what happens naturally in the Kaliyuga. Taking his appeal, Maharaja Parikshith, the Dharmishta, withheld the weapon he had wielded to kill him. Parikshith also told Kali “I adhere to Dharma, as the “Kuladharma” of Pandavas, so you are spared now. Now get out of my kingdom! Hereafter, you can live only where there is Adharma. Here in Brahmavartha, the sages and kings are ever conducting yajnas and I am here to protect them. So do not live in my kingdom”.
Hearing this, Kali asked the Raja, “then where should I live? I see you everywhere, overlooking every inch of your kingdom to make sure there is no Adharma. So where can I find Adharma in your kingdom?” The King thought for a moment and listed four places of Adharma as Kali’s dwelling places. They are the places where the drunkards, gamblers, liers and womanizers live. Then Kali requested for one more place, so the King suggested the fifth as the place where greed of gold and
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riches persist. These are the abodes of Adharma. Consenting to this order, Kali went off after making his pranams to the mighty King. (And to this day, he lives wherever these fivefold sins are being done).
And King Parikshith made arrangements for the peaceful conducting of yatnas, yagam, and for propagating the Dharma. Thus the bull, Dharmadeva who was limping on one leg alone could walk around on all his legs, and because of Dharma was again doing well in this world, Bhoomidevi too became happy.
Note – Bhagavatham says how the three pillars of Dharma were ruined. “Thapas or penance” was replaced by “Garvam or arrogance”, “Shaucham or cleanliness of self-centredness” was replaced by “Samgam or over attachment” and “Daya or mercy” was replaced by “Madham or selfishness”.
This leaves a note of caution for us. It is not money, but the greed for money that ruins our mental peace. We may be rich or not, but when our minds are filled with the desire to make money at any cost, it will lead us to Adharmik ways. Same is the case with fame, lust and power.
Hari Om!
Here, another inspiring factor is the nobility of Parikshith as a compassionate and efficient ruler. As noble and serviced minded people keep away from politics, the majority of our rulers are those people inhabited by “Kali”. It is the need of the hour that good people should join politics and serve and preserve the interest of the nation.
Now the story goes further to how Parikshith was cursed by Sameeka Muni’s son.
One day, the king was hunting as usual and somehow he got lost from his path. It was a hot and dusty day, and he felt very thirsty for a drop of water. He could not see anyone nearby. So, tired with fatigue and thirst, he accidentally saw an Ashramam. It was Sameeka Maharshi’s Ashrama, and the Muni was in meditation. The king loudly asked the Muni for water and directions, but the Muni was totally immersed in Samadhi and did not answer. On a spurt of anger, King, took his arrow head, and draped a dead snake lying nearby on to the Muni’s neck. Then he went away still thirsty and on top of that with a remorseful heart.
Hari Om!
He knew he should not have done that. Nearby, the Muni’s son was playing, and on returning he saw the dead snake around his father’s neck and with the power of Jnanadrushti saw the whole thing that had happened. He became so agitated that he cursed the King, that Takshaka the king of snakes will bite Parikshith and he will be dead by the seventh day. When Sameeka Muni knew about his son’s curse on the King he felt sorry and sent the word to the King. Parikshith grew remorseful that he did such a nasty, unpardonable thing.
Note – This shows how damaging our emotional outbursts could be. Before doing such a rash thing, the King should have paused to think. He could at least go back to the Sage and ask for pardon.
This is a typical situation in many people’s lives where they do not bother to understand or compromise with others. When they realize the hard fact, it will be too late. Even a noble person like Parikshith, who was holding onto Dharmam and protecting everyone always has slipped from it now. This shows how fickle the mind is and how strong our emotions are!
Hari Om!
King Parikshith who was ever in the Lord’s protection, from the time he was in his mother’s womb, did not get frightened by hearing the fatal curse.
Instead of looking for a way out, he decided that it was time to enthrone his son, and end his life in Prayopavesha, that is by forsaking all food and water, waiting for death. He was serene and calm. He selected the banks of Ganga river, for this purpose. Ganga, is a heavenly river. Holy Ganges is considered to be the most sacred river, and no wonder the King chose its bank for obtaining death.
Now, the Munis or Sages hearing of the King’s Prayopavesha, came to the banks of Ganga, to chant Krishna Leelas, and at that time, Sri Suka Maharshi, son of Veda Vyasa, appeared there. Sri Suka is entirely devoid of attachment and body consciousness and his visit was the most lucky thing to have happened to Parikshith.
Overjoyed at seeing Sukadeva, the King made his obeisance and asked Suka to tell him incidence of God Krisha that which will enlighten not only him, but all who hear about it. And thus starts the discourse
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between Sri suka Deva, and King Parikshith in a series of questions and answers.
Note – The sincere seeker of Truth is never left alone. The Lord comes to his aid in the form of a Satguru.
Now, Sukadevan most emphatically suggests to King Parikshith, that as he knows his days are numbered to seven days, he should know “THAT” which should be understood, by the intelligent mortal – only that would release him from this cycle of births and deaths. Sri Suka consoles Parikshith by telling him the story of Khadwanga who could attain HIM in a single “Muhurtham”. So, Parikshith could intelligently use his last days to attain liberation. Parikshith was very much relieved to hear this good news. He appealed to the great Sage to advise on what to be done next.
This humble request from the King pleased Sri Suka and he replied, “ Oh Maharaj, this is Kaliyuga. Only Bhakthi can liberate you and unite you with the Lord. So, listen to Bhagavatham with commitment and full mental involvement. It will develop devotion naturally and thus you will
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gain Bhagavath Prasadam. Only ”Bhagavath Prasadam” can take you to liberation”.
The King was very much pleased as he got the solution to his problem, but saddened also as his days were numbered and very little time was left. His concern was well understood by Sri Suka and with a smile, the great Sage started narrating the stories of the Lord.
Note – this is a very notable lesson from Bhagavatham, where a person critically suffering from a problem is finding a solution. Parikshith did not seek advice from any friends or relatives, but surrendered at the Lotus Feet of Guru only. Guru is the ONE that dispels the darkness of ignorance and thus the ONE that takes you to the Lord.
When we are in a problem we should approach only the right person with that profound Knowledge. Then instead of regretting and blaming ourselves and others, we must see what can be done next to come out of the problem. Here Parikshith’s curse was a blessing in disguise, that helped him to KNOW the Supreme Lord. His life would have ended as all others do in the course of time. But, now he got an opportunity to
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know his death in advance and spend his last days in the remembrance of the Lord.
The various Avathars of the Lord…
Suka deva advocates everyone to have implicit faith and love in the supreme being Bhagavan, which only will elevate us from the cycle of Births and Deaths. He says, there are numerous avathars of Bhagavan, in fact every one and every thing is an avathar, for we all come from him, and even counting of the sand in beaches will be easier than to count Bhagavans avatharas.
Only through love and sublimation one could sense Bhagavan. Sri Suka, mentions some avathars from the innumerable, that which were imparted to Narada muni by Brahma, his father. This was the first “Bhagavatha Varnana” presumed to be told by Brahma to Narada.
First, Bhagavan takes birth as Kapila Muni, as Blessing to Kardama Prajapathy and his wife Devahuthi. In this avathar, kapilamuni, out of love to his mother, imparts to her, various aspects as Kapilopadesam. And Devahuthi, attains moksham.
Hari Om!
Secondly, as a son to Athri Muni, taking on the name Dathan.
Thirdly as Brahma’s Manasa puthrar, Sanal kumar, Sankan, Sanandan, and Sanalsujathan.
Fourthly as twin sons Nara, Narayana, to Murthydevi and Dharman.
Fifth, to bless Dhruvan, the son of King Uthanapada and Sunithi; seeing the steadfast Bhakti of the five year old Dhruva, he is granted the Druvaloka after he attains death.
Sixth, as Pruthu, the son of the cruel king vena.
Seventh as Bharatha, the son of King Nabhi and Sudevi.
Eighth, as Hayagriva, who was the epitome of Veda, with a horse face.
Ninth, as a fish, showing the swaroopa, to Sathyavratha Muni.
Tenth, as a tortoise – Kurma – to balance the Mandhara Parvath on his back, while churning of the Palazhi by Devas and Asuras.
Eleventh, as Narasimham to bless Prahlada and kill Hiranyakasipu.
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Twelth, as Hari to give darsan to Gajendra, in Gajendra moksham.
Thirteenth, as Vamana, to bless King Maha Bali.
Fourteenth, as a swan – Hamsa – giving words of wisdom to Narada.
Fifteenth, as Dhanwanthari, the curer.
Sixteenth, as Parasu Rama.
Seventeenth, as Sri Rama.
Eighteenth, as Sri Krishna and Balarama.
Nineteenth as Buddha, the one who denounces all yagas and rituals.
And finally the Lord will come to this earth as Kalki.
Brahma now concluded his words to Narada, and remarked that, even the Adi Sesha, the thousand headed Serpant, who is continuously extolling Bhagavan’s Mahimas, cannot see an end to the Avathara. “So, how can I ? Narada, you have been blessed by Bhagavan due to your Bhakti in the previous life, so you got this Parshada position (servant to
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Bhagavan). Go round the world, always sing the praises of Bhagavan, and do all you can, to make the mankind realize Bhagavan’s keerthi”.
So Narada is still in this world, going round, and wherever Bhagavan’s praises are sung, he is there. And Aswathamavu too, to get release from his sins.
Note – This is just a glimpse of the Omnipresence of the Lord, who resides in every one and every thing, right from animals and birds to Poorna Avathar Krishna. HE is accesible to noble and wicked people alike. Only through Bhakthi we get the awareness of His Presence.
Now, Saunaka and the others who were eagerly following Sri Suka’s words, pose another question to him. He requests Sukadeva to detail out what Vidurar did after he was casted off from Hasthinapura. And Sukadeva tells the audience, in the order, Parikshith Maharaja had asked and Sri Suka replied.
He details how Vidura was first called to Dhritharashtrar’s presence, and then was asked his counsel for the then prevailing situation in Hasthinapura. Vidura tells Kauravas in no uncertain terms, that
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usurping the crown and kingdom that rightfully belonged to Pandavas was a great adharma. He cited all the cruel things the Kuru sons had done to Pandavas, including trying to disrobe Panchali were adharmic, and now the only course of action was to give the rightful share to Pandavas.
Hearing this Duryodhana, insulted Vidura, and asked him to get off Hasthinapura. Even though Dhritharashtrar was blind, now he intentionally became deaf too, to Vidura’s advice. Vidura realized the will of The Lord and discarded his weapons and went off on pilgrimage. On traveling through many Theerthasthanam, he one day reached Prabhasam another Theerthasthanam, and from there he came to know about the war and the massive destruction followed. Feeling sad, he continued going to all spiritual places and one day somewhere there, he happened to see Uddhavar, Krishna’s all time friend and companion, who was always with the Lord.
Note – The wisdom of Vidura is remarkeable. Usually people – especially in old age – do not know when and how to interfere in others’ matters. Here, Vidura shows a very good example by giving his honest
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opinion and then leaving from the scene as he is not needed there. His Prasadabudhi to accept every thing as the Lord’s gift or direction is excellent. He feels that his attachment to his relatives was thus broken by the grace of the Lord and he has become free now.
If you can not stop an evil act, it is better to stay away from that rather than witnessing it helplessly.
Vidurar asks Udhavar, all the news of Bhagavan Krishna and his clan. And tears started rolling down from Udhavar’s eyes, who was ever accompanying Krishna and now alone. Krishna was in his mind and heart, those reminiscences came with tears streaming down his face. As a five year old boy, he spent in Krishna’s company, the Vrindavan, Madhura, Dwaraka and the memories of the last days…
His last hours in the company of Lord Krishna…At Prabhasa, at Saraswathi river’s banks, he saw Bhagavan, in His “Chathurbhuja” form, leaning on the pipul tree, in a serene and completely composed state, sitting alone.
Knowing that all the “Yadavakulam” has been wiped off in the fight
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among themselves, he was afraid that Bhagavan also may be considering returning to Vaikunda.
Then he saw Rishi Maithreya coming there. Maithreya muni also made his obeisance to Bhagavan. Krishna was happy seeing Udhavar and praised him. Udhavar could not help expressing his deep sorrow in separating from his most beloved Krishna. Out of deep love and compassion, the Lord advises him – this profound Knowledge is known as “Uddhava Gita”. The Lord then asks Udhavar to spend his remaining days at Badari, with constant remembrance on Bhagavan and attain moksha,..Uddhavar tells all this to Vidurar.
Vidurar, now lost in sorrow, knowing that Udhavar too was going to Badri to attain Moksha, requests him to enlighten him with the wise words he had heard from Bhagavan Krishna. He stresses, that he is requesting this not only for him, but also to enlighten the miserable souls suffering through the cycle of births and deaths in this world.
Now Udhavar tells Vidurar, that the Lord who foresees everything, conducting everything had told Maithreya Muni in detail, all that should
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be passed on to Vidurar. Udhavar requests Vidurar, to approach Maithreya Muni and to drink the nectar of Bhagavan’s words. Next morning Udhavar went on his way to Badriyasram, and to this day he is believed to be doing Thapas there, enlightening all the needy saints and Rishies about Bhagavan’s Mahima.
Note – This is a big blow to the ordinary devotee who DEPENDS on an external God for support. The Lord is none other than the Supreme Knowledge or Truth that shines in every one and one has to look within themselves to see God. Again and again the glory of the Guru is sung in Bhagavatham – the ONE that takes you to that eternal Truth.
Our country is blessed with that Guru Parampara who makes the “Darshan of the Lord” possible. How blessed we are to be born in this Holy Land!
Hari Om!
Canto 3
And Vidurar, went to Haridwar, in search of Maithreya Muni, to hear the message from the Lord. He asked many questions about what Krishna had told him, Bhagavan’s leelas, and everything about this world, which is manifested through Bhagavath Mahima (the Grace of the Lord).
Here Bhagavath Mahimas are detailed, from the minutest atom to the gross matter. From the Athma to the body…every phase of existance the man goes through; not only human beings, but all things in creation relating the Athma and Jeevan with the Indriyas …that is, detailing everything.
Out of His compassion to mankind, Bhagavan here portrays a large picture of man, mind, and prana…every step, a man goes through, from the breath to senses, to thoughts, which in the result, paves the way to the new life and death; so on……ultimately to attain the lotus feet of the Lord by completely surrendering to HIM, all the EGO (or existence as an individual self) through BHAKTHI.
Here TIME is defined as the power or force that transforms everything – a seed under the earth gets transformed into a tree in the course of time. The creation happening or manifesting through “Avyaktham”, then
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“Mahath Thathwam” and then “Aham Thathwam” is detailed here.
Note – This part of Bhagavatham will dive you in to the depth of Knowledge on the secrets of Creation. This is beyond human intellect – the tiniest particle to the universe as a whole, or from “Paramanu” to “Brahmandam”, is nothing but the manifestation of the Lord only.
Here, where is the place for human ego, that is so proud of its merits and achievements?
Let us have a look at the philosophy in this part of the holy text. It is impossible to drain the ocean with a spoon, but we can taste a few drops of this “Palazhy” by His Grace and our humble effort.
“Adi Narayana” represents Pure Consciousness or the “Chaithanyam” and Lord Brahma represents the mind that manifests from “Chaithanyam”. He is seated on the Lotus flower. What is the speciality of lotus? It will always look up at the Sun only; even though it dwells in the mud, it is unstained by it and its leaves do not hold water and does not get wet too. We should be like the lotus flower – even while living in this world, our mind must remain unaffected by the wordly relations and chaos. It should always look at the Lord only.
Hari Om!
Brahma was perplexed, “Who am I? Where am I coming from?” and was in search for an answer to his questions. A mind that is immersed in the worldly or sensual pleasure will not have such questions. Only an unstained or pure mind will try to know its source. So Brahma searched every where around him but could not find the answer. Then he started looking within himself. He remained in meditation for hundred years.
Our great Masters tell us that meditation is the only way to merge with the Lord. Other exercises can not take us deep into ourselves. Thus Brahma gets the vision of the Lord and starts creation.
This means, that only when the mind is with the Lord, it will have the power of creativity.Till then, it will remain perplexed and confused about what to do and how to do. Only with the grace of the Lord, we will be able to know the purpose of our life and live a meaningful life.
BrahmaSthuthi is the most significant prayer one should practise in the daily life. Lord Brahma realizes that his origin is none other than the Lord himself and obeys His instruction to start creation. Here, before starting creation, Brahma prays to the Lord to remove doership from him.
Hari Om!
As we all know, every thing happens in the mental plane first and then in the physical plane. Whatever we see here, existed as thoughts in a mind first and then only came into physical existance. So, doership or the feeling that “I am the doer or owner” is the fundamental problem with a human mind. But where do the thoughts come from? We do not realize that the power to do things, to speak or even to get up in the morning is not ours – without the grace of the Lord, how can we even breathe?
It is the ego in our mind that takes up the ownership of our achievements. Behind each success, support from so many people is involved. We owe a lot to this Universe that provides us with air, water, food, shelter, family, good friends and what not? How can we maintain a healthy body and mind without support from others?
Wake up and see, who is acting through all these people? Through Brahma Sthuthi, the prayer of a wise mind is revealed. Only a mind surrendered before the Lord can transcend limitations and be tuned with the Higher Conscious Energy. Then only, Creation becomes successful.
As Lord Krishna advises in Geeta, “Surrender everything to Me, then you will unite with me” – do your duty with the conviction that the Lord alone
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is acting through you and make yourself free from all Karma and Karmaphalam.
The Lord was pleased by Brahma’s prayer and answered, “Oh Brahma, the Knowledge that you were seeking so far, was always there within yourself. It was I who have sown this Knowledge in you, so constantly seek me only. Then it will shine through you, there is no other way for you. As you realize my Omnipresence, you will see me only, within and without”.
Brahma had prayed that he should be spared from the “Papa Punya” effect or the Karmaphalam of his Karma – that is creating various beings. So, the Lord replies further, “As I am in everyone and everything, I am the only doer here. When you realize this, you will become free from all bondages of Karma”.
We may wonder, then why this Truth is not revealed to everyone? The answer is, even though “Agni” is present within “Arani”, you need to churn it to bring it out and make it visible. Similarly, you need to do Sadhana constantly and develop devotion; then only you can feel the presence of the Lord within.
The root cause of misery is from the concept that “Jeevathma” is separate from “Paramathma”. Liberation or “Moksham” is nothing
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but the realization of “Oneness” with the Lord. The bondage with the Panchabhootha, sensory organs, ThriGunas (Sathwa, Rajas, Thamas) are all illusions or they are at the mental level and physical level. “Chaithanyam” is beyond all bondages and the only ONE here. When your individual Self (Jeevathma) becomes this Paramathma through this Self Realization, you are liberated.
“Understand, your strength is my Grace only”, re-emphasizes the Lord.
Then the Lord declares that when Brahma struggled to seek Him, it was He only who gave that Supreme Realization that, the Lord is within. We can see that the true devotee is guided by the Lord only and the Guru is the visible form of the Lord. The Lord further says that, for everyone, the deepest attachment is with one’s own Self only. That Self is none other than God.
This way, the Lord gives clarity to Lord Brahma and he became happy and peaceful. Asking Brahma to start creation accordingly, the Lord disappeared.
Note – This is the secret to dispassion or mental detachment from the world and its miseries…
Hari Om!
Now the discussion between Vidura and Maithreya goes on. Maithreya explained the process of originating various categories of living beings by Brahma, in the presence of Time. This indicates that any thing that is born, is bound by the laws of time and they must sustain as long as time permits and perish in the due course of time.
The various types of creation started with Mahat Thatwam, then Ahamkar Thatwam, Pancha Bhoothas, Sensory organs and then to beings with physical bodies – starting with plants and various categories of animals to human beings.
Modern Science introduced evolution from creatures with physical body only. Bhagavatham goes even to the subtle level of faculties of the mind. Then Time is also defined from the minutest unit to the largest scale – whose range is much wider than the modern time calculations. It is really curious and surprising to know these facts, figures and calculations done by our Great Masters.
After defining Time from its minutest form “Paramanu” to the largest definable form “Dwiparardham” (the life span of Brahma himself) Bhagavatham declares that beyond that, time can not be defined. That means, the Lord is beyond Time and Space and nothing can affect or define the Supreme Truth.
Hari Om!
(Generally people have a doubt whether Astrology is reliable or not. We can see here that the scientific part of Astrology is reliable, but the predictive part is beyond human intellect. Only those astrologers who do sincere “Upasana” can do predictions well. Even then, miracles can happen, the very reason is that no planetary influence can transcend the Supreme Power of the Lord. The story of Sage Markandeya who could conquer death by surrendering to Lord Siva is a good example).
Now Maithreya started describing the way Brahma created this world.
It is interesting to note that Brahma created the five forms of IGNORANCE first – namely, “Andhathamisram, Thamisram, Mahamoham, Moham, Andhakaram”. The Self shines as “Sath Chith Anandam” and it is covered by “Thamas”. The “I”ness dwelling in the body, senses and ego is called “Moham”. The desire to experience sensory pleasures is called “Mahamoham”. The anger towards those who thwart such sensual moves is called “Thamisram”. The illusion that “I” would cease when the sensory functions cease, is called “Andhathamisram”. These five forms of ignorance were originated first. The true meaning of this is that, the “world” or the feeling of “existence of something separate from the Self” is due to ignorance only. For an Atma Jnani, there is nothing separate from him, so there is no separate world too.
Hari Om!
Consequently Brahma got concerned that such ignorance would lead everyone to hell. Then he meditated on the Lord and created dispellers of ignorance. Those four Gurus are Sanakan, Sanandan, Sanathanan, and Sanalkumaran whom we met in Bhagavatha Mahatmyam. They have transcended “Dharmam, Artham and Kamam” and focus on “Moksham” only.
Note – This part of Bhagavatham is actually telling us how ignorance in various forms steal the joy and awareness from our life and that, it can be recaptured by Satsang with Sages. We will see this session in detail…
Creation continues…
Let us get a closer look at this philosophy of ignorance…
The nature of the Lord is “Sath, Chith, Anandam” – Sachidanandam. When our mind is merged with the Lord, we experience this unconditional joy and peacefulness. Any thing that separates us from this Supreme Knowledge is called IGNORANCE. There are five kinds of ignorance.
Thamas – the ignorance that hides or covers this “Sachidanandam” is Thamas – this is like the dark clouds that hide the Sun. Still they can not affect the Sun.
Hari Om!
Moham – our mind has the power to associate with the body (turning outwards) and the Lord (turning inwards) too. When our mind is associated with body consciousness it is suffering from Moham. That is, the mind feels that this body or the sensory experiences (like we see our body, hear our sound, touch or smell our body) or the ego (that says “I am doing and I am experiencing” ) is the true “Self”. Remember, the Self is beyond all these delusions and illusions.
Mahamoham – this ignorance is the desire to experience sensory pleasures – we imagine that we will get joy from listening to music, eating delicious food etc. But these are all temporary, within a certain limit only. Beyond that, pleasure becomes displeasure. Eternal joy is experienced through the mental union with the Lord only. But due to ignorance people crave for sensory pleasures.
Thamisram – when we want to experience sensory pleasures, some people may block our way. This leads to unfulfillment of our desire. (for example, a lustful man may want the company of a prostitute and if a well-wisher stops him, that will cause anger in the unwise man). This anger is called Thamisram.
Andhathamisram – when our mind is totally turned towards the external world, we become slaves of our sensory organs. When the objects of
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sensory desires cease to function, one may feel that he/she is lost forever. Many people commit suicide when their loved one departs or discards them. Some may even end their lives because of job loss etc. this feeling of loss is another ignorance.
It is said that Lord Brahma created these five branches of ignorance before creating the world. What does it mean?
When you have “Atma Jnanam” – the Knowledge of the Self – everything becomes a part of YOU. You cannot see anyone or anything separate from you. Ignorance destroys that feeling or awareness of ONENESS and subsequently a world outside “you” appears due to duality.
Guru ( the remover of ignorance) brings back that awareness and you become ONE with the Lord once again. Thus the four sages were created!
Brahma’s creation of the world and inhabitants continued. It is enumerable with all the Vedas, art forms, music, Ayurveda, Archery and what not? We will not get into the details here, but evaluate only a few of them.
A most astonishing and shocking story is the creation of Goddess Saraswathy from Brahma’s face. She was incredibly beautiful and
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seeing her, Brahma became lustful. We can see that, this is the worst kind of lust, from a father towards his own daughter. How is it possible from Lord Brahma? If we go deeper into the Thathwam, we can see the amazing Knowledge behind this story.
First of all, we must salute before the openness and boldness of our Masters who gave case studies of even gods to teach us. Brahma represents the mind; this story shows how uncontrollable the mind can become. Even a great man who has renounced the world can become a prey to lust and get trapped in unwise thoughts. It will bring misery to him. One has to be that much alert in handling the mind.
The story says that the sons of Brahma (Sage Mareechi and others) prayed to their father to withdraw himself from such an Adharmam, yet he was not willing. Then they prayed to Lord Sri Hari to give wisdom to their father. Seeing his sons thus, Brahma got embarrassed and withdrew himself.
What do we learn here? Indians honour wisdom utmost. Even if your child advises you, you must give due respect to that and consider if it is relevant. Here Brahma has shown a very good example by accepting his mistake and correcting himself. As Rig Veda advises, “Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides”. This is our culture and this story
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has conveyed that message in the most striking way.
At this moment, we can compare the stories of Bheeshma who supported his father King Santhanu’s desire towards Sathyavathi and Prahlada who never stood with his father’s adharma, even though he was born as an Asura. Bheeshma’s life became a series of such unfortunate incidents while Prahlada became an instrument in getting Moksham to his father Hiranya Kashipu by Lord NaraSimha!
“Varaha Avatharam”
As Brahma realized that creation was not taking place at sufficient pace, he thought of a new plan – thus he created a man “Swayambhoo Manu” from his right side and a woman called “Shatharoopa” from his left side. He asked them to continue creation. They humbly offered Pranam to Lord Brahma and said they were very much willing to obey his orders.
Then only they realized that there was a very big problem – the Earth where they were supposed to inhabit and give birth and grow children was immersed in water. Where will they go now?
Hearing their grievance Brahma knew that, somehow Earth must be uplifted from water. As he could not find any solution, he surrendered
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his concern at the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Thus he went into meditation, single focused at the Lord only. Then a miracle happened. From the nostrils of Brahma, a very small (thumb size) Varaham (boar) jumped down. Its face was like a boar and body was like a human. As every body looked astonished, the divine creature started growing and it became sky-tall. As it’s “Garjanam” echoed magnanimously, Brahma realized that it was none other than Lord Hari who took the form of “Yagna Varaham” to uplift and save Bhoomi Devi.
Note – we may find this story quite unbelievable, but that is the way of our Masters. They do not expect us to believe in the stories or get stuck up in any belief systems. The stories are just pointers to the precious Knowledge imbibed in them.
What do we learn here? Meditating with your eyes fixed on the nose tip is an ancient meditation technique. It ensures single focused concentration without any distraction; so we can assume here that Brahma’s meditation on the Lord was that much intense and as a symbolic result of it, “Yagna Varaham” appeared from his nostrills!
Why was Earth immersed in water? Here Earth represents the mind and the water is nothing but the “rasam” of worldly, materialistic or sensual pleasures. So, mind was totally lost in sensual experiences.
Hari Om!
How did it happen? We will see later…
The mighty Boar was the embodiment of “Yagna” with all parts of the body formed from the various components of “Yagna”. With fierce looks but compassionate glance at the prayerful Sages, Lord Varaha entered the ocean in search of Earth with wild splashes of water. The ocean was frightened and shaken, it expressed its anguish with giant-like waves. The Lord in the form of Varaha searched for the “Gandham” (smell) and finally found Bhoomidevi who was hiding in “Pathalam”. He lifted Earth with His tusk and dashed back upwards. Seeing this, the Asura “Hiranyaksha” raced to the Lord with a mace to fight with Him. It was a terrible battle that lasted for a very long time. It looked as if there was no end to it. Seeing this, Lord Brahma and other Devas prayed to Lord Hari so that the Asura be killed before sunset, as the demons’ power increases at that time.
Then the Lord took His “Sudarsana Chakram” and killed him. Then He came up with the Earth securely upheld on His tusk and placed it in the right position.
Note – Here Hiranyaksha represents a person whose eye(Akshi) is fixed on Hiranya(Gold). This means that when your focus is on Hiranya, or the materialistic wealth and pleasure, mind gets lost in the darkness
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of ignorance. Only the grace of the Lord can bring it back. After placing Mother Earth securely in her watery abode, Lord Varaha disappeared. This implies that such mental purity is acquired only through intense “Yagnam” and all that is already there in the Lord. Simply speaking, there can be nothing separate from the Lord.
Hiranyaksha’s story…
Now Vidura was curious to know, why Hiranyaksha wanted to fight with the Lord and Sage Maithreya started telling the interesting story behind it.
Prachethas had a son Daksha, and Daksha had a daughter Dithi. She was married to Kashyapa Muni, the son of Sage Mareechi. One day, while Kashyapa was doing “Sandhya Vandanam” Dithi approached him with a lustful mind and prayed to him to bless her with a child. As it was dusk and the holy time to offer prayers, especially to Lord Rudra (Siva) Kashyapa discouraged her. However he tried to convince her that “Sandhya” time should be avoided for physical relations, she kept insisting. Then Kashyapa thought, this must be the will of the Lord, otherwise why should Dithi keep on demanding in spite of his protest?
Thus Kashyapa yielded to his wife’s desire and physically merged with her. Afterwards, Kashyapa meditated. Then Dithi became embarrassed
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and repented for her unwise desire and apologized to her husband and the Lord. Kashyapa told her that as a result of her mistake, she will give birth to two Asuras who will bring misery to everyone in the world.
Note – In India, giving birth to a child was considered as a very sacred deed. Both parents must take penance well before the conception to ensure physical fitness and mental purity. The time of the physical union of the parents was carefully chosen.
All this was to give birth to a new generation who will take over the ancient culture and tradition from their ancestors. When the sanctity in these customs is lost, generations with Asurik tendencies grow up and destroy the harmony of life. This story is an eye-opener to all “family people”.
Kashyapa said, “Your merciless sons will massacre innocent people, abuse women and agitate Sages. Then the Lord will incarnate and end their lives”. Dithi was relieved to hear that the Lord Himself will terminate their lives. What a blessing in disguise it is, as it would bring “Moksham” to them. She did not want them to be cursed by “Brahmanas” only as it would never save their souls.
Hari Om!
Kashyapa continued, “as you repented and asked for forgiveness, your lineage will be blessed by your grand son who will be a true devotee of the Lord. His true devotion will inspire all generations to come. The Lord will be pleased by him and he will attain the abode of the Lord”. (Here, Kashyapa was referring to Prahlada).
Hearing this, the noble-minded Dithi became immensely happy. As a mother and grand mother, what more could she wish for?
Note – Bhagavatham is not telling the stories of “all time” good people. Rather, this Holy Text tells us examples of all the possibilities of falls a human mind can have and the best solutions to uplift the fallen minds. If we look at our own life, we can see that each curse in our life was a blessing in disguise, whenever we were ready to accept the mistakes and correct ourselves.
The story says that as Dithi wanted to save the “Devas” from the harm of her sons, she preserved them in her womb for 100 years. The “thejas” from her womb became unbearable for the Devas. The brightness of Sun deteriorated and darkness spread everywhere. The alarmed Devas approached Lord Brahma and expressed their fear.
Hari Om!
Lord Brahma told them that the two Asuras in Dithi’s pregnancy are the rebirth of Jaya and Vijaya, the gate keepers of Lord Vishnu at Vaikunta. They were cursed by “Sanakadi” four sages who visited Vaikunta to have a Darshan of the Lord.
(Here the beautiful description of Vaikunta is given very vividly).
When the sages went through the entrance, Jaya and Vijaya tried to stop them forcibly. This was quite unfair from them and the Sages cursed them, “You have misbehaved to us because of your body consciousness. That is why you could not see the omnipresence of the Lord in every one. So, go to the worlds where you will see the worst cases of “duality” in the form of “Kama”, “Krodha”, and “Lobha”. Realize the miseries of duality very well”.
Jaya and Vijaya got scared of the curse and prostrated before the sages saying, “Oh Sages, you have done the right thing by punishing us. We deserve it and it is good for us as we will not make such mistakes again. But kindly bless us that wherever we will be born, we will always have the remembrance of the Lord”.
Hari Om!
Note – This is a reminder to all of us to treat everyone with equal respect. Even though Jaya and Vijaya were short-tempered, they repented immediately as they had some wisdom left in them. That is why they sought the blessing of the ‘Constant Remembrance” of the Lord. This implies that however worst a situation is, we can transcend it by the Constant Remembrance of the Lord.
We can see that the sages cursed Jaya and Vijaya for their ultimate growth only. However as the Lord knew about this incident, He Himself along with Lakshmi Devi hurriedly went to greet the sages. (This part is a wonderful description of the enchanting beauty of the Lord). The beautiful form of the Lord which was constantly in their heart so far, now they are seeing in person. What a grace they are having now!
The sages prostrated before the Lord and apologized, “Oh Lord, for the first time we have done a sin by cursing your servants. You may please curse us to be born in lower worlds too. We will accept it happily. However please bless us that our hearts will always be at Your Lotus Feet”.
The Lord was pleased to see the Bhakthi of the Jnanis.
Hari Om!
This is quite a notable message here. A Jnani has transcended duality and attained ONENESS with the Lord, so his Bhakthi is also based on ONENESS, even though he worships a seemingly separate God.
The Lord pacified them, “My servants should not have insulted honourable people like you as it is an insult to me too. The mistake of a servant is treated as the mistake of the master. So the punishment you gave them is approvable and agreeable to me as they deserve it”.
The Lord emphasizes that the Brahmana – the one with a balanced mind with equanimity towards good and bad and surrendered to the Lord – is the most dearest to Him. Even if a Brahmana insults a person, they must be treated with respect, love and care. (This shows how important a Jnani is to the Lord).
The Lord concluded, “Be assured that your curse has actually come from My will only. My servants will be born as Asuras and return to my abode very soon. They will be blessed with “enemity” towards me. Their constant thoughts to kill me will fill their mind all the time. This constant remembrance of Me will actually unite them with me.
Hari Om!
As “Dwesha Bhakthi” – hatred – is stronger than “Sneha Bhakthi” – love – they will attain Moksham sooner than the devotees and unite with Me”.
Note – this session gives precious lessons for worldly as well as spiritual life. When a guest or customer is displeased by your servant or employee, the best way to appease them is demonstrated here. What a practical wisdom advised by Bhagavatham!
Now let us look at the comparison of hatred and love. People seldom remember their friends, but constantly think about their strong enemies and how to conquer them or belittle them. Such a frequency and intensity of thoughts overpower our mind. That means, it is the intensity of thoughts that help us achieve our goal. So, if it is diverted towards divinity, eventually our mind will be overpowered by none other than the Lord Himself.
So, if you cannot love God wholeheartedly, it is better to hate Him wholeheartedly rather than ignoring Him totally. Thus Sage Maithreya concluded the story behind the birth of Hiranya Kashipu and Hiranyaksha as Dithi’s sons. The kind-hearted Dithi felt sorry for the Devas who would be harmed by her sons, so she continued to bear them in her womb for 100 years.
Hari Om!
At the time of their birth, bad omens were seen every where in Earth, Sky and beyond. It seemed that the world was nearing its end and everybody was alarmed. The Asuras grew up like two big mountains.
The elder one among the twins (who was delivered second) was named Hiranya Kashipu and the younger one was named Hiranyaksha. (It is interesting to note that modern science supports this fact that the younger of the twins is born first and the elder is born second).
Hiranya Kashipu ruled the three worlds and kept every one under his fierce control. His most beloved brother Hiranayaksha who was fond of wars, went in search of opponents to fight with. In Deva Loka no one dared to go near him and he yelled victoriously with arrogance.
Then he entered the ocean and challenged the Lord of the sea – Varuna – to oppose him. Lord Varuna did not accept the challenge. Hiding his anger, he said, “You are a great fighter, I am not a good match for you. So go to Lord Hari and fight with Him. But do not underestimate Him, because you are going to be destroyed by Him. Remember, the Lord always take incarnations to save His devotees from demons like you”.
Hari Om!
Note – the diplomacy and wisdom of Lord Varuna is remarkable. Usually when we are challenged by an opponent, it hurts our ego. Without thinking much about the consequences we may retalliate. One should have a fair idea of one’s own strengths and weaknesses. Instead of yielding to ego-propelled reactions, we must respond with wisdom to all situations in life.
Hiranyaksha was very happy to get an opponent, so he immediately went to see Lord Hari to start fighting with him. He simply ignored Varuna’s warning.
As he reached the “Rasathala”, he encountered Lord Hari in the form of Varaha who was holding Bhoomi Devi on His tusk. He couldn’t suppress his sarcastic remark about the Lord, “too bad, this is just a wild animal”. He asked Lord Varaha to leave Bhoomi, then and there itself and go away.
He said, “Lord Brahma gave this earth to us, otherwise, how would it come here? Don’t think you can take it away from me. If you want it, fight with me first”. The Lord became red with anger, yet He wanted to place the Earth securely in its position. Immediately He returned to accept Hiranyaksha’s challenge – when someone tries to rob you, you can’t yield to that with mere non-cooperation, but actual fight itself is needed.
Hari Om!
The Lord’s teasing words agitated the Asura and he started exploding with anger. He took his mace and struck the Lord, which He cleverly avoided. Thus began the fierce fight between the Asura and Lord Varaha, which we had seen earlier. All Devas became concerned to see the seemingly unending fight and Lord Brahma prayed to the Lord to kill the demon before sunset – the time when Asurik power increases.
Now the story gets into an interesting turn here. When Hiranyaksha struck back, Bhagavan’s mace fell down and He stood weapon-less. Surprisingly the Asura stood still keeping the “Yudha Dharma”, by not attacking the weapon-less enemy. This in fact pleased the Lord. However, as He took His “Sudarshana Chakram” in His hand, the Asura lost his control and attacked Him with his mace. The Lord darted it away and gave it back to the Asura which he did not accept. As a final attempt, Hiranyaksha attacked the Lord with a Trishool, but in vain. It was time to end the Asura and Lord Varaha killed him – the true blessing in disguise for Hiranyaksha!
Hari Om!
Note – we can see that, in spite of all his bad qualities, the Asura was displaying “Yudha Dharma” here. It says that no one is totally perfect or imperfect. You can see traces of imperfection even in a Sage, while a worst criminal may be displaying nobility of character at times. This is the mystery of human character, so it is divine to accept and respect unassumingly, whatever goodness we see in any body.
The Devas praised the glory of the Lord, “Oh Lord, Pranams to You! The destroyer got what he deserved though his evil Karma. As your devotees, we became free from fear. One is responsible for one’s own good and bad. The Lord never destroys anyone”.
Thus Maithreya concluded the story of Hiranyaksha to Vidura. Sage Suta told Shaunaka, “the stories of the LEELA of the Lord overwhelm every one with joy. It transforms a weak mind into a strong mind through devotion”.
Now the story goes on with the creation process done by Lord Brahma – how night, day, dusk, sunlight, moonlight – all one by one. It says that Brahma discarded his body after each creation. That means, the attitude, with which they were created, was replaced with a new attitude for the next creation.
Hari Om!
Let us come back to the story of Swayambhoo Manu and Shatharoopa – they had five children. The sons were called Priyavathan and Utthanapadan and the daughters were called Akoothi, Devahoothi and Prasoothi.
We will see the story of Devahoothi who got married to Kardhama Prajapathi in detail.
Note – we are learning two precious lessons here – first is the statement by the Devas that everyone reaps the result of his/her own deeds. The Karma is always followed by its Karma phalam and there is no point in blaming or praising any one (even God) when you get what you deserve.
The second lesson is that, creation (or the child) is influenced by the mental attitude at the time of creation. Whether it is a child, a song, a poem or a building – every thing reflects the attitude with which it was created. Don’t we need to be careful and cautious even in our day-to-day life, as we are always in the process of creation?
Maithreya started telling the story of Karddama Prajapathi’s penance to Vidura.
Hari Om!
He did penance for ten thousand years to get the Dharmapatni – the rightful wife who would support him in practicing Dharma and giving birth to the next generation.
It was Kritha yuga, after conducting the severe penance comprising Karma Yoga and Bhakthi Yoga, Karddama was blessed with the Darshan of the Lord. Here the beautiful form of the Lord is described, Karddama was overwhelmed with joy.
Karddama’s Bhakthi is described as “Sakama Bhakthi” as he was aspiring for a wife. Yet, the most compassionate Lord granted his wish. The two methods of protecting Dharma in the world are given here. First is “Jnana Kanda” applicable to the renunciates, who have become totally dispassionate; they are advised to go for “Sanyasa” and thus attain Moksha. Second is “Karma Kanda” applicable to the others who are still in “Sakama Bhakthi”. They have to repay three types of debts – to the Rishis, to the Devas, to the Pithrus. Learning Vedas (knowledge) will repay to the Rishis, doing Yajnas will go to the Devas and creating the next generation will satisfy the Pithrus. After paying all these debts, they can aspire for Moksha. As Karddama was in the second category, he needed a Sahadharmini.
(A beautiful characteristic of creation by the Lord is given here. It says, a
Hari Om!
spider creates a web from its own body, sits in that web and later withdraws it into its body. Similarly the Lord creates the world from Himself, maintains it and absorbs it into Himself!).
The Lord grants his wish saying, “Three days from today, Swayambhoo Manu and his wife Shatharoopa will approach you to propose for their most beautiful daughter Devahoothi. You will marry her and will be blessed with nine daughters. And, I will be born as your tenth child”.
On the third day, the expected guests visited Karddama’s beautiful and serene Ashram near the lake “Bindu Sarassu” on the banks of River Saraswathi.
Note – According to Indian culture, the role of a wife is sacred; without her, the life of a Grihasthashrami is incomplete. So, we call her “Sahadharmini”, who will be a part of both worldly and spiritual life of the husband. They complement each other and support to uplift each other’s mind while focusing their minds on the Lord. You can lean on strong shoulders only, and this mental strength comes from the devotion to the Lord only. The message of this story is that the Lord’s grace alone can gift such a life partner! So, anyone seeking a life partner must qualify himself/herself with mental purity through a prayerful mind first. This is the foundation of a happy married life – a
Hari Om!
very much relevant message for today’s immature youth.
Swayambhoo Manu tells Karddama, “the Lord created the Brahmana and Kshatriya for the benefit of creation and maintenance in the world. The Brahmana protects Knowledge and the Kshatriya protects the Brahmana. So they are dependants on each other”.
(The interdependence of the members of a society is depicted here).
Then he makes the proposal for her daughter narrating her background and qualities. Manu describes the aspired qualities of the eligible bridegroom, “Kama purushartham is achieved through the right age, Dharma by good conduct and character, Artha by valour and enthusiasm, and Moksha by Bhakthi and Jnana”. Manu feels that Karddama is the right husband for his daughter by all these means. He hints that, it is not wise to reject good fortune that has come to a person, because later he may have to go after that.
Karddama is truly pleased to marry such a divinely beautiful and matching bride. So he agrees to the proposal happily; Devahoothi is also very happy and thus they got married. Queen Shatharoopa presented them with valuable gifts and they left their daughter with her husband.
Hari Om!
Note – This part of Bhagavatham gives an interesting note on marriage. It shows how wise our ancestors were, in selecting the suitable life partners. The criteria for eligibility were matching age, culture, valour, positive attitude, devotion and knowledge. If we look at today’s marriage MARKET, we can see that wealth and vanity dominate all other factors. For a long lasting relation, we have to invest on long lasting qualities, not short term show-offs. Now the West is learning the value of a good family life from our ancient culture while we are imitating their unwise portfolios. Bhagavatham is showing us a pointer through this story.
As her father Manu and mother Shatharoopa left, Devahoothi’s life with her husband Karddama started in his Ashram. She treated him with Bhakthi(Devotion) and Shradha (caring and cautious attentiveness) as Parvathi Devi would treat Lord Siva. Here, a detailed description of her virtues and qualities as a wife are given. She believed that only through pleasing her noble husband, her life would be meaningful. So she always maintained physical and mental purity, honour that protects his greatness, and control over her sensual desires. Her service, loving care and sweet words were superb. She was devoid of arrogance, pretension, anger, greed and disobedience. She never acted like a princess before her husband. She was naturally good and noble.
Hari Om!
Karddama’s Upasana lasted for a very long time, taking care of him, Devahoothi became very thin. At last, Karddama took notice of her presence and was truly moved. In spite of her desire to get a child, she was silently doing all the service without diverting his attention from his Sadhana. He saw that she was ignoring her comforts and physical needs for his happiness. It was so touching and he decided to bless her with the love of a husband. He said, “as you have been supporting me in my worship of the Lord, you are also entitled for His Blessings. They are imperishable and not even a king can aspire for such a grace. My beloved, enjoy all these riches now”.
Note – this session gives an insight into the psychology of “Man and Wife” relation. A husband expects warm service from his wife, and once he is happy, he will return the same care and love. But, today’s women demand love and care in advance and they are hesitant to take care of their husbands. Devahoothi shows the example of an ideal wife, who could ultimately win her husband’s heart. Can we expect such patience from today’s wives?
Hari Om!
Here we can compare the story of Dithi too. However, sage Kashyapa warned her, Dithi could not bear her temptation and we have seen the terrible result of her unwise desire. The comparison of these two couples – “Dithi and Kashyapa” and “Devahoothi and Karddama” – gives such an insight into how the same desire (to have a child) can be channelized into destructive and constructive ways. While Kashyapa cursed Dithi to bear Asurik children, Karddama blessed Devahoothi to give birth to divine children. What a mind management and thus life management manual is with us, through Srimad Bhagavatham!
This session of Bhagavatham describes the ”honey-moon” of Karddama and Devahoothi. Karddama invited his rejuvenated wife to stay with him in a ‘VIMANA’ exclusively made for their comfort. They enjoyed each other’s company and sensual pleasures for a very long time. It is interesting to read the efforts taken by the Sage to please his wife. In the due course of time, Devahoothi gave birth to nine daughters, making the instruction of Lord Brahma materialize. Then she remembered her husband’s vow to leave her after the child birth. Hiding her deep sorrow, she prayed to her husband, “Oh Brahma Jnani, please do not leave me now.
Hari Om!
Be with me until our daughters are married off and bless me with a son who can guide me to devotion and Moksham”.
She adds, “I was immersed in Asakthi, I was unaware of your greatness. Instead of benefitting from your Satsang, to get Moksham, I was spending the precious time in satisfying my sensual urges. I need no more of such experiences”.
Ignorance leads to attachment. When the attachment is with unwise people, it will lead to misery and cycles of rebirths. But the same attachment, in the form of Satsang leads to wisdom and liberation. We may not be free from Karma, but when our Karma does not support Dharma and thus dispassion and devotion, it will make us live like corpses. It is better to die than live such a “lifeless” life.
She regrets that instead of getting guidance from her noble husband to attain Moksha, she wasted too much of precious time in a worldly life.
Note – this is a warning to us, are we using our God given opportunity and precious time for Self development and knowledge? Or are we wasting it in mere entertainment and worthless activities?
Hari Om!
Moksha implies liberation from worries and fear. When we are fortunate to associate with Satsangees or Masters, we must focus on how to get maximum Knowledge or Wisdom to attain Moksha. When our priorities are worldly matters, we become losers.
Remember Karddama’s vow to leave his wife. It reminds us that good opportunities do not wait forever, so do not take it for granted. Using wisdom and intelligence, we must try to get the best outcome from Satsang.
Karddama soothes his wife saying that the Lord Himself would be born as her son and liberate her. Even though she had acquired the fruits of sincere penance through many life times that entitled her for the motherhood of Bhagavan, he advised her to practise more Sadhana. Withdrawal from sensual pleasures, physical and mental purity, dutiful service and devotion are necessary to become the mother of a good child.
Karddama adds, “the Lord whom you worship will be born as your son, and it will bring grace to me as a father. He will initiate you with “Brahma Thathwam” and liberate you by removing the “I”ness (ego) in you”.
Hari Om!
The noble woman Devahoothi obeyed her great husband and immersed herself in devotion to the Lord.
Thus, most auspiciously, she gave birth to Lord Kapila, the incarnation of Lord Sri Hari. The entire nature rejoiced in the Avathar of the Lord. Along with Sage Mareechi and other sons, Lord Brahma came to Karddama’s Ashram to have a Darshan of the Lord. Brahma appreciated his son Karddama for obeying his instruction to continue Creation. He advised Karddama to give his nine daughters in marriage to sage Mareechi and the others.
Brahma praised Devahoothi for her immense fortune to get the Lord as her son. He said that Lord Kapila would advise “Samkhya Shastra” to all and lead them to liberation. After the marriage, Lord Brahma and his sons left Karddama’s Ashram and went to their own places.
Note – this is a strong message to each and every woman who wants to become a mother. It is the devotion and Sadhana, practised by the mother before and during pregnancy that influences the child in her womb and develops a good culture. It is proved by modern science too, that the mother’s thoughts and emotions affect the child in the womb. So, both parents should take care to maintain a Sathwik atmosphere at home.
Hari Om!
Devahoothi was truly fortunate as she was getting a second chance through her son to attain Moksha. Here we can add that the wisdom cultivated (by the mother) in the child will save the mother also ultimately.
Karddama went to the Lord who has incarnated as his son Lord Kapila and prostrated before Him, saying, “people suffer from their own “Karma Dosham” and live a miserable life as if in hell. But, worshipping Lord brings grace to them. Oh Lord, You have blessed our home by taking birth here. Your devotees will be blessed too, by “Sankhya Shastra” gifted by You, for their Self Realization”.
He continues, “Oh Bhagavan! You are the Formless Truth, yet You are taking various forms, and all these forms are befitting Your Mahima. You are detached from all these forms, so, the most famous “ChathurBhuja” form is neither superior nor the other forms are inferior. I surrender before Thee”. Further he asked for permission to the Lord to pursue “Sannyasa”.
The Lord replied, “As I said before, I have manifested as your son to impart the knowledge on “Sankhya Shastra” to the seekers of Truth. My word is never in vain. Take Sannyasa, seek the Supreme Truth and attain Moksha”.
Hari Om!
The Lord says that, “Moksha is seeing ME (the Omnipresent Chaithanyam which shines as the Self in every one’s heart), within your own Self”.
Lord Kapila also assured that HE will take care of mother Devahoothi and thus Karddama peacefully leaves his home to take “Sannyasashrama”.
Note – Isn’t it surprising that the devotee who tries to attain the Lord is actually leaving His presence here? Isn’t it contradictory? The answer is very simple. It is not the physical presence that actually transforms a person, but the mental detachment that leads to dispassion. Then only the duality of “Jeevathma” and “Paramathma” vanishes. “Sannyasashrama” is essential for acquiring this intellectual awareness through constant practice.
Maithreya describes Karddama’s “Sannyasashrama” in detail in this part.
Karddama practised “Mounam” (silence) and “Ahimsa” (non-violence) with focus on the Self alone. He discarded sensual pleasures totally and detached himself from worldly people. He left all his “Grihasthashrama” duties and kept moving from one place to another, without dwelling continuously in any place.
Hari Om!
In this context profound knowledge on the Self is given. The “Sthoola” (gross) is called “Karyam” (effect, “Asath”) and the “Sookshma” (subtle) is called the “Karanam” (cause, “Sath”). Beyond this, is Brahma – the indefinable, Supreme Truth.
The body and all other faculties SEEMINGLY EXIST because of Brahma, that is unaffected by all three “Gunas”. Only through constant devotion one can come to the knowledge or experience of this ULTIMATE! Karddama became successful in withdrawing the mind that was constantly going outwards through the senses. It is said that the “I”ness and “My”ness relating to the body and senses create an illusion that they are the “Atma” or the true Self. Through constant remembrance of the Lord, this illusion vanished. Thus he could save himself from the pairs of opposites – pleasure and displeasure, hot and cold, birth and death and so on.
All the mental engagements (“Chitha Vrithis”) and the “desire – reaction” cycle ended and karddama’s mind became still like a wave-less ocean. His ultimate devotion to the Lord liberated him and he could experience the omnipresence of the Lord. Thus, his mind merged into the Lord, thereby becoming God Himself.
Hari Om!
Note – this is how Man becomes God through devotion. Our Masters do not preach us to believe in a God sitting somewhere in heaven and watching over us, granting wishes and punishing us according to our actions. This is a scientific religion that makes God out of you and me. As a salt doll dissolves in the ocean and becomes ONE with the ocean, a devoted mind merges with the Lord, and what remains thereafter, other than DIVINITY?
Maithreya continued the story with Devahoothi’s life with her son Lord Kapila after Karddama’s departure. One day Devahoothi approached Kapila and said, ”Oh Bhagavan, You know every thing. Yet, let me tell You about my mental agony. My mind is miserable as it is trapped in desires to enjoy sensual pleasures. You are the guiding torch of light in this endless darkness. You are the Sun, the embodiment of Jnana that shows light to seekers of Truth. The illusion of “I”ness and “My”ness is binding me. Please remove this ego and liberate me. I prostrate before You”.
The Lord was pleased by His mother’s noble desire. HE replied, “The “I”ness in the body, senses and mind can be removed by realizing the Self.
Hari Om!
That will end the duality of pleasure and displeasure which leads to the cycle of births and deaths. So, the best way to Moksha (liberation) is the way to Self Realization. This is called the Yoga. That very “Upadesha” for the Yoga which I gave to the Rishis earlier, I will give you too”.
Mind is the root cause of bondage and liberation. When the mind desires for sensory experiences, it causes bondage. When it desires for the Lord, it leads to liberation. A seeker must constantly remember this.
Note – Kapilopakhyanam is a treasure house of precious Knowledge. Lord Kapila very compassionately enlightens His mother and she is receiving it with utmost respect. We will see the intricate explanation of this Supreme Knowledge with hearts full of gratitude.
We will go deeper into how bondage and liberation are possible with the same mind.
How does it happen? The answer is given here. The wavering of the mind makes it impure and the stability of the mind makes it pure. “Yoga” is impossible with an impure mind. So, how does the mind become impure? The “I”ness in the body and its faculties and the “My”ness in the relations (like wife, children etc) leads to “Kama” (desires) and “Lobha” (greed) arising in the mind.
Hari Om!
Then you will try to possess all that will satisfy these desires. Once you possess them, you will try to get more of them. There is no end to it. This constant wavering of the mind makes it impure.
So, how to make the mind pure? When the mind gets detached with these desires or impurities, it becomes pure.
Then, what is the indication that mind is pure? We will see it tomorrow.
Note – “I”ness in the body makes you feel that you are the body and when the body is lost (or dies) your existence is over. This will cause indescribable pain and fear of death. More over, the identification with the body will make you feel that you should satisfy its needs without any discrimination and at any cost.
The “My”ness in your relations and possessions give a false feeling of security that will definitely lead to feeling of insecurity and fear, in losing them. The desire to maintain them leads to greed, jealousy, anger, frustration and depression – the mind loses its stability and life becomes complicated and miserable.
When your mind is balanced, that is “Sama Budhi”, it indicates that it is pure. Then neither the absence nor the presence of sensory pleasures will bother you.
Hari Om!
You will not worry if you don’t get it. You will not be “over joyed” if you get it. The attitude towards worldly experiences will become peaceful as all sorts of “feverishness” vanish from your mind. Unless you acquire this Samabudhi, you can not attain “Yoga”. Yoga is the mental union with the Supreme Truth, whom we call God.
Such a pure mind alone can be strengthened by Jnana (through Scriptures), Vairagya (through indifference towards senses) and devotion towards the Lord. Only that mind (Jivathma) can realize Consciousness (Paramathma).
When that realization dawns in you, Prakrithi(nature) can no longer affect your tranquility. You have realized the infinite, eternal, ever shining, Omni present “Pramathma”.
Note – what do we learn here? Vairagya or dispassion is a confusing term. It is not getting away or escaping from sensory experiences. It is becoming aware that no such experience can give you permanent joy; so take it as an experience only, without getting stuck up in it.
Pampering good, old memories constantly and visualizing the future expectations will make your mind toggle between past and future. Then you miss the present and your mind fills with passion, hatred, regret, guilt etc.
Hari Om!
Only a mind focused in the present moment, can be pure, strong enough to absorb knowledge and fills with devotion to the Lord.
Now the three ways to Self Realization namely Jnana, Vairagya and Bhakthi are mentioned. Bhakthi is the most important way to reach His abode. There is no easier way to liberation than the devotion to the Lord – the constant remembrance and deepest love for Him. Love is effortless. It is a happening and you never get tired of true love. So, if you have that deep and true love for the Lord, that itself is sufficient to take you to His abode. All other spiritual practices need effort. The more your mind gets focused on the Lord, the more joy you experience. So Bhakthi is the most effortless, easy and joyful way to reach Him.
We had seen earlier that bondage and liberation are caused by the impurity and purity of mind. The purity of mind is determined by the association and attachment, you have with the world. When you are associated with worldly people, they ignite your passion for sensory pleasures. So, one should discard such bad company. But if you get associated with “Sadhus” or “Satsangees” that attachment will remove all hindrances in your path to Self Realization or Self Discovery.
Hari Om!
Note – Srimad Bhagavatham gives that nectar of Bhakthi to those who recite or listen to this glory of the Lord. The devotee who is in such a deep love with the Lord, finds Him only every where. His life becomes an unending celebration.
Now, the question is, how to recognize a “Sadhu” or how do you know if your relation is a “Satsang”?
Bhagavatham says that a “Sadhu” is devoid of revenge, he has immense tolerance and patience with others’ mistakes. He will be so compassionate that irrespective of his benefits, he will do good for others. He believes in “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”. He has no enemy. He is peaceful and serene as all mental activities that generate likes and dislikes have subsided. His nature is graceful. Irrespective of education, heritage and dignity, a Sadhu displays all these virtues.
The Lord states further, “The one who is single-focused with devotion to me and has discarded all those activities and people that may become hindrances in his unshakeable devotion to me – he is the real Sadhu”.
“The one who does not give his ears unto other stories and only listens to my auspicious stories only, he is the real Sadhu. That devotee whose mind is constantly with me, I protect him eternally”.
Hari Om!
Note – how to maintain such a devotion in our hearts always? The secret is “Madhava Seva, Manava Seva”. Each word should be spoken with thinking and rethinking, “Am I hurting the Lord in the other person?”. This does not imply that we should become doormats to others. We must not allow others to dishonor the Lord in ourselves too. It is very difficult to get the perfect balance here, but it is not impossible.
With constant practice and awareness, we will be able to develop humility and self respect in the perfect balance. Some people worship God in the temples and churches, but treat fellow people very badly. They do not realize that it is God that gets hurt. A Sadhu’s love for God is not confined within places of worship, but expressed by loving and caring others. Such a Sadhu, well rooted in Knowledge and Dispassion and immersed in Devotion is a true Satsang for the sincere seeker.
The Lord further states the merits of Satsang,
“The Sadhus who are indifferent to other things (apart from the Lord) are capable of removing the defects of the Dussang (bad company). So Satsang is most desirable, as it increases the possibility of Moksha.
Hari Om!
Sadhus speak about My might and those stories will give joy to your eyes and ears. Such a constant Satsang will enhance your trust, interest and aspiration for Moksha.
When you develop intense liking for My stories, you will start thinking about Me and the way I create, maintain and dissolve the world. You will develop true love for Me. You will realize that all sensory pleasures are temporary and bound to die out in due time. This will end your desire for them. As your love for me increases, you will practise more in the Yoga path and try to stabilize your mind.
As the strong thought to discard sensory pleasures increases, you will develop dispassion. Then the study of Scriptures will give Knowledge on the Oneness of mind and consciousness. “Ashtanga Yoga” will strengthen Bhakthi too. Thus the “Vairagya, Jnana, Bhakthi” will help you (Jivathma) attain Me (Paramathma) even while you are in the body”.
Note – here the transformation of a devotee into God through Satsang is given. Desire and attachment are said to create misery, but when it is for Satsang, the same can uplift your mind and liberate you. So, the choice is with us!
Hari Om!
Devahoothi was very much delighted to hear these words from Lord Kapila. She enquired, “What is the true nature of Bhakthi? As a woman how can I attain that? What is Bhakthi Yoga and what is Sankhya Yoga, which is very difficult to comprehend? Please bless me with that profound knowledge”.
The Lord was very pleased to that His mother wanted to know Bhakthi Yoga, Sankhya Shastra and its methodology. He explained the way and order to analyze the Thathwa, the true nature of Bhakthi and the Yoga that promoted it. This is called “Sankhya Shastra” by our masters.
Thus Lord Kapila initiates Mother Devahoothi with “Sankhya Shastram, Bhakthi Swaroopam and Yoga Kramam”.
Note – We must note here that even the Lord had honoured His mother, so ordinary people like us should definitely honour our mother.
The Lord answers to His mother’s question on the true nature of Bhakthi, “The senses (Indriya) that know the sensory experiences like sound, touch etc. are called the Devas. When all these senses engage themselves naturally in the Lord’s stories only, it is true Bhakthi. When there is no desire for any sort of pleasure and you remain pure at heart, it is pure devotion.
Hari Om!
It happens only when you stay away from all those Karmas prohibited by Vedas and do all the permitted Karmas to please the Lord only. Such a single-focussed devotee’s ignorance will be burnt by the fire of “Nishkama Bhakthi”. When the darkness of ignorance is removed, the “Swaroopa Jnanam” (knowledge of your true Self) will shine forth. This is called Mukthi. Understand, Bhakthi is greater than Mukthi”.
“Such (rare) devotees are so blissful with their Bhakthi that they do not even desire for Mukthi. Their joy reflects my presence in their life and they have nothing else to talk about. They aspire for Me only”.
Note – we may wonder why Bhakthi is so great? The reason is, Mukthi implies liberation from all worries and experiencing unending, blissful joy. In true Bhakthi, this is exactly what you experience, even while living in your body and interacting with the world!
The Lord continues, “My devotees love Me as worldly people love their children. So I am their Self and their son too. They trust me as their friend, and honour My word as their Guru. I am their well-wisher and their favourite Deity too. As they are always surrendered to Me, my wheel of Time (Kalachakra) that affects every one can’t even touch them. Thus they will know no peril, and they will be blessed with unending, eternal joy!
Hari Om!
Only those who surrender themselves to Me, will be free from the unbearable pain of the cycle of births and deaths. Those who seek other Devas are not entitled for this Mukthi, because they are also suffering from the fear of Time.
All are bound to do their “Swadharma” that is assigned to each one of them – wind (air) breezes, Sun rises, Indra rains, Agni burns and Yama (“Kala”) does his job too.
The mind that is surrendered to Me with the most auspicious Bhakthi, when remains unshakeable, that itself is the best way to attain “Sarva Purushartha Prapthi”.
Note – here the Lord warns us that anyone who is bound by the fear of Time is not eligible or able to save us from misery. How can a weak person strengthen you?
The ultimate Mukthi can be attained by devotion to the Lord only. Srimad Bhagavatham repeatedly emphasizes this Truth.
Now Sankhya Shastra begins, as Lord Kapila finished describing the true nature of Bhakthi and true devotees to Mother Devahoothi. It was told by Brahma to his son Manu and Maitreya to Vidura.
Hari Om!
The Lord says, “Oh Mother, I am going to tell you the signs and implications of Thathwam. The man who desires Mukthi shall know the Thathwam and thus knows that the body, senses and Anthakarana (inner faculties) belong to nature. When he knows that body and its faculties belong to nature and the Self has no attachment with them, then the body consciousness will vanish. Thus “Jeeva Thathwa” will become pure and you will attain Mukthi from the cycle of births and deaths. So, knowing Thathwam is most essential for attaining Mukthi.
I will give that Knowledge which will remove the “I”ness in you. When you know the Thathwam, you will realize the Self that is separate from them”
Then the Lord defines Purusha as, “the chaitanyam that is omnipresent every where is Purusha or the Self. Body (“Jadam” or the mortal thing) belongs to nature”.
Sankhya deals with the trinity of “Jeevan, Easwaran and Jagath”.
Note – this part of Srimad Bhagavatham (3rd canto, 26th chapter) is giving such solid and precise definitions of very deep Knowledge.
Hari Om!
First “Easwara”, the origin of Jagath is defined and then Prakrithi (nature) is defined. Here Prakrithi is divided and defined as two Shakthi – Avarana Shakthi and Vikshepa Shakthi. Avarana Shakthi depends on Jeeva and is called Avidya. Vikshepa Shakthi dpends on Easwara and is called Maya, Vidya, Parameswari and so on.
“Purusha” is divided as Jeeva and Easwara.
Jeeva is that Chaitanyam derived from Avidya or Maya. It doesn’t discriminate Prakrithi separately and hence mistakes the body and its faculties as “Atma”.
Note – Adwaitham emphasizes on the one and only ONE. Then how does duality creep in? Our masters explain it as the illusion of Trinity – the individual self, Supreme Self and the world. As long as this illusion persists, you and I feel that we are mere mortals living in a world under the control of an Easwara!
Jeeva is defined as the Chaitanyam, or the life force that mistakes body as Atma. It can not distinguish “Prakrithi Swaroopa” and hence submissive to Prakrithi. So Jeeva suffers from the cycle of births and deaths.
Hari Om!
Easwara is the Chaitanyam that effects Prakrithi and uses it for creation, maintenance and dissolution of every thing.
So, Jeeva is under Prakrithi’s control and being used by it and Easwara is above Prakrithi and uses it – this is how Jeeva is different from Easwara.
Bhagavatham says that the “Nirguna and Swathantra” Easwara- beyond Thrigunas and detached – acknowledged Prakrithi for His Leela for creation. Prakrithi is the Lord’s Shakthi and the composition of Gunas – Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas – and “Avyaktha” or that is not clear for others. As Prakrithi evolved or expanded, Easwara accepted it for Him to shine through.
Note – This part of Bhagavatham (3rd canto, 26th chapter) is very deep with the inherent Thathwam, only a true seeker of Jnana with intense desire to understand it can grasp it. One has to devote that much time and attention to know it well.
In short, we can learn here that the only ONE Supreme Self seems to appear as three. Jivathma yielding to Prakrithi, Paramathma using Prakrithi and Jagat, the display of the Lord’s Leela. To the Self realized Jnani there is no such separation and he sees only ONE here. That is why our Rishis say, “There is only God here”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says that Jeeva got trapped in “Samsaram” or worldly engagements because it could not discriminate the nature of Prakrithi. Prakrithi causes creation with its association with the Gunas like Sathwa. Jeeva mistakes such created bodies as the Atma. This misconception is called “Moham”. This element of “Chaitanyam” that is submissive to Prakrithi is called “Jeeva”.
The element of Prakrithi that covers the “Swaroopa Bodham” or the Awareness of Truth is called “Avarana Shakthi” – the force that covers. It is called Avidya too. This is the origin of Samsaram.
Note – mistaking a thing for some thing else is called “Moham”. Here ordinary people think that their body is the true Self or Atma. So when the body undergoes birth and death, he thinks that it is the Atma that is born and is dead. Then to the Jeeva, that is the end of life, forgetting that the cycle of births and deaths is merely an illusion. The indescribable pain on the loss of body and the fear of death makes life most miserable.
Prakriti (called “Aja”) and Purusha (called “Ajan”) exist forever. Prakrithi is defined as the balanced combination of Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas. When they mix with each other the balance is lost and get agitated. This causes creation in its multitude.
Hari Om!
When Purusha is affected by this Prakrithi due to Moham, that Chaitanyam is called Jeeva. When Purusha is not affected by Prakrithi and uses it for creation that Chaitanyam is Easwara – where “Swaroopa Bodham” or awareness of the Self is not covered. Easwara uses Prakrithi as a servant. And Easwara is capable of uplifting Jeeva from that Moham too. This implies that Jeeva should depend on Easwara for its liberation.
Now a new term “Adhyasam” is introduced here. It is the misunderstanding that the Atma or the self I nothing other than the body, senses and inner faculties. So whenever we do something, we all feel or trust that “I am doing it and I am experiencing it”.
Note – what can we learn here? The same Chaitanyam is the Jeeva as a servant to Prakrithi and Easwara as the master of Prakrithi. Jeeva should depend on Easwara for liberation – that is why we go to temples and pray for our well-being. We must remind ourselves that the Chaitnayam in the deity and ourselves are not two, but the same and ONE only.
As long as we exist at the level of Jeeva, we must surrender to Easwara for Mukthi. What happens when we attain that long awaited Mukthi?
Hari Om!
We, the Jeeva becomes ONE with Easwara or there are no more two. This is the end of duality. That is why, our Masters advice us to use temples as a support for beginners and then advance from there to realize our own Self.
Bhagavatham says, all miseries are born out of “doership” and “experienceship”. That means, we feel that we are doing some actions and we are experiencing the good and bad results from it. Then a question arises, “If Chaitanyam as Jeeva is responsible in having body consciousness, then the very Chaitanyam must be responsible in this doership too”. Bhagavatham addresses this issue as, “the Purusha’s Body consciousness or mistaking these faculties as Atma is due to Prakrithi. But doership is due to Purusha only”. This is the solution given by wise men, based on their own experiences and observations.
The explanation goes on as, “Doership and experiencership are resultant of ego. Yet, as all emotions and feelings end up in the body (as method), doership is caused by Prakrithi. And, as all experiences end up in the mind (in the form of Jnana as result), experienceship is caused by Purusha who is separated from Prakrithi.
Hari Om!
Note – if we observe ourselves very keenly, we can understand it very well. All actions, even though planned by the mind, are performed through the help of body and its faculties which belong to Prakrithi. So these faculties are called the methods for action. We also know that all emotions and feelings cause their respective sensations in the body – like fear in the heart area etc.That is why it is said that they end up in the body.
But to experience some thing, the mind must be present. For example when you are worried about your child who has not turned up even late in the evening, how can you enjoy even your favourite music or delicious food? So all experiences are acknowledged (or end up) in the mind. So mind is the knower of all experiences.
Now that Devahoothi knows about Jeeva’s worldly nature and its cause (Prakrithi) she enquires about Easwara, the cause of Jagath and Prakrithi – his tool or method, “Hey supreme Lord, please tell me about Prakrithi and Purusha whom the world has come from”. She indicates that they are the mother and father of the world.
Hari Om!
The Lord replies with the description of the Prakrithi as “Prakrithi is the balance of Triguna – Sathwam, Rajas and Thamas. It is the base for all creations. But do not mistake it for Brahmam or Consciousness as Brahmam is beyond all Gunas. Prakrithi is imperishable too”.
Now Prakrithi is defined in terms of a set of numbers – five, five, four, ten – a total of twenty four. This set of numbers indicates the origin and nature of Thathwas of Prakrithi.
Let us see what they are. The first five are the Pancha MahaBhootha – Bhoomi(earth), Jalam(water), Agni(fire), Vayu(air), Akasham(space). Next five are the Thanmatras that subtly represent the Panchabhoothas – Gandham(smell), Rasam(taste), Roopam(form), Sparsham(touch) and Shabdam(sound). Thanmatras are the subtle forms or attributes of the Pancha Bhoothas. Then ten represents five Jnanendriyas (ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nostrills ) and five Karmendriyas (words, hands, legs, urethra and anus).
Then the four represent Manas, Budhi, Chitham and Ahamkaram (constituting Anthakaranam). In fact the one anthakaram is divided into four – sankalpam, nishchayam, chintha and abhimanam.
Note – the detailed description of Prakrithi is given here. In deep meditation, we realize that none of these is our true Self.
Hari Om!
The Twenty Four forms of Prakrithi is described and then the Twenty Fifth form is said to be TIME. Bhagavatham says that Jeeva forgets its true nature due to ignorance and sees the body as the Atma, because of Kalam (Time). Ahamkaram (Ego) causes the doership and then creates forgetfulness of our true nature and fear of death. Here Time is described as the cause of destruction.
Time is divided into two forms – the first form destabilizes Prakrithi and this leads to creation. The second form leads to destruction and fear. Prakrithi was dissolved in its balanced state in the Purusha before creation. Whatever caused the imbalance in the Trigunas is called Time or Lord Himself.
That means, the Lord is your inner Self and externally the same Lord appears as Time. Chaitanyam with Avidya (Jeeva) and Chaitanyam with Vidya (Easwaran) are ONE and the same and is called Purusha which is the Twentyfifth.
Note – in continuation to the definition of Prakrithi, Time is defined here as the force that changes an equilibrium state. We can take it as the duration between two events. The first event that creates a new imbalanced state and the second event that destroys it. That is why we say, anything that is born, is bound to die too.
Hari Om!
Time has existence only with reference to relativity. The Absolute is Changeless and hence Timeless, as it is not related to anything. But only because of this Timeless Truth, we can know the relative time. So the changeless Supreme Truth is in the inner core of all beings as the Self and in the outer periphery as Time, whom we call God.
Bh. 3.26.20 – 21
Bhagavatham describes Purusha and Prakrithi as “man and woman” and their union gives birth to their first child Mahath Thathwam – this is the seed of the tree called world. As all the parts of a tree like its trunk, leaves, flowers etc. are contained in its seed, this Mahath Thathwam contains the entire world in it. Mahath Thathwam shining by itself (like a Sun) dispelled the darkness that surrounded it.
The first Swaroopam of Mahath Thathwam is Chitham. When it is devoid of all stains of impurities and hence the purest (in the absence of likes and dislikes) and the true means to know the Lord, it is called Vasudeva.
The Mahath Thathwam is divided into Chitham, Ahamkaram, Manas and Budhi represented by Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Anirudha, and Pradyumna respectively.
Hari Om!
Note – we can see that, the mind as Vasudeva, in its purest form is the most peaceful state. When we do not have Raga and Dwesha (likes and dislikes), our mind is balanced and peaceful. Prakrithi can not affect it.
Bh. 3.26.22
The signs of Chitham is given here, it is the purest mind that holds the form of the Lord in your heart. It means, constantly remaining in the same balanced and peaceful state. It is compared to tranquil water which is “stand still” without any waves, ripples or foam. This is the true nature of water with a sweet taste. Its taste changes with the association with Earth and turns into bitter or sour taste. The association of wind can produce ripples and foam in water.
Similarly Chitham can also develop agitations – Raga, Dwesha etc – because of its association with external objects. The true nature of Chitham is a means to reflect divinity – supreme knowledge and supreme joy. When it deviates from that state, it brings bondage and when it remains in that state it brings liberation.
All spiritual practices (Sadhana) are meant for maintaining Chitham in its true nature. This is the most important instruction for the sincere seeker of “Moksham”.
Hari Om!
Note – more than merely reading the Scriptures, we must focus on understanding the Thathwam and introspecting (Mananam) on what we learned. Only through such constant application and observation of our own mind and its engagements, we can develop Self Awareness. Nothing else can bring the desired result.
Bh. 3.26.23 – 30
Now Bhagavatham says how Ahamkaram evolved from Mahath Thathwam and got divided into three types – Sathwik or Vaikarik, Rajasik and Thamasik. When the first imbalance occurred to the balanced Prakrithi it was Sathwik and called Vikaram represented by Sankarshana (with Sahasram heads and limbs). This means that if you feel that your ego is not limited to your own body, but to all bodies around you, that will lead to your omni presence. That will liberate you as you will feel that “I am present in every thing”.
Sathwik Ahamkaram causes the feeling that “I am the doer”, Rajasik causes “I am the senses” and Thamasik causes that “I am the body”. Sathwik gives peace, Rajasik gives sharpness and Thamasik gives laziness in action. All these associations affect your true nature (seemingly) and cause impurity.
Hari Om!
Next is Manas that functions as Sankalpa and Vikalpa. Thinking about an object is Sankalpa and thinking about that object’s various states is Vikalpa. Manas is represented by Anirudha – the one who can not be conquered by any one. That means such a strong mind can not be affected by lust and all other desires. Even lust will become free from impurity. Yogis aspire for this Siddhi.
The fourth function of mind is Buddhi (Pradyumna) that discriminates. Discarding false concepts and accepting the right knowledge indicates Buddhi. Memory is also a function of Buddhi. Remembering good and bad experiences of the past and forgetting knowledge and remaining idle are also Buddhi’s functions.
Note – this session gives the detailed functionality of Anthakaranam as four functions and their Devas (Vasudevan, Sankarshanan, Anirudhan and Pradyumnan) respectively. This awareness is very much essential in analyzing our mind and purifying it. For example, planning positively for an exam is Sankalpa, but thinking and visualizing about your failure is Vikalpa which is destructive.
Bhagavatham addresses all types of seekers from beginners to advanced. As Sankhya Yogam is meant for advanced seekers, one must read it repeatedly and understand it very deeply.
Hari Om!
Bh. 3.26.31 – 49
Bhagavatham describes that the senses derive Kriyashakthi (power of action) from Prana and Jnana Shakthi (power of knowledge) from Buddhi – both born from Rajasik Ahamkaram. We can see that the ability to work (Kriya) is derived from Prana, which means the life force. The ability to know (Jnana) is the attribute of intellect.
Then the detailed description of how sound, touch, form (vision), taste and smell are born and thus their respective Panchabhoothas like space, air, fire, water and Earth are born, (from Thamasik Ahamkaram) is given. Their characteristics are given very vividly. Sound, touch, form, taste and smell are subtle (sookshmam) and space, air, fire, water and Earth are gross (sthoolam).
We can see that, only through a sense, we can know about its respective bhootha. For example, if you have no ears, you can not hear sound and that dimension (space) will be absent from your knowledge. If we do not have eyes to see or nostrils to smell, the knowledge about all forms and earth and other objects disappear from our plane. This part of Bhagavatham gives very deep knowledge about each sense and how they are related to the Bhoothas.
Hari Om!
All bhoothas blend with one another as follows: Space has only sound. Air has space and touch. Fire has sound, touch and form. Water has sound, touch, form and taste. Earth has sound, touch, form, taste and smell too.
Note – with this note we end the description on how the one and only One Brahmam attained multiplicity and how Jeevan, Easwara and Jagath came into being. Bhagavatham reminds us that the world as we know, is only the reflection of what our sensory organs convey to us. How much do we blindly trust it, make a fuss out of it and get into the web of problems. We must meditate and go deeper into ourselves so that the “Jagath Mithya” vanishes and Truth dawns in us.
Let us see how our sensory experiences can deceive us before going to the next session of Bhagavatham which will give intricate facts about a child’s growth in the mother’s womb.
If we take the power of our ears, we can see that they are limited to hear only the sounds that fall in a particular range. But dogs and some other animals can hear the sounds that we can not hear. Our eyes can not see infrared rays or ultraviolet rays.
Hari Om!
A star that we see in tonight’s sky would have died long back and its rays are reaching us only now. Even our nostrils are not capable to catch smell like animals do.
With such limited sensory organs we are trying to gain knowledge about the world. How incomplete and confusing this external knowledge must be! Still we are taking decisions based on what we see and hear. Even very small incidents can make us break long lasting relations in no time.
Our mind is the most superior organ or faculty that we have at our disposal. Yet, it too can betray us as long as it is impure and agitated. So where is freedom and how to seek it?
Our Masters have divided knowledge into two – “Para” and “Apara”. “Apara” is the Knowledge that we gain from outside through our senses.It can never be complete. “Para” is that Supreme Knowledge that is always within us. We have to start the inward journey to invoke that eternal power in us.
All these descriptions on Jeevan, Easwara and Jagath given in Bhagavatham are meant to open our inner eyes to free ourselves from delusions, illusions and imaginations and see the ONE Supreme Truth.
Hari Om!
Only a pure and peaceful mind can reach divinity and reflect that Supreme Knowledge. So again and again, do meditation and be in Satsang always!
3.26.50 – 72
So far Bhagavatham was narrating the origin of CAUSE or “Karanam” – Mahath Thathwam, Ahamkarathwam, Panchabhoothas. When all these seven remained separate, Time or Easwara (with Gunas) entered into them and thus the EFFECT or “Karyam” happened from “Karanam”. When the entities are separate from one another, effect can not take place. Only through union it is possible – this is the Thathwam of Prakrithi in the origin of Jagath.
An egg or “Andam” was formed from the union of these seven elements and “Virat Purusha” manifested. The narration goes on as how all the Thathwam got into the growth of Virat Purusha who was asleep even while all these bodily functions were added. Finally Jeeva, alongwith Chitham entered into Him and he woke up from his watery abode.
Note – when a man is asleep, Prana, Senses, Manas and Buddhi are not capable to awaken him by themselves. Only when Jeeva enters, he can wake up and become functional.
Hari Om!
So, one has to meditate on that Chaithanyam which is the Self in every one. For that, we must gain Knowledge on the trinity of Jeeva, Easwara and Jagath and thus get Dispassion. It is possible only through devotion to the Lord. This body which is the product of “Cause and Effect” must be used for this Self Realization primarily.
3.27.1 – 4
The Lord says, “Devotion purifies your mind and thus you can attain the knowledge of Purusha and Prakrithi. It will finally lead you to Moksham”.
Our Masters declare that our Self is untouchable and unshakeable. Then how does it seem to suffer from worldly miseries? The answer is, “The Sun in the sky is unshakeable, but the reflected Sun in the water is seen as shaken and blurred. It is not the defect of the Sun, but the movement of water is to be blamed. Raga, Dwesha and all such emotions affect the mind but not the Chaithanyam that shines in it. This is called delusion”.
The “I”ness in the body causes all related worldly desires and leads to doership in all your actions. You are thus caught up in the cycle of births and deaths”.
Hari Om!
Now, a very big question raises here, “Is this Samsaram – the cycle of births and deaths – true or false?”. If it is true, we have no hope as there is no end to misery. If it is false, why should we try to end it?
The answer is, “How can you save a man, dreaming in his sleep, that he is going to be killed? You can save him only by waking him up. The dream that seemed to be true, now ends and turns out to be false”.
Note – So become aware of your Swaroopam – true Self – to free yourself from this misery. Wake up to end your terrible dream. Here, no body can save you other than the SadGuru. So, let us salute the SadGuru who alone can awaken us from this misery of delusion. All spiritual practices (Sadhana) bring more and more awareness into our being.
3.27-5 – 11
Bhagavatham says, “it is very difficult to satisfy your senses and the mind that follows that path. Very firmly you have to bring your mind to devotion and dispassion”.
How can you achieve this? Please read on very carefully, as these precious notes of knowledge can undoubtedly uplift your mind.
Hari Om!
The seeker who wants “Moksham” from “Samsaram” must observe “Ahimsa” – that is, Yamam, Niyamam, Asanam, Pranayamam, Prathyaharam, Dharana, Dhyanam and Samadhi – altogether called “Yamadikal”.
Bhagavan says:
Have unshakeable love for ME, focus your mind on MY stories.
Practise the nine methods of devotion – Shravanam, Keerthanam, Smaranam, Sevanam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dasyam, Sakhyam and Atmanivedanam.
See ME only in every one and do not grade any one. Do not hate any one.
Do not have craving in anything.
Observe Brahmacharyam.
Avoid arguments and unnecessary talks.
Do your duty as worship to me.
Be contended with what you have.
Hari Om!
Do not over eat as it attracts diseases.
Always be introspective and do Self Analysis.
Sit in solitude and meditate on your Self.
When Raga and Dwesha (cravings and aversions) arise in your mind, know how damaging they can be, and discard them. That is the way to peacefulness.
Wish only for the well-being of every one. Be more and more compassionate and make others happy without expecting anything in return.
Develop mental strength and do not yield to the influence of the sense organs.
Remove “My”ness from your friends and relatives and “I”ness from your body.
Do “Mananam” and realize that Jagrath, Swapnam and Sushupthi are just three states of Buddhi and Chaithanyam is the witness of all these. See only Chaithanyam as the Truth, which is beyond gender and the Supreme Truth that witnesses the ever expanding and contracting Anthakaranam.
Hari Om!
Note – the sleeping and awakening states of mind are called expanding and contracting respectively. The Chaithanyam is the eternal witness to all that is happening in and around you. So our Masters advise us to be the witness, not the doer or the experiencer.
As you see the Sun with your eyes, with the help of the Sun’s light, realize the Chaithanyam in your own Self!
3.27.12 – 13
Now Bhagavatham gives a beautiful explanation of how we can experience the Self in us.
The Sun in the sky reflects in the water. That reflected light is projected on a wall in a house. The man who lives in that house sees the light on the wall and searches where it comes from and sees the reflection in the water. Then he looks up to see where that reflection comes from and thus sees the true Sun.
Similarly, if you enquire why body, senses and mind engage in various experiences, you will realize that it is due to the Chaithanyam only. Thus Jeevathma turns out to be a reflection of Paramathma and this enlightenment is called Self Realization.
Hari Om!
Note – When you see a flower with your eyes, it is your mind that actually sees it. Your mind can experience the vision only because of the Chaithanyam behind it. If you follow this path of self enquiry determinedly, you will not miss Self Realization.
A woman may select an ornament looking at its design and beauty. But a robber sees only gold in all ornaments, irrespective of their forms. Similarly a Jnani sees only Brahmam here!
3.27.14 – 20
How do we recognize the Chaithanyam in us? When we sleep, all the Twenty four components of our existence (body, senses, upto ego) sink and we become unconscious. Still when we wake up, we say that “I had a sound sleep, I didn’t know any thing”. Then Who was it that witnessed that sound sleep? How could it experience it when the sensory organs and mind were withdrawn? Bhagavatham says, this witness is none other than the Self or Chaithanyam.
Now Devahoothi replies to Lord Kapila, “Oh Lord, I still can not understand how Jeeva can attain Moksham. What I learned is that, Prakrithi and Purusha are endless. Prakrithi is associated with its Thriguna.
Hari Om!
As long as those Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas gunas exist, there will be Karma and Karmaphala. Then how can Jeeva ever liberate from the cycle of births and deaths?”.
Note – Mother Devahoothi is representing each and every one of us through this question. Let us see what the Lord answers to her…
3.27.21 – 26
Sri Bhagavan answers, “ Jeeva’s bondage is not merely due to the Thrigunas of Prakrithi, but due to the Abhimanam – ego or “I”ness and “My”ness – which is caused by ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed, ego is destroyed and then you can attain Moksham. How is ignorance destroyed? Only through your surrender to ME. So devotion towards Me is the first and foremost way to Moksham”.
Then HE describes that process of transformation:
The most precious human body is the most suitable instrument to perform Swadharma. When you do your duty with surrender and without any expectation, lust and other desires will disappear.
Then intellect becomes pure by destroying its wavering, the most dangerous habit.
Hari Om!
With that pure mind, listen to the stories of My Avathars – Shravanam. With constant Shravanam, you will develop love (Premam) for Me and it will get stronger gradually.
Then you will know that the objects of Prakrithi are perishable and only the Self is imperishable and eternal.
Thus you will develop indifference towards perishable, worldly objects and experiences. This is called dispassion; as it grows stronger you will experience the light and joy of the Self.
When your Abhimanam in food and other various worldly habits diminish, your mind’s focus will be on the Self only. As it gets stronger, you will experience Samadhi.
The nectar of joy starts flowing from your Self through your mind and spreads over your senses and body. (It means, your speech, touch and glance become sweet for every one).
The fire of desires dies out in you. The Prakrithi that disturbed you in the state of ignorance vanishes forever. As the Agni in the Arani (firewood) burns it out completely, the fire of wisdom destroys all Vasanas and impurities in your mind.
Hari Om!
When Jeeva gets detached to Prakrithi and Abhimanam, all Sukha(happiness) and Dukha (unhappiness) vanish too. Thus you experience the light and joy of your true Self.
Samadhi is different from sleep (Sushupthi). How? When you wake up from sleep, you are again entangled by Prakrithi due to passion. But when you wake up from Samadhi, you still remain liberated due to dispassion. Jeeva has become Easwara who is the master of Prakrithi.
This is explained as follows:
Whatever good or bad dreams you had in your sleep and however happy or unhappy you felt in the dream, as you wake up, your “Dream experiences” vanish. They can no longer affect you. Similarly, the Prakrithi that affected you in your ignorant state can not affect you in your liberated state. Prakrithi is no more capable to drag the “Atmarama” – the one who rejoices in the Self – into the cycle of births and deaths.
3.27.27 – 30
Here Lord Kapila concludes His advice, “until you become One with Lord, practise Sadhana and devotion that takes you to Him.
Hari Om!
This constant practice for many lifetimes will accumulate that divine culture in you and finally you will become Atmaratha – the one who rejoices in his Self. Such a Jnani can not be tempted by any sort of pleasures. He will be dispassionate and unconditionally in love with Me. Then he will know what the Supreme Truth is. He will become entitled for My Grace, thereby realizing that his Self is none other than Me. This is called Adwaitham (non-duality). The seeker who attained Moksham transcends the cycle of births and deaths.
Now the Lord warns that the biggest impediments in this path are the Sidhis that are bestowed upon the seeker by Yoga Mahatmyam. The seeker should be extremely careful that his mind doesn’t get stuck up with them, as they divert him from his ultimate goal of Moksham and drags him into the cycle of misery again.
Note – this can be explained with a simple example. When we want to protect very delicious and expensive sweets from ants, we can encircle it with a line of sugar. The ants will come upto the sugar circle only. They will get contented with it and never try to reach the hidden sweets. Aren’t we also like that? As we get immersed in the pleasures of Sidhis by the practice of Sadhana we get lost in the path.
Hari Om!
As in the “snake and ladder” game played by children, the snake of Maya swallows the Sadhak and he will have to start the climb once again.
Again and again we have to praise the glory of the SadGuru, who alone can guide us in this “too slippery” path.
With this session, we have concluded the twenty seventh chapter of the third canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
3.28.1 – 7
We mentioned about the Sidhis that a Sadhak acquires through his Sadhana or Yoga Anushtanam.
In the twenty eighth chapter, Bhagavan Kapila describes it to His mother, “Oh Princess, Yoga falls into two categories – “Sabeejam” and “Nirbeejam”. Nirbeejam is practising the mind without any external support other than focusing on Chaithanyam itself. As it is very difficult, I will advise you on Sabeeja Yogam which gives a support to the mind to focus upon. This Yoga will purify your mind by removing its impurities like Kama and Krodha. Then you will enter the path of God realization”.
Then He describes the Yama Niyamas:
Hari Om!
As much as possible practise your Swadharma. Do not indulge in any thing that obstructs Dharma. Be happy and contented with what you get.
Honour Atma Jnanis.
Do no crave for imperishable Purusharthas.
Aspire for Shravanam (My stories).
Eat only good food in limited quantity. Impure food will pollute your mind. Over eating will develop laziness. So be careful with what you eat.
Avoid crowded places and sit in peaceful atmospheres.
Do not do any harm to any beings through thoughts, words or deeds.
Be truthful in your speech.
Do not desire others’ wealth.
Maintain physical cleanliness(through bath and so on) and mental purity(through Shravanam).
Learn Scriptures and worship God.
Do not involve in arguments and loose talks.
Hari Om!
Then practise Yoga Asanas for control of the body and Pranayam for the control of the Prana. Initially it may look difficult and take some time, but with constant practice, you can succeed. When Prana is focused on Mooladharam (the lowest Chakra in the body) or any other vital centre, mind will also subside. Then focus that mind on the Lord.
Thus win over Prana and merge the mind in the Lord.
Note – Kapilopadesham gives the practical lessons of Yoga and Pranayam which we will see in the next session.
3.28.8 – 11
The procedure for Pranayama is explained here.
Sit in an auspicious place like the Holy banks of River Ganga. Sit in an erect posture, preferably in Swasthik posture (with crossed legs) in a comfortable position. Pranayama consists of three stages – Poorakam (inhaling), Kumbhakam (retaining air) and Rechakam (exhaling). You can do it in the reverse order too. Pranayam removes all Kapha and other impurities and purifies the breathing system. Mind is associated with Prana and so as Prana purifies, mind subsides and its movements stop and gets stabilized. The main advantage of Pranayam is stabilizing your mind.
Hari Om!
As gold is purified through fire, mind gets purified through Pranayam. As Pranayam removes Vatha, Pitha, Kapha impurities, body becomes disease-free.
Destroy bad karma (“Papam”) through Dharana (understanding) and bondage with external objects with Prathyahara – giving another food. That means, controlling or replacing one thought with another thought or engaging mind with divine thoughts. Destroy Raga, Dwesha and so on with Dhyanam (meditation).
Focusing the mind on the form of the Lord is Dharana. Without allowing it to waver, establishing it in Him is Dhyanam. If any other thought comes, Dhyanam will be disturbed, so with constant efforts, practise unshakeable Dhyanam. Such a very prolonged state is called Samadhi.
Practise Pranayam until mind gets under control. As mind gets pure and relaxed, practise Dhyanam. You can meditate on various forms, but the sincere Sadhak who seeks Moksham must meditate on the form of the Lord. Meditate with the eyes closed and focused on the nose tip for better concentration.
Note – it is advisable to start Pranayam with the guidance from a good Master.
Hari Om!
3.28.12 – 18
Now the most beautiful form of Bhagavan is described here. For the Sadhak who practises “Sabeeja” Dhyanam, this form of the Lord becomes the solid support to hold on.
Bhagavan’s face is as beautiful as the blossoming lotus. His eyes are like the pink petals of the lotus flower. The colour of His body resembles that of a blue lotus and His most auspicious body is clad in Peethambaram (in yellow silk). The “chathurbhujas” hold Shamkham (conch), Chakram (Sudarshana chakram), Gada (mace) and Pankajam (lotus flower). “Sri Valsam” – like a birth mark – adorns His chest and the jewel “Kausthubham” makes it even more attractive. “Vanamala” is garlanding His neck. His entire body is decorated with jewels. His lotus feet is worshipped by sages and all others alike.
The most attractive form of the Lord stays in the lotus like minds of devotees giving indescribable joy to their eyes and mind. The Lotus feet of the Lord is worshipped by every one. This enchanting beauty of the Lord is added with the Karunyam radiated towards His Bhakthas.
Bhagavatham says, as long as your mind is wavering, fill it with this most auspicious form of the Lord. It will become still and silent gradually.
Hari Om!
Note – we may wonder why the lotus flower is this much associated with the Lord. It is because of the virtues or qualities of this flower. Even though it is existing in the muddy water, its direction is always towards Sun and it remains unstained by its touch with water. It is used to worship the Deity in the temple too.
Similarly we must also focus on the Lord only, with a pure mind, while living in this world with all our worldly associations. The life of a true Bhaktha is so noble, irrespective of his circumstances. Bhagavan is where His Bhaktha is!
3.28.19 – 44
Bhagavatham says, “You can visualize the form of the Lord in any way – walking, lying, playing and so on. However, in your heart only the deepest love for Him should exist”.
A very detailed meditation technique is given here. You have to focus your mind on each and every part of Bhagavan’s most auspicious body. This practice will help your mind to become sharp focused at the minutest level. Slowly and gradually your mind will be filled with an indescribable joy. It can no longer be separate from the Lord.
Hari Om!
The trinity – the meditator, the meditated form and the process of meditation – dissolves and becomes ONE. This is how “Sabeeja Dhyanam” becomes an experience of “Nirvikalpa Samadhi”.
As all “doership and experiencership” vanish, the Yogi becomes unaware of his own body. In ignorance you are unaware of your Self; similarly in Self Realization, you are unaware of your body. Even death is not experienced by the Yogi. This is like a drunkard becoming unaware of his clothes – whether they are on his body or not. This state is called “Jeevanmukthi”. As you are separate from your child and your house, Self is separate from your body.
Yet, as the clay remains even when the pot breaks, Self remains even when the body perishes. Fire woods vary in their shapes, but the fire in each and every one of them is the same. Similarly, the Chaithanyam in all these forms of plants, birds, animals and humans is the same! The feeling of separation is at the form level only, not at the plane of Self.
Remember Mother Devahoothi’s question, “As Prakrithi is never separate from Purusha, how can the Jeeva attain moksham?”. Lord Kapila concludes the answer to this question, “By the grace of Easwara, Jeeva transcends the “Easwara Maya” and attains his Swaroopam”.
Hari Om!
Note – with this the twenty eighth chapter is concluded. The “Sabeeja Dhyanam” as described here has to be practised regularly until you become ONE with it. Then you will transcend all other bondages. This is the easiest way to Moksham.
3.29.1 – 10
Now Devahoothi raises another question on Bhakthi Yogam and she wants to know the way to Bhakthi. She wants to know about Kalam (Time) also, as it is none other than the Lord Himself. Why is Time compared to the Lord? Because, Time kills every thing and as that truth dawns in us, we become dispassionate. She praises the glory of Lord Kapila who has incarnated to remove ignorance and spread the knowledge on Jnana Yogam, Bhakthi Yogam and Ashtanga Yogam.
Maithreya continues to Vidura on the advice by Lord Kapila to Devahoothi, “Oh Mother, Bhakthi is in three ways – Thamasik, Rajasik and Sathwik”.
When your devotion is aimed at destroying others or impressing others it is Thamasik. Such a devotee’s heart is filled with Kama, Krodha and so on. When you aim at fame and wealth, that devotion is Rajasik. Both these will create bondage and hence must be rejected.
Hari Om!
But when you want to surrender at the feet of the Lord and worship Him as per the instruction of the Vedas, that devotion is Sathwik and hence recommended.
3.29.11 – 14
Bhagavan continues, “The Bhakthi that has transcended all other Gunas and even Sathwik Bhakthi is the Supreme Bhakthi. Such a devotee never expects any thing from Me. He feels no separation from Me. That Bhakthi takes you to Moksham”.
Such devotees do not desire even Mukthi. The five types of Mukthi are Salokyam, Sarshti, Sameepyam, Saroopyam, Ekathwam. Salokyam is living in the same world with Bhagavan. Sarshtyam is being prosperous like Bhagavan. Sameepyam is living near Bhagavan. Saroopyam is attaining His Swaroopam. Sayoojyam or Ekathwam is becoming One with Bhagavan.
Bhagavan says, “even if I grant these boons to the Uttama Bhaktha, he doesn’t want it. He just wants to serve Me and be with Me. After leaving the body, this Nirguna Bhaktha will become One with Me”.
Note – Bhagavatham establishes that only a devotee with such Nishkama Bhakthi can attain Moksham.
Hari Om!
3.29.15 – 20
Now Bhagavatham tells us how to attain that “Sayoojya Mukthi”.
Do your Swadharma without expecting for any result – this means that you should surrender before the Lord accepting it as His Prasad.
Have faith in the spiritual practices.
Do Yagas, practicing non – violence. That means, Yaga is not sacrificing animals, but the animalistic tendencies in us.
Practise seeing my idol, touching it, worshipping it, praising it, prostrating before it with the conviction that I am the Self in every thing.
Have the courage to hold onto your Swadharma and discard all cravings.
Honour great people, be compassionate with those who suffer and maintain friendship with those who are equal to you.
Do not aspire others’ possessions.
Practise Sadhana regularly with commitment.
Praise My names.
Hari Om!
Listen to discourses of knowledge.
Do not try to impress others while doing your Sadhana and do it with sincerity.
Such a devotee will merge with Me, without any efforts. As the fragrance of a flower reaches your nostrils effortlessly, you will reach Me.
Note – Apart from the note on path to Moksham, here we have to underline Bhagavatham’s advice on how to deal with people. Honour, compassion and friendship – whom to show what? Whenever there is an overlapping or gap in these expressions that we do, there can be utter confusion and chaos.
If we analyze our interpersonal problems, we can see that we have gone wrong somewhere in our expressions to others. Only with a calm mind, we can express ourselves perfectly. So, our masters advise us to do Sadhana regularly with commitment.
3.29.21 – 27
Here Bhagavatham declares the futility of “Thamasik Bhakthi”. Bhagavan says, “ I AM the Self omnipresent in every one and every thing.
Hari Om!
The devotee who merely worships my idol is a pretender, he doesn’t know my Swaroopam”. It is futile like rendering the “Homa Dravyam” (Pooja materials) in “Bhasmam” (ash) instead of “Agni” (fire). Why is it so? It is because, a peaceful person alone can experience divinity and the bliss. Any one who gives any sort of hurt to others is indirectly hurting ME who is present in them. How can such a person attain Me?
“Mother, worshipping My idol with the Pooja materials collected through any sort of harm to others will definitely displease Me”.
Please note that idol worship is not demeaned here. Until you recognize Me in your own heart, worship My idols and when Self Realization dawns in you, discards all such Karmas. The purpose of Sadhana is to purify the mind. Only a pure Chitham can merge with Me, and then become liberated even from Sadhana.
One who lives in duality(Dwaitham) suffers from the unbearable fear of death. One who established in Adwaitham, is free from fear.
Bhagavan says, “See Me only in every one. Honour your superiors, befriend your equals and support your inferiors. This is the true worship for Me”.
Hari Om!
Note – what do we learn here? As the sun light reflects various colours, the same Chaithanyam is present in every one. Honour, friendliness and compassion are all the various expressions of the same Love that envelopes every one. The love for your father contains more honour, but the love for your friend contains more openness. You feel compassion for a beggar and helps him. But all these are the various forms of love!
Do not hate any one, but love all in appropriate forms – remembering that it is all reaching the Lotus Feet of the Lord only.
3.29.28 – 35
This session gives a comparison of everything in creation right from inanimate things to human beings, the most evolved species. Among human beings, Brahmanas are the greatest category. Then the hierarchy goes higher as follows: those who know Vedas, those who know the meaning of Vedas, those who can clear doubts, those who practise Swadharma, those who do not desire for any thing while doing Swadharma, and then those who do Nishkama Karma.
Bhagavan says, ”The greatest are those who surrender every thing including their karma to Me. Honour every thing, with the conviction that I am present in each and every one of them”.
Hari Om!
This is Bhakthi Sadhana. You can practise either Samkhya Yoga or Bhakthi Yoga for attaining Self Realization.
3.29.36 – 45
After describing Bhakthi Yogam, Bhagavan Kapila describes “Kala Swaroopam” here.
As Prakriti, Purusha, Mahath Thathwam, senses, and so on are the Swaroopam of Bhagavan, “Kalam” (Time) is also His Swaroopam. Time generates fear in those who see these separate from Bhagavan. Brahma, Vishnu, Parameshwaran and all other Devas are also Time. For Time, no one is more dear or less dear or attached. The “all time aware” Time affects those who are immersed in sensory or worldly experiences and destroys them. Those who see Atma as their Swaroopam have no death.
Every thing in creation abides by the law of Time – wind blows, Sun heats, Indra rains and stars shine a per this law. Even Devas are no exemption to this unbreakable law, then what to say about ordinary people?
Hari Om!
Trees and plants give flowers and fruits out of fear of Time. Similarly, rivers flow and the sea remains as it is, fire shines and the Earth (in spite of its mountains) remain in its state. Time transforms itself into this creation that consists of Mahath Thathwam, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space and Ego.
Why is it said even Vishnu fears about Time? It is like a King obeying the law that he himself establishes. That is, Vishnu makes the laws and obeys it Himself in the form of Time.
Time makes parents give birth to new generations, it is called creation. Time gives death and it is called destruction. And Time is the “detached” Easwara who has no beginning and end.
Note – as the Self within and as Time without, there is only ONE here. With the description of Time, the twenty ninth chapter of third canto ends here.
Hari Om!
3.30.1 – 5
Following the description on “Kala Swaroopam” Bhagavatham describes the miseries suffered by all beings due to Time, in this chapter.
As the clouds are unaware of the power of wind, even while drifting in the sky, the unwise live with cravings for sensual pleasures – unaware of what Time does for them.
Man seeks wealth in the form of money, land, wife, children and so on with great difficulty. But they are all perishable by Time and then he grieves about them. Bad Karma acquired through many lifetimes keeps the intellect unwise and so we can not realize the Truth. We may hope that our wealth will last forever and hence suffer pathetically when we lose them.
But do not doubt that a loser will divert his attention from these objects. Again and again he will strive to achieve and accumulate wealth. Whatever body you have taken, you are constantly conscious and cautious about that alone, and thus never attain dispassion.
Hari Om!
How about other lower creatures? They are also under the illusion that they are comfortable in their state. The “I”ness seen universally in every one is none other than Bhagavan’s Maya.
3.30.6 – 10
Now, how about the human beings who are fortunate to get this birth? It implies that only humans are fortunate to attain liberation through the spiritual path.
Bhagavatham says that unfortunately humans live with their minds focused on their so called wealth – body, spouse, children, relatives, house, cattle and so on.
They believe that whatever they need for their well-being will be with them and live with that pride. They trust that they are lucky to enjoy this abundance. Even poverty can not divert their attention as they will struggle to attain wealth for supporting their people. Even in this misery, their minds will be polluted with lust. Again and again, they carry on with their Karma and their miseries increase day by day. If not Maya, what justification can we give here?
Hari Om!
Are these people getting any worldly pleasures? They are allured by the sexual pleasures offered by such women and attracted to the unclear utterances of small babies. They try to impress others and acquire fame through whatever they do, even fraud things. Are they really happy? No, they are just pretending and taking pride that they are happy. In fact, they are unhappy in the core of their hearts.
Will they be happy after their death? No. with all these accumulated wealth for giving comfort to wife and children, they die one day and at that time, no body will be with them. They will have to go alone and experience what they deserve.
This is how the youth spends their lives.
Note – Bhagavatham is sinking a sharp knife into our heart. Are we truly happy or pretending to be happy, with what we have? Or with the way we live? If the best times of our lives are spent like this, what are we going to get in our old age? The most unpleasant Truth of human life will unfold in the next session…
Hari Om!
3.30.11 – 17
Here Bhagavatham describes the pathetic state of old age. When all the deeds in the youth become futile, desires increase and physical strength decreases and the old man starts aspiring others’ wealth or money. In old age he becomes helpless to take care of the family, all his efforts become fruitless, and thus he becomes unlucky, moneyless and ugly. Then his face will reflect that misery. Even then mind will be thinking with sighs, about how to become prosperous.
As he becomes useless, his spouse and others will start dishonouring him. Bhagavatham says, it is like farmers neglecting and starving the old bulls.
The same children who were ruled so far by him, now begin to insult him and he has to survive with what they give to him. He stays at home like an old and sick dog, awaiting his own death. Always with diseases, he can not digest food, and with severe cough, he can not even speak.
Relatives gather around the death bed of the old man, calling him, but he can not even reply to them.
Hari Om!
Note – when we look around, we can see so many people suffering as Bhagavatham portrays. When our focus is on the world and the people, we are bound to suffer. When our mind is surrendered at the Lotus Feet of the Lord, HE takes care of us. This is the word given by the Lord!
3.30.18 – 34
After describing the miseries of young and old ages, Bhagavatham describes the misery at the time of death. Until the time of death, the unfortunate man was thinking about his wife and children and in that feverishness, he could not control his mind which was a slave to his senses. Now it is too late to save his mind from bondage which is enveloped in the darkness of ignorance. As the relatives gather around him weeping, he leaves the body in utter despair. His mind is immersed in deep sorrow and ignorance now.
Now Bhagavatham describes the journey of the departed soul to the “Yama Lokam”. This generates fear in the minds of devotees and raises an alarm. It is said that his body will be tormented and eaten by worms and flees, giving unbearable pain. The punishments do not end there. Lord Kapila tells His mother that these are all possible, as we can see how people suffer because of various diseases.
Hari Om!
At the time of death you can leave your body and your family. But you cannot leave the Karma that you did for their advantages and pleasures.
Note – you can not change your attitude at the time of death or in the last minutes of your life. Only a devotee who was constantly focusing his mind (right from the early ages of life) on the Lord can remember Him while leaving his body. So Bhagavatham reminds us of, “Surrender to the Lord, Service to the world”. This will save us from the miserable cycle of births and deaths. With this, we are concluding the thirtieth chapter of third canto.
3.31.1 – 10
After describing about death and its associated miseries, Bhagavan describes the miseries a child suffers in the womb. Bhagavatham says that a child in the womb experiences indescribable pain – caused by the bites of living organisms in the mother’s abdomen and the severity of the foods that she eats.
The child remembers his past lifetimes and understands that his “Karmaphalam” has caused this birth. If he were unconscious he would have been spared from this suffering. But the will of the Lord gives him knowledge and memories of past life times.
Hari Om!
Note – This part of Bhagavatham gives wonderful, scientific explanation on the conception and growth of the human baby. It is amazing to note how our masters could narrate these scientific facts without the aid of any instruments. Modern Science is yet to come upto that level of discoveries and understanding.
3.31.11- 21
The child suffers like hell in the womb and then “I”ness in the body dawns. The helpless and scared baby realizes that it was punished by the Lord to take this birth and prays for His mercy, “ I surrender at the Lotus Feet of the Lord, You alone can remove my fear and save me. Only You can free me from this bondage of Maya. Only You can impart the Knowledge of the Self and remove my ignorance. Only the omnipresent Bhagavan can liberate Jeevas like us from this bondage. When will You have the mercy to send me out of this suffocating womb? How can we give joy to You, we can only surrender to You”.
Now the child understands the difference between an animal and a human. It says, “an animal can only be aware of its bodily functions (Sthoolam). But only a human being can develop the awareness of the mind “Sookshmam” and realize God”.
Hari Om!
Even though the Jeeva wants to go out of the womb, it is afraid to lose the Trikala Knowledge that it has got now, by the grace of the Lord. There it will again be gripped by the Maya of the Lord, and get caught up by the “I”ness in the body and fall into the cycle of births and deaths. So, it wants to meditate and uplift itself from ignorance with an unshakeable mind.
Note – Bhagavatham says that even inside the womb, the human baby is fortunate to remember the Lord. That is the greatness of human birth and human body. Those who practise Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation regularly can experience the potentiality of human mind and body. There is absolutely no doubt that, only the most fortunate will ever come to the spiritual path while others live like animals!
3.31.22 – 27
Now Lord Kapila says, “as the baby completes ten months in the womb, he is tilted upside down so that his head is directed downwards. This abrupt movement causes fatigue and the baby loses consciousness and the entire memory wipes out. With great difficulty, he comes out from his mother’s womb. He loses the Atma Jnana and becomes ignorant, then screams loudly.
Hari Om!
Now he is taken care of by the people who can not understand his needs – why he cries, they don’t know. Then they will guess some thing and act accordingly. The child is totally helpless. Flees and other creatures may bite him and he can not even tell that to others. Unable to bear the pain, the child cries aloud”.
Note – Bhagavatham aims at telling us the various forms of misery right from infancy. If this is what life offers us, why are we clinging to it? The answer is, the affinity for life is deeply engraved in our hearts in the form of “I”ness. So misery appears to be pleasure and we can not go beyond that and reach where “Sachidanandam“ awaits us!
3.31.28 – 32
Right from childhood to adolescence and youth age, human beings suffer from various miseries. Desires increase in youth and when they are not materialized, he becomes irritated. When others try to achieve the same things, competition and quarrels begin. This will damage yourself.
Due to ignorance, you feel “I”ness and “My”ness in the body which is made up of “Pancha Bhootha”. So the Jeevathma with crookedness live in the impure body with “Abhimanam”.
Hari Om!
And what is this body doing? It keeps attaining birth, death, age, diseases and so on, thus giving constant misery to Jeevathma. Again and again, out of ignorance, Jeevathma falls into the cycle of Karma, Karmaphalam and lifetimes.
As Jeevathma keeps company with those people, who have animalistic tendencies and hence lust, he will fall into miserable life times.
Note – Bhagavatham warns us that when we join the “rat race” and try to grab others’ opportunities, we degrade ourselves. Greed and jealousy steal our peacefulness and joy. We forget our true nature. When we try to please this perishable body imagining that it will stay forever, we are losing the imperishable joy or “”Sachidanandam”!
3.31.33 – 36
Now Bhagavatham describes the virtues one could ideally attain through devotion.
Sathyam or Truth – talking with genuineness.
Shaucham or cleanliness of mind and body.
Daya or Compassion to remove others’ misery.
Hari Om!
Maunam or avoiding unnecessary talk.
Buddhi or vichara shakthi – power of discrimination.
Lajja or shyness to stay away from mean deeds.
Shree – well-being in the form of wealth and glory.
Salkeerthi – good fame.
Kshama – tolerance for others’ mistakes.
Shamam – the power to subside mind.
Damam – the power to subside senses
and Dharmam.
Bhagavatham warns that all these qualities will perish in the company of bad people (Dussang). So keep away from those who are engaged in sensory pleasures. Bhagavatham says, it is very difficult to transcend lust. Even Lord Brahma struggled to come out of it. Then what to say about ordinary people? So, one should always stay away from lustful people.
Hari Om!
3.31.37 – 42
Bhagavatham asks, “who is there – which man is there – who can not be influenced by the Maya of “Sthree” (woman)? If there is some one, it is none other than my incarnation “Sree Narayana Rishi”.
The Lord continues, “My “Maya” in the form of Sthree is incredible. The most powerful men who have won the whole world are easily conquered by a woman by just a movement of her eye brows. So, do not yield to the influence of women.
As much as a man should leave the craving for a woman, the woman should also realize that her dependency and craving for the man will degrade her and divert her away from the Truth. So, both should cut the bondage with each other”.
Note – what do we learn here? Most of our Rishis were married and leading “Grihasthashramam”. Then why do they advise so? The answer is, they want us to practise dispassion or Vairagyam. Attraction is very common among human beings. But the deepest attraction happens between opposite polarities (or opposite sex). This can lead to desires and feverishness of the mind.
Hari Om!
As Mind has no gender, so, a Sadhak or seeker of Truth must be single focused and should not deviate from his path. For a true Jnani, nothing can destabilize him – married or not, his mind is merged with the Lord.
So, our love for Lord must be more than any other attractions.
3.31.43 – 48
In this session, Bhagavatham explains the nature of birth and death. Physical death of the body does not affect the mind (“Sookshma Shareeram” or “Linga Shareeram”). “Lingam” is a mark – more like a birth mark. Like the marks or stains in a cloth our mind carries “Vasanas” accumulated through many life times. That will cause the cycle of births and deaths repeat forever. This is the bondage of Jeeva.
Birth is when Sookshma Shareeram – mind – joins the Sthoola Shareeram – body. Death is when the mind leaves the body. Death happens to the body only. When you attain “Swaroopa Jnanam” only, the mind will disappear. That is called Mukthi.
The birth and death of the body is mistaken as the birth and death of the mind or Jeeva and this mistake happens to none other than Jeeva. This is due to Moham, it causes “I”ness and “My”ness in the body.
Hari Om!
When Jeeva realizes that he is the witness to the birth and death of body, that liberates Jeeva.
Bhagavatham explains that when sense organs like eyes stop functioning, that Indriya is damaged. When all the cells in the body stop functioning, that is death. Jeeva grieves over the death of the body.
So Bhagavatham advises us to come out of fear and be bold. Sukham and Dukham are the results of Karmam, so do not become attached to them and get miserable. Wealth and relatives are perishable, do not worry about them. Be intelligent and know, what is perishable and what is imperishable (and mentally detach yourself with all that will leave you sooner or later). As you keep doing “Mananam”, your mind will get stabilized and dispassion will dawn. When you realize that this changing body is here to experience all the Karmas that it deserves, you will discard all cravings for it. Live like that, all through your life, until your body dies.
Note – this session shows the pointer towards dispassion. With this, we are ending the thirty first chapter of third canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
3.32.1
The thirty second chapter of Bhagavatham describes the Grihastashrami’s efforts to attain Mukthi.
Lord Kapila says, “it is the intention behind the actions that differentiates the actions. When you do Karmam with desire for result, it is called “Sakama” and when you do that to please the Lord alone, it is called “Nishkama”.
“Sakama” people live as Grihasthas and do their household activities enjoying their results again and again. It is like breeding cattle, taking care of them, milking them and again and again enjoying the same experiences. They are called the Dharma, Artha and Kama Purusharthas.
Note – what do we learn here? Bhagavan says, the intention or the attitude with which we do an action determines if it is good or bad. For example, a robber stabbing a man with his knife for stealing his money is a cruel action. It is bad Karma which will give negative Karma phalam. But a doctor performing a surgery on a patient for saving his life may make the same injury, but it is good karma that gives positive Karma phalam.
Hari Om!
3.32.2 – 20
Man is incapable of introspection (Mananam) as his mind is filled with desires for sensory experiences. Thus he does not worship the Lord, but worships Devas with Yagam and Pithrus with Shradham.
Bhagavatham declares that only those devotees who perform their Swadharma and surrender themselves to the Lord get Moksham. All other deeds and worships do not take them to the ultimate Truth. Bhagavatham declares undoubtedly that the men who do not turn to Lord, but merely enjoy in worldly activities are like pigs that discard good delicious food and eat stool. For them, the miserable “cycle of lifetimes” will be unending.
Note – this session of Bhagavatham describes the various types of people and their Karmas. Only the wisest will ever try to know the way out of this “Samsara Chakram”.
3.32.21 – 25
The Lord says, “Oh noble mother, the Jeevas that are bound take births after births; a Jeeva may be a child in this life time and then as the parent in the next life time. Thus they are related to one another. So develop Ananya Bhakthi for the Lord and transcend this Maya ”.
Hari Om!
Devotion will remove the Raga, Dwesha impurities of the Buddhi and then you will experience supreme joy.
How will you know that you have attained the Supreme Knowledge? When the sounds and so on give equal meaning, and you do not feel that “this sound is dearer, this touch is dearer and the other is not dear….” you can ascertain that you are free from the wavering mind. Then you will experience the Self. Then the Self will not get attached to any thing and all cravings and aversions will disappear.
There will be nothing to, neither accept nor reject!
3.32.26 – 27
There is only ONE, which is Supreme Knowledge or Consciousness. The trinity of “scene, seeing, seer” which is related to the sensory organ “eye” is nothing but the ONE. It is called Brahmam in Upanishads, Paramathma in Yogashastram, Purushan in Samkhya Shastram, Bhagavan in Bhakthi Shastram.
Now a question arises, “If there in only ONE, why do all these Sadhanas to attain that?”. This is an intelligent question. The answer is, there is nothing to attain. But there is some thing to lose – that is, craving and aversions or likes and dislikes.
Hari Om!
They are distortions or deformations of Anthakaranam. All these schools of Sadhana help the Yogi to remove that and there ends their purpose. Then Brahmam shines as the Sun, when the clouds drift away.
3.32.28
Now a beautiful question arises, “if every thing is Brahmam, why should one discard Asakthy? The object and the mind that desires it are the same Brahmam. Then won’t the effort to stop Vishayasakthi will be fruitless?”.
The answer is very simple. The mental activities that outgo through the senses like eyes, can not know the innermost Truth in your Self as the only ONE. Mind sees diversity, not Oneness. It can not understand that the objects, their components as Pancha bhoothas and the senses are ONE. Thus you feel that Devas, humans, animals, birds are all different from one another. You feel “I”ness and “My”ness in them. This causes bondage to the Jeeva. So it is most essential for the seeker to remove this “Bheda Bhavam”.
Hari Om!
“Brahma Sakshatkaram” is nothing but the experience that “the body and the world are Brahmam only”. Mind activities – through the senses – mistake the external objects as separate from Brahmam. When Yoga practice or Sadhana strengthens, this illusion ends. There you experience the Self. So, the sincere seeker should invariably try to remove the illusion and attain liberation.
Note – what a beautiful explanation is given to this precious question. Seekers at all stages have various doubts. Srimad Bhagavatham gives clarity and conviction to the sincere seeker of Truth.
3.32.29 – 30
Now Bhagavatham explains how the one and only ONE Truth or Thathwam is seen diversely, in the entire creation. Parameswara is called “SWARAT” as HE shines like the light itself (the source of light) and lights up everything else. The entire creation originated from that ONE only. (Then how can there be any thing separate from that ONE?)
So, there should be no reason or relevance for any sort of feeling of separation. If any one has that illusion, then he should take the effort to remove that.
Hari Om!
Trust in the Scriptures, supreme love and devotion in the Lord, constant practice of Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama and so on), dispassion towards objects of pleasure – all these Sadhanas will help you conquer the senses and the mind that moves through them. As you drop Vishayasakthy (the craving for pleasure) you will realize the oneness of Truth or Brahmam.
Note – our masters say that all Scriptures and Sadhana are just pointers. They are not the destination, but the road that takes you to the destination. Once you realize the Truth, your journey ends. There is no more need of the road or the pointers. But till then, we have to follow them with undeterred commitment.
3.32.31 – 33
This session describes the benefits of Samkhya Yoga which was explained in the last eight chapters.
Bhagavan says, “Oh noble mother, I have told you the “Jnana Swaroopam” that gives “Brahma Sakshatkaram” as told by Upanishads. If you can understand it well, you will know the true nature of Prakrithi and Purusha. Jnana Yoga and Bhakthi Yoga take you to the same destination.
Hari Om!
They are neither superior nor inferior to each other. A Sadhak can choose whichever he wants or finds easier to practise. Both will bring him to Me”.
Then a question arises naturally. If both have the same destination, in what sense the paths are different?
Here Bhagavatham gives a beautiful example – the senses for vision, taste, smell and touch will perceive an object differently. Take a piece of sweet jaggery. The eyes will see it as black or white. The nostrils will take it as a sweet smell or foul smell. The skin will take it as soft or hard. And the tongue will take it as sweet or sour. Similarly the ONE Bhagavan is described in many ways by the Scriptures.
The Jnani says that the Lord is beyond Gunas. The Bhaktha says that HE has infinite Gunas. Both statements are right!
Note – what do we learn here? Jnana is concerned with head (intellect) and Bhakthi is concerned with heart (feelings). When you KNOW about Bhagavan (qualities or attributes), you will develop Bhakthi for Him. When you LOVE Bhagavan you will know Him closer. So, both will take you to the Supreme. How intelligent our Masters are – they know how to uplift your mind, wherever you stand now…
Hari Om!
3.32.34 – 38
Now Bhagavatham says that, with the practice of all these instructions by the Lord, you can attain the Lord who has infinite Gunas and who has transcended all the Gunas.
Bhagavan has explained Bhakthi in its four ways – Sakamam, Nishkamam and Sagunam, Nirgunam – and the Kala Swaroopam. HE has also explained how the Jeeva forgets its “Sachidanandam” and becomes a “Sukhi” and “Dukhi” due to “I”ness and “My”ness.
Note – this session gives a revision of the Thathwam. Next we will see who is eligible to receive this precious Knowledge and who is not.
3.32.39 – 43
The Lord has initiated His mother Devahoothi with Samkhya Yoga. Now He tells who are all eligible to receive it.
“Those who have intentions of harming others, those who have no honour for the Guru, those who grade others as inferior to themselves, those who have “Bheda Bavana”, those who pretend to be good with an intention to betray others, those who have intense cravings, those who have their minds focused on lust, wealth and comforts, those who have
Hari Om!
no devotion, those who dislike My Bhakthas – they are not entitled to receive this knowledge. So, do not advise it to them”.
Now, who are all eligible?
“Those who have trust and focus, those who have humility and devotion, those who have no envy in others’ qualities, those who have friendliness with everything in this creation, pleasure in listening, indifference to external objects, engaged in “Mananam”, happiness in others’ well–being, purity of mind, and supreme devotion to me – they are eligible for this Knowledge and so, advise to them”.
The Lord concluded, “Oh Mother, whoever listens to this or praises this, with focus on Me, he will definitely attain Me”.
Note – the thirty second chapter of third canto ends here. In our Guru Shishya Parampara, the Masters propagated Knowledge through the right kind of Shishya only. Geeta was advised to one Arjuna only. Only with a pure mind and focussed intellect one can attain the Supreme Knowledge.
Hari Om!
3.33.1 – 8
The thirty third chapter of third canto describes Devahoothi’s moksham.
Maithreya tells Vidura, “on hearing Kapilopadesham, Devahoothi was filled with Jnanam, Bhakthi and Virakthi and she became liberated. Only with the grace or Kripa from the Lord and Guru, you will get benefitted from Shravanam and so on”.
Devahoothi was overwhelmed with gratitude and she praised Lord Kapila who was Easwara and Guru to her. What a blessed mother she was, to give birth to the Lord himself!
Devahoothi Sthuthi ends with a note on the importance of Nama Sankeerthanam. She says, “Oh Bhagavan, a Chandala who chants Your Nama Japam is more honourable than the Brahmin who does not do it. It is more powerful and nobler than all other Yajnas. Only through the Punyam acquired through many lifetimes, one can ever develop the interest in Japa Yajnam. How am I ever able to praise Your magnanimous Keerthi?
I prostrate before Thee, who is called “Parama Purusha” in Samkhya Shastram, “Vishnu” in Puranas, “Kapila” in this incarnation, and the Para Brahma Moorthi”
Hari Om!
Note – here, Mother Devahoothi realizes that her son Lord Kapila is none other than the Supreme Knowledge. You can attain Knowledge only through Bhagavan, because HE is the only source of Knowledge!
3.33.9 – 27
Maithreya continues, “as Mother Devahoothi praised her son Lord Kapila, He replied to her in words that stammered due to love for His mother”.
The Lord assured her that she would attain the Supreme by merely following His words of advice. He says, “this is an easy path to tread. It was practised and advised by many Acharyas. Thos who do not know this Knowledge, will fall into the cycle of births and deaths again and again”.
Saying thus, taking His mother’s permission, Lord Kapila left that place.
Bhagavatham says that the mother was sad like a mother cow that was separated from her calf. It shows how difficult it is, for even great people like Devahoohti, to handle separation from the dear ones. Still she continued her penance with commitment. Even the most beautiful place “Bindu Saras” where she lived, could not attract her any more.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, she practised two types of Dhyanam – “Samastham” and “Vyastham”. Samastham is meditating on the form of the Lord from feet to head. Vyastham is meditating on each part of the form separately.
This session describes the steady and fast progress of her Dhyanam and how her mind became steadfast in the Lord. As a man waking up from his dream ignores all the objects he saw in his dream, she ignored even her own body. She came out of her “Jeeva” state to the “Paramathma”.
Note – if we look at this canto, we can see that Kapilopadesham is continuously emphasizing on the same Thathwam – the way to discard the “Jeeva Bhavam” and realize the “Paramathma”. The Lord is so compassionate that He is writing it deeply into our mind so that we never miss it.
Remember, Devahoothi was a householder – a wife and a mother. She could do her duties well in this world and finally transcend this world with the guidance of a SadGuru.
Hari Om!
3.33.28 – 37
Here, Bhagavatham describes Devahoothi’s transformation from an emotional mind to a devotional mind and the ultimate merger with the Lord.
Her body consciousness vanished and her presence was filled with her inner light. Her unfailing devotion gave her “Brahma Sakshatkaram”. That place, where she attained Moksham is known as “Sidhapadam”. Bhagavatham says, her purified body became a holy river and started flowing like Amrit.
Lord Kapila is still living here, being praised by the Acharyas of “Samkhya Shastram”, blessing all seekers of Truth.
Maithreya concluded, “Oh noble hearted Vidura, I have narrated the Samkhya Shastram as discussed between Mother Devahoothi and her son Lord Kapila. Be assured that those who listen to this and praise its glory to others will definitely reach the Lotus Feet of the Lord”.
Hari Om!
Note – with the thirty third chapter, third canto of Srimad Bhagavatham is concluded here. This canto is called Sargam – the first Leela of the Lord – which discusses creation and the evolution.
Think, are there ripples in still water? The answer is Yes and No, as ripples rise and subside in water only. Or, we can say that, ripples are hidden in still water.
Similarly, with and without the world, there is Bhagavan, and there is only Bhagavan!
Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya!
Hari Om!
Canto 4
Introduction to Fourth Canto – “Visargam”
Bhagavatham is not a mere book of stories. Bhagavatham helps us to look within, with an investigative mind and discover our weakness as well as strength. We may wonder, what it matters, if we discover our weakness and strength. Remember, our weakness is like a rat that slowly destroys things that we store, without our knowledge. Similarly, our negative and weak mind can spoil our health, create diseases, hence spoil the relations and it can force us to live in a state of depression and worry. Ultimately, our vision of life that “I should be healthy, wealthy and happy” will become a nightmare.
The secret of happiness does not exist outside. But we can understand that, it is always there in the healthy state of mind. To develop a healthy mind we need spiritual Sadhana like Satsang, meditation and sincere involvement in all our activities. Bhagavatham shows the right path, also the easiest path, to make our life a real celebration. Each canto of Bhagavatham indicates the possibilities of our weakness and gives right examples through stories, how we can transform these weaknesses to strengths.
Hari Om!
We are entering the Fourth Canto now, which is called “Visargam”, where our ego foolishly imagines that every one should behave as we expect. Today’s education is merely a foolish exercise to the brain; it never teaches that “the differences are the laws of nature”.
Though it may look similar, in actuality every thing is truly different. If we all open and show our palms, at the outer periphery, we can see ten fingers in every one. But if we closely observe, even the finger prints are absolutely different. That is why today’s security systems are based on biometric technology, where differences are established and exposed. If this is the nature of our physical body, what to say about our behavior? Bhagavatham’s fourth canto takes us to see the differences of behavioural mind.
One who understands this Truth alone can get out from the conflicts of the mind, also really understand the other minds and inspire them to walk in the path of true happiness.
Hari Om!
4.1.1 – 6
The Fourth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham discusses the “Easwara Leela” called “Visargam” – the creation of all animates and inanimates. First chapter describes the lineages of the daughters of Swayambhoo Manu and Shatharoopa Devi, called Akoothi, Devahoothi and Prasoothi and the sons PriyaVrathan and UthanaPadan.
Akoothi was married to Ruchi Prajapathi as per Puthrika Dharmam – that means, Manu was entitled to adopt his daughter’s son. (Usually, it was permitted only if a man is devoid of sons. But here as Manu knew that the Lord would incarnate as his grand son, he wanted to get that divine presence. Shatharoopa was also delighted by this decision).
Ruchi Prajapathi and Akoothi were blessed by their twin children “Yajnan” (Lord Vishnu’s incarnation) and “Dakshina” (Goddess Lakshmi’s incarnation).
As planned before, Manu brought his grandson Yajnan to his palace and Dakshina remained with Ruchi Prajapathi.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, Yajnan (Sri Hari) married Dakshina (Lakshmi Devi) and gave birth to twelve sons. Here a doubt arises, as they both were born to the same parents, was their marriage appropriate? The answer is, as they are not mere mortals, but divinity in the peak, they were beyond such limitations. Both Amrit and poison are alike for Agni, but not for ordinary people. They should refrain from that.
Note – What do we learn here? “Yajnam” is the Karmam that we do with a noble purpose and “Dakshina” represents gratitude, while receiving that Prasadam of the Lord. So, Yajnam and Dakshina are not separate from each other, and when they are together , it gives birth to prosperity.
4.1.7 – 20
This session of Bhagavatham describes the “Santhathi Parampara” of Swayambhoo Manu, which had blessed the entire world.
Now, let us see the story of Athri (second Brahmarshi) and Anasooya (second daughter of Karddama and Devahoothi) who gave birth to three great sons from the grace of Thrimoorthis. They are Dathan (from Lord Hari), Durvassav (from Lord Siva) and Soman (from Lord Brahma).
Hari Om!
Vidura asked Maithreya how the Thrimoorthis were born as Athri’s sons. There must be some good reason behind it. Maithreya described how Athri went for penance when Lord Brahma asked him to continue creation with his wife Anasooya. Athri knew that only by the grace of the Lord, one can attain Sathputra – noble children.
Great Masters guide us with their own examples. Giving birth to children as animals do, is not meant for humans. So he went for penance, to the mountain Riksham. Here, the speciality of that place and the power of his penance are described beautifully. Mind is influenced by time and space. Focus of mind is most essential in Sadhana. As mind is constantly moving or wavering, we need to make it still either by Shravanam and Mananam or Pranayam. Shravanam will take more time, so Athri adopted Pranayam and surrendered to the Lord.
Note – in our tradition, the culture transfer to the child started long before he/she was born. No wonder, a child born out of animalistic tendencies would behave like a beast. Our ancestors used to undergo a Sathwik life style much before they prepared for a child.
Hari Om!
4.1.21 – 33
This part of Bhagavatham describes the intensity of Athri’s penance. Following hundred years of Pranayam, the Agni within the Rishi went through his head and that warmth spread every where. Seeing that the hard Tapas disturbed the three worlds, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva appeared before him. Bhagavatham says, Lord Siva came on his vehicle “Vrishabham” (representing Dharmam), Lord Brahma on “Hamsam” (Jnanam) and Lord Vishnu on “Garuda” (Bhakthi).
Athri prostrated before them and worshipped them. He wondered when he prayed for a child by the grace of ONE God, how the three Lords came to fulfill his wish. They replied, “the same ONE Thathwam that you were seeking, we are THAT! You will be blessed by three sons representing each of us”. Saying this, they disappeared.
Thus Chandra with the mildness of Brahma, Datha with the all pervasive Yoga from Vishnu and Durvassav with the grace of Sankara were born.
Note – what do we learn here? Divinity is carried by the vehicles called Dharmam, Jnanam and Bhakthi. So a seeker who possesses these qualities is not separate from the Supreme Lord.
Hari Om!
4.1.34 – 65
Here Bhagavatham outlines the various families in the family tree of Manu.
Manu gave his third daughter Prasoothi was married by Daksha Prajapathi, a son of Brahma. They had sixteen daughters. The elder thirteen daughters were married by Dharman.
Let us see their names – Shradha(awareness), Maithri (friendliness), Daya (mercy), Shanthi (peacefulness), Thushti (contentment), Pushti (health), Kriya (deeds based on Scriptures), Unnathi (prosperity), Budhi (discriminating power), Medha (remembrance of your experiences), Thithiksha (tolerance), Hree(shyness in doing wrong), Moorthi (being proud of purity). These are all the various qualities of the mind.
Bhagavatham says, only a mind enriched with these good qualities can do Karma that can liberate you from the miserable cycle of Samsaram.
Now, who were the children born to these wives? They were embodiments of Shubham, Prasadam, Abhayam, Sukham, Santhosham, Smayam, Yogam, Darpam, Artham, Smrithi, Kshemam and Prashrayam (humility).
Hari Om!
What can we understand from this? When our mind possesses those good qualities like Shradha, it will develop and nourish these wealth.
After a detailed description of this family tree, Bhagavatham says that Daksha’s sixteenth daughter Sathi Devi who was married to Lord Siva had no children. Why? We will see one of the most interesting stories in Bhagavatham – about Lord Siva and Sathi Devi. What led to the sudden decision of Sathi to discard her body in revenge to her own father DakShan?
Note – The second chapter of Fourth Canto begins tomorrow with that most intriguing story. With this note, the first chapter ends here.
Hari Om!
4.2.1 – 8
Bhagavatham says, Sathi Devi could not bear the way her father Daksha Prajapathi humiliated her most beloved husband Lord Siva. She thought it was better to leave her body, which she obtained from her father, than living with such an insult in her mind.
Vidura asked, “Daksha was so fond of his daughter and Lord Siva is the embodiment of peace and tranquility. In that case, what caused such a fury in Daksha and made him insult the Lord Himself? It must be truly horrible; otherwise Devi wouldn’t end her life”.
Maithreya said, “ once a Sathram was conducted by all Prajapathis, Rishis and Devas. It was well attended by all the great Acharyas. Lord Brahma and Lord Siva blessed the Sathram with their presence.
As every one was sitting there, Daksha entered there. He was shining like a Sun and every one except Brahma and Siva stood up as a mark of respect to him. As Daksha looked to see who the two people disrespecting him were, he noticed his father Brahma and immediately prostrated before Him. Then he saw that even as his son-in-law, Lord Siva did not show respect to him.
Daksha could not bear it and started exploding with anger”.
Hari Om!
Note – what do we see here? Daksha means the person who takes a firm stand and decision, here it means the most egoistic personality. He expected respect even from the Lord. He forgot that it was so merciful of Lord Siva to honour him by consenting to be his son-in-law.
We can see that most people expect what they do not deserve and then get agitated when they do not get it. Daksha’s arrogance and fury had no limits when his expectation went wrong.
We will see how badly he handled that situation.
4.2.9 – 16
Daksha addressed the audience and started expressing his anger and arrogance. He said “Oh Brahmarshis, please listen to me with care. I am not saying this out of ego or competition with Siva. But tell me, Siva is disrespecting me and still he is sitting shameless. I made a big mistake by giving my daughter to him. As his father-in-law, I am entitled for his respect and honour.
Hari Om!
But he did not have the courtesy to get up when I entered, he did not even bother to say a few words of respect. This “Markada Lochana” lives with Bhoothas and walks around naked, and laughs and cries like an insane. I gave my innocent daughter to this horrible one”.
Note – this is an excellent example of an arrogant person boasting about himself and belittling even the mightiest Lord. The same words he say that, he is not boasting, imply that he is in fact boasting. Such is the play of ego, which tries to justify itself. Daksha could not control his mind and tongue. He was totally taken away by his emotional explosion and thus displayed a temper tantrum. How mean he became by humiliating the Lord in front of others.
We can see many people becoming insane and uttering horrible words that they will regret later. How many relations get damaged so, by simply speaking your “agitated mind” out! It takes only a few minutes of patience and wisdom to save relations from damage. Parents must teach their children to develop patience and express carefully.
Hari Om!
4.2.17 – 19
Maithreya says, Lord Siva remained calm and peaceful while Daksha was pouring all these insults on Him. Daksha’s anger was uncontrollable and so he cursed the Lord, “You will not be entitled for the Yaga Phalam that goes to Indra and other Devas”. Saying thus, he left that place while every one was displeased to hear the “Siva Ninda”.
Note – this part leaves a great message to us. How ignorant Daksha was, to assume superiority over the Lord. In addition to expressing his displeasure in not being honoured, he deprived himself of, even the appreciation and approval from others. He had to rush from that place.
We can notice this in our every day life. When people argue or try to prove themselves, those who do not have any control over their emotions will have to vacate the place agitated, while a peaceful person remains there undisturbed, with a calm mind.
Here, Daksha crosses all limits and ends up in an explosive mental state. Siva means, “the most auspicious”. With such an auspicious mind, no one can affect your serenity and peacefulness.
Hari Om!
4.2.20 – 24
Bhagavatham says, even when Daksha stormed out, Siva sat silently and peacefully. Nandeeshwara (Lord Siva’s main aide) could not bear this sight any more. He cursed back Daksha and those Acharyas who enjoyed his humiliating remarks about Siva.
We will be astonished to read this part of Bhagavatham as it says, “the ignorant one who harmed the Lord – the ONE who is compassionate even to that sinner – will not get Paramartha Jnanam (Supreme Knowledge). He will have craving in worldly activities. He will do Karmam with desires in sensory pleasures and high expectations. The true meaning of Scriptures will not shine in his intellect.
He will live with body consciousness and animalistic tendencies. He will not be blessed with Knowledge, Dispassion and Satsang. He will forget his true nature and will indulge in lust. Thus he will live like an animal. He will become “Bastha Budhi” – goat faced!”.
Nandi cursed the Acharyas too, that they would also not know Thathwam and live miserably.
Note – what is the particularity of a goat? It keeps on eating and never stops it and wanders around without any aim. If we look around,
Hari Om!
we can see that the majority of people are living like this. They keep on indulging in sensory experiences and waste a precious human life, without any higher aim or purpose in life.
So let us all evaluate our own life – are we living like an animal or a human being or a divine being?
4.2.25 – 35
As Nandeeswara’s curse on Dwijas continued, Bhrigu Maharshi became very angry and cursed the devotees of Lord Siva. He said, the Shaivites will become rebels to Scriptures and their Sadhana procedure will be different from other devotees who follow the Scriptures.
After this exchange of curses, Lord Siva indifferently left that place with His aides. The Sathram was concluded successfully by Mareechi and others by the grace of Lord Hari.
Note – Here Bhagavatham is speaking about the various types of Sadhana practised in India. Lord Siva looks indifferent because HE knows that each individual is different and his state of awareness is also different, so we need many types of spiritual practices to help the seekers.
Hari Om!
With this, we conclude the second chapter of the Fourth canto. The third chapter will go more into the details of “Siva-Sathi” story.
4.3.1 – 14
Third chapter of Fourth canto starts with the Yagas conducted by Daksha. Bhagavatham says, Daksha conducted a Yagam called “Vajapeyam” and did not invite Lord Siva there as their enemity continued ever after. It was the first time that a Yagam was conducted without Lord Siva’s presence.
Lord Brahma gave the premier position among Prajapathis to Daksha and that increased his arrogance. Then he decided to conduct a very important Yagam called “Brihaspathisavam”. He invited all Sages and Devas other than Siva.
One day, Sathi Devi noticed many beautiful, heavily ornamented ladies accompanied by their husbands travelling by air planes to her father’s abode. From them, she came to know of the great Yagam. Even though she was not invited, she had an intense desire to visit her parents, sisters and all other relatives. She wanted to see the great event. So, she went to Siva and requested to go with her to Daksha’s place.
Hari Om!
She said, “even though we are not invited, as a daughter I have all the rights to visit my home. Your husband, Guru and father need not invite you for a function at their home. My mother will be very happy to see me. Moreover, Deva, you are entitled to be a part of a Yagam”.
She compelled her husband as much as she could and expressed her wish to go alone if He was not accompanying her.
Note – what happened to Daksha when he was promoted? We can say, “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. He became totally blind to see the greatness of Lord Siva and tried to provoke Him beyond limits.
And Sathi was entertaining a worldly desire with such an intensity without thinking much about the consequences.
We can see how destructive both turned out to be.
Hari Om!
4.3.15 – 25
Maithreya says that the Lord smiled, thinking of the innocence of Sathi and the arrogance of Daksha.
Siva tries to stop her, “Oh naïve wife, I agree with your opinion that visiting your own people without their invitation is usual. But, it will bring problems if they are arrogant and impolite.
For a wise man, the qualities like Knowledge, penance, wealth, beauty, youthfulness and aristocracy are ornamental. But for the unwise, it creates arrogance and destroys their power of discrimination. Do not expect a warm reception from them.
A wound from an arrow is tolerable, but the wound from harsh words, especially from your own people will be unbearable for you. You may be his favourite daughter, but as you are my wife, he regrets now”.
Hari Om!
Now, the Lord explains why He did not show respect to Daksha in the Sathram, “it is customary to honour a noble man by getting up on his arrival and welcoming him with respectful words. But as Daksha was too proud with his body consciousness, I did not do that, however, I honoured him mentally, remembering the Lord in him.
So, I advise you my dear wife, do not go as it will destroy you. You were always his beloved daughter, so you can not bear his rudeness now”.
Concluding thus, the Lord sat silently, knowing His most beloved wife’s destiny.
Note – this session gives a remarkable insight into how vulnerable human minds are and how pride damages relations. Did Sathi obey her husband’s wise words or yield to her desire? We will see tomorrow.
The third chapter of Fourth canto ends here.
Hari Om!
4.4.1 – 5
The fourth chapter of Fourth canto starts with Sathi Devi’s departure to Daksha’s house. While Lord Siva sat with indifference, Sathi walked out and in, thinking about what to do.
She was unhappy to go without her husband’s permission, yet she could not bear the intense desire to see her mother, sisters and the grand function. Tears started rolling down and then anger also increased. She glanced her husband scornfully and left. Siva’s aides like Nandeeswara and others accompanied her. It looked like the procession of a Queen.
Note – we need to read this part carefully as it describes the typical mindset of a woman or wife. Bhagavatham says, Sathi Devi left the Lord who most lovingly made her His “Ardhangani” and went to her father who had insulted Him.
When we are caught up in the whirlpool of desires, we get agitated and become unable to see Truth. Instead of doing “what we feel like doing”, we must think intelligently and wisely before leaping into decisions. Here Sathi Devi knows the wisdom of her husband, yet she can not control her mind. So, we must be careful before yielding to unwise desires.
Hari Om!
4.4.6 – 23
This part of Bhagavatham describes the entry of Sathi Devi at the YagaShala. When she entered, Daksha or the other participants did not show any respect to her. Her mother and sisters were so delighted to see her and expressed their happiness by offering a proper place to sit and other presents. But Daksha did not even acknowledge her presence. The audience did not want to displease him and so remained indifferent.
Sathi Devi noticed that there was no offering given to Lord Siva and both of them were not invited too. Even though she came without invitation, there was no welcome from her father. Devi ‘s fury blew up like fire.
She questioned her father, “how could you feel enemity towards the Lord who has never done any harm to any one. How could you disrespect Siva?”. She continues, “jealous people like you will find only faults in others. Some others will see good and bad differently – they are “Mahan”. Sadhus can see only good in others. But the noblest will see even small good things as great in others.
Hari Om!
She calls her father and all his supporters as sinners. Daksha did not bother to give any reply and this provoked her even more. Finally she speaks on her decision to leave Her body which was gifted by her father.
Note – the pride in Daksha was too prominent that he did not even bother to apologize or pacify his daughter. Our ego plays a vital role in our lives and belittles every thing else. By the time wisdom dawns in us, our own behaviour would have caused all the damages.
Hari Om!
4.4.24 – 34
Maithreya says, Sathi Devi sat in Yoga posture and took Pranayams meditating on Agni and Vayu. As her mind focused on the lotus feet of her most beloved Lord, she entered Samadhi with bliss and Her holy body was burnt to ashes. All Devas and others were shocked to see this horrible sight. They lamented and started blaming Daksha for his insult to Siva and cruelty to Sathi.
Devi’s aides sprang up and charged to kill Daksha, but Bhrigu Muni protected him by ways of “Yaga Raksha”.
Note – we can see the typical behavior of human mind, which remains passive when strong action is needed and then starts blaming others, afterwards.
Sathi Devi had scolded the silent spectators for their cowardice. She said, “if you are weak run away from evil, if you are strong fight against evil, but never give support to the evil person who insults a noble man”.
Hari Om!
But nobody spoke against Daksha so far, fearing his enemity, and so nobody could prevent the disaster too.
Remember, we must be alert and courageous to do the right thing at the right time to save ourselves from regrets later.
With this, the fourth chapter of Fourth canto ends here. Next session will tell us what Lord Siva did, on hearing the terrible news of his dearest wife’s death.
Hari Om!
4.5.1 – 8
The fifth chapter of Fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham describes Lord Siva’s penal punishment on Daksha and his people. When Sage Narada told Siva about Sathi’s “Deha Thyagam”, according to Bhagavatham, He wore anger. From His mighty anger, Veera Bhadra was born and he was ordered and blessed by the Lord to stop Daksha’s Yagam and kill him. (Only Bhagavan’s grace can make us powerful).
All the Siva aides were happy to fight under Veera Bhadra to take avenge on Daksha. They marched towards Daksha’s place with such a roar that every one looked up in fear, and started wondering what it could be.
Note – what do we learn here, when we read that the Lord wore anger? Bhagavan is infinite joy and peacefulness and how can any traces of anger appear in Him? So, that means, He wore the anger or chosen to be angry to aid in the destruction of Daksha’s pride.
Some times we too have to express anger with certain people. When we do it with awareness we become the masters of that situation, when we are taken by emotions, we become slaves too. So, wise people express their feelings and emotions with awareness.
Hari Om!
4.5.9 – 26
Even though the audience felt that the turmoil was caused by Sathi’s sacrifice, they were afraid of Daksha and so resolved to keep quiet. But Daksha’s wives became so sad and they fearlessly pointed out the true cause. Bhagavatham says, by nature Lord Siva is the Deva of destruction. Now who can destroy His anger and save the Yaga? As they stood perplexed, Siva’s people charged towards the Yagam and started destroying every thing.
Daksha’s people tried to beat them, but in vain. Ultimately Veerabhadra killed Daksha like a cow. As their duty was over, Veerabhadra and other aides went back to Kailasam, the abode of Lord Siva.
Note – Bhagavatham fifth chapter of Fourth canto ends here. Here we have seen, how the unwise expectations of Daksha had turned out to be disastrous for himself and all others. You must be extremely careful when you are in a leading position, as it will affect so many people and families.
Hari Om!
4.6.1 – 7
The sixth chapter of Fourth canto starts here. Here Bhagavatham says that the wounded Devas and others went to Brahma with ailing bodies and shivering with fear.
Why Brahma did not attend the Yagam? He knew that the Yagam without blessings from Lord Siva would not end well. Sree Narayana also stayed away from the Yagam.
Brahma advises them, “even when Saintly people do wrong, you should not blame them as it will harm you. Then how can you save yourselves when you hurt the most innocent and noblest Lord?”
He continues, “the only way to save a sinner is by physical and mental repentance – prostrating before Him and mentally praying for forgiveness. So go to Kailasam and pray to Lord Siva for the auspicious completion of the Yagam”.
Note – We can see the most important message for the ordinary human mind here. As you recognize your mistake, repent, apologize and take a decision that you will not repeat it.
Hari Om!
4.6.8 – 30
Maithreya says that the Devas were too afraid to go near Lord Siva, so Lord Brahma accompanied them to Kailasam.
Now Bhagavatham describes the beauty of Siva’s abode in detail. The beauty of nature was overwhelming, but the Devas were so shaken that they did not pause and spend time in enjoying it. They kept walking towards where Siva was seated.
And then they saw a “VadaVriksham” (banyan tree).
Note – what do we learn here? Siva means the most auspicious and Kailasam is the place of celebration. Only when the mind is pure and free from worries, it can recognize and enjoy beauty.
The real journey of all minds is in search of God only, and we can not stop until we find Him. Brahma represents Knowledge here. That means, only with Knowledge or the “SadGuru” as our guide, we can become free from fear and ever succeed in this journey for truth.
Hari Om!
4.6.31 – 40
As we saw earlier, Brahma (Knowledge) had stayed away from those who disrespected Siva. Now, as they repented, the same Knowledge has led them to the Lord, the Supreme Truth.
The baniyan tree is described as the changeless, unshakeable “Akshara Para Brahmam”, besides which they could see Lord Siva as an embodiment of peace. He was sitting in Yoga posture, with “Tharka Mudra”, that illuminates Knowledge, as he was advising “Veda Thathwam” to Sage Narada.
Bhagavatham says, the Lord Himself was practising all the Sadhana procedures like “Ashtanga Yogam” to set Himself as an example for every one else.
He offered pranams to Lord Brahma, His father and all the Devas prostrated before Lord Siva too.
Note – Despite all these happenings, Siva remains peaceful. Our Scriptures depict all incarnations of God as our Gurus who would set themselves as examples and role models for us. They do not stay away from us as mere judges. Very carefully and systematically, they inspire us to uplift ourselves to the Higher Truth.
Hari Om!
4.6.41 – 52
Here Lord Brahma praises the glory of Lord Siva, “You are the Para Brahmam Itself, eternal and infinite. As a spider weaves its web from the thread that comes from its own body, rests on it and ultimately absorbs it back into itself, You create the world from Yourself and absorbs it back into yourself.
Daksha started the Yagam with your Will only. Still he could not attain its Karmaphalam because he refused to honour You. In fact Daksha was destroyed by his own “Dushkarmam”. Daksha and all his people were punished well, now please bless them so that the Yagam is concluded well”. Thus Brahma concludes His prayer.
Note – we are learning one of the most valuable lessons here. Whenever we suffer, we blame others and never understand our own responsibility in that. If we look very deeply, we can see that our own Karmam has invited the Karmaphalam that we deserve.
So, instead of blaming the situations and people, we must correct ourselves and move ahead with a “Prasada Budhi”. The sixth chapter of Fourth canto ends here.
Hari Om!
4.7.1 – 11
The seventh chapter of Fourth canto describes Daksha’s “Dharmasidhi” from SriHari.
Now Lord Siva replies to Lord Brahma’s prayer, “I am not bothered about Daksha and others. I have just given the appropriate punishment to them as they deserve it. If sinners are not punished, there will be no control over ordinary people who may be diverted to wrong path”.
Then the Lord blesses Daksha (who has lost his head) to have the goat’s head and relive. All others were blessed too. Thus Lord Siva and Brahma alongwith other Rishis and Devas went to the “YagaShala”. There Daksha’s head was replaced with that of a goat and he got up as if from a sleep.
He saw the most merciful Lord glancing at him with compassion. Daksha’s throat and eyes were filled with gratitude for the Lord and love for his lost daughter.
Note – whether our Gurus curse or bless us, their words will ultimately bring only good to us! India is the only country in this world where the Guru is given the foremost position in one’s life. It says, “Easwara” may discard you, but your Guru will never leave you.
Hari Om!
4.7.12
Bhagavatham says, even though Daksha was emotional due to the overflow of love, his Budhi had become pure and hence he could calm his mind. Then very innocently he started praising the glory of the Lord, who was standing before him.
Note – this part needs very careful analysis and understanding. This shows the typical recovery of a human being from his sins and the subsequent guilt. Only through compassion or deep love we can ever transform a mind to higher values. When we recognize our fault, we become so indebted to the one who saves us that we get choked with love and gratitude. As the impurities have disappeared, our Budhi will shine and thus clarity dawns in the mind. Only then it becomes peaceful. Remember, only a peaceful mind can become innocent and free from ego and sing the glory of the Lord with deep devotion.
You would have fallen and sank deep into the miseries of your own weakness, but remember, wherever you are, your Guru will uplift you undoubtedly.
Bhagavatham has shown us how a most arrogant mind has become an innocent mind through this story. Tomorrow we will see “DakshaSthuthi”.
Hari Om!
4.7.13 – 15
Now Daksha says, “Oh Lord, I had blamed You at the “Yaga” place of Mareechi, still You have bestowed Your blessings on me by punishing me. Otherwise, I would have fallen in hell. As a cowherd manages and leads his cattle in the right direction by blowing them as and when required, You guide us in the right path out of compassion.
Blaming an ordinary man in private itself is not good for us. Then blaming the Supreme, especially in public is self destructive and invites the worst of all hells. Still You have saved me. How can I ever repay or express my gratitude through any deed? My resurrection alone can please You, Bhagavan”.
Daksha concludes with tears in his eyes.
Note – yes, we can never repay our Guru for His unconditional love. But we can definitely please Him by our pure and innocent heart, full of devotion. When we take all bad experiences as the merciful blows of the Lord, we become the true seekers of the Supreme Knowledge.
Hari Om!
4.7.16 – 21
Now Brahma asks Daksha to resume the Yagam and he obeys.
Bhagavatham says, Lord SriHari appeared in the “Eight arms” form before Daksha as he meditated. Now a most beautiful description of the Lord is given. How can our limited words describe His beauty? So we are not attempting to do that.
Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya!
Note – We request all devotees to read this part from Srimad Bhagavatham, one should not miss such a captivating, enchanting beauty of the Lord!
Bhagavatham says, the Lord is beyond all sensory experiences, yet HE appears before us most compassionately, in any form that we wish to see Him in. This also conveys the truth that whatever form we are attracted to, is nothing but the Lord Himself.
In other words, try to see the Lord in your most beloved, as your love goes deeper, you will reach none other than the Lord Himself.
Because, there is only God here!
Hari Om!
4.7.22 – 25
Bhagavatham says, Brahma, Siva, Indra, Devas, Rishis and all others prostrated before Lord SriHari. They were overjoyed and speechless , yer somehow they managed to praise His Glory, one by one.
Note – we can see all those Sthuthis in Bhagavatham, one after one. A doubt may arise here, why they all individually praised and prayed to the Lord. The answer lies in the ancient Indian philosophy. We do not believe in prayers done by others on behalf of us. Each and every person is bound by his/her own Karma and Karmaphalam. The only way to break this cycle of misery is through our own prayerful efforts to uplift ourselves to divinity. This reminds us of the Geeta Sloka:
“Uddharet atmana atmanam
Na atmanam avasadayet
Atmaiva hy atmano bandhur
Atmaiva ripur atmanah” (B.G 6.5)
which means, “You should reform yourself, but do not degrade yourself. You are your best friend and you can become your own enemy too”.
Hari Om!
4.7.26
We will see Daksha’s Sthuthi to Bhagavan now, as HE has appeared in the most beautiful form before him. Daksha prays, “Oh Lord, You are beyond the trigunas (Sath, Rajas and Thamas) and tristates (waking, sleeping and dreaming). You are none other than “Sachidanandam”.
Note – what do we understand when Bhagavatham says that the Lord has appeared in the most beautiful form? It implies that the seeker is awaken fully and has become AWARE. All his faculties like mind, intellect, memory and ego have blossomed fully and infinite potentialities are open before him now.
Let us see what has happened in Daksha’s case. When his mind was impure, it slipped into imaginations and his ego took destructive decisions accordingly. When his mind became pure and innocent, the same ego is surrendered and has achieved the potentiality (blessing of the Lord) to conduct the Yagam.
We can learn that the same ego can either destroy our life or create a bright future for us. Here Daksha realizes his mistake and rebuilds his life by surrendering to the Lord. What a wonderful message has been given by Srimad Bhagavatham!
Hari Om!
4.7.27 – 28
The Rithiks prays to the Lord, “we were entitled for the knowledge of the “Yagam” only. We didn’t know Your omnipresence. Please pardon us, oh Bhagavan!”.
The audience prays, “this world is like a terrible forest and life is a fearful journey through the multitude of its dangers like attachments, cravings, aversions, possessiveness , the pairs of opposites and what not? Miseries and sorrows are like wildfire and there is the “Kala Sarpam”, whichever way one goes. Only Your Lotus Feet can save the seekers who strive after mirages of pleasure”.
Note – here we can see, how limited our acquired knowledge is. Rather than knowledge, here Bhagavatham refers to the information people collect. Mere information can not bring transformation, for that wisdom is needed. The knowledge of God is nothing but the knowledge of your own Self. This is the Supreme Truth that is omnipresent in every one.
The pairs of opposites like pleasure-displeasure are always together like the two sides of a coin. An ordinary man strives for happiness and invites unhappiness alongwith.
Hari Om!
Your wisdom lies in your awareness that, any time your mind can change its opinions, and what seemed to be good so far, can turn out to be bad next moment. When your mind is free from all these impurities, you will reach an unshakeable peace within, that is, the abode of the Lord.
4.7.29 – 61
On hearing the various Sthuthis from all, Sri Bhagavan is very pleased and replies to them. Bhagavatham says that the Lord speaks directly to you, only when you are free from all sins. That means, only a pure mind can realize and understand divinity.
What is the message of the Lord? It is the most important, fundamental truth in our philosophy.
As the same Lord is seen as Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, every mind has these three potentialities. Brahma represents the desire to create or possess something. Vishnu represents the peaceful mind that maintains stability (Samabudhi) and Siva represents the destructive mind that destroys that peacefulness. This “Srishti, Sthithi and Samharam” happens in each and every cell in our body too.
Hari Om!
All these minds are sustained by the ONE Chaitanayam. But your ignorance sees difference in various forms of God and that causes fear too. Now a beautiful example is given here to explain this powerful Thathwam. If you look at your hand, you can see five fingers on it – are they all the same in size, function and power? No! But they are all functioning because of the same life force in you.
If you spend some time chanting any Namam of the Lord, for some time daily, slowly and gradually your mind will dissolve and experience peace.
With this message from the Lord, Daksha’s story ends here. What is this story actually conveying to us? We have seen that Daksha had expected respect from Siva and Sathi expected the same from Daksha. They both did not bother to express their respect instead of expecting it from others. Had they shown even moderate respect, instead of their high expectations, all these unfortunate incidents could have been avoided.
So, express love and honour even if you are not getting it now, because it will definitely help you in the long run.
With this note, the seventh chapter of Fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham is concluded here.
Hari Om!
The first seven chapters of Fourth Canto explained how Daksha got “Dharma Sidhi”.
The next five chapters will tell us how Dhruva got “Artha Sidhi”.
We will be back with that most interesting story on 09.02.2012.
Please note that our notes on Bhagavatham will come to you as a series of stories, on every Thursday!
We are eager to know your reading experience and feedback.
Please write to us,
HariOm!
OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEVAYA!
Hari Om!
Dhruva’s story
Srimad Bhagavatham narrates stories of devotees from all walks of life, who could transform their lives through Bhakthi towards the Lord. Age is no bar for Sadhana and Satsang. However unfavourable your life situation and your age may be, if you truly wish, you can uplift your mind.
Bhagavatham stories serve as beacons of light to the Modern Man who, subjected to the incessant grind of daily life, is grief stricken, confused and depressed.
Little Dhruva’s story serves as a wake up call to all those people who postpone the pursuit of spirituality to the fag end of their lives.
Let us read on…
Swayambhoo Manu and Shatharoopa Devi had two sons Priyavratha and Uttanapada, who later became the king as his elder brother chose an ascetic path.
Uttanapada ruled his country for a long time happily, with his wives Suneethi and Suruchi. As the name suggests, Suneethi was a wise and just woman and Suruchi was a very selfish female with tasteful indulgences.
Hari Om!
As the King was fonder of his younger wife, Suneethi along with her son Dhruva resolved to a quiet life in her abode. Suruchi and her son Uttama enjoyed more care and comfort from the King.
One day as Uttanapada was fondling Suruchi’s child Uttama in his lap, Dhruva went to him and tried to sit in his lap. Seeing this, Suruchi became very angry and shouted at the little boy who was then just five years old, “How dare you sit on the King’s lap? Don’t you know that you are not entitled to such princely privileges as you were not born to me?”.
She did not stop with that, but said very sharply, “Go and pray to Lord Vasudev if you want to enjoy another life time as my son!”.
Little Dhruva was so shocked and he looked at his father’s face for support. But Uttanapada did not even pay a glance as he was afraid of Suruchi. The King’s silence was more humiliating to the child and he ran away to his mother sobbing and panting with anger.
Hearing all that happened, Suneethi was disturbed at first, but regained her mental strength quickly.
Hari Om!
She consoled her son, “my dear, do not worry. There is some truth in what mother Suruchi said. I may be unfortunate to win the king’s love and you may be unlucky to get his care too”.
She continues, “However, do not blame others for our destiny. Because, we are all reaping the fruits of our own Karmam. Realize, she advised you to pray to the Lord for all fortunes. That is the wisest advice you can ever get to save yourself, so go and seek Him”.
Dhruva paused for some time, then determinedly started his journey in search of the Lord.
Note – we can see the vivid characters of King Uttanapada, Suruchi and Suneethi here. Our mind has a positive part called intellect or “Vivekam” and a negative part called unhealthy emotions or “Vikaram”.
Uttanapada is displaying a cowardly character with insensitive attitude towards his own son disregarding the fact that a child’s mind is very fragile. His attraction (Akarshanam) to his wife pushed him into injustice or “Vikaram”.
Suruchi stands for the immaturity and selfishness found very common among today’s women who are so paranoid about the well-being and progress of their own children only.
Hari Om!
Her weakness was her attachment to her own child – in other words, the “I”ness and “My”ness dragged her into selfishness or “Vikaram”.
Dhruva represents the helpless children of our own times who are deprived of parental affection and concern.
Suneethi is an icon of noble motherhood who is guiding her son to come out of the trappings of an emotional mind and uplifts to a devotional mind with courage. The most beautiful part of this story is Suneethi’s finding that Suruchi has revealed the real truth through her venomous remarks. A snake’s venom is highly poisonous; it is used as medicine too. Only an intelligent mind can find “Amrit” in poison. Similarly, only a brave mind can turn adversities into advantages. As such, others’ words have no power on you; your mind can decide, whether they will pull you down or push you forward. Thus she could use her “Vivekam”.
Finally, Dhruva represents the ideal Shishya who has trust in the advice of the Guru and acts accordingly with commitment. Thus “Vivekam” dawns in him.
If we go deeper into the story, we can see that it was Suruchi who had taken the first step in moulding Dhruva’s life. So she must be honoured too!
Hari Om!
If we perceive all the people and events in our life with this positive insight, we can see a tremendous change happening in our life.
Such a positive mind can turn all problems into opportunities for learning valuable lessons in life!
(Bhagavatham 4.8.1 – 24)
(the story will continue on 16.02.2012).
Hari Om!
We have seen that, Dhruva’s mother was no ordinary woman to weep over her miseries, so she could elevate her child’s worldly desire for the company of his father to the divine desire to be with the Lord. She was neither worried to send her little son away.
Dhruva was walking with determination to meet the Lord, but he had no direction where to go. A true seeker is never left alone, so who came to the child’s help here?
It was none other than Sage Narada who came to the child, blessed him and enquired with surprise, “oh child, you are so small, at this playful age how could you take such a bold decision? How could your pride get hurt at this tender age (hinting that he had to leave all the security and comforts his parents were providing)? Don’t you know that you are reaping your Karmaphalam only?”.
The sage discouraged the child and advised him, “the best way to escape from humiliation is – be happy when you see your superiors, be compassionate when you see your inferiors and be friendly when you see your equals. Then you will be free from pride and jealousy and hence peaceful. So go back to your own home”.
Hari Om!
Dhruva replies very openly, “I am so hurt by Mother Suruchi’s sharp words. Your advices can not heal my wound. I want to be the most successful one in this world, I don’t want anything else. So kindly bless me and guide me to reach the Lord who will grant my wish”.
Narada was pleased by the child’s openness and determination and advises him, “Dear child, your mother has given you the right direction. Pray to Lord Vasudev with your whole heart, HE will surely bless you.
There are four types of Purushardha – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Whatever you aspire, surrender that desire at the Lord’s Lotus Feet. If you get it through any other way, it will perish very soon.
However, if you get it as the Prasadam of the Lord, it will bring grace to you. So please go to Madhuvanam and do penance there”.
Here Narada gives a detailed description on how to do the penance and concludes as, “the pooja you do with materials such as flowers and lamp is the penance by the body. Meditating on the form of the Lord is the penance by the mind. Chanting His Namam (or Mantram) is the penance by the word”.
Dhruva most humbly took the Guru’s words and went to Madhuvanam for penance.
Hari Om!
Note – when you have an intense desire and unshakeable determination, nothing can stop you. First and foremost, you will be guided by your own mind, which is your first Guru. Unless your mind is focused, you can never reach your goal. Here Dhruva is being tested by Sage Narada to see how strong his determination is. Then he gives clear instructions to the little boy and he obeys it.
Our success in life is not a mere coincidence. It is a reflection of our attitude – unshakeable determination, commitment, willingness to learn and the enthusiasm to work till we reach the goal – all these put together will definitely take us to the top!
But remember, only the remembrance of, and surrender to the Lord will purify your thoughts, words and deeds. Such a life will be filled with a positive energy and contentment.
(Bhagavatham 4.8.25 – 62 )
(Story will continue on 23.02.2012)
Hari Om!
As Dhruva entered Madhuvanam for an intense penance, Sage Narada visited King Uttanapada and enquired why he looked miserable. The King sighed, “Oh Brahman, my little son has left me. I was blind with lust and could not see how bad he would have felt with my indifference towards him and his mother. I was such a fool to disown my most intelligent and diligent son. I regret now. What if he gets trapped in some danger in the forest? Please bless him to be safe…”
The King’s lamentation continues, “When he came to me, I should have cared him well. What a fool was I to be so lustful….”.
Narada consoles him, “Oh King, do not worry about your son. The Lord has saved your great son. He will become blessed and make you more proud and famous too, so do not be concerned about him. He will come back very soon”. This pacified the King very much.
Yet Narada did not disclose where the child had gone, as the King may go there and distract the child.
Meanwhile Dhruva had started his penance as instructed by Narada Muni, slowly and gradually he intensified it as days went by. His body became thinner, but will power increased day by day.
Hari Om!
Six months had passed this way.
Now as the Pranayam was hardened, his concentration became single focused on the Lord in his own heart. All Devas felt suffocated when the Prana’s movement (in the world) was stopped and they rushed to Lord Vasudeva. Bhagavan consoled them saying that He would immediately free Dhruva from his penance thereby removing their suffocation.
Soon, Dhruva felt that the Bhagavan’s form was not visible in his inner eyes, and he opened his eyes. What is he seeing now? The same Bhagavan whom the boy was meditating so far, was standing before him now. The little boy could not take such a surprise and he became excited. He prostrated before the Lord, but unable to say anything, stood there speechless.
(Suppose the Lord appears before us, how will we greet Him? Can any word describe His Mahima?)
The Lord compassionately touched Dhruva’s cheeks with His conch which represents the Vedas. Immediately Dhruva knew that the Goddess of Knowledge has blessed him and a glory of the Lord started flowing from him. It is called “Dhruva Sthuthi”, a very important part of Srimad Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
We must study Dhruvasthuthi and understand it well as it uproots our usual concept of God. Dhruva states, “Oh Lord, You are the Chaithanyam present in every one, making our senses work. We see because of You, we speak because of You. Without you, nothing can function here. Without Your blessing, no one can ever achieve any thing here. When a seeker aspires Moksha, You only grant it. When a devotee aspires Kama or Artha, You are the One that grants that wish too”.
Dhruva wonders why Bhagavan grants even meager wishes like sensory pleasures to those who aspire them. Then he adds that Bhagavan is so compassionate like the “Kalpavriksham” that grants all wishes.
Bhagavan was so pleased with the boy and blessed him, “You will achieve all that you can ever imagine, you will rule as the King for thirty six thousand years with all the wealth and health and attain ME on discarding this body.
Thereafter you will be known as the “Dhruvanakshatra” that shines in the sky with all brilliance”.
Then He disappeared, blessing Dhruva with all that he could ever wish for.
Hari Om!
Now, we may guess that Dhruva was dancing and merry making with happiness, but on the contrary we can find him disappointed now. Why? We will see it in the next session…..
Note – this is a part of Bhagavatham, where the magnanimous power of human mind unfolds before the committed seeker of Truth. A little boy like Dhruva could achieve the “most difficult” in this world, something that even learned and expert people might fear to try.
Generally speaking, we can say that his mother could guide him in the right direction and he got the timely advice from the SadGuru. But if we look deeper into the science of mind, we can see that the boy’s positive and strong mind attracted all the positive experiences and environment that he needed for success. (This leaves a warning note to the people who constantly complain, grumble, blame others and curse themselves).
Usually people pull down others by blocking their way to success by “seemingly helping” them. Here, the Guru has extended his support by advising the King too, that saved Dhruva from all hindrances in his Thapas.
Hari Om!
We must understand what is “Priyam” and what is “Hitham” for us and others. Priyam is doing a favour that may retard growth and Hitham is doing something that promotes growth even if it is not pleasurable. Dhruva’s mother and Guru did only “Hitham” for him. Even the King’s emotional mind could be moved towards repentance with his Thapas. So, remember, when you live as an example, many people are learning from you!
Here Dhruva’s difficulties for six months gave him a lifetime achievement and much more – an immortal glory. While living here and after leaving this planet, we must shine like “Dhruvanakshatram”.
(Bhagavatham 4.8.63 – 4.9.27)
(to be continued on 01.03.12)
Dear Devotees,
As we can not hold the ocean in a small spoon, we can not bring the enchanting beauty of Srimad Bhagavatham into the small pages of this web site. We request you to take our humble effort as a pointer to this Holy Text. If it inspires you to read further and study Bhagavatham in depth, we are truly blessed.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dhruva stood like a fool when Bhagavan disappeared after granting him all that one could ever imagine and aspire in life.
Vidura asks Maithreya, “Why was Dhruva unhappy? His devotion was not pure as he wanted worldly fame and success. Yet he achieved the most difficult, which even ardent seekers with pure Bhakthi seldom achieve. So what made him discontent?”.
Maithreya answers , “Dhruva realized that he had not asked what he should have truly asked! Whatever he wished and got was perishable and would never bring liberation. His mother had directed him to God, Guru advised him how to access Him; but nobody told him what to ask from God!”.
Dhruva blamed himself for his unwise choice and wishes, “I didn’t ask for Sayujya Mukthi from the Supreme who can give any thing and every thing! I am like a beggar who begged for some grains to the emperor who would have given gems”.
Dhruva’s return was like a festival for Uttanapada and his country. The King went with his two wives Suneethi and Suruchi and elder son Uttama in a gold decorated chariot. The entire country rejoiced and welcomed the brave prince.
Hari Om!
Dhruva prostrated before his father, then went to mother Suruchi first and offered pranams, who in turn blessed him lovingly with a choking throat. Then he hugged Uttama and finally embraced his mother Suneethi. Her eyes were wet with tears of happiness and she embraced her long awaited son. Their family reunion was so moving. The whole country became vibrant with the joyful return of the brave prince.
As years passed, Uttanapada realized that it was time to retire and he enthroned his beloved son Dhruva. Life went on peacefully for Dhruva and his two wives and children. He was a very good ruler too.
Then, suddenly destiny played another drama. Dhruva’s elder brother Uttama (who was still a bachelor) had gone for hunting in the jungles one day. There he was killed by a “Yaksha”, a son of Kubera. His bereaved mother Suruchi went in search of him; unfortunately she was engulfed in a wild fire and died very miserably.
Agitated and sorrowful, Dhruva set off immediately on war against Yakshas, for taking revenge on his brother’s killing by one among them.
What is awaiting King Dhruva in the unknown land of Yakshas? Will he conquer them? We will see it in detail in the next session.
Hari Om!
Human life is so precious that no other species is blessed with such mind power. We must surrender it at the Lotus Feet of the Lord to become ONE with Him. Dhruva’s regret on praying for perishable things teaches us this valuable lesson.
Another pearl of wisdom is the boy’s honour to his ‘former enemy’ mother Suruchi. Our culture is respecting every one as we see the Lord in every one. We do not carry emotional garbage in our hearts and live an overloaded life. We believe in forgiving others’ mistakes and keep on respecting them. It is no wonder that a sage(Valmiki) was born from a bandit(Ratnakara) when he got the Satsang of the Rishis.
You can never transform a person by constantly reminding him of his mistakes and insulting him. Instead, if you honour him as if he is important and much needed, his mind will pick that message automatically. Slowly and gradually the divinity in his mind will start shining.
We have to analyze ourselves, are we invoking enmity or divinity in others? Are our words creating distance or belonging? Are our actions causing friction or harmony?
Hari Om!
Dhruva could bring joy and light to his family ultimately. Even Suruchi could not object when he was enthroned. This is the right way of winning your battle – by winning others’ hearts.
Finally, we see that Suruchi is reaping the fruits (karmaphalam) of her own karma. Long back, she had given mental pain to a little child and now she has experienced both physical and mental pain in multitudes. It was only a matter of Time – yes, you are bound to reap whatever you sow here!
(Bhagavatham 4.9.28 – 4.10.4)
(to be continued on 8.03.12)
Dear Devotees,
Please take a vow that you will discus on Bhagavatham with at least one person every day. Please tell the story and explore the Thathwam too. This Satsang will slowly make a shift in your life.
Please write to us, we need your valuable opinions and support,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dhruva was literally consumed by anger and revenge when he saw the “Yakshapuri” crowded by the Yakshas. He blew his conch calling them for war. The Kubera warriors charged towards Dhruva leaving their bewildered women behind. Then followed the most dreadful battle which scattered the Yakshas in despair.
As they could not defeat Dhruva, they tried their “Maya Jalam” or tricky warfare tactics to create horrible illusions and confuse him. Then Dhruva, upon the advice from Sages prayed to Lord Narayana and took Narayanastram. What happened afterwards is indescribable.
As the war continued without any end, killing the innocent Yakshas without any discrimination, Dhruva’s grandfather Swayambhoo Manu appeared there. He warned Dhruva against his blind anger and asked him to stop the “mass-killing “.
Manu said, “Understand, while one of these men killed your brother, you are killing all of them. Instead of punishing the one sinner, you are destroying all the innocent people. Which sin is more serious? Only with patience, compassion, friendliness and equanimity to all, you can please the Lord. When you cause fear for others by your anger, you will invite the same fear by the Lord’s anger. So, don’t frighten or hurt innocent people.
Hari Om!
At the age of five, you could attain the Lord. But now you have forgotten Him, that is the cause of all these miseries. So appease Kubera by ending the war and then surrender to Lord Sri Hari”.
Hearing this, Dhruva prostrated before Manu and withdrew himself from the war. Kubera was pleased with him and appeared before him saying, “Ask me anything, I am ready to grant your wish”.
This time, Dhruva was more intelligent as he learned from his childhood mistake, so he prayed, “Please bless me with unshakeable Bhakthi in the Lord”.
The story continues with Dhruva’s long and fruitful life ending with his Vanaprastham and later Sannyas. Very dispassionately he handed over his kingdom to his son Valsaran and left for Badari Ashram for penance. Ultimately he reached the heavenly abode as “Dhruvanakshatram” taking his mother Suneethi along with him.
Sage Narada praised his Bhakthi’s glory in the Sathram conducted by the Kings Prachethas, “due to his undeterred commitment, Dhruva achieved the abode of the Lord which no other king would even dare to dream!”.
Hari Om!
Note – when we read Manu’s advice to Dhruva, we get surprised to see its relevance in today’s social and political atmosphere. We can see that hundreds of innocent people are hunted to captivate one single enemy. Helpless children and women become victims of such ruthless revenge. We need Manu’s wisdom to stop this madness and Dhruva’s humility to receive that wisdom.
Manu’s outstanding advice reveals the secret that the Lord is omnipresent in all. When we cause fear and misery to others, in reality, it is directed to the Lord in them. Then, the ill effects will definitely come back to us causing the same misery. So, beware!
Look at Kubera, what a graceful tolerance he has shown here. Only a truly divine mind can bless an enemy who killed these many (innocent) people.
The beauty of our culture lies in the way we treat our as well as others’ mistakes. We never condemn a person for his follies forever. The Guru points out when the Shishya goes wrong and advises him, how to come out of it. The Shishya accepts it wholeheartedly and takes committed efforts to rectify his mistakes. They both drop the past and move ahead with mutual love and respect. This constant evolution ultimately transforms an ordinary man into God!
Hari Om!
And finally, Dhruva’s story is a wake-up call to all mothers. Whatever be your life situation, however tortured you are, however miserable you are, remember, as a mother, you are entrusted with the greatest responsibility. When you bring up a child, you are truly building up the future of mankind. Only with the mother’s true love and attentive care, a child can grow up as a noble person. That child will definitely protect such a mother, as Dhruva did.
Mother Suruchi’s emotional love could not help Uttama or herself, but Mother Suneethi’s devotional love glorified Dhruva and herself.
Each child comes to this world as a promise for humanity. Here, Bhagavatham calls, “Oh noble Mother, you are the caretaker of this world. So, please help your (human) child transform into a divine being”.
(Bhagavatham 4.10.5 – 4.12.52)
(to be continued with a new story on 15.03.12)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotees,
We trust you have enjoyed Dhruva’s story. Now, we request you to have a closer look at each and every child you come across. In whatever way possible, try to understand their needs, especially their emotional needs and please help them out.
They are helpless at this tender age and they need our help.
Remember, they are our future and let us all work together, to build up a safe and secure future for them and ourselves.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dhruva’s glory was praised by Sage Narada in the sathram conducted by Prachethas. When Dhruva adopted Vanaprastham, his elder son Ulkala did not want to become the King. He was dispassionate and a renounce.
So, his younger son Valsara was enthroned and the lineage continued. Now we are entering into another interesting story of a King in that lineage who was called Anga, and his son Venan.
Anga was a good ruler and once he conducted a mahayaga called Aswamedham. But the Devas did not accept the “Haviss” or Prasad of the Yagam. The sages explained that it was because he was childless and so there was no one to continue the lineage. Even though his present life time was Dharmic, he had done some Adharma in a past life, hence he was not blessed with a son.
As per their advice, Anga conducted another Yagam for getting a “Satputra” – a good son. On the conclusion of the Yagam, a Deva appeared with “Payasam” in a golden vessel; the King’s wife Suneetha consumed it. In the due course of time, she gave birth to a son, who was called Venan. Right from his childhood, Venan displayed all sorts of cruelty.
Hari Om!
There was not even a trace of mercy in him and he enjoyed killing even small children. People were so frightened that they used to run away from him, screaming with fear.
Anga’s Adharmic past life could produce only an Adharmik son. Earlier, Anga’s grief was that, he didn’t have a child, but now it has multiplied as his son was a bad son. A Satputra brings joy and pride to his father, but Durputra brings intolerable shame and misery. Anga could not bear the humiliation and unhappiness and he could not face his people. One night, he left his palace and disappeared.
Note – we may wonder how a young prince like Ulkala could reject the pinnacle of power and luxury. It may seem unbelievable for today’s youth who are running after power, fame and wealth. Here Ulkala stands as the icon of our culture which focuses on inner abundance.
The next character King Anga teaches us that whatever you are bound to experience, you will have to experience. You can not escape from your Karmaphalam. You have no choice there. But you can definitely take it positively, thereby diverting your mind from problems to solutions. Rememeber, you have freedom in your thinking only.
Hari Om!
Anga realized that a good son creates worldly bondage while a bad son cuts your bondage with the world. Ultimately every one wants peace of mind and happiness. Whatever your relation may be, however strong it is, the moment it starts destroying your image and hence hurting your ego, you will run away from it. When Anga’s own child gave him trouble, he forgot that he got him through a great Yagam. When his expectations were ruined, he could not withstand it.
But Anga’s wisdom helped him here, so he did not waste his time worrying about his incorrigible son. Thus, he diverted his mind to the Lord and discarded all worldly bondages. Thus, a curse became a blessing in disguise!
( Bhagavatham 4.13.1 – 4.13.47)
(to be continued soon)
Hari Om!
As the King went away, all his ministers and country men were upset. They wandered here and there in search of him, but all their efforts were in vain. They returned with tearful eyes and approached the Sages including Sage Bhrigu for a consolation. They decided to find another king, as the country was in total chaos with criminals and thieves popping out every where. In reality, no one liked Venan, but they had no other choice as he was the rightful heir to the throne. So with Mother Suneetha’s consent they enthroned him.
What could be worser than this? Venan was already an embodiment of cruelty, now he had the ultimate power too. Now, the ordinary culprits started hiding as the biggest criminal was in power. Venan’s arrogance had no limits as he ordered all Brahmins to stop their Yagas.
The sages knew the misery and suffering of poor people. They wanted to help the innocent people somehow. They said, “we wanted to save the county from thieves, but alas, we have chosen the worst criminal to rule. As it was our decision, we ourselves have to find a solution to end his tyranny”.
Hari Om!
They decided to advise him first, and if it does not work, they would destroy him. Now we can see a wonderful note on how a ruler should take care of his country and protect his people.
Suppressing their anger, the sages told Venan, “By word, mind, body and intellect, people perform their duties and get rewarded accordingly. A king should protect their Karmam. A king should protect his people from corrupt ministers and thieves. He should levy reasonable taxes from the people. Please remember all these, as it will bring glory to you. First and foremost honour the Lord”.
Venan retorted, “I am the King and so the Lord too. Aren’t you ashamed to glorify Vishnu? Praise me, not anyone else”.
The sages could not bear any more of it. They realized that no advice would work on him and the only way to save the country was by destroying him. Their curse engulfed Venan and he fell down lifeless. The sages left the palace. Mother Suneetha could not bear her son’s death, so she preserved his dead body in (some medicinal) oil.
As the king was no more, once again robbers and criminals came out and enjoyed disturbing and destroying innocent people.
Hari Om!
The sages became concerned now, and they gathered to find a solution once again. We will get into that interesting story in the next session.
Note – Bhagavatham is not a collection of old and outdated stories. Believe it, this was compiled five thousand years back. Still it resembles our “present day” life from all perspectives.
Here Bhagavatham portrays our present political scenario. As we do not have an option, we have to end up with corrupt politicians ruling us. We are electing them, knowing their criminal back ground. How long can we bear this stupidity? We need good people entering politics and work for the growth of our country. As long as good people stay away from politics, bad and very bad people will enjoy power. Only God can save a nation ruled by corrupt people. Here Bhagavatham describes the duties of a ruler beautifully.
Another surprising fact is the preservation of a dead body for future use. Modern Science is doing experiments in this area now by preserving body cells including sperms from a dead man for giving birth to his child much later.
Hari Om!
The supreme intellect of the Rishis could foresee every thing. Science is not separate from Spirituality, but it tries to make discoveries foretold in our Scriptures and finds success at times, but it can never compete with the Rishi’s mind.
Every story in Bhagavatham focuses on human mind. Whatever may be your problem, there is a solution to it, provided you use your mind wisely – and Bhagavatham tells you how to do it.
(Bhagavatham 4.13.48 – 4.14.40)
(to be continued next week)
Dear Devotees,
Are you sharing this precious Knowledge with others? If not, please start it immediately. This is a collective effort to understand the philosophy in our great Scriptures and share it with as much people as possible.
Instead of blaming darkness, let each of us light a candle. As the number of candles increases, darkness will give way to the light of wisdom. Please be a part of this great mission,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The sages were truly concerned about the safety and security of the innocent, harmless people who were suffering like hell from the criminals, subsequent to Venan’s death.
Yet they did not involve themselves in fighting with them as they knew that it was not their Dharmam.
Still they could not watch it silently as supporting evil by keeping silence was another evil. They were the noblest men, by Janmam (birth), Karmam (Action) and nature of Shanti(peacefulness). However, all this grace will be lost if they do not help the miserable in their hardship.
It was inappropriate to adopt an outsider as the next heir of the throne, which was adorned by great emperors like Dhruva and his ancestors. So they decided to reproduce a child (churn) from Venan’ dead body, which was (medically) preserved by his mother Suneetha.
They started with the lower part of his body (thigh) and a dwarf-like man called Nishada emerged. He was very short, dark and ugly as the embodiment of evil in Venan’s body. His descendants are still living in mountains.
Hari Om!
Next, the sages worked with his arms. Then appeared a beautiful man and a woman, as the incarnations of Lord Sri Hari and Goddess Lakshmi. They were named Prithu and Archis.
The Rishis predicted that Prithu will rule the world with such a magnanimous power and grace and Archis will adorn his wifehood like Lakshmi Devi.
Note – the wisdom of the Sages is truly noticeable. They show us how much we should involve in other peoples’ matters and what should be our criteria in interfering with others. Usually we find it very difficult to know how far we should stretch ourselves. It ends up in total chaos and disturbance to us as well as others.
It is quite noticeable that our country was ruled by the Kings in consultation with their Gurus. The kings or rulers represent Rajasik Gunas, while their Gurus represent Sathwik Gunas.
Decision should be taken with a Sathwik intellect and action should be propelled with Rajasik valour. This unique combination ensures wisdom in decision and success in action.
Hari Om!
Our Masters with their pure intellects and peaceful hearts guided the rulers in the right direction. Lord Krishna and Arjuna, Sage Viswamitra and Rama (in His youth) are exemplary examples of how the Gurus showed the right path to the ruler disciples.
For our Rishis, spirituality was not escaping from responsibilities, but taking more and more responsibilities with dispassion and immeasurable strength.
We can see in all our Scriptures that whenever they were needed, they appeared with wisdom and compassion. Here, their timely action has solved the problem in finding the right successor to Venan.
We have to develop this beautiful combination of “wisdom in thinking and skill in action” to ensure a successful life.
Another remarkable note is the birth of Nishada and Prithu from the same body of Venan. Lower and higher energies are present in every human being.
If you focus on negativity or negative thoughts, you will get a negative result like Nishada. If you focus on positivity or positive thoughts, you will get a positive outcome like Prithu.
Hari Om!
A most notorious man like Venan gave birth to the most gracious King Prithu, washing away all his past mistakes. Our Masters believed in the goodness of every human mind; even after death, a most terrible person can give rise to a most noble person.
We can learn valuable lessons from, even the worst criminal, if we have a positive approach towards life.
What a beautiful lesson imparted by Bhagavatham!
(Bhagavatham 4.14.41 – 4.15.6)
Dear Devotee,
Are you enjoying this book of “stories and lessons” from Srimad Bhagavatham? Did it help you in any way, in your daily life? Are you observing your mind and analyzing how it is behaving in various situations in life?
Are you seeing problems as opportunities now? Can you connect your life situations to the examples said in Bhagavatham now?
Please write to us, we will be very happy to know your experiences.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Next we are seeing the honour and appreciation bestowed upon Prithu by all earthly and heavenly beings. All Gods and Devas presented him with the best equipment for administration and warfare. He accepted every thing with a graceful courtesy.
Then Sootha and Magadha began to praise his glory.
Prithu did not approve it and he said, “look, it is not yet time to praise me. I haven’t done any thing so far. Let me prove myself first and then you can praise me.
The noblest men would not like hearing even honest praising , ordinary people would appreciate what they deserve and narrow minded people will want to hear flattery, even if they don’t deserve it. I don’t want to be one among them. So, please praise the Lord, not me”.
Note – we can see the importance of a ruler here. Even Gods want to empower the king who is taking up such a huge responsibility. The rulers always enjoy a lot of privileges, why?
Because their bodies and surroundings should be truly comfortable, then only their mind can focus on crucial matters in their administration.
Hari Om!
As long as the body is suffering from some discomforts, our mind will be fixed there. A healthy, well nourished and well protected body is needed for ruling the country well. The king needs the best kind of equipment and accessories to support his work.
When the king takes care of his people, they in turn look after him very well. However intelligent and efficient a ruler is, he cannot do anything alone. He needs loyalty and support from his people. This mutual understanding and support is the back bone of any administration. Our ancient rulers knew this truth very well. Prithu was a noble king who set up a good example, how to rule the country and support the people well.
(It is worth comparing Prithu with our modern rulers who aspire power for their personal benefit and luxurious life only).
Prithu’s wisdom is more evident, when he rejects praising his glory. Today, people run after fame and publicity. Even before accomplishing something, they want to enjoy all the benefits of stardom. This will create unnecessary competition, fall in effort and performance and finally failure and depression. Craving for publicity and the desire to stay on top forever will ultimately turn out to be disastrous.
Hari Om!
Many celebrities end their life out of such frustration and depression.
Here Prithu tells us to focus on our today’s work or performance, which will become tomorrow’s excellent result and hence success. This is a wonderful advice to our young generations who want immediate result, quick money and everlasting success – which is in reality, impossible!
So, if we want success and happiness in life, we have to empower ourselves and others to take up responsibility and focus on our duty. There is no shortcut to success.
(Bhagavatham 4.15.7 – 4.15.26)
Dear Devotee,
It is our responsibility to guide younger generations in the right direction. If there is a child in your home or in your contacts, observe him/her closely. Make them aware of this Truth given by King Prithu in Srimad Bhagavatham. Together, let us bring up strong and wise personalities.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham describes the virtues and qualities of an ideal ruler taking King Prithu as an example. Sootha,Magadha and others praised his glory as follows:
“He will be established in Dharma and help all others to practise Dharma. He will shine like Sun and give light to all alike. As the Sun absorbs water and later gives back as rain, he will collect taxes from people and then give it back in their times of need. He has tolerance like Earth.
As Indra gives rain, he will bring rains too. His beautiful smile resembles the Moon and gives joy to all.
He is mysterious like Varuna and can not be judged by his actions, only the results speak out his intentions. For enemies, he is unapproachable like Agni (fire). As a spy knows the outer and inner dealings of a person, he knows every thing like Vayu (air) that surrounds you and invisibly enters your inside too.
He is like YamaDharma who treats his own son and his enemy’s son alike in justice. His glory will reach as far as the sun’s rays can reach. Respect, valour, honesty, compassion, impartiality and all such virtues adorn him.
Hari Om!
He treats his wife like his own part and all other women as his mother. Thus he will protect every one around him and rule the world with wisdom and justice”.
As Prithu was taking charge in power, he was surrounded by his people with an appeal to save their lives.
Why were they ailing and how did Prithu save them? We will see it in the next session.
Note – we have to take a very deep look into our Scriptures for this practical wisdom. Unless power goes to the right hands, where is the country’s safety and security? How can it become prosperous?
Now, suppose some good youth wishes to serve the nation, where do they get guidance from? All the youth wings of our political parties aim to instill mutual rivalry and revenge, instead of harmony and justice.
We need schools for aspiring politicians to learn and acquire the virtues one need to become a good ruler. Our country is suffering from partiality in the form of various reservations based on community, caste, religion and what not? A person who is denied a service develops jealousy, anger and frustration.
Hari Om!
But a person who enjoys an undeserving favour suffers from inferiority complex whether they are aware of it or not. When you get something that you do not deserve by your merit or eligibility, it becomes a charity from some one else. But the reality is, no one wants charity in the core of their hearts.
Only an impartial and compassionate ruler can ensure such justice in his country. So, we need good rulers and an education system that identifies and develops those potentialities in young children. Bhagavatham stands as a guiding light here.
(Bhagavatham 4.16.1 – 4.17.9)
Dear Devotee,
When you deal with children, are you passing this message of impartiality and justice to them?
A child grown up with suppressed negative emotions becomes a threat to society. So, we have to take care of children as they are the most valuable treasure of humanity. Let us instill good virtues and leadership qualities in them so that they will protect us tomorrow.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Prithu was taking charge in power, his country was undergoing the worst famine of all times. Starving and ailing, his people encircled him and appealed, “Oh, mighty King, please save us from this misery immediately, otherwise we will all perish with hunger and thirst”.
Hearing this, Prithu expressed anger and decided to attack Bhoomi Devi for not feeding them. As the King was going to kill her, she took the form of a cow and started running, hoping that he wouldn’t kill a cow. But the just king was so determined to save his people that he chased her all the way pointing his arrows on her.
Eventually Bhoomidevi, tired and exhausted, surrendered at his feet and begged for mercy. She said, “is it dharmik(proper) to kill a woman? How can you even think about killing me, that too for denying some milk?”.
Prithu was unshaken and replied, “when my people are in trouble, it is my duty to save them. Every one must obey the king’s orders and being a woman is no justification for violating the rule. You deserve death”.
However mother Earth praised the king, he was not at all compromising.
Hari Om!
Finally she told him, why she was not giving food, “Lord Brahma had blessed me with all these seeds, but as selfish people were exploiting me, I had hidden them all within. Now they are all dissolved deep inside. You are so efficient and hence, you can extract them from me as a milk man milks a cow with the help of her calf”.
Thus, Prithu milked mother Earth with the help of Swayambhoo Manu as “calf” and got all kinds of grains and seeds for food. Now, all groups of people extracted the essence of what they wanted with the help of their chief. Some of them were the Rishis who got the milk of Vedas through Sage Brihaspathy, Devas who got the milk of Amrith through Indra and so on. Snakes though Thakshaka got the milk of poison!
Prithu was so pleased with Bhoomi Devi that he pampered her like his own daughter. Thus she became Prithvi, named after the great king Prithu.
Next, we will see the scientific ways this noble king adopted in farming in the coming session.
(Bhagavatham 4.17.10 – 4.18.28)
Note – again and again, Prithu sets himself as an example of an ideal ruler with an unbiased approach towards justice.
Hari Om!
When we look around, we can see how law is being twisted for individual benefits. A ruler should keep the welfare of his people as the first priority.
Another lesson we learn here is the extraction of various resources (called as milk here) through the individual leaders for the benefit of all these sectors. If we observe deeply, we can notice that we take only the essence of every thing. A leader collects, compiles and distributes the required knowledge and other resources for the benefit of his group. This discipline and harmony are most essential in social life and our career too.
And the final note is, Amrith or Poison, it is upto us to decide what we want in life and that is what we get. Remember, our life is a series of our own choices and hence, we are the designers of our own life.
Dear Devotee,
Our great Masters have constantly reminded us this great Truth. Then why are we still leaning on others? Dependent and begging for help and happiness from others? Realize this Truth, walk like a King and serve like a servant! You are the master of your life and servant of the Lord only. HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prithu treated Mother Earth with love, care and honour. He was the first ruler who had scientifically landscaped and started farming. He made the steep mountains into plane lands wherever required and this helped in the preservation of water for farming.
Then he designed the landscape for inhabiting his people in “Gramam”, “Puram”, “Pathanam” and so on. Separate dwelling places were set up for his army, farmers and common people. Cattle farming was done efficiently. Prithu’s wisdom and foresight gave the right care to earth.
Mother Earth was fertile and she gave every one in plenty and blessed them all.
Next we will see the ‘Aswamedha Yagam’ conducted by Prithu. Was he able to conclude it successfully? We will see it in the next session.
Note – today, as man hunts and exhausts all natural resources without any discrimination, our Earth is getting suffocated. How long can she tolerate this abuse? Where is the end to this problem? Where is the solution? Who will stop this greed?
As our Mahathma Gandhiji rightly said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, not every man’s greed”.
Hari Om!
Our culture honoured every thing in creation, both animate and inanimate. We see God every where and honour objects too. But today’s man can not honour even living human beings, including their parents and teachers. Then what to say about Sun, Moon and Earth?
We drill long holes in the Earth, cut down trees, pollute water, shave mountains and contaminate rivers and seas. Human race is racing towards self destruction.
Fortunately, the cry of Mother Earth is absorbed by some noble hearts. Here and there, people have started recognizing the threat. But we all have to work together to save our “only home”, without which we have no existence.
We have to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ natural resources. As much as possible we have to promote village industries and avoid plastic.
Together we have to work and spread this awareness to protect our beautiful planet. More than five thousand years back, Bhagavatham has pointed out this threat and gave us the right directions.
(Bhagavatham 4.18.29 – 4.18.32)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Today – 22/04/12 – is celebrated as the “Earth Day”. We prostrate before the wisdom of our Rishis and post this note in honour of Mother Earth. Let us watch ourselves, are we earth-friendly?
If not, let us start a new life from today onwards.
Our Scriptures have never portrayed Mother Earth as angry or agitated, but as frustrated and desperate due to her children’s negligence. When she trembles we call it ‘earthquake’ and run around like rats.
We have to change our attitude towards nature, we have to honour and protect nature.
Let us inspire our young generations with this wisdom from Bhagavatham to protect our environment and save ourselves.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As the people were working well and living happily now, Prithu’s attention shifted to Yajnas for the well-being of his people and country. He conducted Aswamedha Yagas and every thing went on well with the support and blessings from all heavenly beings and Rishis. As he was about to conduct the hundredth Aswamedham, which would entitle him to the position of Lord Indra, problems started.
Indra became so jealous that he came in disguise as a Sadhu and stole the Aswam. Without the Aswam(horse for yagam), the Yagam could not be continued, and so Sage Atri who witnessed Indra’s misconduct urged Prithu’s son,”it is Indra in disguise, kill him and get the Aswam back”.
The boy was reluctant to kill a Sadhu, but got the Aswam back. Every one was pleased and honoured him by calling him ‘Vijithaswan’.
The disguised form of Indra called “Pakhanda” started wandering as a fake Sadhu in the world.
Prithu resumed the Yagam, but again Indra interrupted them by stealing the Aswam and Vijithaswan regained it. Another ‘Pakhanda’ was added to their group. This drama repeated many times and finally Prithu could not tolerate it any longer.
Hari Om!
He fumed with anger and aimed his arrow at Indra.
As the ‘Yajaman’ of the Yagam, Prithu should not kill any one or involve in any sort of act of violence. So the Rishis obstructed him and now they tried to kill Indra with their power. Then Lord Brahma appeared there and stopped them saying, “do you think it is possible to kill Indra, who is incarnation of Bhagavan? And do you think it is proper to kill for the Yagam? Are you trying to protect the Yagam or are you destroying it?”.
Brahma continued, “look at the fake Sadhus created by Indra, they are misguiding and destroying people every where. Oh mighty King, you have completed ninety nine Yagas, that is more than enough. Doing one more Yagam is not very important for you, as your fame is already matchless. For the one who aims at Moksham, doing a Karmam is not much relevant. So, please withdraw yourself from this destructive competition with Indra as you both come from the same Lord Sri Hari.
Please realize that when you do something against the will of the Lord, your mind will be confused and agitated. It will not have the clarity to take wise decisions. So, please obey us and stop this Yagam”.
Hari Om!
As a final note of caution, he told Prithu, ‘now the Devas are filled with Rajas and hence they can not control their intense desire now. Indra is not only stealing the Aswam, but he is creating more and more Pakhandas too. Your birth after the cruel Venan’s death has pacified every one. Your first and foremost duty is to rule the country in the wisest way. Doing this Yagam is against your duty now. Thinking about the well-being of your people, please withdraw now’.
Prithu, who was always aiming and working for the well-being of his people, stopped the hundredth Aswamedham out of compassion and reconciled with Indra.
All the Devas and Rishis showered their blessings on the noble King.
However, there were traces of unhappiness in his mind as he could not conclude the Yagam as he wished. The Lord Himself came to pacify him, and gave him a beautiful advice, which we will see in the next session.
Note – the depth of wisdom in this session is unparallel. Let us evaluate the lessons one by one.
In spite of being the king of Devas, Indra could not free himself from jealousy and greed.
Hari Om!
Devas represent our senses and remember, sensory experiences can never bring contentment to our mind. When we see some one richer than us, it can generate jealousy and competition in us. So we needn’t wonder why Lord Indra play such nasty games to ensure his position. This is what we see all around us, especially in Politics.
Now, what a terrible side-effect his jealousy was creating? Some people, when they want to gain some thing, have no power of discrimination and pollute every one around them to achieve what they want. Our country has seen so many communal riots, when such selfish people injected poison into other minds. All religions speak only Truth and spread love. But when some greedy and power-hungry people spread hatred and violence, innocent people become victims. Remember, we had never heard of terrorism a few decades back.
Only a noble ruler like Prithu will sacrifice his personal victory for the common interest of society.
Another beautiful note is that, when your desire obstructs your duty, drop such a desire then and there itself. What happiness you will gain by giving unhappiness to all around? Such an ‘ego-gratification’ will eventually bring misery only.
Hari Om!
The advice by Brahma that “Rajasik Devas can’t control their desire, so you have to drop your desire” is an eye-opener for all of us.
When we compete with others, we have to ask ourselves, “Who is wiser? What is my responsibility here? Am I fighting for a truly relevant purpose? Or am I just satisfying my ego?”. This self evaluation will give us the right direction to move on.
Bhagavatham says, when we do not have clarity of thought, we must seek advice from wise people.
Most beautifully , Bhagavatham declares that, “You and Indra come from the same Lord”.
Yes, we are all part of the same Chaithanyam, the Supreme Consciousness. Can’t we sacrifice our personal, individual victories and comforts for the benefit of society at large? This message, we must pass onto our younger generations…
(Bhagavatham 4.19.1 – 4.19.42 )
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We request you to form Satsang groups and invite your friends and relatives to gather together at least once in a week. Sing Bhajans together and discuss the lessons from Bhagavatham and Geeta. Your service towards society will definitely reap its benefits in the due course of time.
Remember, you are holding the light of wisdom, as you are reading Srimad Bhagavatham, so spread your light as much and as far as possible.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
An important message for our beloved readers…
Many devotees are asking questions like “Why Indra is not punished for his sins and King Prithu is compromising with him? Why Indra is behaving like a negative character? Why different stories portray him differently?”.
We should have a clear idea about our Holy Texts like Srimad Bhagavatham. Our Rishis were so intelligent that they embedded precious Knowledge in unimaginable stories. The stories are unbelievable and the characters (like Indra) behave differently in each story.
The purpose of this way of story telling is to ensure that we do not get stuck up in the stories. Each story is complete by itself with the message within.
We need not compare a story with another and analyze the characterization also. It will not help us in any way, so the Supreme intelligence of our Masters have designed the stories this skillfully.
Hari Om!
Please understand, Indra is not a person with a rigid character, but he represents our mind with both positive and negative qualities.So, he shows good and bad qualities, wins and fails, blesses and curses, grants wishes and steals from others.
Each story tells us how to deal with such problems and find solutions too.
So, we have to approach these stories with an unassuming mind, go deeper into the philosophy and understand what our meditative mind discovers in them. Most importantly, remind ourselves these lessons, whenever we experience similar problems in our daily life.
This is the best way to live in Knowledge. Then only we can say that Bhagavatham has transformed our lives.
With Pranams at the Holy Feet of our Masters,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Prithu concluded his Yagam with an unpleasant mind, the Lord Himself appeared before him to bless him, accompanied by an ashamed Indra who wanted pardon from the great King, for all the troubles he had caused.
Very clearly, Bhagavan tells Prithu, “Do not regret for the break in your Yagam. No Yagam, Thapas or Yogam can help you attain Me. I dwell in balanced minds only. As I am pleased by your ‘Samabudhi’, tell Me, what boon do you want?’.
Hearing this, Prithu became free from all malice and hugged Indra.
With tears of mixed feelings rolling from his eyes, Prithu stammered for words, “Oh Lord, please do not bind me to this world by offering more and more perishable things. I want only the blessing to hear your Glory with the power of thousands of ears. Only that devotion can save me from the misery of this worldly life’.
Bhagavan blessed him and disappeared, then Prithu went back to his palace happily.
Note – we have given only the essence of the story part here, but the strong message in this context is very, very, very important.
Hari Om!
Here, Bhagavan is striking very hard at the root of the ignorance in our minds.
What all ways we are trying to please the Lord! We go to temples for begging, not worshipping the Lord. We do not bother to see the Lord when we are happy, but run to Him when we are sad, anxious and worried. There is nothing wrong in that, as what else do we have as a refuge? It is definitely better than taking solace from drugs, drinks and other intoxicants.
But, think, aren’t we trying to bribe God by offering coins, oil, fasting, penance and so on? When we try to do such business with God, can we guess that He is such an unintelligent business man to grant all our wishes for such a cheap bargain?
Then, what is the relevance of such offerings? We have to understand that, we are provided for and taken care of by the Lord. We are enveloped by nature with all that we need in life.
Whatever nature has bestowed on us, we are repaying in the form of ‘Arathi’(for light from Sun), ‘Dhara’ (for water), fruits (for food), flowers (for decoration), coins (for wealth) and so on, as a token of GRATITUDE.
Hari Om!
A mind full of gratitude is surely contended and such contentment will definitely bring peacefulness and hence prosperity in our lives.
Now, let us evaluate what we do in temples- are we offering all these in gratitude or for demanding more and more prosperity? If we do such bargains, will God obey us foolishly?
But, the same offerings, if we surrender at His Lotus Feet with gratitude and a ‘Prasada Budhi’, it will surely elevate us. When we accept ourselves as ‘the Dasa of the Lord’ and accept all experiences as the gift from Him, it will give us ‘Samabudhi’.
Here Bhagavan undoubtedly states that He can be attained by such true devotees with ‘Samabudhi’ only.
Prithu who is on the pinnacle of prosperity knows that it is perishable. Only such a contended mind will turn inwards, in search of the Lord within.
Prithu’s wish to constantly hear the Lord’s glory is quite remarkable. When we are in a Satsang, more and more it will purify our minds. Only Satsang can enrich our minds with devotion.
Hari Om!
How much time is wasted in hearing gossips and rumours, and how little do we listen to our Scriptures?
A Sadhak must be in constant vigil to observe his mind and move ahead in the right direction. The path of a seeker is truly slippery and only with the guidance and blessings from the Guru one can attain the Lord. So, Prithu placed his wish for this single focused devotion for the Lord and became blessed.
So, instead of praying for perishable things, we must try to develop a positive mind strengthened by true devotion as it will safeguard our life in all situations alike.
Remember, true courage stems from deep-rooted devotion for the Lord only. When we surrender all our efforts(Karma) at His Lotus Feet, we become free from the bondage of Karma too. That is true liberation!
(Bhagavatham 4.20.1 – 4.20.38)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When we pray for unending wealth that can last for generations, we are indirectly praying for lazy children and grand children who would idle their time away in destructive ways, as they do not have to work for food and money.
When our desires are easily satisfied, our brain stops functioning, because all problems are in fact great opportunities in disguise.
Are we bringing up our children as in-door plants who can not withstand sun light or are we adding to their strength by offering more challenges so that they can face the world with courage, when they grow up?
Are we telling them to be beggars for favours or live with self-respect and valour?
We are responsible for imparting this wisdom to our younger generations. Let us guide them in the right direction!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prithu received a warm welcome by his people, the entire country was decorated for honouring him.
Wherever he stopped, he listened to them and gave them whatever they needed. His fame spread all over the world.
Prithu’s life and the noble work in the later years is described beautifully here. Once the great king conducted a Yagam and addressed every one, “when we want clarity in the matters of Dharma, we seek advice from wise people. It will help us to take wise decisions that will ensure well being for all. Let me present this matter as my opinion, not as my advice to you”.
He added, “our Rishis appointed me as the ruler, so it is my duty to protect my people, while punishing the sinners. It is my duty to provide for my people and make the unwise people observe their duty as well. Both doing my duty and making you do your duty will bring grace to me”.
Note – This is an excellent example to learn how to present a matter before others. The politeness of the King is remarkable here.
The best example of governance can be seen here, observed by a mighty king.
Hari Om!
The King treats himself as appointed by the higher authority, yet does his duty well. He makes others perform well too.
We can see a very effective management technique here. The leader shows the example himself and leads every one to reach their goal.
What is his introduction about? We will see it in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.21.1 – 4.21.25)
Dear Devotee,
We are very happy that our readers have started reading Srimad Bhagavatham. This Holy Text is an inspiration for the true seekers of Truth as well as ordinary people who want guidance in their daily life.
Our humble effort, to highlight certain hidden Truths in the Text, is honoured by your warm welcome.
Thank you,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prithu’s unparallel wisdom was flowing through his words,
‘Oh wise men, there is a God who sees everything. It is undoubtedly declared by great people. Some people may deny it, but they have no solid ground to justify their stand.
As there is difference in geographical appearance of Earth from place to place(fertile and barren), there must be difference in Karmaphalam (heaven and hell) for people. Then, who decides and grants the Karmaphalam? It is none other than the Lord who rules over these things.
I am sure, you have trust in Him. Even if some people deny His existence, wise people have only pity for them.”.
He continued, “Devotion to the Lord alone can give liberation to the devotee who surrenders at His Lotus Feet.
So, use your thoughts(mind) to meditate on him, use your words to praise Him, use your deeds(body) to serve Him; gradually and ultimately you will attain Him.
Remember, the Pooja, the devotee who does the Pooja and the Lord who receives the Pooja are One and the same!”.
Hari Om!
He appreciated those people who were already worshipping the Lord.
Note – the responsibility of the ruler is not limited to providing physical well-being for his people. A man’s growth consists of physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual dimensions. Prithu had given them all the amenities for physical growth by farming and commerce. Now it is up to him to ensure that they are mentally elevated too.
We can see that he started with a God who watches them and gives rewards and punishments as they deserve. But, he has concluded with an omnipresent God who resides in every one. He states that there is only God here.
The wise King has come down to the level of his people and elevated their awareness from where they were. He gave a visible example that they can understand.
For a beginner, it is easier to understand a God who sits in a distant place and judges our action and reactions. But, this would create fear in their hearts.
Fear is an ideal weapon to turn your attention from the mundane world to the subtlest Truth. But it can not take you farther. So, you need to develop deep love for God.
Hari Om!
Then Prithu tells them how to worship God and feel One with Him.
This is the gradual way of exploring Truth and discovering it within your own self.
What is his next advice? We will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.21.26 – 4.21.35)
Dear devotee,
It says, ‘Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom’. But our Masters have gone much ahead and transferred this fear into love.
In India, all our traditional art forms are the various expressions of this deep love or devotion for the Lord.
Fear maintains distance, but love brings hearts closer.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prithu’s wise advices to his people continue as ,”you should extend your honour to the Lord by respecting His devotees too. The sages and other devotees deserve special attention fron the king. He must be humble before them. The people should be equally humble too. We must serve the Brahmanas who preserve this great knowledge”.
Once again Prithu proved that he was the Satputra who brought glory to his evil father Venan.
His people were so grateful to him that they kept praising him for all his guidance. At this moment some thing quite marvelous happened. Sanakadi Sages appeared there!
Prithu received and honoured them with utmost respect. He says, “however rich a man is, unless and until he is blessed with Satsang, he lives a miserable life. Even if a person is not wealthy, he will have abundance, with the holy touch of noble men in their home. We are blessed with your rarest Darshan”.
He further enquires, “You are Atmarama, so, you know the way out from misery. And you are compassionate to the miserable. So please tell us how to transcend the worldly miserises”.
Hari Om!
Note – when you wish to gain knowledge, you will be guided in the right direction. It says,”if there is a will there is a way”.
When your wish is intense, your mind will find all the ways to fulfill the desire. As honey attracts bees, your mind will attract Satsang. This is exactly what has happened here.
The importance of Satsang is projected here. When we seek guidance from a person we must ask these questions to ourselves, “Is he experienced in this matter? Does he know the way to help me? Is he interested in helping me?”.
If all these questions give the answer ‘YES’, then he is the right person to help us. Here Prithu finds the best solution to his requirement.
Prithu’s sincere wish to elevate his people has resulted in the ‘Jnana Yajnam ‘ by the Sages. Let us see it in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.21.36 – 4.22.16)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Haven’t you experienced the importance of Satsang in your lives?
Some people write to us that they long for the company of good people, as they are fed up with gossips and rumours that pollute their minds.
Knowledge is like Amrith for the ears and the mind.
Remember, if you are not getting Satsang from others, be the Satsang yourself! Those who come near you, will feel refreshed and elevated.
The best present that you can give any one is your elevating Presence!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The sages were very much pleased by Prithu’s request. The questions and answers between the teacher and the student benefit every one alike.
Sanaka advised them the path to self realization as follows:
“Only the most fortunate will have the inclination to listen to the Lord’s stories. Great people will share this Knowledge with every one.
Liberation from worldly miseries is possible in two ways only – first, you have to get mentally detached from the world and second, have single focussed attention and devotion for the Lord.
When you have any doubts, refer to the Sastras only.
Do your duty as a worship to the Lord, explore more and more about Sadhana to purify yourself, be committed in your Pranayams, listen to His glory. All these will increase dispassion and you will rejoice in your own Self.
Thamasik people are interested in materialistic gains, Rajasik people are fondling their sensory pleasures. So, stay away from both!
Until you develop devotion, be alone, rather than being in bad company. As much as possible, be in Satsang and listen to Knowledge.
Hari Om!
Practise non-violence, tolerance to all religions, withdraw your mind from sensory experiences and thus transcend the border of opposites (likes and dislikes). You will develop dispassion and devotion.
Then you will be blessed by the right Guru and advance further in your path. As the fire hidden in the Arani (firewood) burns it completely, the Jnanam hidden in your mind will extinguish it entirely. What remains is pure Bliss!
The intelligent seeker never aspires sensory pleasures as it will disturb his mental peace.
As long as you fondle the memories of sensory pleasures, you will want to enjoy more of them. So, your intellect should never become the slave to your ‘pleasure seeking’ mind.
Remember, Dharma, Artha and Kama are perishable. Only Moksham can save you”.
Thus the sage advised this path of Jnana first. Then he advised the path of Bhakthi – by constantly remembering the Lotus Feet of the Lord – for those who find ‘Jnana path’ difficult.
King Prithu expressed his immense happiness and gratitude to the Sages and bid farewell to them.
Hari Om!
Note – this small part of Bhagavatham gives profound knowledge to the sincere seeker of Truth. If we evaluate ourselves, we can see that a lot of mental power is spent or wasted on replaying past experiences and imagining future experiences.
We enjoy remembering the good experiences and expect more of such in future too. We make plans with anxiety and feverishness. When we replay bad experiences, it generates toxins in the mind and diseases in the body. It takes away our innocence and happiness.
So, we can see that the likes and dislikes caused by sensory experiences toggle our mind from past to future and thus we miss the present moment.
Remember, every thing happens in the present moment. Past is already gone and can not be altered. Future depends on what you do right now. Today’s performance becomes tomorrow’s result.
So, focus on the present moment, which is a present from the Lord. Do all duties with gratitude as you are blessed with an opportunity to prove yourself.
Hari Om!
Let God decide the result, you have freedom with your performance only. This positive attitude will help you remain dispassionate while giving your best service to the world.
You will enjoy love and respect wherever you are. Thus you achieve liberation from miseries, right here and now.
(Bhagavatham 4.22.17 – 4.22. 48)
Dear Devotee,
Whenever you feel dejected and rejected, evaluate your own performance and attitude. Are you doing the right thing? Is your attitude good?
If you find room for improvement, do it right away. If you find the other person’s attitude wrong, just ignore the negative criticism and move ahead.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Prithu felt fortunate and blessed by the Satsang he received from the Sages. Afterwards, noblest of the noble men, Prithu lived his life as an ideal example for everyone to follow. According to time, place, health, relevance and wealth he performed his duty.
Ordinary people always follow their leaders, so he did his duty keeping their welfare in his mind.
He surrendered his Karma before the Lord, by thinking, ‘the only result that I want form this action is that, the Lord must be pleased by this and nothing else”.
The Sun is not affected by the actions of all creatures in this creation, even though his presence is needed for their life and all the actions. Similarly, whatever actions he did through his sensory organs physically, Prithu remained a witness to his own actions, with his mind focused on the Supreme Lord alone.
Prithu’s virtues as a great king are narrated beautifully here. The next (twenty third) chapter describes the fag end of his life; we will see it in the next session.
Note – many times in life, we get into a dilemma and ask ourselves “What should I do now? What is my Dharma here and now?”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham gives a wonderful answer here. The decisive factors that should determine your actions are explained. Whatever you do, should be appropriate to the time of action, the place where it happens, suitable for your health, relevant for the situation and supported by your wealth.
Whenever you have a doubt, please keep this in your mind, analyze and take a decision.
Surrendering your Karma to the Lord is explained very simply here. When you say that the Lord must be pleased, it implies that the Lord who is present in the benefactor and the beneficiary as well, is pleased.
It makes you perform your duty with an unbiased mind, free from all worries and anxieties. Such a peaceful mind alone can work creatively and enthusiastically. Then, a positive result is guaranteed. This is the secret of success in any field.
The simile given between the Sun and the king is heavily loaded with meaning. This is the true potentiality of a dispassionate mind. Whatever you do, you can enjoy it without your mind getting glued to it or stuck up in it.
Hari Om!
The feeling of “I am doing” creates a big burden in the mind. It causes arrogance in success and regret in failure. Both will affect your future performance. The desire to remain on top always causes feverishness and the inability to do that causes frustration and depression.
For an advanced seeker (Sadhak), this simile helps him to observe himself and remain as a witness to all his actions and experiences. It is a state of ‘knowing’.
What does it mean? We all know that we become happy or angry according to our sensory experiences. That means, our mental state is decided or dominated by external people or objects or simply speaking, the ‘outside world’.
To begin with, you start observing your own actions and reactions. You will observe your own thoughts, words and deeds and what you feel when you see and hear others. Others’ words and actions will create certain reactions in your mind. This happens in an unconscious state, which means, you do not know that you are angry or jealous when it happens, and then regret later.
As your observation increases, your knowledge about your own state of mind increases.
Hari Om!
When you are angry, you know that you are angry; when you are jealous, you know that you are jealous. Your level of awareness increases and thus the intensity of emotions drop.
You will not unconsciously react or explode; rather, the storms of emotions turn out to be small breezes for you.
As you advance further, your sensory experiences lose the power to dominate your mind. Your attention has shifted from the object of experience to the experiencer within.
Ultimately, you will dissociate with your own ‘mind business’ and remain peaceful.
You will not do any thing just because you feel like doing it. Your cravings and aversions may still be there, but they no longer influence your peacefulness. Your decisions will be purely based on your wisdom, not emotional pulls.
Storms and rains are part of nature, they can not be stopped. But your mind has the power to decide, whether it wants to suffer like a low flyer crow or enjoy like a high flyer eagle.
Hari Om!
The pitiable crow yields to the destructive storms, but the mighty eagle watches the storms beneath, peacefully!
(Bhagavatham 4.22.49 – 4.22.63)
Dear Devotee,
You would have noticed that, when you smell the fragrance of a sweet flower, your eyes get closed. Knowingly or unknowingly, your mind is shifting from the object of experience to the experiencer within.
This is a small exercise for you. Next time, when you smell a flower, do the same with more awareness. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, breathe out and then inhale the fragrance fully. Observe what is happening within you. Who is enjoying here? Are they the senses, or the mind?
When your awareness is full, observe keenly, where is the mind?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prithu’s life was nearing its end. The great King knew that he had aged and so decided to leave the responsibilities of kingship and his most beloved ‘Bhoomidevi’ to his sons.
He had served the kingdom and performed his duty towards every one in the most appealing way. The purpose of his birth was well served.
Now the time has come to abandon all worldly wealth and activities and observe ‘Thapas’ before leaving is mortal body. So, he left the palace and entered ‘Thapovanam’ accompanied by his wife alone, leaving his people in grief.
As much care as he gave in his ‘Grihastashramam’ for performing his worldly duties, that much care he gave in his penance too. Very soon, he advanced in his Sadhana and dissolved in deep devotion with the Lord.
During his final moments, doing Pranayam, he left his physical body.
Archis had been serving her husband with utmost care and devotion all through these years. She was always at his service as a ‘Grihastha’ and a ‘Vanaprastha’. Tears of love and grief filled in her eyes, yet she courageously made all the arrangements for the cremation of his physical body.
Hari Om!
Then, as the funeral pyre was lit, she too entered the fire and left the worldly abode with her most beloved husband.
Even the Devas were surprised to see such a noble couple living a glorified life and leaving together in a most peaceful manner. King Prithu lived the most fruitful life and left it in the most dispassionate manner.
Note – Prithu’s story is an eye opener to the ordinary man who is confused and lazy to do his duty. Here Prithu has shown how to fulfill the primary duties of a ‘Grihastha’ by living as an ideal ruler, warrior, administrator, husband, devotee and what not?
We can see the silent presence of his wife Archis here. She had never come in the forefront, but always supporting her husband in all his activities.
We have a wonderful lesson here. Our culture believed in the ‘Ardha Nareeeshwara’ concept of ‘man and woman’ relationship. Our ancestors built up strong married lives based on love, understanding and mutual respect. Husband and wife had a common goal to work together, in their ‘Grihasthasramam’ and later in the ‘Vanaprastham’.
Hari Om!
When the husband stood in the forefront, wife supported from the back. They did not boast of individual success and lament on individual failures. They shared their lives together in all situations. So, the wife did not have to suffer from any sort of inferior feelings.
If you can not serve thousands of people, serve and support one man who can serve thousands.
If a wife understands this truth, she becomes an integral part of the husband’s life as well all those people who benefit from him. Such a wife is entitled to be called a ‘Sahadharmini’.
Today, married people have individual dreams and ways of life. They compete with each other and some times end their relation to protect their exponentially growing ego. They forget that the purpose of human life is to share, care and experience the divinity in themselves.
Only a couple who meditate regularly can understand each other’s mind and live a peaceful life.
Here, Bhagavatham narrates the story of a beautiful couple who lived together, served together for a noble cause and died together. Their glory never ends!
(Bhagavatham 4.23.1 – 4.23.39)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We take a long time to think, analyze and finalize before purchasing a land or building. Same is the case with joining a college for studies or a company for employment.
Then, why do some people simply enter into a marriage without thinking that it is a life-long decision? Today, the divorce rate is very high, because couples realize that they have taken a wrong decision and simply walk away without turning back!
What makes a marriage successful? Have you ever thought about it? Please share your views with us.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Story of Prachethas
We are going to see the story of ‘Prachethas’ in the coming eight chapters of this fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
The last eleven chapters narrated the stories of Dhruva and Prithu who could achieve ‘Kama Purushartha’ through devotion towards the Lord. Here, the story of Prachethas describes, how they attained ‘Moksha Purushartha’ through devotion.
In Prithu’s lineage, Prachethas were the ten sons of ‘Pracheena Barhishath’ (also called ‘Pracheena Barhis’ as he was constantly conducting Yagas) and ‘Sathadruthi’.
Please note that we are going to the part of penance or ‘spiritual seeking’ of these noble men directly. The story says that they went on penance to seek the Lord’s blessings as their father asked them to give birth to children. They knew that only with God’s grace, one could get noble children. Living peacefully in this world is possible, only with divine grace!
‘Prachethas’ means those people who have abundance of ‘Sathwa Guna’ in their minds. It is no wonder that they were not much interested in a worldly life, yet, as obedient sons, they wanted to satisfy their
Hari Om!
father’s wish. They knew that a worldly life can bring bondage and the only way to save themselves from that misery is by surrendering themselves to the Lord.
As they travelled in the western direction, they came across a very beautiful sea, surrounded by various flora and fauna.
There, to their most delightful surprise, they met none other than Lord Siva!
HE greeted them pleasantly and said, “Oh,sons of Pracheena Barhis, I know you are devoted to the Lord and seeking His blessings. So, I have given you My Darshan to bless you for the same”.
Lord Siva continues, “the devotee who is surrendered to Lord Vasudeva is very dear to Me as the Lord Himself. They too love Me more than any one else”.
Once again the Lord emphasizes with heartful compassion, to Prachethas standing with heartful devotion, “As you are very dear to Me, I will guide you with the right advice. Chant it, it will purify your mind. Practise it, it will take you to experience God and finally liberate you!
So, listen to Me with care”.
Hari Om!
Note – many times, we have seen that the characters in Bhagavatham stories start their mission with an attitude of surrender.
Here also we can see the same devotion in Prachethas. Then what do we learn here differently?
Dhruva and Prithu had desires of their own, but Prachethas had none other than devotion. Yet, they started off to obey their father’s command. Even then their wisdom led them in the right direction.
When you have a strong, noble desire and the will to move ahead till you reach the goal, you will be blessed and guided all through your journey.
For a seeker of Truth, the experience will be multifold; the Lord never leaves him alone. In Geetha, Bhagavan proclaims, ‘My devotee shall never perish’.
Prachethas get easier and faster guidance, right from Lord Siva. This is quite noticeable in this story.
A very important point to note, is the description of the characteristics a Guru and Shishya must possess to transfer Knowledge. The Guru must be compassionate like Lord Siva and the Shishya must be humble and devoted like the Prachethas. Then only this precious
Hari Om!
Knowledge that liberates one from all miseries will flow from the Guru to the Shishya.
Another interesting point is the way Lord Siva addresses them as the ‘sons of Pracheena Barhis’. What does it mean?
As we know, Pracheena Barhis was constantly doing the Yagas and in the constant remembrance of the Lord. The sons born to such a father must be noble and fortunate! There is not an iota of doubt about it.
Even Lord Siva is very happy to help such good sons of a good father. How they are helped, we will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.24.1 – 4.24.32)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, “why people who do bad Karma enjoy a good life?”.
Understand, if you observe their life keenly for a long interval, you can see that they are not enjoying always. They may be, for a short duration, but in the end they become the losers. Those people who accept bribes will have to give bribes for their needs. Money acquired through ’adharmik’ means will be spent in unhappy ways giving misery to both body and mind.
It is usually seen that the ‘adharmik’ wealth acquired by a father destroys the character of his children and they spend it lavishly on drinks and other unhealthy activities. So, what seemed to be a good fortune turns out to be bad luck later.
Remember, Lakshmi Devi (the Goddess of Abundance) blesses only ‘Dharmik wealth’, only that can bring true prosperity all through your life and bless your future generations.
Here, all the good deeds of Pracheena Barhis has given glory to his children. Don’t we need to evaluate our lives too?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Lord Siva instructed, Prachethas listened with utmost care to His words.
This is called ‘Rudra Geetha’, where Lord Siva worships Bhagavan and prays while Prachethas absorb it whole heartedly, “Oh Lord, the One who resides in all beings, my Pranams to Thee. You are solidified Joy, please grant to me too.”
Then He advises the specific way to worship God, by narrating each and every virtue and glory of the Lord. Then He prays for the Darshan of the Lord in His most beautiful form. Describing the enchanting beauty of the Lord from head to toe, the prayer flows from the heart with true love and devotion.
Lord Siva stresses, “all heavens are perishable. Only Your Lotus Feet is the ultimate solace to all alike. Devotees, heavenly beings and the renouncees living in solitude seek none other than You.
There is nothing greater than true devotion. Devotion increases in the company of true devotees. So, bless us to live in Satsang”.
When devotion purifies mind like a clean mirror, then it will reflect divinity clearly. This world shines in THAT, and THAT shines in every thing and THAT shines itself. THAT covers every where like space,
Hari Om!
within and without. The devotee meditates and realizes THAT in his mind as the Lord.
Lord Siva gives an example here, “as a rat races with food in its mouth falls a prey to a snake unexpectedly, a man seeking pleasure after pleasure encounters death”. But the devotee whose mind is steadfastly holding onto the Lord’s Feet transcends death.
He gives a warning that, “it is very likely that the Lord may delay His Prasad, but the devotee should unfailingly hold onto Him with conviction, till he gets what he seeks”.
The Lord finally assures that a devotee who regularly reads this ‘Rudra Geeta’ will attain the Lord definitely.
Note – our usual beliefs about worshiping God are uprooted here. We are learning so many precious lessons here.
First one is, the careful attention with which the Shishya learns from the Guru. Any knowledge is easily accessible with such an attentive mind. For that we must have passion in what we want to learn. Prachethas proved that they are true learners.
Second is, the way Lord Siva advised them to worship God.
Hari Om!
We have to see God as the One that shines through the world, within us and the “I” that experiences this Truth. When we constantly chant His name with devotion, our minds can not waver or distract.
With constant practice, our brain cells get programmed positively and our energy gets channelized and focused. When water gets flooded over the river banks, it is damaging; but when it is channelized it flows as a mighty river and reaches the Ocean.
You can not expect a positive result in an over night. But as times advances, slowly and gradually our mind will become focused. The more we chant Namam, our mind becomes powerful.
Our temples should serve this purpose too. We have to form Satsang groups and perform ‘Japa Yajnam’ in temples. Mind can not grasp the formless Truth. So, God is given a form, on which our mind can hold. We have to focus on the forms and names of the Lord so that this world of forms and names does not over power us.
Third lesson is, when we run after pleasure, we must be aware that all these will end today or tomorrow. The body which enjoyed so far will wither away, but the mind that experienced and accumulated these impressions will take another birth to continue its cycles of Karma and Karmaphalam.
Hari Om!
Finally, the most precious note here is that the devotee must hold on till God blesses him. We can see every where that, people do not have the patience to hold on. They want quick results and want God to behave as they expect.
They do not realize that the Supreme Intelligence is beyond their calculations and they try to be smarter than God Himself.
Even in our daily life matters, we should have the patience to hold on, till we become successful.
When things do not go the way you want it, tell yourself, “the Lord knows what is best for me, more than I know. I am always protected. I thank God, Let Thy Will Be Done”.
This conviction will bring miracles in your life, because your mind is now in harmony with the Higher Energy. You are not resisting, but floating according to the divine will.
(Bhagavatham 4.24.32 – 4.24.79)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Now, it is time to analyze ourselves, what kind of programming are we feeding into our brains?
Remember, a path in a forest is formed with the constant treading of walkers. Similarly, a random thought can not influence us, but the more and more we entertain the same thoughts, they get the power to influence our brain system and hence our mind and life.
When we think on ‘ill health’ we get sicker. When we think on ‘poverty’ we become poorer, and when we think on ‘abundance’ we become richer, day by day.
We get programmed, either constructively or destructively, choice is ours!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Prachethas stood with folded hands in heartful gratitude, Lord Siva disappeared. Then they started their ten thousand years’ long penance. We will come to their story in the thirtieth chapter again.
Now Bhagavatham is telling us about their father Pracheena Barhis and his Mukthi following Sri Narada’s initiation. As we know, he was doing endless Yagas without any break.
One day Sage Narada asked him to test his attitude, ‘what is the outcome that you want from these Yagas? A great man like you will not be satisfied with any small benefits, that too for a short time. You may get it from these Yagas, but the Supreme joy and liberation are not possible with Yagam (karmam), but possible with Jnanam (knowledge) only”.
The King replies, ‘oh noble Sage, I do Karma desiring for their results. I am unaware of Knowledge that transcends all Karma that yields ‘Punyam and Papam’. Most of the people fall into my category. The cycle of Karma and Karmaphalam thwart liberation. So, please give Knowledge and save me”.
Narada wanted to reinforce the King’s desire for Knowledge.
Hari Om!
So, he led the King into a delusion and showed all the animals he had slain in the Yagas all through these years and said, “look at these animals. Don’t you know that they are also your subjects? Isn’t it your Dharmam to protect them? Where is your compassion? How can such a ruler be a saviour?”.
Moreover, he frightens him, “they are all awaiting your arrival in the ‘Paralokam’ for taking revenge”.
Seeing that Barhis is well rooted in passion for Knowledge and indifference for Karmam, the great Sage soothes him, “I will tell you the story of a King Puranjana, who was just like you. It is called Puranjana Charithram. It will reveal the Supreme Truth to you”.
Note – here, Sage Narada is practically giving a shift to the King’s life, by a wonderful psychological approach. First he asks, whether the King is getting what he truly wants. As the King expresses his desire for Knowledge, Narada reinforces it with knack. Then he comes down to the King’s level and narrates a story similar to his life.
This is the best way to impart knowledge to ignorant people by arousing their curiosity and desire.
Hari Om!
If a teacher does not come to the level of understanding of the student, no transfer of knowledge is possible.
A strong message for non-violence and protection for animals is given as a special note to rulers.
Now, Sage Narada is going to impart the highest Wisdom through a seemingly very simple story, loaded with mind churning, interesting puzzles. We will see it in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.1 – 4.25.9)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is interesting to note that many teachers, especially in higher education (colleges and universities) take classes in a way that ensures their image of supremacy. They make things more complicated for the students and finally turns an interesting and simple subject into a nightmare for the poor students.
We need teachers who can come down to the level of students and establish a ‘two way’ communication for the easy transfer of knowledge. An efficient teacher can make a difficult subject very interesting for her students.
For common people also, effective communication is possible only with mutual understanding, respect and compassion. If we try to display our ‘Pandithyam’ for creating a good image, we become hostile to all around.
Good communication means ‘speaking the right thing, to the right person, in the right way, at the right time’.
How efficient are we now, as good communicators? Are we helping our listeners or are we pleasing our own ego?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The story of King Puranjana starts here. This imparts subtle Knowledge through a very simple story. Each Sloka has to be understood with clarity.
Sage Narada said, “Oh King, there was a king Puranjana who was as famous as you are. He had a friend whose name and deeds were unknown to all others”.
Note – here, ‘Puram’ means the body and ‘Puranjanan’ is the one that gives birth to the body – it is none other than the mind or the Jeevathma that takes different births through different bodies. His friend who is unknown to all others is the Lord Himself. Who knows the infinite names and nature of the Lord?
God is called ‘the friend’, because without God nothing is possible for us.
As a successful king engaged in constant war with the help of an army and the army chiefs, mind is engaged and wins in all the activities done by the body with the help of sensory organs. If it fails, the body falls down dead.
Hari Om!
“That king was in search of an ideal dwelling place and so travelled all around Earth in vain, unhappily. He could not find satisfaction in fulfilling his various desires, in any of these ‘Puras’ all over the world”.
Note – he took different bodies, but none of them gave him lasting joy even though he enjoyed temporary pleasures now and then. This means that, any body other than human body is not capable of giving a fruitful life to us. An animal body like a dog or a pig will also have some limited pleasures, but they can not uplift your mind like a human body.
All our Scriptures proclaim the glory of a human body, which alone can give true satisfaction and lasting joy through the merger of mind with the Lord. It is possible only with attaining dispassion and a balanced mind.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.10 – 4.25.12)
Dear Devotee,
We have to study this Story in depth. It contains profound Knowledge.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
“That king kept on travelling and finally he saw an ideal palace towards the southern side of mount Himalayas. It had all that he wanted and expected from a dwelling place, with nine entrances and facilities”.
Now a detailed description of the palace is given here. All the places where various activities occur, all the precious and luxurious decorations, all the pathways, courtyards, gardens, forts – are described vividly here.
“It seems like a place where all pleasures can be experienced”.
Note – this palace is nothing but a human body which is the best body that any living being can attain. It is implied that only after a number of life times in lower species, that one would get a human birth. It also emphasizes that getting a human birth in India(mentioned as the place southern to Himalayas) is the greatest fortune for any one. This indicates the greatness of our ancient culture.
The body which is constituted from Panchabhoothas, which consists of Karmendriyas, Jnanendriyas and functions at the level of mind(manas), intellect(budhi) and ego(ahamkaram) is beautifully compared to a mighty palace. Jeevathma dwells in this body.
Hari Om!
The most important note is the statement “it seems like a place where all pleasures can be experienced” . Why does it ‘seem’ to be?
The reason is that, we all have a misconcept or misunderstanding about what pleasure or displeasure is. We connect it with our body only and seldom understand that it is the mind that experiences pleasure through the body. The sensory organs like eyes, ears, tongue etc. can enjoy a good sight, good music or good food only if the mind is present here.
When you are peaceful and relaxed, you can enjoy a good scenery or good food. When you are sick, no scenery or sweets can attract your mind. So, it is not the body but the mind that truly experiences every thing here.
When we mistake the experiencer as the body, we try to please it by running after sensory pleasures. It is an illusion like a mirage in the desert. Thirsty travellers rush to it, but finds only a shadow, but not water!
Real happiness is created by your own mind, and expecting it from your own body or any another body all through life is a mere illusion.
Hari Om!
How does mind find happiness and peacefulness? Only when it stops running here and there, seeking pleasure! Our Masters have given the solution to stop this race, in the form of meditation.
Only meditation can still the wheels of mind and let us experience the inner silence, which is beyond mind. Such a balanced mind alone is capable of enjoying all pleasures and tolerating all displeasures with peacefulness.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.13 – 4.25.16)
Dear Devotee,
Have you started meditating regularly?
Experience the beauty and serenity of meditation and discover the inner silence!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Puranjana entered the beautiful garden surrounding the palace, enjoying the wonderful flora and fauna nearby.
There were lakes and rivers filled with water from melted snow. Cold breeze carried the fragrance of beautiful flowers. This was most inviting to any trespasser.
Then he happened to see a young lady with enchanting beauty, traversing along with her TEN servants, each one accompanied by hundreds of leads. The young woman was protected by a ‘Five headed’ serpent.
She was extremely beautiful with flawless figure and perfect features. She had reached the right age for seeking an ideal husband.
As she gave a stealing glance at the King, her eyes expressed her liking for him and it touched the core of his heart. Immediately he collected himself and decided to express his desire for her too.
Note – the sensory experiences of sight, smell, touch, taste etc. are explained here with the comparison of garden – water, flowers, breeze etc. Jeevathma experiences through the sensory organs.
Hari Om!
The young woman is none other than ‘Budhi’ which is the source of ‘I’ness and ‘My’ness. This causes the attachment with the outside world. Any one would find it ‘inviting’ or tempting.
The ten servants are the ten organs that obey ‘Budhi’. They have hundreds of interactions with the outside world and hence represented by the hundreds of leads.
When Jeevathma turned its attention to the world, it came out from the ‘Self’ or ceased to be ‘Atmarama’ – the one who rejoices in the Self. This is shown as Puranjana’s roaming in the outside garden.
Now, Jeeva and Budhi are attracted to each other. Let us see, what will happen next, in the coming session.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.17 – 4.25.25)
Dear Devotee,
Please read Srimad Bhagavatham to understand the ‘word by word’ interpretation of this story. It appears to be an interesting love story, but contains and conveys very subtle knowledge.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Puranjana asked, “Oh, lotus eyed, vulnerable and graceful beauty, who are you? Whose daughter? Where do you come from? Why are you here? Please tell me”.
“Who are these ELEVEN servants? Who are these women? Who is this serpant?”.
King continues, “are you Bhavanidevi seeking Siva, or Saraswathi seeking Brahma or Sreedevi seeking SreeHari?”
Then he doubts, “you must not be a Goddess as your feet touch the Earth. Then you must be elegible to woo me’.
He keeps on praising her beauty and pleads to her, to please him. On the other hand, she was attracted by him and developed desire for him too.
So, she replies very happily, “I do not know who I am or who my father is. I do not know who built my palace (Puri). I just know that I am here now. I do not know any thing else”’.
“These men and women are my friends, who support me in whatever I do. This serpent protects this palace even when I am asleep”.
To the greatest delight of Puranjana, she said, “I have come here
Hari Om!
seeking an ideal husband and you are most welcome to be my husband. I can please you with whatever you want, my friends will support too”.
Note – it is interesting to note that initially the story mentioned about ten servants, but now the king says there are eleven of them. As we said earlier ten denotes the five Karmendriyas and five Jnanendriyas.
Then who is the eleventh? It is none other than the mind! Without mind no sensory organ can help us in experiencing any thing. The women represent the ‘Indriyavrithis’ or the indulgence of senses.
The Serpent is ‘Prana’ who protects the Puri or body through the process of respiration even during sleep.
We can see this story in two angles. First is the way Puranjana persuades the young lady – a worldly conversation. Here he is praising the young woman by highly appreciating her. Then he brings her to his level giving suitable arguments to fullfill his wishes. This is so typical of human mind to get things done as he wishes. We can call it a marketing or selling technique.
We must be beware of such ‘sweet tongues’.
Hari Om!
The other interpretation points at the ego that takes pride in one’s own body and wanting another body to experience worldly pleasures. Spiritually it implies that Jeeva has totally forgotten its source when attracted and bound to Budhi.
(This is a warning to the Sadhak too, that his wisdom will be lost if he falls before such temptations).
As Jeeva gets connected to Budhi, two things happen. Jeeva gets ‘doership’ – the delusion that he is doing or he is the real doer. Then he gets ‘experiencership’ which means he is experiencing the results of his actions.
When the Budhi is Rajasik, Jeeva will develop desires and such a Budhi along with senses will promise to acquire all that satisfy such desires.
Other than that, it is ignorant about every thing else and can not help you in realizing your own Self or the Lord within.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.26 – 4.25.36)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Our mind is always filled with desires. It is almost impossible to live without any desires, for an ordinary human being. Our intellect will always work to satisfy these desires.
When our desires are Thamasik, our intellect will direct our mind in a Thamasik track, filled with hatred, laziness and dullness, hurting others.
When our desires are Rajasik, our intellect will take us to ‘ego centric’ deeds, and result oriented deeds, expecting fame, money, power etc.
When our desires are Sathwik, our intellect shows us the ways to work with a social commitment and noble attitude. Then we can work with devotion in heart and dipassion in mind, for the benefit of all.
Thus, our desires rule our life! Only through regular, deep meditation, we can transcend the power of desires on our lives.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Puranjana was overwhelmed with joy as young ‘Puranjani’ offered herself as his life mate.
She said, “live in this palace for hundred years, enjoying all the pleasures that I earn for you. You are the right one for me. Others are either Sathwik(indifferent) or Thamasik(immature). The best is Grihasthasram and I am very happy to please you”.
As Puranjana praised her beauty, she too praised his physical charm, especially his long arms and hands.
Thus they entered the palace and started their honeymoon very happily.
Note – Bhagavatham says that the desire for experiencing pleasure is more prevalent in Rajasik Budhi. Sathwik people are indifferent as they do not have any inclination and Thamasik people do not have the maturity to enjoy it as they live like animals. Only a Grihastha can enjoy the pleasures offered by this world.
It also implies that Grihasthas are immersed in the worldly pleasures and not any higher joy. The praise for King’s arms and hands indicate the Rajasik nature, where Karma is more predominant.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.37 – 4.25.43)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The Grihastha has a very important role in society as he protects all other Ashramas like Brahmacharyam, Vanaprastham and Sannyasam.
He has to provide for the weaker sections in the society.
He learns from the Jnanis and applies that knowledge in his daily life and work. The ‘sharing and caring’ system in society balances solely on the shoulders of the Grihastha.
Now, think, is our society balanced now?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Puranjana’s entrance into the palace was well celebrated. A very detailed description of the interior and arrangements in the palace is given here. The king is accompanied by various accomplices as he moves in and out of the various parts of the palace.
As Puranjana enters his wife’s chambers, he was pleased by his wife and sons with Moham(desire), Harsham(pleasure) or Prasadam(joy) alternately. He lived in a bondage created by the attachment with his wife and children.
He was blindly obeying and imitating his wife without any discrimination. When she sat, he sat; when she walked he walked too. Whatever she did, he too did, even if it was drinking liquor.
When she was happy, he was also happy. When she was sad, he was also sad. He lost all his individuality and became a slave to his wife and followed her like an animal following its master.
Note – when a baby enters his mother’s womb, it is a festive occasion for all and his birth is celebrated joyfully. Puranjana’s entering into the palace is symbolic of human birth. The king’s accomplices are the various Pranas that circulate in the body.
Hari Om!
When Thamas increases, it causes desires, as Rajas increases, it causes pleasure and as Sathwa increases, it causes joy. Puranjana’s ‘hen-pecked’ nature represents the way our mind behaves as our Budhi wanders along with the senses.
We forget our true nature of detachment and get entangled in the web of sensory experiences.
(Bhagavatham 4.25.44 – 4.25.62)
Dear Devotee,
Many of us live like Puranjana – blindly following wherever our senses go. Everyone knows that smoking or drinking is injurious to health, then why can’t people stay away from such bad habits?
The impressions of such sensory experiences are so strong that we become slaves to them. Power of discrimination is lost and people live in mental slums. Even a King can not escape from its clutches unless he has awareness and alertness about his own mind.
Spirituality is all about developing more and more awareness and alertness in life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
One day Puranjana went for hunting in a forest without accompanying his dearest wife. He did not even tell her about his trip. A detailed description of his journey, his chariot and accessories are given here.
He was a ruthless hunter, killing innocent animals without any discrimination. The sight of poor animals lying slain was a pathetic scene to the beholders. Enjoying his hunting for a long time, finally Puranjana got tired and so he took rest and ate well.
Then he returned to his palace to join his wife.
There an uncomfortable silence was awaiting him. He enquired to the servants, why everything looked so dull?
Note – this is symbolic of a dream state where the mind is wandering without the aid of intellect (Budhi).
All the impressions acquired throughout the awaken state appear in your dreams. The mind chases or runs after sensory pleasures and gets tired.
(Wise men become sad to see the peril that the ignorant ones undergo).
Hari Om!
Once the dream and the sleep that causes it are over, you will wake up and then gets connected back to your intellect. But when you wake up from a ‘dreamful’ sleep, your body will not be in high spirits.
What will Puranjana do next? We will see very soon…
(Bhagavatham 4.26.1 – 4.26.14)
Dear Devotee,
We are all familiar with the ‘awake, asleep and dreamy’ states. The fourth is the meditative state where we experience rest as if in deep sleep and awareness as if in ‘awake’ state.
The more and more we meditate, our mind gets the power to relax deeply and involve in the world with awareness and enthusiasm.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Puranjana got a discouraging reply from the servants, “Master, we do not know what went wrong with the queen. She is lying silently on the bare floor, depressed and dull”.
These words were sufficient to break his heart and he approached his wife apologetically. Now we can see all sorts of persuading words from the King.
He asks, “unless your most caring mother or your most pleasing wife is with you at home, how can you stay there for long?”.
Then he attempts with his sweet tongue to praise her beauty and how much he desires for her. He forgets that he is a King and degrades himself to the level of a beggar, kneeling down before her.
Note – we can interpret this story part in two ways. One is the worldly aspect where a man persuades his lover. The extent to which a man, that too a King, can go by the effect of lust is displayed here.
The other aspect is the effect of ‘Budhi’ in our lives.
Sathwik Budhi is compared to the mother who gives the right direction.
Hari Om!
Rajasik Budhi is compared to the wife who binds you to pleasure, even when it helps you with solutions in all problems.
Rajasik Budhi binds you to the materialistic world and you can never come out of its grip. Only Sathwik Budhi can take you to Self Realization.
(Bhagavatham 4.26.15 – 4.26.26)
Dear Devotee,
Sometimes people ask us questions like, ‘what is wrong in eating non-veg food? Why should one do Sadhana?’.
All these restrictions and practices are needed for purifying the mind from negative thinking, unnecessary thinking and worrying.
Seekers must be very alert and careful to watch what goes in their mind. Only Sathwik Budhi can give the sharp intelligence and awareness, which are truly essential for spiritual growth.
Let this Navarathri bring this wisdom to our minds,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Puranjana could finally please his wife with his sweet words. She got up and decorated herself beautifully. They started living very happily, enjoying each and every moment of their life in worldly pleasures.
The wheel of Time was moving ahead. Sons and daughters were born to them and had grown up and settled in their own ways.
Puranjana had also grown old. His entire youth was spent, without even thinking about the Lord.
Ever since Puranjana was enthroned, he had a powerful enemy ‘Chandavegan’ attacking his kingdom relentlessly. He had 360 aides and their respective wives too.
All these years Prajagaran was protecting the palace. Their fight lasted for 100 years…
Note – the life of an average human being is unfolded here. Most of us waste our youth in unwanted activites or intoxicating luxuries.
You need a healthy body, sharp intellect and peaceful mind for doing any thing well. It is more relevant in learning and establishing in knowledge too.
The most important and precious knowledge one needs in life is
Hari Om!
ATMA JNANAM or knowledge about one’s own ‘self’. When your most resourceful years are idled or wasted, what chance is left for you? ‘Chandavegan’ is nothing but the ‘year’ with 360 days and nights who would constantly attack the body and conquer it ultimately.
‘Prajagaran’ or the Prana protects the body till the end and human life span is supposed to be hundred years.
(Bhagavatham 4.27.1 – 4.27.16)
Dear Devotee,
We can see some people criticizing young Sadhaks, saying that it is not yet time for Sadhana or Devotion for them. They believe that one has to wait for old age to become a devotee.
Bhagavatham gives a blow to such skeptics here.
Think, what is the right age to seek the love and protection of the Lord?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Prana or the vital energy that supports life in the body became weaker, Puranjana’s mind started worrying, how he could survive further.
So far, he was unaware of this constant attack by Time as he was always provided by others. He was intoxicated so far.
To make things worse, another danger creeped in. It was ‘JARA’, or ageing, the daughter of ‘Kalan’ or the Lord of Death. She was searching for an ideal husband to marry, but no one liked her and accepted her.
Once she approached even Sage Narada and he rejected her outright. She could not bear the insult and hence cursed him to be an ‘all time wanderer’.
The Sage advised her to marry the King of Yavanas(‘Fear’) and she approached him.
Yavaneswar thought about her wish and said,
“the fear of death brings dispassion and then people will stay away from all sorts of Karma as it is futile. So, the Devas impose passion for the world and relations in their hearts.
Hari Om!
As no one likes you, it is impossible for you to get a husband. So,be my sister and join my brother ‘Prajwara’ (fever or sickness) and stay in every one’s body. So, every one becomes your husband.
We three along with my army, will wander in this world (unknowingly) for the destruction of all”.
Note – Bhagavatham displays an exemplary story telling method here. As old age approaches, a feeling of insecurity creeps in our minds. It becomes fear very soon.
Along with ageing, diseases weaken the body and gradually it yields to death. This fact is portrayed here with such a vivid description.
A human’s youth is spent unthoughtfully, without any concern for old age. But as the symptoms of ageing appear in the body, depression starts and fear dawns.
It is equally affecting all, even if it is a Sage. But then, what was so special about Sage Narada?
His mind was totally surrendered in devotion to the Lord and hence it was absolutely inaccessible for any sort of fear or insecurity feeling.
Hari Om!
A true devotee is free from all sorts of fears, as he knows that he is not the body, but the deathless Self.
(Bhagavatham 4.27.17 – 4.27.30)
Dear Devotee,
Isn’t it very clear that before fear dawns, one has to develop devotion?
That is why, our ancestors initiated the children at a very early age (before body consciousness develops) into a Sathwik life.
Because, all fears emerge from your ATTACHMENT with your body only!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada continues telling Puranjana’s story to Pracheena Barhis.
Yavaneswara(fear), Jara(ageing) and Prajwara(fever) started roaming in the world leading everyone to misery.
One day they attacked Puranjana’s Puri fiercely. The weak serpent could not fight any longer.
Jara’s entry into the palace destroyed it and Puranjana felt miserable and helpless. None of his sons, daughters or their children came to him. Even his wife started to avoid him. Still he could not help loving them and expecting their love in return.
Finally Prajwara’s visit came and burnt down the entire palace. Panchanan, the serpent struggled like a snake in the hole of a burning tree.
Puranjana’s mind filled with memories of good, olden times. He grieved how his wife would survive with their children, after his death?
Thinking and thinking about his wife, he left his body as the guardian serpent finally ran away from the downfallen Puri.
Even at the time of death, Puranjana never thought of his old friend.
Hari Om!
His last moments were terrible and the last thought was about his wife only.
So, naturally his next birth was as a woman, Vidarbhi, the daughter of King Vidarbha. What is awaiting him in the new life time? Will he attain liberation now? We will see…
Note – the last days of Puranjana sends a chilling shiver to the readers of Srimad Bhagavatham. Prana leaves Puranjana’s body after undergoing such a terrible struggle.
The average human beings, who do not think about anything other than worldly relations and attachments, are bound to face such an end to their lives.
They do not realize that they have to leave all their attachments and possessions, acquired all through their life time, at the time of death.
Life comes from void and ends in void. When you get stuck up in the mid way, pain becomes inevitable.
Puranjana’s entire life was spent or rather wasted for his wife and family. At the end what did he gain? His attachments could not help him at the time of death.
Hari Om!
The last, strongest impression in this lifetime manifests in the next lifetime. This is the law of the ‘cycle of births and deaths’.
(Bhagavatham 4.28.1 – 4.28.28)
Dear Devotee,
We all know that Bheeshma Pitamaha left his body in the remembrance of the Lord, chanting Vishnu Sahasra Namam.
To have ‘Anthe Narayana Smrithi’ (remembering God in the last moments) one has to develop strong conviction and deep devotion from the very beginning of life.
When the elders are in their death beds, they must be given the privilege of listening to the Lord’s Namam. That alone can pacify them and make their last moments peaceful.
It is the duty of the younger generations to make them feel the presence of the Supreme and transform their ‘weakness of emotions’ into ‘strength of devotion’.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Puranjana’s new life as the princess Vidarbhi was peaceful.
Her father King Vidarbha was a noble man. As she grew up, King Malayadhwaja of Pandya Desam married her by conquering all other competing Kings.
They were blessed with one daughter and seven sons. When they were all grown, the King left the palace and reached their ‘Kulaparvatham’ to meditate in solitude. Vidarbhi followed her husband and served him with devotion.
The King’s penance lasted for hundred years and Vidarbhi observed the same like Guru and Shishya.
Transcending all the dualities and opposites of worldly life, Malayadhwaja attained the Supreme ONE and discarded his body in his Samadhi.
As usual, Vidarbhi went to him and prostrated before him. But, to her utter shock, she realized that his touch was not warm any more.
She could not bear the painful separation from her husband and cried pitifully for a long time.
Then she arranged for the cremation of her beloved husband and
Hari Om!
set up the funeral pyre. As she was ready to jump into the fire to set herself aflame along with her husband, some one stopped her!
He was the old friend, whom Puranjana had left long back.
Note – we can see that Puranjana’s life was attached to a Rajasik Budhi and thus he had to suffer. But, Vidarbhi was attached to a Sathwik Budhi and hence her spiritual growth started.
The word ‘Panda’ implies wisdom; so Malayadhwaja was none other than the Guru who helped Vidarbhi transcend the worldly ‘Maya’.
We can see that when the Budhi becomes Sathwik, we become eligible for receiving wisdom from a Guru.
Each child’s birth indicates the gradual advancement in the eight fold spiritual path that starts with ‘Shravanam’ and ends in ‘Atmanivedanam’.
This part of Bhagavatham gives us a clear indication that a devotee with a pure heart and intense desire for Truth will be rightly guided by the Lord.
(Bhagavatham 4.28.29 – 4.28.51)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
A wife is called ‘Saha Dharmini’ as she is the right companion for a husband to fulfill all his worldly as well as spiritual ‘Dharma’.
When a marriage is fixed in terms of money, status and wealth, the true wealth of mental culture is usually forgotten.
Man and woman, as life partners, have to strive together, support each other in their spiritual journey as everything else they have accumulated in this world, will remain here when they leave for the heavenly abode.
So, when you live here, treat yourself as a caretaker for others’ wealth and possess the Lord alone.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Brahmin started pacifying Vidarbhi and tried to remind her of her true nature.
He asked, “Who are you? Who is your father? Who is this man you are grieving for, and how are you related to him?
Do you know ME, your old companion, with whom you were travelling long back?”.
He said, “Your misery started when you left me and went in search of worldly pleasures” indicating Puranjana’s separation with him.
As Vidarbhi looked puzzled, Avinjnatha narrated the whole story of her previous birth as Puranjana.
He revealed the Truth to her that she is neither the man Puranjana nor the woman Vidarbhi, but ONE with Him!
When you get a human life and fortunate to get Satsang, you will be blessed with Bhakthi (devotion) which alone can merge you with the Lord.
Narada tells Barhis that this story indirectly reveals the ‘Atma Thathwam’.
Hari Om!
Note – when Vidarbhi was grief struck and she had no one else to lean on, she decided to end her life. Unfortunately, she had totally forgotten the Lord who alone can save us.
When all the external support was lost, she became utterly helpless. Then the Lord who resides in her heart (Antharyami) appeared before her.
(Remember, Kunthi devi prayed for problems and unhappiness as it would bring the Lord to her help) .
As Avinjnatha reminds Vidarbhi (Puranjana), all our miseries arise when our memory gets filled with worldly thoughts and mind seeks pleasure. We forget that unending joy can be achieved through the remembrance of the Lord only.
As long as you are stuck up in your (limited) intellect or Budhi, the INFINITE SUPREME remains inaccessible.
Thus advised, she became aware of her true nature as the ever shining Self, beyond gender, body, mind and intellect.
(Bhagavatham 4.28.52 – 4.28.65)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
If there is misery in any body’s life, it is simply because there is no ‘Sharanagathi’ (or surrender to the Lord) in their heart.
A true devotee never complains or grumbles or blames.
He feels the presence of the Lord always, rejoices and celebrates every moment of his life.
Whenever you are with such a devotee, understand, you are in the company of the Lord’s beloved.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Pracheena Barhis wanted to know the real meaning of the ‘Puranjana story ‘ and requested Sage Narada to explain it. Thus Narada gave a very detailed description of human body and mind and how they function.
(We have given the respective explanations in the previous sessions).
What causes rebirths?
Ignorance of your true nature that you are ONE with the Supreme leads to the delusion of “I”ness and “My”ness. That causes misery.
When ‘Sathwik budhi ‘ increases, ‘Punyam’ increases in your ‘Karmam’. When ‘Thamasik budhi ‘ increases, ‘Papam’ increases. When ‘Rajasik budhi ‘ increases, ‘Punya and Papam as a mixture ‘ increases.
Depending on your ‘Karmam’ you have to reap the Karmaphalam and thus your next birth is decided. Heaven and hell are thus chosen by your own Karmam alone.
The end to this misery is only devotion, which is developed through Satsang. Devotion leads to dispassion and Knowledge.
Hari Om!
The more you listen to the Lord’s stories, the more devotion fills in your heart.
It is very difficult to attain the Lord through the learning of Vedas due to their vastness. Then what is the way to liberation?
When the Lord is pleased with the devotee who constantly remembers Him, he becomes blessed with devotion and drops the intellect that discriminates every thing.
Narada warns Barhis that all his Yagas that killed innocent animals causing self pride, were in fact futile.
He states, “Whatever act pleases Lord Sri Hari is Karma. Whatever causes devotion in the Lord is Jnana.
Understand, killing of innocent animals in the name of Yagas will not please the Lord. Seeing the ONE as many (‘Bheda Darshanam’) is not Knowledge.
Bhagavan does not cause fear, but HE is omnipresent love. The one who knows this truth is the true Guru and such a Guru is the Lord Himself”.
Hari Om!
Note – Here, a beautiful example is given by Bhagavatham. Suppose you see yourself suffering in a dream, and there you get the solution to end the suffering also, will that help you in any way?
No, because the only solution is to wake up from the dream and end the sleep! Similarly, as long as you have “I”ness and “My”ness you can never escape from the miseries caused by your limited identity.
When a wave (a state of ‘some body’) subsides, it becomes ‘no body’ by losing its identity. Then it is ONE with the infinite ocean or becomes ‘every body’. Similarly, a mind totally surrendered to the Lord loses its limited existence and attains eternity.
From time immemorial, man wanted to become immortal and our Rishis meditated on how to attain it. They realized that we do not have to get any more things, but lose what we already thought was our’s.
Spirituality is nothing but losing our identity and attaining infinity.
Now, the wave may still arise, but with the awareness that it is the INFINITE OCEAN.
Devotion means dissolving into the Supreme Oneness. Such a devotee becomes God.
Hari Om!
SadGuru transforms a devotee into God Himself.
What will happen to Barhis next? We will see very soon…
(Bhagavatham 4.29.1 – 4.29.51)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails asking for clarifications on our customs and traditions observed for many ages. As we go through Srimad Bhagavatham, we can see the Truth shining through these slokas.
Our religion is not based on ‘Acharam’ or rituals, but on ‘Vicharam’ or meditation on Truth.
Whatever may be your Karma, you can transcend it by constantly focussing on the Lord within and surrendering every thing at His Lotus Feet.
So, experiment with your mind with courage and experience the Supreme…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada tells Barhis, “I have replied to your question on ‘the way to liberation’. Now, I will tell you how to proceed further. When you are chased by danger from front and back, you have no time to lose”.
Narada compares human life to a deer which enjoys an intoxicating life with its wife, unaware of the wolves waiting to leap on him from the front and the hunter’s arrows aimed at him from the back.
He emphasises, “the limited life time is wasted on enjoying the perishable luxuries here. Leave them all and seek the Lord”.
Barhis replied, “so far my teachers advised me on how to do Karmam, but they never gave any directions on ‘AtmaThathwam’.
So please tell me, when a person dies, how can he experience the karmaphalam for his past karma as the physical body is no more there? Also, there is no Yajna in the heavenly worlds, then how will one experience the karmaphalam there, for his worldly acts done here?”.
Narada replies, “understand, it is not the mortal body that does any action, but the immortal mind is the doer. As long as impressions remain in your mind, you are bound to experience the Karmaphalam. Time and space are no barriers here”.
Hari Om!
The impressions in the mind are invisible, but their impact is visible and hence serves as the proof of their existence too. This causes the differences in human nature – why people behave differently.
When you have “I”ness and “My”ness you are attached to the body. This body consciousness pushes you into the cycles of Karma. Nothing other than Jnana can save your mind from this misery.
Thus Sage Narada advised Barhis to seek the Lotus Feet of the Lord and disappeared from there.
Barhis left his responsibilities to his sons and reached Sage Kapila’s Ashram. There he practised intense Sadhana and attained the final merger with the Lord.
Sage Maithreya concluded the story to Sri Vidura and the twenty ninth chapter of fouth canto ends here.
Note – we request the devotees to read this part from Srimad Bhagavatham with great care and attention.
The two questions asked by Barhis are so important and Narada’s answers are enriched with profound knowledge.
Every thing in this world takes place twice.
Hari Om!
First, in the mental plane and second, in the physical plane. A thought in a mind becomes an action done through the body.
It is very easy to see the passion(invisible) for gardening in your mind reflecting in the beautiful garden(visible) around your house.
So, the body is only an instrument to carry out an action propelled by the impressions or thoughts in the mind.
Your dreams indicate the traces of impressions in your mind. Because mind can not project what it has not known or experienced before.
The body keeps changing; it is not the same body that went to sleep, when it wakes up in the next morning. But the mind remains the same as the ‘all time doer’.
Bhagavatham says that your present life is a proof of how your past was and an indication of what your future is going to be.
(Bhagavatham 4.29.52 – 4.29.85)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get several mails asking “why good people are suffering and bad people are enjoying in life?”.
Bhagavatham reveals the secret here.
Every moment of your life shows where you are coming from and where you are going to. Only if you can drop you past as it is, you can start afresh and design a new, promising future.
So, remove the burden of your past from your shoulders and walk free. Discover new dimensions of life, because life is ‘all possibilities’ for the bold!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The last five chapters described the liberation of Pracheena Barhis. Now the next two chapters will describe the Tapas done by his sons Prachethas and its outcome. We had seen their journey in the pursuit of liberation and how they were blessed by Lord Siva.
Prachethas did intense Tapas chanting Rudra Geetham. It continued for ten thousand years. Bhagavan tested their perseverance, got pleased with them and finally gave Darshan in His most beautiful, magnanimous eight armed form.
Bhagavan says, “I am pleased with the deep love among you brothers and your penance for My blessings. Those who remember you will develop the same brotherly love for all.
Ask me for any boon”.
But they were too overwhelmed by the Lord’s Darshan, so they could not utter even a single word.
Hence the Lord blessed them with the same wish they had in their minds, “get married and give birth to courageous and noble son through your wife Marisha, the daughter of trees. Live a fruitful and long life; bring up future generations most prosperously”.
Hari Om!
Marisha was the daughter of a sage Kandu Maharshi and a heavenly woman Pramlocha who left the child soon after her birth. She was adopted by the trees and fed by the Moon.
Bhagavan continues, “she shares your noble vision and purpose. She will be the right wife for you. I bless you with endless offsprings, good health, wealth and joy. Live happily with them, always in the constant remembrance of Me. You will remain unaffected by your Karma and ultimately merge with Me”.
Note – Here, Srimad Bhagavatham narrates an interesting story. How could one woman marry all these men?
We have to look deeper into the story. For any man, his wife is the source of inspiration, strength and creativity. The qualities of an ideal wife and woman are described here.
But more than that, this story symbolizes any great movement with the noble purpose of expansion and development for a great cause.
A ‘wife’ is a pointer to reproduction of the next generation and growth or in other words, potentiality of expansion.
Hari Om!
When good hearted people join together for a great cause, their like-minded commitment will invariably gain the Lord’s blessings. More and more people will join them in multiples and work together. What started as a small river grows and becomes an ocean.
Here Bhagavan blesses all of them with the same power or potentiality.
When you are in devotion, you remain unaffected by any event or Karma in your life.
How did Prachethas reply to Bhagavan? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 4.30.1 – 4.30.20)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have seen in our history that all our great movements started with a few people thinking and praying for the welfare of country, people or humanity.
Their commitment, sincerity and prayers invited the masses to join them and make their mission successful.
Mutual love, respect, determination and perseverance are essential for any mission.
We invite you to be a part of our mission to spread Knowledge and Peace all over the world.
Read Scriptures, understand the Truth, Talk to others about Knowledge!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prachethas stammered with the delight of the Darshan of the Lord.
Their Sthuthi is as follows:
“Oh Bhagavan, the most Auspicious! Our Pranams before Thee. You are the embodiment of peace and joy”.
Praising His indescribable beauty, they say, “What more blessing do we need, other than Your Darshan? You know every thing, every desire in every one’s mind. Still You are asking us to tell our desire”.
Then they state, “This is our desire. As long as we take births due to our Karma, we wish to be blessed with the Satsang of Your devotees. Because, even a heaven can not equal the presence of a devotee.
The joy of Bhakthi is much more than the joy of Mukthi. Even ‘Devas’ long for it. We have already experienced that the Darshan and direction of Lord Siva have taken us to You.
Whatever we have done so far, including our intense Tapas, has taken us to You”.
So, they emphasized that they do not have any more desire for any thing finite, limited or mortal.
Hari Om!
Granting their wish, Bhagavan disappeared.
Note – Bhagavatham gives some outstanding remarks here.
Due to ignorance, people think that God saves good people and punishes bad people. But they do not realize that your own Karma gives Karmaphalam in the form of good and bad experiences. God has no role to play there.
Another point is that we must pray for the boon from the Lord. What does it mean? There is only abundance here, ready to flow to us. It is we, who have to channelize it to us.
The Sun is shining there, but as long as you shut yourself inside a locker, how will you get sunlight?
So, take initiative, ask and be granted! This world is full of possibilities and opportunities.
When you ask in prayer, you are in a prayerful mind to get connected to the higher energy.
Only through Sadhana and Satsang, you can achieve this.
Hari Om!
And, what to pray?
Prachethas were very intelligent to ask for the Highest wisdom. That is, whatever they do, must please the Lord.
(Bhagavatham 4.30.21 – 4.30.43)
Dear Devotee,
People keep asking, “why God punished such a good person?”.
Remember, for us, God is not a judge who balances our rights and wrongs and gives punishments according to its weight.
Ask yourself, “am I pleasing the Lord now?”.
And decide your own destiny!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Bhagavan disappeared, Prachethas came out of the sea and looked around.
They became furious to see that the entire Earth was covered with big, gigantic trees almost brushing the heavens. As Pracheena Barhis had already adopted Sannyas long back, the country was like a lawless. There was no proper farming and the trees were all overgrown.
It was impossible to bring up the next generations and their anger was quite reasonable.
The fire of their fury engulfed the trees and started burning them out. Lord Brahma approached them to pacify them and as per his advice, the trees gave their daughter Marisha in marriage to the Prachethas.
Daksha reincarnated as their son and lived a purposeful life giving delight to all.
Note – we can see, how difficult it is to conquer you anger, even after thousands of years of intense penance!
But more than that, we may wonder what was wrong with the trees to invite this much punishment?
Hari Om!
The answer is, any species that overgrows exponentially is a threat to the ecosystem! Life is a fine balance and any one or any thing that shakes this balance will invite self destruction.
It is interesting to note that the trees were ready to compromise with their enemy and even established a relation with them. Bhagavatham also points to the ‘reincarnation’ of mind through different bodies.
(Bhagavatham 4.30.44 – 4.30.51)
Dear Devotee,
Don’t you think, even in our own life finding a balance and maintaining it is a big challenge?
The one who can balance the two sides of his/her brain can live a successful and enjoyable life.
Are we supporting the eco system around us?
It is high time we checked our ‘balance sheet’ of life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The thirty first and last chapter of fourth canto describes the Moksham of Prachethas. As Bhagavan blessed them, they ruled for thousand years and then attained dispassion.
Leaving their wife Marisha with their son Dakshan, they set out and went to the sea shore for penance. It was the place where Sage Jajali had attained liberation.
Note – Bhagavatham describes numerous stories of rulers who had performed their duty well and then discharging their duty to the next generation seeking Mukthi. Prachethas were no exception.
We can see that the desire for worldly success and the desire for liberation are surrendered at the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Aren’t they contradictory to each other?
In fact, No!
When you work for the well being of all, you are blessed. When you have completed your duty towards family and world, you are entering another phase of your life.
What more is needed? A contended mind alone can divert its attention from the temptations of the world and turn inwards.
Hari Om!
A place where saints lived emanates their positive vibrations and helps the new seekers too. It inspires them to follow the Masters and attain the ultimate.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.1 – 4.31.2)
Dear Devotee,
For an ordinary human being it is very difficult to drop their worldly connections. As the children are grown up and self reliant, one has to withdraw from the house hold activities slowly.
You can extend help whenever needed, but slowly and gradually leave the responsibility to the children.
You are here to merge with the Infinity and never forget that Truth.
When every one understands this, where is place for greed and selfishness?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prachethas continued their well disciplined intense penance for a long time. All the senses and thus mind were under their influence now. Then Sage Narada spotted them and approached them.
Honouring him, the seekers said, “Oh Guru, we are so fortunate to get your Darshan. Years of Grihastha life has clouded our memory and we have forgotten the advices given by Lord Siva and Lord Sri Hari. Please remind us how to get ‘Atma Bodham’.
Remembering the Lord in mind, Sage Narada says, “the one who serves the Lord who is visible in and as the entire creation is fortunate. His birth, deeds, life, mind and word become purposeful. The lives of all others are futile as they live like animals”.
Note – here Bhagavatham states that when the seeker becomes eligible, Guru comes to him.
It is interesting to note that even though Prachethas were fortunate to get guidance from the Lord directly, their spiritual journey becomes complete only with the advice of the Guru.
The quest for Knowledge and liberation is inherent in all of us.
Hari Om!
Ignorance is not absence of knowledge, but in fact, forgetfulness of Knowledge already given to us or in other words, our true nature itself.
Remember, only when we are ready with our preparation, the right opportunity will come to us.
And the Guru’s guidance comes from his constant remembrance of the Lord. That is why it is so precious!
Here Narada says that, a life not meant for the service of the Lord is a human birth wasted.
We will get deeper into his profound wisdom in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.3 – 4.31.9)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Whenever you feel that you are not getting the right opportunity, ask yourself, “am I ready for it now? Have I prepared enough to become eligible for it now?”.
Mostly, we complain and demand for what we do not deserve.
We should transform the question from “what will I get?” to “what can I give?”.
This is the secret of a purposeful life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada states that whoever you are or whatever you do, it all becomes futile without devotion towards the Lord.
You may be born as the son of noble parents who do great things. You may be chanting ‘Gayathri’ in the next ‘Janma’ and you may be performing Yagas in the subsequent lifetime. Even if you are blessed with these three lifetimes, without service to the Lord, they are wasted.
Performing Vedic duties and living like Devas are futile for the man who hasn’t turned to the Lord.
Advice from the Guru, spiritual practices, studying Scriptures, introspection, clear intellect, power of discrimination – without devotion what use they all have?
Yoga, Samkhya, Sannyasa, Vedas – none of these can help you if you do not serve the Lord.
The purpose of all actions is to seek joy in the Self and if it is still unavailable, they don’t serve their purpose.
The dearest ‘Self’ in every one is none other than the Lord. Any thing that can not please the Lord is futile.
Hari Om!
Note – here Narada Muni says that the purpose of life is to do service that pleases the Lord. Then only we can find true happiness in our life.
How the Lord shines through every one and every thing? We will see in the next Slokas.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.10 – 4.31.13)
Dear Devotee,
The definition and means of finding joy differs from person to person. A drug addict and a meditator has the same purpose – to seek joy.
But the means of finding joy makes all the difference. The one who seeks eternal joy never gets satisfied with sense objects, but discovers it deep within themselves.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Where is the Lord or how can you reach Him? When you water the roots, it reaches every where on the tree and produces fruits and leaves. When you eat food, it reaches all your senses and makes them function.
Watering a few branches alone is futile, so you have to water the roots. Similarly, you have to please Lord SriHari so that all Devas are satisfied. All your deeds will be successful.
Water showers from the Sun during rains and evaporates by Sun during the summer. Every living thing originates from Earth, maintains themselves here and dissolves in the Earth in the end. Similarly ‘Srishti’ or creation originates from SriHari, ‘Sthithi’ or maintenance happens in Him and ‘Samharam’ or dissolution merges with Him. Again and again this cycle repeats.
The Supreme Cause of this world and this world itself is ONE and the same and it is none other than the Lord. In ‘Srishti’, the Lord shines as the world like the Sun and Sunlight. In ‘Samharam’ or ‘Pralayam’ it dissolves in the Lord.
As the senses engage themselves in activities during ‘awake’ state and dissolves during ‘asleep’ state, every thing manifests and hides in the Lord.
Hari Om!
As the various clouds can not affect the sky, nothing can affect the Supreme. HE is residing in every one.
Sage Narada advised the Prachethas to please Bhagavan.
Note – Bhagavatham says that, as the tree’s roots reach out to every branch and leaf, the Lord is the source of every thing in creation.
The world is the visible form of the Lord and that is why our ancestors honoured nature and protected the environment.
Another beautiful explanation is given on the way our senses expand and dissolve into our own self.
The Lord is shining in every one and every thing. Then how can we please HIM? We will see in the next Slokas.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.14 – 4.31.18)
Dear Devotee,
Before retiring for sleep, meditate for some time. You can see that the quality of sleep improves and your mind becomes more peaceful.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
How can you please the Lord?
Bhagavatham says it very clearly:
As the same Lord is present in all beings, be compassionate to all. Develop ‘Prasada Budhi’ in all the experiences that come to you as your ‘Karmaphalam’. Recognize the ill effects of sensual indulgence and hence withdraw your senses from such objects.
Then the Lord will destroy your ignorance, light up the joy in the self and give liberation.
What will be your experience when the Lord pleases with you?
Bhagavatham says:
Your cravings for the world including wealth and children vanish and hence your mind becomes peaceful. The Lord will never leave such a devotee’s heart. HE proves that HE is ‘Dasa’ to the true devotee granting every desire.
What more does the devotee want?
Hari Om!
Note – this is a very important part of Bhagavatham telling you about what the Lord promises to the beloved devotee.
For the true devotee, nothing is more pleasing or dearer than the Lord. They are ready to leave every thing else just for the divine love they have for the Lord. Every moment they spend in the constant remembrance of Bhagavan.
Only with total surrender, you can attain the Lord. Then , how can He leave such an innocent devotee? Bhagavan takes a permanent place in the devotee’s heart.
Is Bhagavan compassionate to all alike? We will see in the next Slokas.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.19 – 4.31.20)
Dear Devotee,
When you complain about why Bhagavan ignores you or neglects you, ask your self “Am I a true devotee?”.
The true devotee is never left alone by the Lord.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says that Bhagavan is a ‘Dasa’ to His ‘Bhaktha’.
But He does not accept any worship from fake devotees. Who are they all?
Sage Narara continues, “Knowledge from the practice of Scriptures, wealth, birth in an aristocratic family, great deeds etc can make one arrogant. They may disrespect true devotes who renounce all such wealth and surrender to the Lord only.
As Bhagavan is so fond of His true devotees, He will neglect the fake devotees who take upper hand over the innocent devotees. Any harm done to the Bhaktha is taken as a harm done to the Lord Himself.
So, if you want to please the Lord, honour His devotees first.
The Lord who does not even respect Maha Lakshmi, will He respect the men who run after Maha Lakshmi?
He is so compassionate to the true devotee that He gives Himself to the devotee! How can you forget Bhagavan even for a moment?”
Advising the Prachethas to immerse themselves in true devotion, Sage Narada leaves them.
Hari Om!
They obeyed him and constantly meditated on the Lotus Feet of the Lord and merged with Him.
Sage Maithreya thus concluded the story of Prachethas to Vidura.
Getting permission from Sage Maithreya, Vidura happily left for his home town Hasthinapura.
With this we are reaching the end of the fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
Note – a human life starts with a materialistic dimension, but ends in a spiritual dimension. The story of Prachethas is no exception to this age old tradition practised by our elders.
Upon death, our body returns to its source ‘Mother Nature’ without any effort from our side. But our mind can not return to its source, Consciousness as it is. All spiritual practices are aiming at the purification of mind so that it merges with Consciousness.
Prachethas led a fruitful life and ultimately unites their mind with the Lord.
(Bhagavatham 4.31.21 – 4.31.31)
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham Canto 4 – Conclusion
Bhagavatham is a spiritual mirror which shows one’s own qualities and ‘disqualities’ of the mind. We often look around and judge others and label them as good and bad. Mind has got the weakness of comparison, competition, jealousy etc. All these defeat oneself in uplifting his own mind. These negative qualities drag us towards the animalistic culture or behaviour.
You may be remembering the story of Daksha; how he got a goat’s head! And the story of Suruchi, how she lost her life. So, learn to observe your own mind.
You have all the qualities and abilities to uplift your mind from all weaknesses. A strong mind never bothers about what others talk or act. Strong mind responds positively which will invoke positive qualities even in enemies.
Be like a Suneethi and let us work together to bring up more Dhruvas and Prachethas. We wholeheartedly congratulate all the readers for reading these Bhagavatham notes and sharing with your friends.
Today our country needs more positive thoughts and strong actions to eliminate all the negativities happening around us.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham is one of the greatest texts that gives us vision of values and we have to churn out the essence of values from these stories.
Our purpose is not to entertain you by writing the stories of Bhagavatham. We consider you as a co-pilgrim walking together towards the same goal. So undertake collective responsibility to spread this wisdom to as much people as you can.
You can post theses stories in your face book or mail to your friends or suggest this site to your friends.
Thank you,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Canto 5
Fifth Canto Introduction
Fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham discusses the topic called ‘Sthaanam’ which means the position where you keep your mind.
Our life needs a holistic vision about the complete possibilities and potentialities of our mind. We generally live with a ‘social outlook’ mind where people are focussing on earning, getting, enjoying, indulging and possessing things.
This approach is a mere possibility of mind to possess and get along with worldly possessions. But very few understand through Satsangs or association with great people about the possibility to experience our Infinite inner conscious bliss. We are the treasure house of peace, happiness and bliss. To experience that, we need a strong mind. To develop that, Fifth Canto of Bhagvatham shows us light through the stories of great characters like Rishaba, Bharatha and Jada Bharatha.
Please read on…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.1 – 5.1.10)
Priyavratha’s story
Srimad Bhagavatham’s Fourth Canto ends with Sri Suka’s introduction about Priyavratha to Parikshith.
Fifth Canto starts with Parikshith’s enquiries to Sri Suka about Priyavratha,
“Oh Muni, how did a devotee and ‘Atmarama’ like Priyavratha enter Garhasthya, that leads to ignorance and bondage? I wonder how a wise man like him could accept it? I am sure a great man like him cannot have such cravings for a materialistic life. How can pleasure from a domestic life match the joy of devotion?”.
He further enquires, “Then how could he attain unshakeable devotion and liberation later? Please tell me”.
Sri Suka replied, “it is true that devotees refrain from family life. But it is possible for a devotee to lead a family life and then later become a true seeker too”.
Here starts Priyavratha’s interesting story:
Hari Om!
Priyavratha was a true devotee right from his early childhood and served Sage Narada with great attention. Thus he attained Knowledge of the Self and desired to live an ascetic life only. But his father Swayambhoo Manu wanted him to take up the kingly responsibilities as all noble qualities blossomed in him.
Priyavratha was reluctant to take charge of the Kingdom as he was afraid that it would decrease his inner joy.
So, Manu went to take home his son who was learning from Sage Narada in the Mandara Hills.
Knowing this conflict, Manu’s father Lord Brahma who is in charge of Creation decided to advise Priyavratha to accept Kingly duties to support creation in the world.
As Lord Brahma appeared, Narada, Manu and Priyavratha prostrated before him.
What was Brahma’s advice to Priyavratha? We will see in the next Slokas.
Note – we have seen many case studies in Bhagavatham so far. Whatever your age, gender, education, heredity and back ground may be, you still have a chance to realize your own Self.
Hari Om!
We have seen ordinary people turning devotees earlier. Now it is a devotee diverting to domestic life and then recapturing his ascetic life later.
No outward pleasure can match the joy you experience within. Or in other words, all cravings for external pleasure will wither away as you experience the inner silence and taste the inner joy.
No wonder Priyavratha wanted to stay away from the chaos of worldly life! But an inevitable change was awaiting him…
Dear Devotee,
We are entering a new world of stories now. Please keep reading Srimad Bhagavatham along with our notes.
Let us study our Scriptures, understand the philosophy laid deep down in the mythology and enlighten our lives!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.1 – 5.1.10)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.11 – 5.1.13)
Lord Brahma gives a wonderful advice to Priyavratha.
He starts, “Take this as the Lord’s message to you. No one can over come the Will of the Lord. Everything in creation abides His rule. Your penance, practice, intelligence or merit can not change what He decides for you.
No one would want to take a body, experience misery and yield to death. But every one undergoes all these here, helplessly. God grants what they deserve through their Karma from life times to life times”.
Note – as we read these slokas we wonder, how could we ever feel pride in our capabilities?
When we are all bound by the laws of Karma, what is our freedom? Even in this life, we get pleasure at times. Where does it come from?
Brahma Deva explains it with an appalling example in the next Slokas. As the Guru, His words were conveying the message of God only.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
What we did in the past has already decided our reward. We can not change it now. But we can accept it with a Prasada Budhi and keep our mind peaceful.
That alone can ensure a bright today and tomorrow for us.
So, again and again we tell you, please engage your mind positively and meditate regularly.
Being a peaceful person, you are helping yourself and all around you.
The waves of happiness that emanate from you will reach far and make this planet a better place to live.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.11 – 5.1.13)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.14 – 5.1.16)
Lord Brahma tells Priyavratha how helpless all beings are, even in their Karma.
He compares us to the bulls tied to a cart. The poor animals are unable to free themselves. When they get tired after the tedious and hectic works, their master shows compassion and free them for some time. They get rid of their fatigue, eat grass and drink water.
Similarly we are also tied up with the three gunas and our own Karma. When we do our work as worship to the Lord, He gets pleased and gives liberation to us. There is no other way to liberation from our side.
He adds that we have no choice in ‘Bhogam’ too. We are bound to accept what we are granted by the Lord, including our physical body. This is a world of blind led by deaf.
This is not an exception for the Enlightened too. As long as you live with a physical body, you will have to bear the experiences in life.
But, as he has transcended the ‘body consciousness’ he has no pleasure or displeasure in what comes to him. He is no more bound by the dualities of the world.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, if a man in Knowledge has this trial, what to say about the ignorant one?
According to Lord Brahma, should Priyavratha adopt Grihasthasramam? Does it mean diverting from the seeker’s path?
We will see in the next slokas.
Note – Bhagavatham scares us here. But there must be solution for any problem. We will study more with intense attention.
Dear Devotee,
This world is the platform where you learn and apply spirituality.
Living here, with the mind focussed on the Lord, working only with noble intentions, slowly and gradually you are transcending the illusion of ‘Maya’.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.14 – 5.1.16)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.17 – 5.1.19)
Bhagavatham says through Lord Brahma, “If your Karmas are not for gaining the blessings of the Lord, how will you be free from fear of bondage, even if you are in the solitude of a forest? Because you are surrounded by six enemies – the senses and the mind!
If you are ONE with the Lord, what harm can you have, by living the life of a Grihastha ?
Understand, liberation is possible only through Grace. For that, remember the Lord constantly. It is possible for a Grihastha too”.
Like a King relying on his forts, you have to rely on your friendly sensual and mental faculties. When you transcend them, a forest or your own home makes no difference to you.
Brahma Deva concluded, “Surrender all your inner faculties at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
You will be insulated from the miseries of the world as if enveloped and protected like a bee inside a lotus bud.
So, accept your responsibilities, perform your duties sincerely, enjoy life well and ultimately merge with the Lord”.
Hari Om!
Note – we must understand that our senses and mind can be our enemies as well as our friends.
When we meditate, the ‘outward going’ senses and mind turn inwards to the Lord within. Then only they become our friends.
Whatever be the environment we are in, we can live peacefully, only with a ‘friendly’ mind. Abandoning a place or environment can not help you unless you have the right mental attitude.
So, we have to engage our senses positively. Eating ‘good’, speaking ‘good’, listening ‘good’ are all needed for a good mind.
The advice from Lord Brahma is meant for all of us. Spirituality is not escaping from the responsibilities of the world, but transcending this tangible world itself and merging with the intangible, infinite Supreme.
Will Priyavratha listen to Brahma’s advice? Let us see in the next Slokas.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us whether they should get married or not. Many want to leave their home to escape from their duties.
Bhagavatham answers their questions here.
“Manava Seva, Madhava Seva”.
The devotee who serves others gratefully, taking it as a duty assigned by the Lord surrenders the results at His Feet.
Naturally, he becomes free from all bondages.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.17 – 5.1.19)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.20 – 5.1.28)
Lord Brahma concluded His advice to Priyavratha to accept Kingly responsibilities.
Priyavratha accepted it wholeheartedly. When a Guru advises, the disciple must obey it. That alone can brighten his future. His acceptance made Manu very happy and Sage Narada too.
Brahma Deva departed for His Sathyaloka and Manu happily renounced his worldly duties and enthroned his son.
Priyavratha, with his mind focussed on the Lord knew that he should abide by His Will. He got married to Barhishmathi, the daughter of Viswakarma. Ten sons and a daughter named Urjaswathi were born to them.
Priyavratha had another wife who gave birth to three sons, who became ‘Manuantharathibhas’ later.
Note – Priyavratha knew that the Supreme Intelligence knows better than him, what is good for him.
This ‘power of acceptance’ gives strength to us in all challenging and confusing situations.
Hari Om!
When we are caught up in the web of our own cravings and aversions, we can not come out of the traps of mind. A great mind can transcend his personal likes and dislikes for a great cause. That shows how powerful his mind is.
It also shows that while a weak mind performs well in preferred jobs only, a strong mind does all jobs equally well.
When a true ‘renouncee’ turns into a King, it must be really interesting to know how he ruled and lived. We will see very soon in the next slokas.
Dear Devotee,
When your will and the Guru’s will are the same, there is no greatness in your accepting his will. But, when your will and his will are different and still you accept his will, that is true ‘Guru Bhakthi’.
Only a devotee with unshakeable trust can prosper in spiritual life.
Your Guru will undoubtedly show you the right path.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.20 – 5.1.28)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.29 – 5.1.35)
Priyavratha was an ideal ruler. As a man of perfect conduct and valour he didn’t have to enter into a fight with his enemies. They simply prostrated before him upon hearing the majestic sound of his weapons.
His family life was smooth and very much joyful. He enjoyed all worldly pleasures with his wife Barhishmathi. Still he remained a true devotee.
Priyavratha roamed around his kingdom which covered the entire Earth in a chariot like Sun. His wheels created valleys, hills, mountains and seas. He delegated the kingly duties of the seven continents to his sons. His daughter Urjaswathy was married to Sage Shukra.
In short, his domestic life as well as his administration was exemplary.
One may wonder how he could achieve such ‘super human’ things. It was evident that the Lord was acting through him.
Note – We may doubt that living a ‘normal’ life as a Grihastha is against spirituality. It is not so, as long as you are doing every action as a service to the Lord and enjoy the result as a Gift from Him.
Hari Om!
Sparks of fire are actually emerging from the core of a big fire only. Similarly, all experiences of joy come from the eternal joy within.
Fools try to hold onto the temporary sparks of joy, which is impossible to last forever. Intelligent ones realize the presence of the joy within, while enjoying the sparks of external joy. They alone can maintain mental equipoise at all times. Priyavratha is an ideal example of how one can balance both poles of life.
Success through weapons is fleeting and disrespectful. But success that comes from the unshakeable mental strength adds glory and is ever lasting. A truly courageous person will be completely armless.
We may wonder how devotees are capable of doing such great things. But we must realize that a true devotee is just an instrument for the Divine’s creative work.
For a devotee, doing becomes happening and he is free from all ‘doership and experiencership’.
We need not get confused with Prithu’s earlier story where he did farming by levelling landscape with Priyavratha’s story who created landscape.
Hari Om!
Because, that is the magic of our Rishis, the supreme story tellers who embedded gems of wisdom in these self contradictory stories.
Will Priyavratha continue to live like this all through his life? Let us see in the next slokas.
Dear Devotee,
We are living in an era where our nature is exploited beyond any discrimination. All hills are levelled and lakes are filled. The total eco system is in danger.
We complain about global warming, but we can see deforestation and burning litter even in the house yard.
It is like living in a closed room with no ventilation and burning fire.
Think, where can we go and live, other than this small planet?
Don’t we need rulers like Priyavratha?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.29 – 5.1.35)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.36 – 5.1.41)
Now Bhagavatham tells us how Priyavratha renounced the world and went back to his Tapasya.
As he advanced through the years, Priyavratha started thinking about his past life as a seeker and his present life as a king. When the worldly luxuries increased his inner joy decreased.
He thought, “Alas, as I yielded to sensory pleasures, I am like a man fallen into a barren well. Whatever I achieved through my Sadhana has become futile, being in the company of this woman. I have become mean now”.
Regretting thus, he decided to leave his home. He designated his sons as rulers and left his wife and country.
What his Guru Narada advised long back, he could obey now only by the Grace of the Lord and entered penance for the rest of his life.
His life was unique and remarkable by all means. Who can rule Earth like him? Who can protect and preserve nature like him?
It was only Bhagavan Himself that acted through him. No one can ever imitate Priyavratha.
Hari Om!
Note – Any seeker introspecting on his own mind would know where he is going to. Any diversion from the right track to the Divine, he cannot bear. He will not allow that, because none is dearer than the Lord to the true devotee.
A wise wife or husband should not become a burden or hurdle in their beloved’s path. Any damage done to the Sadhana, will damage the relation itself.
Here, Priyavratha shows that even if worldly life can be managed perfectly well, ultimately you are here to merge with the Lord.
First chapter of fifth canto ends here. We will have a look at Priyavratha’s son Agneedhran next.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We must watch very attentively, are we helping our dear ones or diverting their attention from the Lord? Or, from any of their long cherished goals?
What we perceive as love becomes ‘bondage’ some times and thwarts their progress in life. Life becomes wonderful when we uplift our minds and help others uplift their minds too.
Any action or word from us must help ourselves and others, in making at least one step forward. Or they may leave us behind and continue their journey.
Spirituality is celebrating your ‘aloneness’ with your co-pilgrims.
Are you checking your relations too?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.1.36 – 5.1.41)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.2.1 – 5.2.17)
Agneedhra’s story
This chapter of Bhagavatham describes Priyavratha’s son Agneedhra’s life story. While Priyavratha spent his life’s latter phase in the Lord’s remembrance, Agneedhra ruled over the kingdom well, taking care of his people like his own children.
As time advanced, he desired for a son and hence wanted to get the most eligible wife to fulfil his wish. Thus he too set off for a penance to please the Lord.
Knowing this, Lord Brahma sent PoorvaChithi, an Apsara woman who was a musician in His abode to him. This extremely beautiful woman walked around in his Ashram and finally Agneedhra opened his eyes.
Now starts his praising of her beauty and charisma. He pretended that he took her for a Muni and described her beautiful body in detail.
Then eventually he addressed her as a woman expressing his wish to marry her, “I am going to accept you as the gift from Brahmadeva”.
Sree Suka said, “Agneedhra, highly intelligent as a Deva, with his expertise in dealing with women diligently made her ready for enjoying life’s pleasures”.
Hari Om!
Note – This is a very different way of ‘story telling’ in Bhagavatham. It is a beautiful poetry with wonderful similes and decorative language. Our Rishis were highly poetic too.
Agneedhra uses a psychological approach to woo the woman. He praises her in such a way that she is too amused. It captures her heart. If it was a direct praise she might have objected or suspected his intention taking it as flattery.
If he did not acknowledge her as a woman at all, what chance was left with him in wooing her? So, he takes a twist in his manipulative dialogue with her and conquers her.
Bhagavatham gives an expert account of wooing too. No part of human life was strange for our Masters. No one knew human mind better than our Rishis.
Dear Devotee,
Dive into any part of Bhagavatham, you will get precious pearls of wisdom. Understand the philosophy of each sloka, you will become an adept in human psychology.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.2.1 – 5.2.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.2.18 – 5.2.23)
Agneedhra was radiating with intelligence, character, beauty, youthfulness, charm, wealth and generosity. Poorvachithi found him too good and accepted him. They lived for a very long time enjoying very happily.
They were blessed with nine sons called Nabhi and so on. As her commitment with Agneedhra was over, she went back to Lord Brahma leaving their children in his palace.
All the children were blessed with good health and grace by the merit of their mother.
Agneedhra divided his kingdom into nine parts and enthroned his sons in each of them. They were married to the daughters of Meru.
Agneedhra missed his wife very much and always kept thinking about their reunion. Bhagavatham says that he attained her abode in Pithruloka and finally got Mukthi.
Note – even though Agneedhra’s life was not very eventful, he is also giving a message to us. The desire for a worldly life is very common among us. But that too can be done in a commendable way.
Agneedhra led a responsible family life loving his wife and children.
Hari Om!
His people were happy too. He empowered his children to be good rulers.
Finally he too attained liberation, for, whichever way you take, you can reach the Lord only.
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, which life is better – a Sannyasi’s life or Grihastha’s life?
Understand, Sannyasa is like a ripe fruit fallen from the tree. It can not be forced on any one’s mind.
As the mind gets matured and contended with all sorts of pleasures, it transcends the desire for pleasure.
Such a mind naturally becomes dispassionate! Then accepting or rejecting a pleasurable experience does not affect the mind at all.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.2.18 – 5.2.23)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.3.1 – 5.3.5)
Nabhi’s story
Agneedhra’s son Nabhi and his wife Merudevi had a long married life but they were not blessed with a child. So they decided to do penance to seek the Lord’s blessings.
Bhagavatham says, even though the Lord can not be pleased by offerings, place, time and chanting HE is available to the sincere devotee.
As Bhagavan appeared to bless them Nabhi and his Rithiks stood up and prostrated.
They could only utter ‘Namaskaram’ as they were tongue tied.
Note – we can see in Bhagavatham that whenever the great men and women wanted to gain some thing or achieve some thing or fulfill their desire, they surrendered it before Bhagavan. Every thing was a Prasad from the Lord and they enjoyed it with a humble mind.
More than that, we can see the way our minds function here. The Rithiks feel that the mind is so accustomed to the world and matter. Such a mind is unable to transcend the world and how can it explain the intangible, infinite nature of God?
Hari Om!
They can only express very ‘limitedly’ about the Inexpressible Supreme.
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, “how can I see God?”.
We tell them, “you can never see God, because God is not an object of vision or any other sensory experience”.
But in your deep meditation, in the stillness and silence of your being, you can experience HIM.
That is called “THATHWAMASI”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.3.1 – 5.3.5)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.3.6 – 5.3.21)
We can see the exemplary prayer from the Rithiks here.
As Bhagavan appeared before them prayerful words started flowing from them, “Oh Bhagavan, You are so merciful to be pleased with the praise from true devotion and humble offerings. Apart from true devotion what material can please You? Is there any thing that can benefit You, where every thing in creation exists?
We are like the servants who try to please the master with offerings for receiving favours”.
They kept praising the Lord seeking His constant remembrance throughout the life, even at the time of death.
They introduced, “we are like the beggars asking for paddy flakes from a millionaire who is willing to grant us a big treasure”.
Then they prayed for Nabhi’s desire for a noble son, mentioning ‘a son who would be like Bhagavan’. Who could be like Bhagavan? Is that possible?
So, Bhagavan promised that He would manifest as their son ‘Rishaba’ in Meru Devi’s womb to honour the word of the saints.
Hari Om!
Note – we have some important points to note here. When we pray, some times we do it as a favour to the Lord.
We bring down the Supreme to our level of ‘offer exchange’. For a small ‘Vazhipadu’ offered to the deity, we expect a big fortune in exchange. Bhagavatham states that the Lord is pleased only with our hearts full of devotion.
Here asking for a son is a trivial wish, but fulfilling such a worldly wish must bring an end to such wishes too. We have to be very careful with our desires. Do we get closer to God as we fulfil our desire? If it is otherwise, it is better to drop that desire.
Bhagavan honours saintly minds; this story is a proof for that.
Dear Devotee,
Before offering a lot of ‘Vazhipadu’ to the deities, please ask yourself, “what is in my mind right now?”.
Nothing can please the Lord more than your ‘devoted heart’. Bhagavan is ‘Bhaktha’s Dasa’.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.3.6 – 5.3.21)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.4.1 – 5.4.7)
Rishabha’s story
King Nabhi’s joy knew no bounds as his son Rishabha was born with all the resemblances of the Lord.
Rishabha as the name suggested the ‘bearer of Godly virtues’ won all hearts alike – devoid of ‘I’ness and ‘My’ness and desires, unshakeable peace, dispassion, abundance and grace He became the beloved of all alike.
He had proved His power by showering rains when Lord Indra blocked it in this country.
All the country men irrespective of their position in society loved Him. Knowing this, King Nabhi enthroned Rishabha and wooed ‘Vanaprastha’ along with his wife Merudevi and went to Badari Ashramam for penance.
It is worth noting that Nabhi was incomparable in devotion and hence the Saints prayed to Bhagavan to bless him with a divine son like Rishabha.
Note – Isn’t it interesting to note what made Rishabha a beloved for His country? A ruler must be eligible to sit in his position and nothing can make him eligible other than his people’s will.
Hari Om!
It was democracy in disguise that made Rishabha reach power.
Bhagavatham states the virtues of an ideal ruler here. One has to prove himself before accepting Kingly responsibilities.
We will read further about His life in the next session.
Dear Devotee,
Today many people blame our politicians for the harm they do to our country.
But we have to ask ourselves, “When I am responsible for my action and inaction alike, how can I blame others when I do not take up responsibility for my country?”.
Let good people come forward and take responsibility for our nation.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.4.1 – 5.4.7)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.4.8 – 5.4.18)
Even though Rishabha was the Lord’s incarnation, He adopted the usual life of a prince. He decided to make His people AWARE by living as an example.
He did ‘Gurukula Abhyasam’ (studying with Guru in his ashram) and offered Guru Dakshina in abundance to all His teachers to please them utmost. With their permission, accepted Grihastha Ashram and married Jayanthi. They were blessed with hundred noble sons.
His eldest son Bharatha was so famous that our country ‘Bharatham’ was named after him. Another nine sons called ‘Nava Yogis’ will appear in the eleventh canto of Bhagavatham discussing great philosophy. They preached peace to the world.
The latter eighty nine sons were very humble and proficient in Karma, so He directed them to do Yagas to become Brahmins.
The Lord in the form of Rishabha gave no exemption to Himself in conducting such an adorable life.
His life was an excellent example to learn how to obey Dharma, Artha, Keerthi, Santhana sukha and Moksha in this worldly life.
Hari Om!
When a leader lives his life as an example, many will follow his path. This is the nature of the world.
He appointed the right people and utilized the right resources to impart this knowledge to the masses.
In His young age itself, He conducted one hundred Yagas to please the Lord, taking utmost care.
How did His people respond to this prosperous rule and proper guidance?
Bhagavatham says that they were so contended and had no desires left in them. Their only wish was to feel the ever growing devotion to the Lord who protected them always.
One day Rishabha Deva entered Brahmavartha, where the most honourable Maharshis and all His people were present.
There He delivered a wonderful advice with the consent from the sages to His sons who were filled with humility, devotion and dispassion. It was meant for all and the purpose was very clear.
Note – this is a wonderful part of Bhagavatham that presents precious wisdom for Grihasthas.
Hari Om!
We may wonder why Bhagavan Himself goes to a teacher and accepts the words of learned people. Why He takes consent from them?
The answer is, you have to be one with your people, and then only they will follow you. This is a valuable lesson every leader should imbibe. A wise leader creates happy followers.
Bhagavan as Rishaba, plays every role perfectly well. As a father, He observed His children very well and guided them in the way that suited them the most.
When the most needed qualities like humility, devotion and dispassion dawn in you, you become eligible to receive Knowledge. This story gives us that message too.
What was Rishabha’s great advice? We will see soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails from parents complaining that their children are not obeying them in studies and other matters like marriage.
We have to ask ourselves before imposing our opinions on others, “Do they really want my suggestions? Am I good in understanding their skills, talents, priorities and what they are good in?”
When our suggestions are not in line with what they want, a conflict is unavoidable.
So, isn’t it better to increase our understanding first?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.4.8 – 5.4.18)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.1 – 5.5.3)
Rishabha gives an advice pregnant with profound knowledge to His sons and countrymen.
Bhagavatham makes it very clear, why the human birth is so great?
Rishabha says, “A human being is not supposed to live like an animal, satisfied with bodily pleasures. A human birth is expected to observe penance and thus purify the mind to experience ‘BrahmaAnandam’. That is the purpose of human life”.
He further explains what causes liberation and bondage. Satsang with Mahathmas leads to liberation or Moksham and bad company with materialistic people leads to the cycle of births and deaths.
How to recognize a Mahathma? A man with noble conduct, having friendliness with all alike, free from desires and hence anger, centred and having a balanced mind is Satsang.
If you want liberation from misery, be in their company.
Hari Om!
Rishabha adds, “for such a man, having utmost devotion to ME is most important and the only way to Mukthi. They have limited dealings with this world, which is sufficient to maintain their existence, and their bondage with family and children is also minimal”.
Note – of all the creations, man is the most advanced and fortunate, as he alone is gifted with the wonder called ‘human mind’.
Only human mind can experience ‘Sachidanantham’ or God through meditation. When you are gifted with such a wonderful instrument, shouldn’t you make use of it?
Mind has the habit to absorb what it is constantly fed with. When you eat stale food, your body becomes sick. Similarly your mind becomes sick with bad company.
So, all our Scriptures stress on the importance of Satsang to make your mind positive and devotionally strong.
Even when you live with your family, your mind should be with the Lord. Otherwise you will fall a prey to worldly pleasures and pressures.
If you do not take care of your mind, what happens?
We will see very soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many depressed people ask us, “I find it very difficult to live with my family in spite of giving my best service. Shall I leave them?”.
Wherever you are, and whatever you do, are not very important in determining the quality of your life.
What matters is, where your mind is!
If you can take everything as a Gift from the Lord and live constantly remembering Him, that devotion can transform your life.
Take it as a Vow that, “I am here to experience God and I will not leave this planet before that”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.1 – 5.5.3)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.4 – 5.5.6)
Rishabha continues, “Why human beings are not expected to crave for sensory pleasures? Because, when you try to please the senses, your power of discrimination loses. That is the basis for all demerits. This clouded intellect leads to sins and brings misery.
Again and again you will have to take the human body to experience the resulting Karmaphalam. You will fall into the cycle of births and deaths”.
He warns, “Do not think that you will not have to suffer for a long time as the body is perishable and hence the misery is temporary.
As long as you do not desire for the Knowledge of the Self, you will have pride in the body and hence stuck in body consciousness.
Death implies the death of gross body only; the subtle body (mind) carries the Vasanas and takes birth again to undergo the Karmaphalam”.
The end of ignorance starts with the introspection of your own Self. When your craving for Karma is strong, your ‘self discovery’ or exploration of the Self will be weak.
Hari Om!
Realizing the problem with sensory pleasures, you will develop dispassion and Knowledge. That is the only way to liberation.
HE states, “Unless and until you have utmost devotion in ME, you are bound to the cycle of lifetimes”.
Note – Bhagavatham shows us that the doer and the experiencer is the mind alone. Those who mistake it as the body, craves for bodily pleasures and limits his existence at that level.
They do not understand that their mind can transcend the sensory weakness and uplift their life from an animal life to a human life and then to a divine life.
What is the danger in a Grihastha’s life? We will see in the next slokas.
Dear Devotee,
Many people commit suicide to end their misery. They do not understand its futility as they have to undergo it in another body.
Isn’t it our duty to spread this ‘Knowledge of the Mind’ to our young generations?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.4 – 5.5.6)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.7 – 5.5.8)
Bhagavatham warns us here, about the possible danger hidden in a married (Grihastha’s) life.
When we take a human birth, along with the human body, we get endless miseries too. Because, the nature of senses is not to increase inner joy of the Self, but increase the miseries in the disguise of pleasures.
The one who allows it is unwise. He can not reach the inner joy and his true nature. He desires for a domestic life where he gets attached to a woman and thus worldly pleasures. This leads to endless miseries.
What is wrong in a married life? The problem lies in the emotional attachment one develops with the spouse. The possessiveness gets extended to your partner too.
Already you are suffering from “I”ness, now you will suffer from “My”ness too. This possessiveness grows further and covers your home, property, wealth and what not?
Note – As a seeker one has to experience true love which is divine in nature. But an ordinary person gets stuck up with distorted forms of love as possessiveness and attachment.
Hari Om!
The very purpose of the seeker is to get rid of his limited existence and merge into the infinite.
Any thing that thwarts his progress, he must be very careful with.
How to cut off this emotional bondage? We will see soon.
Dear Devotee,
Young men often ask us, whether they should lead a married life or live as a Sadhak.
There is no point in suppressing your Vasanas and imposing any thing on yourself, as your mind will deceive you.
So, wherever you are, love God more than any thing else, make Him your friend and let that deep devotion replace all your cravings for love and affection.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.7 – 5.5.8)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.9 – 5.5.13)
How to come out of this emotional weakness caused by “I”ness and “My”ness?
Rishabha answers here.
When the mind is full of Vasanas our thoughts are in that direction and hence mind becomes weak. When we are able to think wisely, our mind becomes relaxed and peaceful. Body consciousness ends and mind gets liberation from “I”ness and hence its product “My”ness.
When does the cause for “I”ness get destroyed? It is possible only through devotion in our Guru who is most powerful to seek God every where and in God Himself. Then we need service mindedness, dispassion, balanced mind, penance, detachment towards worldly achievements, and power of discrimination to know what is right and what is wrong.
Rishabha adds that, “surrender all your Karma to Me, listen to My glory, be in My devotees’ company, praise Me, be good to all beings, consider all equally, have peacefulness, do not take your body as your Self and do not take your home etc as your own”.
Hari Om!
Besides, you have to practise Sadhana regularly and observe Brahmacharyam.
Rishabha states that it needs courage to see the Lord in every one and every where. It starts with imagination and ends in true experience.
What do you need for this? Yes, you need Jnanam(knowledge) , Samadhi, courage, practice and wisdom to attain this state of higher consciousness to root out ‘ego’.
Note – Here, Bhagavatham is discussing the various ways to liberate us from our limited existence. How long does a wave remain as its limited identity?
When it realizes that, it along with all other waves, are none other than the ocean itself!
It is a journey towards your inner self. Every moment is precious; you need to utilize every opportunity to KNOW your true nature through regular meditation.
Only Guru can show you the right path and take you to the destination.
How long do we need to do this Sadhana practice? We will see in the next Slokas.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Some people ask us, “Is meditation the only way to self discovery?”.
Yes, there is no other way. It is the one and only medicine to all your mental diseases like worry, anxiety, regret, comparisons and grading.
Even the slightest impurity in the heart harms like a dust particle locked in the eye.
So, wash your mind with Pranayam and meditation daily and see the shift in your self.
It needs courage and faith to walk the spiritual path.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.9 – 5.5.13)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.14 – 5.5.15)
Now, the question is, how long do we have to practise Sadhana?
Bhagavatham says, as your bondage with your body and your limited existence ceases forever, you can retire from your spiritual practices too.
When, even the traces of desires in your mind burn out, you will experience ‘Brahma Anandam’.
You become Jeevan Muktha! Still you may seem to be an ordinary person for others. It is like a burnt cloth that still has the form of a cloth, but has no characteristic of the cloth.
Rishabha further urges that others must similarly advise their fellow people who walk the wrong path.
A person who knows what is right must guide the ignorant one rightly. If not, you are not a good father or a good mother or a good teacher. The Guru who cannot save the shishya from the misery of ‘Samsara’ is not a Guru at all. Even God who cannot save the devotee is not God at all.
As you show the right path to a blind man, you must guide the worldly man to liberation. Do not become angry with them, with patience you must remove their inhibition and laziness.
Hari Om!
Note – we have heard that there are two ways of living in his world. One is Preyas and the other is Shreyas.
Preyas is living your life as per your likes and dislikes. You are a slave to your cravings and aversions.
Shreyas is listening to the advices of your intellect and intuition and living wisely. It may be difficult, but it is a fruitful life.
It is natural for a common man to live the life of Preyas. But the wise one must advise him to the Shreays way of living.
Now, why a common man does not know what is right for him? We will see what Bhagavatham says in the next Slokas.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
People ask us, “why we are not able to be steadfast in our commitments?”.
It is because, you are feeding your mind with negativity. You need sathwik food and good rest for the body and knowledge from Jnanis and devotees for the mind.
Such an environment will nourish the seeds of wisdom in your mind and your life will blossom into perfection.
So, watch what you are eating, seeing, listening and talking. In whose company are you now?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.14 – 5.5.15)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.16 – 5.5.35)
Why can’t people recognize what is right for them?
The reason is, they are suffering from endless desires to experience sensory pleasure and achieve it. They compete among themselves, have no hesitation in doing harm to others and have no awareness of the dangerous consequences. As far as Shreyas path is concerned, most people are blind.
The wise man who sees this foolishness, will definitely advise them to come out of this misery.
Then why do fathers advise their sons to make money? Bhagavatham says, the fathers who do not advise their sons about the Shreyas path are not fit as good fathers. So are the Gurus, mothers, husbands and even God too, who cannot save the miserable.
Rishabha further advises His sons to respect their brothers and Brahmins too.
Who is a Brahmana? The noble man with Sathwa Guna, subsided mind, controlled senses, truthfulness, compassion, limited food habits, forbearance, Knowledge of the Lord – these eight qualities define a Brahmana.
Hari Om!
Rishabha says, “I am most pleased by the devotees who honour such Brahmanas and further all beings in the creation”. Then He states, “surrender all your Karmas as Pooja to Me. That is the only way to Mukthi”.
Leaving the kingdom to his eldest son Bharatha, the most compassionate and well wishing Rishabha set out from there.
What we see next is His ‘Avadhootha’ life where He shows the life of a renounce at the peak!
Note – we can see that many people advise people on how to make money, fame, power and position; but they seldom advise on how to gain a balanced mind or how to lead a respectable life.
If today’s younger generation is lacking any thing, it is because of the inefficient upbringing by their parents and teachers.
What are the qualities one needs to develop in life? Bhagavatham gives the list here.
Finally Rishabha says that the true worship is offering all your deeds at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Whenever we evaluate a truly successful person’s life story, we can see the passion and honour he gives for his work and his associates.
The best way to win hearts is by giving honour. It is possible only by seeing the Lord in every one.
When we do our work as worship to the Lord, the best output comes from our effort.
Today, aren’t we losing this ancient culture?
Isn’t it our responsibility to become examples for younger ones?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.5.16 – 5.5.35)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.6.1 – 5.6.8)
Rishabha’s story concludes…
Rishabha renounced everything and wandered around. As his entire life was inimitable, this later phase was no exception.
Now he lived the life of an ‘Avadhootha’, a complete renounce. He ate what he got in front of him and slept where he stopped. Nothing in this world could attract his attention.
Why he led such a dispassionate life? Because, the mind is so vulnerable that any time it can yield to its enemies. What are the enemies for a Yogi?
Bhagavatham says, there are six of them. Desire to experience sensory pleasures, anger towards those who deny it, pride in wealth, greed, unhappiness in losing wealth and pleasures, hence forgetfulness of your true nature and fear of losing pleasures are enemies for a Yogi or Sadhak!
Your mind can yield to these enemies any time, so do not depend on its cravings and aversions if you want to live a wise life. Remember, even Lord Siva could not resist Mohini Devi!
Hari Om!
As an unfaithful wife who would conspire to kill her husband, the deceitful mind will betray the seeker.
Rishabha shows an example here for the Sadhak too. Finally the Lord in disguise of a Yogi dropped his body in a wildfire, ending his long and perfect life.
Note – here, we can see how our mind can divert our life from the right track to the wrong path and end in misery. So, Lord Rishabha is showing how to conquer the mind’s weaknesses.
We must watch the negative traits in our mind and take utmost care to save ourselves from misery.
Dear Devotee,
When a child shows the first signs of troublesome character, we must analyse what is going wrong with him/her. An ignored warning sign can lead to a disastrous life later.
Cravings for sensory pleasures must be redirected to see the form of the Lord, hear His glory, chant His Nama and feel His presence. A mind turned outwards cannot help you, but a mind turned inwards will guide you always. Are we checking where our attention is now?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.6.1 – 5.6.8)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.6.9 – 5.6.19)
Rishabha’s story concludes…
Rishabha ends His life in a very unusual way. It is impossible for any one to imitate His life.
The peak of renunciation displayed by the Lord in Rishabha’s form was dangerous to imitate too, as an ignorant person can never understand and practise it.
Priyavratha’s lineage was blessed with the birth of Lord Rishabha who, with His unparallel compassion reached to the miserable masses and showed the way out of misery.
Devotion without any demands or expectations is the sublime state any one can achieve. The one who is immersed in Bhakthi (devotion) is not even bothered about Mukthi (liberation).
Sree Suka tells Parikshith here, “Lord Krishna was always with Pandavas as an advisor, friend, protector and even as a servant! That was His will. But, do not think He is equally available to all with His Blessings”.
Bhagavatham says that, the Lord may give you Mukthi if you constantly surrender to Him, but Bhakthi is very rare to get.
Hari Om!
Here Lord Rishabha lives as an example through His advice and practice to enlighten the ignorant men.
Note – when great men practise certain things, it is natural for many to follow them. But how you can proceed in their path, depends fully on your qualification in terms of your mental state and acquired Karma.
Bhagavatham reminds us that only the most fortunate are blessed with Bhakthi.
With this, the sixth chapter of fifth canto ends here. Now we will see Rishabha’s son King Bharatha’s life story.
Dear Devotee,
Have you noticed that the presence of a true Bhaktha is so precious?
It elevates our mind and purifies our heart.
So, at least once in a week, gather together and praise the Glory of the Lord!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.6.9 – 5.6.19)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.7.1 – 5.7.14)
Bharatha’s story
We are going to see King Bharatha’s story now. Lord Rishabha entrusted him with all the kingly responsibilities which he could manage very well.
Bharatha was married to Panchajani (Viswaroopa’s daughter) and the royal couple were blessed with five great sons Sumathi, Rashtrabhrith, Sudarsan, Avaran, Dhoomrakethu.
Bharatha conducted various Yagas with utmost devotion to the Lord and the country moved to more and more prosperity.
Our country was named after this great King as ‘Bharatham’.
As his duty was perfectly done, he wanted to retire and do penance at ‘Pulaha Ashram’.
Lord Sri Hari is always blessing this place with His Presence.
As Bharatha stayed there in immense penance his heart filled with devotion and eyes filled with tears of joy.
What is going to happen next? Let us wait and see in the next chapter.
Hari Om!
Note – this is a very interesting story where we may wonder how a detached renounce like Bharatha can fall in his path. This is also showing how slippery the spiritual path can be!
Dear Devotee,
If we observe keenly, we can see that our mind can play any trick to divert our attention. Only with awareness and alertness we can move unfailing in whatever we do.
Let us analyse our own life!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.7.1 – 5.7.14)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.8.1 – 5.8.27)
One day, as Bharatha was doing Sandhyavandanam and Nama Japam on the banks of River Gandaki, he saw a very thirsty female deer drinking water from the river. Abruptly a lion roared near her and out of shock and fear, she jumped over to the next bank of the river.
As she jumped, her baby in the womb came out and fell in the water. The poor mother died and the baby was drowning in the river.
Bharatha was deeply moved by this sight and jumped into the river to save the baby deer. He took utmost care in feeding and pampering the baby as if it was his own baby.
As days passed, his attachment grew beyond limits and he could not separate even for a minute from the poor animal, thus failing in his Sadhana and devotion to the Lord.
What is the end result of this unwise attachment? We will see in the next Slokas.
Note – it is surprising to see the mighty king who left all his people, even his children to seek the Lord in solitude, falling in his path because of an animal!
Hari Om!
Usually a man may yield to lust or greed or anger. But here, a noble man has failed because of his compassion!
So, we can see that attachment in any form, towards anyone or anything is harmful as it is a distorted form of love. It is not the external person or object that does the harm, but the inner feeling of “My”ness that enslaves you.
It is shocking to see the extent to which it has taken a Sadhak like Bharatha!
Dear Devotee,
A negative quality may be an iron chain and a positive quality can turn out to be a golden chain. Both can bind you and lead to misery.
So watch out what is happening in your mind!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.8.1 – 5.8.27)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.8.28 – 5.8.32)
Before long, death approached Bharatha as he was immensely attached to his pet deer and attended him with utmost care. Looking at the deer as if it was his own son, Bharatha breathed his last in deep passion.
No wonder, his next birth was as a deer! But all the Tapas he had done in the last life time remained as mental impressions in this life time too. So he could remember his past life time.
He lamented, “even though I had become a seeker, what a fall I had along with an animal!“.
The moment he realized his fault, he left his mother deer and reached Pulasthya Pulaha Ashram and lived like a seeker.
Eventually he dropped his animal body in a holy river.
Note – this part of Bhagavatham gives immense knowledge about rebirth. It says, the most prominent thoughts become deep impressions in the mind at the time of death and decide our next life time.
Also, our Sadhana keeps continuing in the next life time too.
Hari Om!
For a seeker, there is no returning in the spiritual path. He will pursue his journey till he reaches his destination.
Dear Devotee,
Have you noticed that our last thought before sleep appears as the first thought when we wake up next morning?
This explains how our lifetimes are determined too.
Devotion to the Lord is most essential because we do not know when we will drop our body. So always be in the constant remembrance of the Lord ad save your mind.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.8.28 – 5.8.32)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.9.1 – 5.9.22)
Bharatha’s next birth after the animal birth was as a Brahmin’s son in his second wife. The past impressions were very strong in his mind. Hence he maintained an ascetic’s life in the constant remembrance of the Lord.
He was called Jada Bharatha and lived a solitary life. Even though his father tried to impart all sorts of knowledge along with other sons, he was not interested. His focus was not on “Veda Jnanam” but on “Atma Jnanam”.
As his father died, his mother too performed ‘Sati’. Jada Bharatha has become totally free now. He worked for others and ate what they gave him. He never bothered about how he looked, wandered and lived.
One day, some Sudras who were in search of an ideal man for sacrifice as ‘Nara Bali’ to Goddess Bhadrakali saw him and took him to their priests.
They bathed him and decorated him before the Bali ritual. As the priest was about to cut his head with a sword, Mother Goddess in her most fierce form appeared before them and furiously beheaded them all.
Jada Bharatha remained silent and peaceful in the midst of all this.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, the same Lord who protected King Pariskhith from Aswathama’s Brahamstarm has saved Jada Bharatha too.
Note – the true devotee never bothers about himself. He never complains or grumbles. He never blames or curses. He never judges or reacts. He lives in an ecstasy of divine love. He can experience only God and nothing else.
As a child in mother’s lap, the devotee finds solace in the Lord’s lap. Bhagavan is keen observing such a Bhaktha and takes care of him totally.
Only a devotee like Jada Bharatha can sit peacefully before the sword of death as he is the concern of the mighty Lord.
Dear Devotee,
Whenever there is lack in your life, realize that there is no Bhakthi or less Bhakthi.
Get into the company of true devotees and enrich your life with devotion.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.9.1 – 5.9.22)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.10.1 – 5.10.15)
Now Bhagavatham tells us another story where Jada Bharatha’s nobility transformed King Rahoogana.
One day King Rahoogana, a seeker was going to meet Sage Kapila to seek his advice. On the way one of the four bearers of his palanquin left the group and thus they were searching for a suitable substitute.
When they saw Jada Bharatha they made him join them and he didn’t protest too. As the four were walking with the long stamps of the palanquin on their shoulders Jada Bharatha moved very slowly. He was so compassionate by nature and he was always watching if any creature was under his feet.
This made their advancement difficult and King Rahoogana started talking sarcastically to Jada Bharatha, “oh, you are so tired after bearing this alone for a long time?”.
But he seemed to be deaf to the king’s ill-humoured remarks.
Jada Bharatha’s indifference made Rahoogana angrier and he started scolding him fiercely, “are you dead while being alive? I am going to give the worst punishment to you for disobeying your master’s order”.
Hari Om!
This arrogance born out of Rajas and Thamas from the king did not affect Jada Bharatha at all.
But he replied most wisely, “I am not this body. How can Atma experience any fatigue? Where can the omnipresent Self move to? Whatever you accused are relevant for a man with a body consciousness only. Who is the real master and who is the real servant? Atmarama is beyond all this duality and opposites.”
He continues, “How can you punish and correct any one? An arrogant one or ignorant one or intoxicated one does not understand. A naturally bad person will not become good by punishment. As for me, I am always established in the Self. So how can you correct me further?”.
And he carried on as before.
Note – this part of Bhagavatham imparts very precious practical wisdom to us. When we try to correct others, we use reverse psychology very often.
We talk sarcastically and indirectly thinking that they would understand the message and obey us. We do not even introspect if we have the moral right to scold them or insult them. Jada Bharatha’s wisdom throws light on this common misunderstanding.
Hari Om!
An ignorant or arrogant or drunken man seldom understands, but we try to change them. A wise man knows, but still we try to correct them.
When our efforts become futile, we become angry like Rahoogana. Are we wise in trying to change others?
Dear Devotee,
Many parents and teachers are inefficient in their communication with children. They do not understand that the children must be honoured too. What right do we have to dampen the spirit of a child? Who has given us the authority to insult and injure a child?
When these unfortunate children grow up, their suppressed anger turns into violence and they repay and return all the insult and injury to the old people.
Are we not seeing it today? Understand, only love can heal all wounds.
Let us spread this message to all around.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.10.1 – 5.10.15)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.10.16 – 5.10.26)
Rahoogana was not an ordinary man, so he could recognize the greatness of Jada Bharatha. Asking for forgiveness, Rahoogana jumped down and asked him who he really was, ‘Are you really Bhagavan Kapila whom I have been searching for so long, to get knowledge?”.
He expressed his fear in insulting the noble Brahmin, “I am not afraid of Lord Siva or Lord Indra, but I am really afraid of humiliating a Brahmin. So please tell me, who are you?”.
Then Rahoogana started analysing Jada Bharatha’s statements and justified himself.
He said, “as I get tired in wars, you must be tired in bearing weight too. As your body tires, your Atma which is associated with your body, senses, prana and mind must get tired too. It is like a vessel and its milk getting hot and cooking the grains inside the vessel when placed over fire. So, how can Atma remain unaffected?”.
He added that the world is real and the duty of king is to rule over the people and guide them.
Thus Rahoogana expressed his doubt and fear over Jada Bharatha and pleaded to clarify, to save himself from the sin of humiliating a great man.
Hari Om!
He said, “my insult will not affect your centeredness but its Karmaphalam will destroy me. So please bless me”.
Note – We can see a very distinguishable characteristic of human mind here. More than Rahoogana’s respect towards Jada Bharatha or his fear of Karmaphalam, we can see a very interesting nature of human mind here.
It is the way Rahoogana projects his own mind on Jada Bharatha. He can not understand the depth of Bharatha’s words. He thinks in his own way and assumes the same for Jada Bharatha too.
He compares Jada Bharatha with himself and thinks that Jada Bharatha feels like him.
We have a tendency to see others as our replicas; that is, we think they will also think as we do. We do not understand that we are webbing our imaginations around others, which they are hardly aware of.
Many people analyse great masters as if they are ordinary people. Instead of uplifting their minds to the masters’ level, they waste time in comparisons and judgements and verbally pull down the great minds’ stature.
Here Rahoogana surrenders before the master to reveal about himself.
Hari Om!
That is especially noticeable, because no one else can reveal the magnanimity of the master.
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever wondered how deceptive our senses can become?
Try this experiment. Dip one hand in hot water and then immediately in cold water. How cold it feels! Much colder than the other hand put directly in cold water, right?
This world is of relative truths conveyed through sensory experiences. So, how deceptive our own mind can become!
When our mind is focussed on the Absolute Truth, we can smile through the dualities and opposites of relative truths.
So, before judging others, become aware, “do I really know the truth about them?”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.10.16 – 5.10.26)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.11.1 – 5.11.17)
Here, Jada Bharatha replies to the doubts raised by Rahoogana, “you talk like a knowledgeable man. But you are not, because a wise man never compares and labels others like Swami, servant, king, subjects etc. A wise man does not take this world as real Truth. But you are presenting it as Truth”.
He adds, “Whatever you do or experience in this world appears to be Truth, just because you are not thinking deep about it. The one, who has experienced divine bliss, does not run after worldly pleasures”.
Then he warns, “All experiences are due to the mind only. The thoughts of “I”ness and “My”ness are in the mind only. Hence, realize that your mind is your worst enemy and none in the outer world can do any harm to you, other than your own mind. When you ignore your mind, it can destroy your life”.
Then he tells the remedy too, “Devotion to the Lord is the only way to save your mind from all other attachments, cravings and aversions”.
Note – we are not including the attributes and functionalities of mind described in this part of Bhagavatham as we have already mentioned it before.
Hari Om!
We can see that mind is like the shadow of the Self. When you turn your back to the light of AtmaJnanam, you see the shadow created by the mind. When you turn towards the light of wisdom, this shadow disappears and the Self alone shines.
Mind has the tendency to attach to something. If it gets attached to the world, that bondage results in misery. If it gets attached to the Lord, that bondage actually liberates you from all other bondages and takes you to bliss.
Dear Devotee,
Mind is a powerful tool and a precious gift to the one who knows how to use it well. But the one who ignores it or misuses it, has to pay heavily with his life.
Wisdom is complete only with the knowledge of how to use your mind positively and creatively.
Don’t you think our education system must include this knowledge?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.11.1 – 5.11.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.12.1 – 5.12.16)
Rahoogana tells Jada Bharatha, “I prostrate before you, oh great Brahmana! Your advice is like medicine to the sick one and like cold water to the one tired in the Sun. You have given me the Amrit to save me from the snake bite of arrogance in kingship. Still I have no clarity, so please tell me how to transcend the ‘Maya’ of this visibly true world and its karma”.
Jada Bharatha continues to clear Rahoogana’s doubts:
“You must understand that your body is another form of this earth itself. It moves here and there because of some reason. It is a ‘Jadam’ just like a stone. It is foolish to think that the body has efforts of its own.
The man who carries the ‘dholi’ is earth, the ‘dholi’ is earth and the man who sits in the ‘dholi’ as king is also earth. Then why be proud?
When you are not merciful to the tired workers who carry you on their shoulders, why you call yourself as their protector? You have no place among wise men.
Now, do not think Earth is your source, because earth is a collection of minute particles called ‘paramanu’. Don’t think they are here forever, as they will also dissolve in nature eventually.
Hari Om!
Realize, everything in creation is Bhagavan’s Leela. All knowledge in Vyavahara is based on external objects. They keep changing. But the knowledge of Supreme Truth or Subject alone is eternal.
How to obtain that inner knowledge? Only through the service at your Guru’s lotus feet. It removes your ignorance and increases dispassion”.
Then Jada Bharatha narrates his own story – how he fell down from the pinnacle of spiritual heights because of attachment to a deer and how his accumulated vasanas of Sadhana saved him in the later lifetimes.
He added, “I have realized that the company with ordinary people will do harm. That is why I am walking around in disguise in solitude. If you want Mukthi, be with noble people’s Satsang.”.
Note – this note starts with the effect of Guru’s healing words on a sick mind. Guru’s compassion is fathomless and infinite.
Why human body is compared to the Earth? Because the body has all constituents present in the Earth as Pancha bhootha.
Whatever body part you refer to, you say ‘it is mine’, not as ‘it is I’. So that means, the body is not your true self.
Hari Om!
Here Earth represents all those appear to be true in the Vyavahara perspective. None of them is real; the only real is the Absolute Truth that remains without any change. That subject or Supreme is Bhagavan.
The most compassionate Guru exposes himself before the Shishya here as he wants his fall to be a warning for the Shishya. A true teacher has the compassion to let the students learn from his/her mistakes.
What an adventurous life Bharatha had in his spiritual seeking!
Dear Devotee,
As Bharatha points out here, all external, objective knowledge will keep changing. Only the inner knowledge of the Subject will remain as a guiding light for us.
But we keep accumulating information which may or may not help us and seldom give any importance to the knowledge of the Self.
Don’t we need to focus on how our minds work for an enriched life? Don’t we need to change our education system to provide a quality life to our chidren?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.12.1 – 5.12.16)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.13.1 – 5.13.26)
As Rahoogana was confused and wanted more explanation of Knowledge, Jada Bharatha comes down to his level of understanding and explains with examples and similes.
Bharatha portrays this worldly life as a dense and fierce forest where you are lost and struggling. It is very difficult to travel and there is no visible exit too. Wild animals, scavengers, flies and insects add to your agony.
Your own senses and mind attack you like enemies. How can you escape? Where is the way out?
Bharatha gives the solution too, “you are also caught up in this terrible ‘Pravrithi margam’. There is only ‘Nivrithi margam’ to save you. So, without allowing your mind to wander in sensory pleasures, do your duty to help others seeing the Lord in every one. ‘Maya’ will not affect you”.
Rahoogana was very much relieved and he said gratefully, “human life is the most precious life. There is no merit even in a ‘deva janmam’ in Deva lokam as there is no satsang with pure hearts like you. A short talk with you could transform and uplift my mind from body consciousness”.
Hari Om!
He concluded, “My Pranams to all great men, old and young, known and unknown and those who are in disguise too. May all kings be saved from the sin of disrespecting great men”.
Now Sri Suka Muni tells King Pareekshith, “see the glory of seekers who surrender to the devotees of the Lord”.
Then Pareekshith asked him, “will you please explain the example of the terrible forest in comparison to this world so that even illiterates can understand the Thathwam?”.
Note – when you are not a dispassionate seeker, you can not absorb Atmopadesham well.
So, Jada Bharatha has come down to Rahoogana’s level of understanding.
All our masters have used story telling as an efficient method to impart profound Knowledge.
Another noticeable thing is the mental transformation in King Rahoogana. Our country had always been blessed with the presence of Great Masters. Their message to humanity continues forever.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have to watch each and every one that comes into our contact. A person who comes and talks to us – is he/she leaving with a heavier heart or a lighter heart?
We have to constantly ask ourselves, “Have I imparted wisdom or not? Have I made this person happier and more peaceful?”.
If we take this as a Sadhana, that itself will transform ourselves and others around us.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.13.1 – 5.13.26)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.14.1 – 5.14.46)
This chapter gives a very detailed narration of human life comparing it to a group of merchants trapped in a dense forest.
They are facing all sorts of troubles and miseries in this endless path that leads to no exit.
We are giving a very short explanation here and request the devotees to read Srimad Bhagavatham for greater reading pleasure.
An ignorant person is caught up in the worldly life and seldom realizes its dangers. His Karma and Karmaphalam continues for ever and makes him suffer from his own mind, senses, friends, foes and family.
Whatever pleases him temporarily, leads to displeasure later. He does not realize the futility of his life and wanders aimlessly.
This cycle of lifetimes and misery continues till he reaches the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
Bharatha being most compassionate, comes to the level of Rahoogana and elevates his mind.
Hari Om!
Note – for the one who has not found the Lord within and without, the entire world will give misery. But for the God realized soul, life is a celebration.
Dear Devotee,
We request you to read this chapter and get an understanding of human life with all its troubles. If this is not giving distaste for such a mere existence, what else can?
Human birth is entitled to realize the Supreme. What is holding you back?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.14.1 – 5.14.46)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.15.1 – 5.15.16)
Bharatha’s lineage
We have been following King Bharatha so far in the last eight chapters. Now we can see the descendants of Bharatha in this chapter.
Bharatha’s son was Sumati.
Sumati and his wife Vridhasena -> Devatajit
Devatajit and Asuri -> Devadyumna
Devadyumna and Dhenumathi -> Parameshti
Parameshti and Suvarchala (first) -> Pratheehan
Pratheehan and Suvarchala (second) -> Pratiharta, Prastota and Udgata.
Pratiharta, Sthuthi -> Ajan, Bhoomä
Bhoomä, Rishikulya -> Udgeethan
Udgeethan, Devakulya -> Prasthavan
Hari Om!
Prasthavan, Niyutsa -> Vibhu
Vibhu, Rathi -> Pruthushenan
Pruthushenan, Akuthi -> Nakthan
Nakthan, Ruthi -> Gayan, the mahapurusha
Gayan, Gayanthi – > Chitrarathan, Sugathi, Avarodhan
Chitrarathan, Oorna – > Samrat
Samrat, Utkala -> Mareechi
Mareechi, Bindumati ->Binduman
Binduman, Saragha -> Madhu
Madhu, Sumanassu -> Veeravrathan
Veeravrathan, Bhoja -> Mandhu, Pramandhu
Mandhu, Sathya -> Bhouvanan
Bhouvanan, Dooshana -> Thwashtavu
Thwashtavu, Virochana -> Virajan
Virajan, Vishoochi -> Shatajit, and ninety nine brothers and one sister
Hari Om!
Note – Priyavratha’s lineage was blessed with noble kings and great men. King Gayan was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu whose unparalleled life was honoured by all.
Dear Devotee,
Our mother land is truly blessed and we are all fortunate to be born here.
Is there any other country in this world who can claim this much wealth in terms of materialistic, mental and spiritual realms of life?
Let us be proud Indians, beaming with enthusiasm and courage to take our country to greater heights!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.15.1 – 5.15.16)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 5.16.1 – 5.16.30)
Bhoogola Varnana
We may recall Priyavratha’s magnanimous work on Earth for a while. Earth was divided into oceans, mountains, valleys, plain lands and a beautiful landscape was formed. King Parikshith asked Sage Suka to a give a detail of Earth. So he gave a beautiful description on all the continents, oceans, seas and mountains in this world.
Golden mountains shine in a beautiful lustre; heavenly beings carve out ornaments from this gold. They contain lakes of milk, honey, cane juice and pure water. Ripe fruits fall from the trees and their celestial juice flows like rivers. Devas celebrate in these enchanting gardens with the Devis.
There is no place for disease, ageing and death here.
Mount Meru marks the centre of Bhoomi, on whose top, Brahma Deva’s puri is situated. It is surrounded by Ashtadikpalaka’s puris on eight sides.
Note – We are not giving a detailed description here as the content is very plain and informative. You may note that these Bhagavatham notes are for going deeper into the mystery of Bhagavatham stories
Hari Om!
and understand the Thathwam hidden in them. It gives the geographical details in an attractive manner.
We can see the exaggeration given in certain narrations as our Rishis are excellent story tellers.
Here, we have to understand that this visible world is the ‘Virat Swaroopam’ of the invisible Supreme. Unless we honour our Mother Earth, we cannot claim to be true devotees of the Lord.
Dear Devotee,
We observe Earth day and speak on the environmental issues we are facing today. But our ancestors had shown us the right way to live in this world and beyond, long back.
If we do not have eyes to see the beauty of nature before us, how good are our eyes?
Isn’t it our duty to protect nature?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 5.16.1 – 5.16.30)
Hari Om!
Ganga Varnana
This chapter first describes descend of the Holy Ganga from her heavenly abode.
Sri Suka says, “When Lord Vamana took the first step of His right foot on Earth in Mahabali’s Yagnashala and lifted His left foot, his thumb nail brushed the crust of ‘Andakadaham’. Through that hole, a celestial flow of water entered inside. After a long time, it reached Swargam”.
The touch of Bhagavan’s Lotus Feet had made it very pure (so called ‘Bhagavad Padi’) and its mere touch could purify the outer and inner states of any one in any world.
The place where Ganga appeared first is called Dhruvaloka and also Vishnupadam. Dhruva worships the holy river with great devotion.
As Ganga descends from Dhruvamandalam, the Saptharshis bear her on their ‘jada’. Nothing could please them more. For a devotee, anything that relates to the Lord is precious.
From there, Ganga reaches the Brahmapuri on Mount Meru. There she separates into four – Seetha, Alakananda, Chakshus, Bhadra. They flow in four directions and reach the ocean.
Hari Om!
Seetha flows in the eastern direction, Chakshus in the western direction, Bhadra in the northern direction and Alakananda in the southern direction through Bharatham. Bharatham is called Karmakshetram, which means the field where all efforts give maximum result.
Note – Here we can see what an honour our ancestors have given to Mother Ganga. There are so many other rivers originating from Mount Meru.
We get the message that our rivers must be honoured and protected as they are the means and reason of our survival and life.
(Bhagavatham 5.17.1 – 5.17.12)
Dear Devotee,
Isn’t it amazing to know our great culture that calls a river as mother? Is there any other culture in this world that unites man and nature into such a divine harmony?
Aren’t you proud to be a Hindu, the one who has inherited this great culture by birth? Then what is holding you back in practising it in your life?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Siva’s Sankarshana Sthuthi
Bhagavatham says, Thretayuga is the era for enjoying sensual pleasure. Krithayuga’s people focus on meditation while in Dwaparayuga and Kaliyuga misery keeps increasing.
This chapter next describes Lord Siva’s Sankarshana Sthuthi.
The Lord as Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Anirudha and Sankarshana (fourth and Thamasik) was worshipped by Lord Siva.
“Oh Bhagavan, the Supreme with all six gunas, my Namaskaram. Your Lotus Feet is the solace for the devotees, seekers get whatever they want from You. Their minds are filled with Your luminous form. Others fall into the cycle of lifetimes.
No Thamas can affect You as You are beyond all gunas”.
He adds, “Vasudeva or Mahath Thatwam is the source of mind. Brahma was born from that and I was born from Brahma. And I create the Devathas from Sathwam, Bhoothas from Thamas and Indriyas from Rajas.
All these are like the birds tied to the same thread. You are the cause of Srishti, Sthithi and Layam”.
Hari Om!
Lord Siva completes, “all men, being proud of their bodily existence, know only the Maya created by You as a mixture of good and bad karma. They do not know how to transcend it. This body consciousness is the cause of the experience of this world. As their karma ends, their bodies drop; again they take another body and it continues like that.
Pranam to Thee, the cause of creation and dissolution of the world”.
Note – the most wonderful message here is, as long as you take pride in your body and become aware of your limited existence only, you are enslaved by the world. Whatever is in the body, is in the world. When you are tied to your body, you are tied to the world too.
Remember, Bhagavan is not limited by Sathwaguna!
(Bhagavatham 5.17.13 – 5.17.25)
Dear Devotee,
We do not have a ‘God and His rival devil’ concept. For us, there is only God. As long as you are identified with your body, you have a world and you have God too.
When you transcend these three, there is only ONE!
How courageous our ancestors were, to proclaim this Truth!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hayagreeva Sthuthi
Bhadrashravas and his fellow men meditated on Lord Hayagreeva, the Dharmaswaroopam of Lord Vasudeva. They praise ‘Bharathavasis’ for their desire for Moksham.
“Namaskaram to the Lord who purifies the hearts of seekers of the Lord!
Thy ‘Mayavilasam’ is astonishing. Everyone sees how death grabs life. Still they do not aspire or work for Mukthi from death.
A father wants to live with the wealth of his dead son as soon as his body is cremated; so is the son who wants to live with the father’s wealth upon his cremation. What a pity!
They do not realize that the purpose of life is, observing Dharmam. They crave for sensory pleasures and do sins for achieving it.
Even a seeker who has Knowledge of Scriptures and experienced Samadhi finds it very difficult to overcome Your Maya. But the ones who are deprived of these, because they are blessed with Your Grace become dispassionate and reach the Supreme!
You are the Doer and yet You do nothing. That is the way of the Lord.
Hari Om!
We prostrate before Thee”.
The story says, the asuras Madhu and Kaidabha stole the Vedas and hid them in Rasathalam. Bhagavan took the human form with a horse head called Lord Hayagreeva and recaptured them and gave to Lord Brahma.
Note – what an observation Bhagavatham has done here! The craving for pleasure and comfort overrules human mind beyond any comprehension and even the noblest relation is easily forgotten in this race.
Bhagavatham reminds us of the purpose of life and what we are here for.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.1 – 5.18.6)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have to observe our tendencies – are we suppressing our desires or are we yielding to them? Or are we expressing them in the light of wisdom through introspection?
Suppressing and yielding cannot help us. We can transcend desires only through deep analysis and understanding of what is happening before and after fulfilling desires or dropping desires.
Every step in our life should take us closer to divinity. So, analyse and apply the wisdom to experience or drop a desire, with courage.
Our mind is like the infinite sky that cannot be covered by the fleeting clouds of desires.
So, shift your eyes from the clouds and see the sky!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada’s Sthuthi
Now we can see Prahlada’s Sthuthi along with his fellow men offering Pranams to Lord Narasimha. (This story will appear in the seventh canto).
Prahlada imbibes all good qualities like Mithri, Karuna. He is a great devotee who has a noble character and who does nobles acts, purifying his ‘Daithya Danava Kulam’.
He praises the most luminous form of Lord Narasimha, praying for the removal of ignorance that causes all Karma and give solace to the soul.
He advises his companions too, so that they can also benefit from the devotion to the Lord.
“Let us all wish only the best to one another. Let our minds woo peace. Let our minds reach the Lord by the grace of the Lord”.
“Let us not become passionate towards any one, and if we have any passion, let it be towards Bhagavan’s devotees only who will divert our attention from worldly matters. Houses, spouse, children, wealth and relations should not become hurdles in our path as they will immerse us in worldly pleasures”.
Hari Om!
“Dipping yourself in Holy Ganga will purify your body, but Satsang alone can purify your mind. Then you will develop Nishkama Bhakthi in Bhagavan. Thus you will be blessed with Vairagyam and Jnanam”.
An outgoing mind cannot achieve this. An ordinary person may seem to enjoy respect from the society, but a true devotee alone can gain respect always from every one.
Prahlada says, “when you get attached to your home, you can never escape from its cyclic perils. Your attachment to worldly pleasures and comforts causes fear of losing it, sadness in losing it, anger towards anyone who stands against your desires, helplessness in regaining it and thus misery and mental agony”.
“So, become a devotee of the Lord and experience true happiness”, Prahlada advises.
Note – Prahlada is a role model who conducts himself well and encourages others too. He is selfless and elevates other minds as well as his own mind.
It is very noticeable that he understands the greatness of divine grace which alone can bless a seeker with devotion. It is not in your hands, but Bhagavan’s Kripa alone can purify your mind.
Hari Om!
Why one should practise detachment and develop devotion? Prahlada explains very beautifully.
No wonder, even the lineage of Asuras was purified by his birth.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.7 – 5.18.14)
Dear Devotee,
True Satsang is uplifting our own mind while helping and guiding our co-pilgrims in our spiritual journey.
Unless we are very alert and aware, the people who seem to help us can in reality pull us down.
We should develop the skill to accept the good thoughts and reject the bad thoughts from ourselves and others. It is not the individual person, but the knowledge that comes from any person that deserves our attention.
This uncompromising commitment and determination alone can help us move ahead towards our goal.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lakshmi Devi’s Sthuthi
The Lord in the form of Kamadeva is worshipped by Lakshmi Devi and the 366 sons and daughters of Samvatsara Prajapathi.
The prayer says, “Ordinary women worship you and pray to get someone else as husband. They do not realize that their husband cannot protect them or their children or their wealth or their life. The one who is already captivated in the mouth of a python, how can he save someone else? Wise women woo Bhagavan only, who alone is the saviour!
The ignorant ones do not mind hurting others while aspiring for their own comfort and pleasure. How can they be protectors?”.
Lakshmi Devi continues, “when a devotee has Sakama Bhakthi, Bhagavan grants what he aspires, but it will eventually perish. But when he has Nishkama Bhakthi, he will be blessed with all that he needs”.
Now, Goddess Lakshmi gives a warning too, “even Gods take penance to possess me. But only those surrendered devotees of Bhagavan get even a glimpse from me”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan’s beloved wife concludes her prayer, “Who knows Your will? You are carrying me in your chest, but You are always blessing your Bhakthas with your lotus like palm on their head. Please bless me too”.
Note –We may wonder, why only women are mentioned here. But we must take it as all human beings who adore or get attracted to people more than the Lord.
Think, is your dear one capable of protecting you from all perils in life? Then why keep them in your memory always? If you have constant remembrance of the Lord, who alone can protect you, isn’t it wiser?
Throughout the Samvatsaram (year) indicates this constant remembrance.
No wonder, Goddess Lakshmi could not find a better husband than Lord Narayana.
This prayer also reminds us that the Supreme knows what is best for us, more than us. So whatever He grants will be much better than what we want for ourselves.
Lakshmi Devi represents abundance in life. A man who runs after wealth is not blessed by Mother Lakshmi.
Hari Om!
But the one who is surrendered before the Lord is blessed with everything in life.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.15 – 5.18.23)
Dear Devotee,
Whenever things do not go the way as we expect, we worry, blame and grumble. We lose faith and forget that the Supreme Intellect knows us better than we know ourselves.
So, when we turn back in life, we realize that the so called bad times have in reality brought the best things in our life.
What is true devotion? It is simply the constant remembrance of the Lord. Whatever you speak or do, remember Him.
That will save you from all bondages of ‘doership’ and ‘experiencership’ and thus you can escape from the cycle of Karma and Karmaphalam.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Matsya Sthuthi
Sradhadeva still worships the ‘Matsya avatharam’ of Bhagavan who saved him as King Sathyavratha from ‘pralayam’ in Ramyaka varsham.
“Namaskaram to the Lord who resides in every one and moves around everywhere as Prana. Vedas manifest from Your sound. The entire world plays like puppets in your hands. You are the Protector, yet remains Unknown”.
The story says, in the end, Bhagavan in the form of a Matsyam ties a gigantic boat that carries the Earth and King Sathyavratha and flashes through the ocean of Time.
Note – this story part depicts the importance of Matsyavatharam. Here Bhagavan is described as the Prana that controls every living being in creation.
He is the protector of the flow of life in this creation.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.24 – 5.18.28)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Whenever you are hurt or insulted by others, do not give over importance to their behaviour.
Remember, there is only ONE doer here and the entire drama of life is a mere puppet show.
This will save your mind from all strong negative impressions. Like we save our nostrils from sinking into water, we have to save our mind from sinking into negativity.
The most precious gift one can have is a pure mind.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Koorma Sthuthi
Lord Koorma is worshipped by Aryamav and his fellow men in Hiranmayavarsham, praising the divine qualities.
“Oh Bhagavan, Namaskaram to Thee. All Your Avatharas are illuminated by Thy Mayashakthi. They all have come for a specific purpose and unreal too. They are countless. Namaskaram to Thee who have manifested in infinite forms”.
He says, “There is nothing apart from You. You are the creation and You are the witness too. There is nothing that is not made up of God”.
Note – This Sthuthi includes the most highest Vedantha “Sarvam Khvalidam Brahmam”. It says, all are the avathars of the same divinity and each has come with a purpose too. There is only God appearing and disappearing through these countless forms in creation.
How is it possible? Or how is it understandable?
God has given us the secret of creation too. How?
Imagine that you had a dream when you slept last night. You saw yourself in a crowd in a big city.
Hari Om!
Now think, who created the city and all the streets and buildings? Who created the crowd, their costumes and their whole personalities?
Who created yourself?
And finally, who witnessed this dream?
In the deep sleep, there was only one “YOU” and everything appeared and disappeared in your ‘bodham’ or consciousness. Everything was made up of this consciousness only.
And this pure consciousness is called God!
The Jnani who realizes this Truth, has realized God or the Self.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.29 – 5.18.33)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many devotees ask us, how to know the purpose of their life and how to be successful?
If the Lord Himself takes a particular form to serve a specific purpose, we too must have come here for a specific purpose.
Unless and until you realize the purpose of your life, you will not experience true happiness too.
So, observe what gives enduring happiness to you naturally, without any deliberate effort or compulsion from yourself and others.
Which gives joy to yourself and others, realize, that is the purpose of your life…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhoomi Devi’s Sthuthi to Lord Varaha
Bhoomidevi praises the glory of the Lord in His Varaha avatharam.
“Namaskaram to the Bhagavan who gives the purest of Karmaphalam. Those who are immersed in Karma (both Vaidik and Loukik) and the Karmaphalam, cannot realize the Lord’s presence in their body, mind and all other faculties.
As fire is hidden in firewood, You are hidden in human faculties. Through Yoga one focuses on Your form and then You are accessible to him”.
Now the Atma is described here. Sensory experiences like sound, the senses that enter into them, the devas that rule the senses, the body that inhabits them, TIME that causes its existence, EGO that takes pride in that body – all these form the Mayaguna and Atma appears to be associated with it.
Without Chaithanyam, none of them has existence. When the intellect gets purified through Yoga, the same Atma becomes dissociated with Mayaguna.
Bhoomidevi prostrates before the Nirgunaswaroopam and Parameswaraswaroopam of the Lord.
Hari Om!
Why creation happens? Because Bhagavan is so compassionate. HE knows that only through the life cycles through various bodies, all beings get Mukthi.
Creation through Rajas, Maintenance through Sathwa and Dissolution through Thamas – all happen because of Easwara.
Bhoomidevi concludes her prayer praising the glory of the Varahamoorthi whosaved her from the grip of Hiranyaksha.
Note – Varahamoorthi is the ‘Yajnamoorthi’ form of the Lord. Yajnam is the karma that one does to get a result.
When we do karma, it is very easy to fall into the trap of ‘doership’. When we experience the karmaphalam, we fall into the trap of ‘experiencership’ too.
When we forget the Lord who resides in us and gives us power, we forget that we cannot even lift a blade of grass without that Chaithanyam.
Who is there to give the karmaphalam, other than Bhagavan Himself?
Hari Om!
A very noticeable statement is made here. Bhagavan is accessible to the wise one who seeks Him, not to everyone.
(Bhagavatham 5.18.34 – 5.18.39)
Dear Devotee,
When we boast of our achievements, do we ever think, “Who has given me the power to do this work? Who makes me walk, talk and move?”.
Meditate on this question and see what answer you get.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Rama Sthuthi
Sri Hanuman praises the glory of Lord Rama with Sitadevi and Lakshmana.
“The Supreme Truth known through the Vedas, the Supreme Joy, unaffected by the gunas or states like jagrath, not seen by any one, that formless and nameless Thatwam. It is known to those with pure and sharp intellect only. I prostrate before Thee”.
Rama was born not to kill Ravana merely. He in the human form experienced all sorts of human sufferings. Separation from the dear ones, attacks from enemies, dependence on others for protecting Swadharmam – all these are inevitable in a human life. In all situations one must move ahead according to the need of the situation.
Rama was the embodiment of Supreme Joy. How could He get affected by the separation of His wife Sitadevi? It was none other than the Leela of Lord Rama.
How could He abandon Lakshmana when he disobeyed Rama’s instruction?
Hari Om!
(As Rama was conversing with a Devadootha, He instructed Lakshmana to watch at the door and not to allow any one enter the room. Then Sage Durvasav came and Lakshmana went in to inform Rama. When Rama was about to kill Lakshmana, Sage Vasishta interrupted and advised Him to abandon Lakshmana instead).
Rama lived as a perfect example for a King, servant, son and husband.
Your noble birth or beauty or any other good quality or qualification will not entitle you for His Prasad. Only innocent devotion will help you reach His abode.
Hanuman says, “otherwise how would He accept we, vanaras?”.
Hanuman assures, “sing His glory with utmost devotion, and the Lord will accept you, forgiving all your sins. Noble men find only goodness in others. Then what to say about the Supreme?”.
Note – Bhagavan in the form of Lord Rama has displayed all the agony an ordinary human being can possibly undergo. The dilemma in any human life is beautifully portrayed in Rama’s life and how He observes His Dharma by conquering all mental conflicts.
Not many will have to face such challenges as Rama faced. It shows us how we can manage our own challenges and still hold onto
Hari Om!
Dharmam. Who can realize that Supreme? Only those who have pure and sharp intellect to penetrate deep into the Self.
Here Lakshmana shows the ideal example of Brahmana Bhakthi, for whom his own life was secondary then. And Rama is the One who protected Dharmam beyond all challenges in His life.
The Lord is equally accessible to anyone, even a bird or animal surrendering with true devotion.
(Bhagavatham 5.19.1 – 5.19.8)
Dear Devotee,
Our Avatharams are our true Gurus who have lived their lives for imparting guidance to us. Anyone who gets confused need only look into Ramayanam to get the most appropriate message to find direction.
Tell your children stories of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. Let them grow up with awareness of our rich heritage and the unfailing guidance from our Masters.
Never compare them with negative people. Always inspire them to imbibe the nobility and character shown by our Gurus.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada’s Sthuthi
In Bharatha Varsha, Bhagavan appears as Naran and Narayanan simultaneously and do penance to guide devotees. It is the Lord’s unparalleled compassion to develop Dharmam, Jnanam, Vairagyam and all Aiswaryam in His Bhakthas.
Thus Bhagavan teaches how to do penance.
Here, Sage Narada is the chief devotee who praises His glory mentioning His supreme virtues. HE is beyond all cravings and is the source of purity who witnesses every thing.
The Lord loves His devotees more than a materialistic person loves wealth. One must have constant devotion, then only your mind will remember Him at the time of death.
Such a true devotion is nothing but the blessings of the Lord.
So, Narada prays for the removal of “I”ness and “My”ness and getting established in constant devotion.
Note – We know how single focussed some people are, to acquire wealth. As a miser searches for and loves his money, one must try to seek God. Then only HE will become accessible to us.
Hari Om!
Some people become proud of their devotion, forgetting that it is not their merit, but the blessings of the Lord.
(Bhagavatham 5.19.1 – 5.19.15)
Dear Devotee,
Many people have a misunderstanding that devotion is for the aged to become peaceful in the fag end of their life.
But think, how do we calculate or know when we will die. It could be next moment or after fifty years.
If it is next moment, are we all prepared to leave the present body in peacefulness and devotion? Because that determines our further journey.
When you buy a washing machine, will you postpone reading the user manual until it becomes obsolete?
Remember, our Scriptures are like Reference Manuals to use our mind well from the beginning stage of our life.
That alone can ensure our successful life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Glory of Bharatham
Now Bhagavatham tells us, how fortunate we are all to be born in our great Bharatham. It describes the various rivers and mountains that adorn our beautiful country’s landscape. The holy rivers provide water to the masses here.
According to the gunas, one may get Devathwam, Manushyathwam or Narakagathi.
Then what qualifies you for liberation? True devotion only. It removes your ignorance and thus entitles you for Satsang. The noble men’s advices give strength to your devotion and thus leads you to Self Realization.
That is why Bhagavatham says, even the heavenly beings are jealous of those who get birth as humans in Bharatham.
Because, what you can get utmost is Swargam after intense penance etc. That is fleeting and immaterial as there is no chance of remembrance of the Lord owing to the effect of heavenly pleasures.
Nothing else can give the joy of devotion. But many people keep on doing the same mistake of yielding to sensory pleasures. They do not find a way out of misery too.
Hari Om!
So, the Devas pray, “please let us have birth in Ajanabham(another name for Bharatham) and have the memory of Lord Hari”.
Sri Suka gave a detailed account of Bharatham and its eight islands to King Parikshith, saying that it was advised by His Guru.
Note – An excellent example of a bird is given here. It was sitting on a tree’s branch when the hunter came with a net. It could somehow escape, but again went back to the same tree and thus got caught up by the hunter.
When we get into a miserable experience, we should learn from it and move away from it to save ourselves. But again and again we commit the same mistakes in life.
It shows how much ignorant we are and how much incapable we are in absorbing wisdom.
Our motherland is the most auspicious place in this Earth owing to its precious culture. Do we really know its value?
Another notable point is Sage Suka’s humility in giving honour to his Guru for the knowledge he had received.
Hari Om!
Our masters were always transferring knowledge; they never hid it away from the deserving seekers. And they never took any credit for themselves.
(Bhagavatham 5.19.16 – 5.19.31)
Dear Devotee,
Our country is a treasure house of knowledge which attracts many scholars from all over the world. But do we have any clue of its vastness or depth?
When our generation leaves this planet, are we transferring that wisdom to the future generations?
When will we realize that we are born rich and take charge of our heritage?
So, study the Scriptures, illuminate your mind and inspire others too.
That is the best way to serve our Bharath Matha.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Description of the world’s islands
Bhagavatham describes the beautiful landscape and all the rivers and mountains in various places. There are special majestic trees in these islands.
We will look at the most important points in these verses.
Here, Lord Surya is worshipped as the Swaroopam of Lord Vishnu. Sun is the witness of good and bad Karma. Moon is worshipped as He gives the elixir of life to the plants.
Now, Agni is worshipped as the messenger to Bhagavan in Yajnas. Then the various rivers and mountains are honoured.
Note – We have always honoured the Sun and Moon. For us, Sun is the source of energy and the most illuminated form visible to us. Naturally we see Surya as the symbol of Bhagavan.
We depend on the plants for food and our survival is possible only with the help from Moon. Our life moves on with the help of rivers and mountains and nature in its various forms.
(Bhagavatham 5.20.1 – 5.20.34)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We can see how respectfully we have protected our Mother Earth.
We had the culture of interdependence to share and care for all beings in this planet.
We called Sun as our father, Earth as our mother and Moon as our most beloved ‘Ambili Ammava or Chanda Mama’. Our children grew up with this imagination.
This sense of belongingness towards nature protected us.
Now we have to revive this culture, which we had lost by the invasions of ‘less cultured’ civilizations. Only Bharatham can provide a solution to the ailment of the world.
Are we ready to work for a safer planet?
Are we ready for a change?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Description of the world’s islands
There is a magnanimous mountain called ‘Lokalokam’ separating the visible and invisible worlds. Beyond it, even the sunlight cannot enter!
Bhagavan resides in this mountain as the embodiment of ‘Sathwaguna’. Why the formless Lord chooses such a form?
That is His will only, which no one can question.
The Sun represents Bhagavan in this visible world as the Devatha of eyes. All living beings worship Lord Surya.
Note – In India, Sun worship or ‘Surya Namaskar’ was practised from age old times. It helps you derive energy into your system and makes your body healthy and mind strong.
It is very difficult for the mind to imagine the formless. So a form helps you focus and thereby concentrating your entire attention to a single point.
Sun as the source of light illuminates your eyes and thus enters your mind. The seeker starts from the light, realizes the sense, deepens his discovery to the mind and finally reaches the Self that gives existence to that mind too.
Hari Om!
Our Upanishads explain this ‘self enquiry’ very beautifully.
(Bhagavatham 5.20.35 – 5.20.47)
Dear Devotee,
Encourage the young children to do Surya Namaskar daily.
Let them grow up in the light of Wisdom.
Let them discover the ‘Inner Sun’ of their being.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Traversal of the Sun
We can read the Science of Astronomy in Srimad Bhagavatham here.
Our Rishis were so scientific in their approach that they could calculate the traversal of Sun and the length of day and night in Dakshinayanam, Utharayanam and Vaishuvatham.
In various months, day time and night time differ.
The availability of sunlight is maximum in the equator and on one part of the globe it will be midnight while the opposite part enjoys noon sunlight.
Sun appears to revolve around Earth, while it is the opposite way.
Note – Imagine, this was written five thousand years back.
When the West imprisoned and killed their Scientists for speaking Truth, long back our Masters revealed the secrets of nature and shared it.
India had always respected Science alongwith Spirituality.
How broad minded our ancestors were!
(Bhagavatham 5.21.1 – 5.21.19)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Don’t you feel proud to be a part of this great culture and civilization?
We are not giving a very detailed description here, as it is more informative than transformative.
Our aim is to focus on the Thathwam embedded in the Holy Scripture’s stories.
We would appreciate the curious readers to read Bhagavatham for more details on these subjects.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Solar System
Here Solar System is described with a vivid detailing power. The clockwise and anticlockwise rotation and revolving of planets is compared to the movement of ants in the opposite direction of a revolving potter’s wheel!
Solar calendar, lunar calendar, the proximity of planets in the solar system etc are given with a scientific note. Inter planetary distance and how planets affect one another are also described.
Note – All planets are portrayed as either ‘shubha’ or ‘dosha’ along with their effects which has formed the basis of Astrology. We are not going into a detailed note here as the information is direct and simple to understand.
(Bhagavatham 5.22.1 – 5.22.18)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many great minds have started working on creating awareness in our ancient sciences. Our contribution to humanity in all walks of life was truly great.
Many centuries of foreign rule has destroyed our self esteem to a great extent.
We must be able to give answers when people ask questions about our history and contributions.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Dhruva star and other planets
We have read Dhruva’s story in the fourth canto. How Mother Suneethi directed him to seek the Lord at a very tender age and how Sage Narada guided him as a SatGuru.
Now we can see him shining as a brilliant pole star.
All planets float around ‘Dhruva Nakshatra’ in the form of ‘Sisumara’, the visible form of Lord Vasudeva.
The list of all planets in the various parts of this divine form is given here.
The one who offers prayers thrice a day remembering Bhagavan in the ‘Sisumara’ form will be relieved from all present sins.
(Bhagavatham 5.23.1 – 5.23.9)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Our Rishis were great scientists. They were experts in discovering the mysteries in the outer universe as well as the inner realms of Knowledge.
A Technologist applies what someone else has discovered.
A Scientist is a seeker of Knowledge.
Tell your children to watch the night sky. Let them wonder about the stars and this universe.
Let the Scientists in them wake up.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The different lower Lokas
Bhagavatham describes Rahu (Simhika’s son) and how he causes solar and lunar eclipses (grahanam) to Sun and Moon.
The lower worlds are called Athalam, Vithalam, Suthalam, Thalathalam, Mahathalam, Rasathalam and Pathalam. They are called Bilaswargas. These worlds are ideal places to offer all sensory pleasures and luxuries.
They give sweetest music to the ears, delicious food to the tongue and most attractive scenes to lure the eyes. Men and women among various kinds of beings including serpents untiringly indulge in physical activities of pleasure devoid of fear of aging and death.
There is only one thing that can destruct them and hence cause fear in them. It is the Lord’s Sudarsana Chakram!
Note – Why the lower worlds are so attractive? Because they cater to the needs of senses. As long as your mind is caught up in the bodily attractions it is very difficult to overcome them and uplift your mind to the Higher Truth.
Hari Om!
‘Sudarsanam’ means good vision and as it acts as a weapon to destroy the cataract of ignorance, your journey to higher planes starts.
(Bhagavatham 5.24.1 – 5.24.15)
Dear Devotee,
Today we can see meanest advertisements to lure young minds inviting them to enjoy ‘life’.
What is life? It is not meant to exhaust your mind, the senses and body through endless enjoyment.
When you realize and experience intense joy through meditation, your lower instincts will fade away.
But for that, one must try it first. Those who have realized the importance of meditation should pass this message to beginners and inspire them.
Let us make this world a higher world!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The masters of lower Lokas
Athalam is ruled by an Asura named Balan (Mayan’s son) and his fellow people. Women who are very skilled in entertaining men please them a lot.
Vithalam is inhabited by Hadakeswaran (Lord Siva) and the Bhoothagana.
Below that, Suthalam is inhabited by Mahabali who was thus blessed by the Lord. He surrendered the three worlds before the Lord and hence was appropriately granted with Suthalam.
Bhagavan gave the ‘three worlds’ to Indra, but it is not a blessing at all as it diverts your mind from Bhagavan. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada who rejected kingship for the sake of devotion! Lord Narayana safe guards Mahabali’s palace because of his true devotion.
Thalathalam is inhabited by Mayan and Mahathalam is dwelled by Sarpas (Kadru’s sons) like Thakshaka etc.
Asuras live in Rasathalam. Vasuki and such serpent kings live in Pathalam shining with the gleam of precious stones on their heads.
Hari Om!
Note – Mahabali’s detailed story will come in eighth canto. Here a mention of all inhabitants is made.
(Bhagavatham 5.24.16 – 5.24.31)
Dear Devotee,
We can see that a great character like Mahabali is portrayed as a funny character who was sentenced to Pathalam.
But Bhagavatham tells us how he was honoured by the Lord.
If you surrender everything before Bhagavan, you become His most beloved. How can He ever reject you or deject you?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Adishesha
Here Lord Adishesha( Anantha) as the Thamoguna Moorthi is praised. Thamas indicates the dissolution as Lord Rudra is born from this form of Lord.
The entire Bhoomi rests on one of the infinite heads of Anantha, merely as a dust particle. Lord Narada praises Bhagavan’s glory in the Brahma Loka.
All these worlds described are attainable by the Karmaphalam of humans.
(Bhagavatham 5.25.1 – 5.25.15)
Dear Devotee,
‘Anantha’ means endless infinity.
What we see as a magnanimous world is a mere dust particle in the realm of infinity. But our ego covers our vision and we think we are the masters of this universe.
Let us become humble before the infinite Supreme power of nature and blend as a part of nature. Then only we can survive here.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Narak lokas
This is the chapter where Bhagavatham describes the Narak lokas one may attain according to his karmaphalam.
The first three slokas are most important and hence let us have a closer look at them.
King parikshith asks, “Oh Sage, why there is so much difference in this world?”.
The Rishi replies, “the intention behind the action determines the way of Karma”.
Each time the Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas gunas vary and hence the Sradha or attention with which one does the karma also varies.
Sathwa decides Dharma, Rajas decides mixed Dharma and Adharma, Thamas decides Papam. Accordingly one attains Swargam, Bhoomi and Narakam.
If one does a karma prohibited by the Veda, it will lead him to Naraka.
Sradha gets shaken due to various ‘kama vrithis’ in the mind.
(Bhagavatham 5.26.1 – 5.26.3)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is not the action but the intention behind the action that determines if it is a noble act or not.
A wound caused by the doctor as part of treatment and by the thief cannot be considered as same act.
The purpose makes the words and deeds great.
Then who gives the karmaphalam to you?
It is none other than yourself! Then why blame destiny?
Instead, watch your intention always!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
A very detailed description of the various Narak lokas are given here. What karma leads you to each one of them?
Read it yourself and get bewildered. So, we will not mention them here.
Note : We are not giving a detailed explanation of the slokas here, as it is a very direct message. Usually we can see the warnings of punishment by sentencing one to the hell in semantic religions.
Why Bhagavatham gives a similar warning to us? Because fear diverts the mind faster than wisdom.
A vulnerable mind that seeks sensual pleasure is not wise and can yield to any temptations easily. It will be very difficult to stop such a person from committing mistakes. There, fear of punishment and the consequent suffering diverts his mind immediately to wisdom.
But, we must understand that a mind gripped by fear constantly cannot experience joy either.
Heaven and Hell are the creations of your own mind and hence you can experience it here and now. The unfathomable law of Karma is established in this part of Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
True wisdom is transcending all your good and bad traits of mind through surrender.
So, Bhagavatham tells us to see Bhagavan everywhere in this visible world and serve everyone. Mind will move from the gross Form of world to the subtle Formless Truth eventually.
(Bhagavatham 5.26.4 – 5.26.41)
Dear Devotee,
In Bhagavath Geeta, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna about the various methods to train the mind and overcome its weaknesses.
However, He tells Arjuna as a conclusion, to surrender himself totally at His Lotus Feet.
Your ‘badness’ leads to regret and guilt and your ‘goodness’ leads to arrogance. Both causes doership and experiencership and you can not free your mind from those clutches. Total surrender liberates you and you become the true instrument of the Lord!
With this, we are coming to the end of the Fifth Canto.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Canto 6
Introduction to the Sixth Canto
Sixth canto talks about ‘Poshanam’. As our body needs nutritious food for its healthy maintenance, our mind also needs positive thoughts for its strength and courage. We seldom realize the influence of positive thoughts; hence we do not care to cultivate it.
So one eventually falls into the ditches of negativity and suffers silently and become violent often. Mind decides the quality of life and every individual is the master of their own mind.
If one ignores that, they miss a great opportunity to uplift their mind. This is generally because of their association with whom they interact and depend on. If a negative mind influences another weak mind, it leads to pleasure in the beginning, but disaster in the end.
We often see in the media how people fall into infatuation and finally reach a total disastrous and disgraceful life.
Here Bhagavatham is a great guidance which enlightens us how one should cultivate positive and transformative thoughts which help one’s own upliftment.
Hari Om!
Sixth canto contains the story of Ajamila which is almost like a present day TV serial story, where a person with a family gets attracted to a beautiful lady. He gets enchanted with her beauty and forgets and ignores his family. After so many years of sensory enjoyment one day he realized the disastrous life he had been leading and felt guilty.
He decided to transform his mind from all such negativities and could experience the serene, peaceful and joyful divine presence of the Lord within.
There are some more stories which also help us to understand how one should nurture one’s own mind to lead a respectful and joyful life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
We are beginning the Sixth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham which narrates stories of ‘Bhagavad Kripa’ that alone can nourish our lives.
Fifth Canto ends with a scaring account of punishments that one can receive as a result of their sins.
Upon hearing them, King Parikshith asks Sage Suka, “Oh Bhakthothama! Please tell me the way to escape from the Narak lokas even if one commits sins”.
Sri Suka replies, “Unless the sinner does the Prayashchitham before he dies, he will have to suffer afterwards. So, one must try to purify himself from all mental, verbal and bodily sins”.
Parikshith asks further, “Even if one knows this truth, unless he is free from such vasanas, he may repeat the same sins. Then how can Prayashchitham help him? Isn’t it a temporary cleansing like an elephant’s bath?”.
Sri Suka replies, “Yes, Papam and Prayashchitham relate to Ajnanam. The main remedy to purify yourself is through Jnanam. With constant practice, an ignorant person can attain Knowledge.
Hari Om!
It is a very hard path that includes Thapas(penance), Brahmacharyam, Shamam(subsiding the mind), Damam(subsiding the senses), Thyagam(sharing with others), Sathyam(truthfulness), Shoucham(physical cleanliness), Yamam(non-violence), Niyamam(doing Mantra Japam, Easwara Pooja) etc. If you practise it through so many janmas, you will become free from ‘Kamadi doshas’ and you will know Dharma rahasyam. You will have faith in the Scriptures and Guruvakyam. Thus all your sins will perish, however powerful they are”.
Then Suka says, “The other path is that of Bhakthi. The very rare Bhakthas who have the mental purity to surrender at the Lotus Feet of Lord Vasudeva do not have to do any such sadhana. As the Sun wipes the mist, their sins get removed completely. No penance can cleanse you like devotion. The true Bhaktha will always get support from Satsang.
Even if you wash a liquor pot with Ganga water, its foul smell remains. Similarly, no prayashchitham can purify your sin like Bhagavad Bhakthi can do. Even death can not touch such a devotee.
I can prove it through the conversation between Vishnu Doothas and Yama Doothas”.
Hari Om!
Note : Here, the salutation Bhakthothama is noticeable as Sri Suka was not praised for his Jnanam, but his Bhakthi.
Why does the King want to get a remedy even after committing sins? Because, it is very natural that one may make mistakes in life and there must be some way to wash away their stains.
It is the nature of human mind to repeat its cycles. No temporary solution can help us, so we all want permanent remedies. That too must be easy to follow!
Let us see what Bhagavatham will tell us in the next slokas.
(Bhagavatham 6.1.1 – 6.1.20)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The ego takes pride in doing great things, but the heart enjoys doing simple things. Jnanam can arouse our ego, which will make it harder to pursue the spiritual journey.
But Bhakthi melts the heart and you become naturally surrendered. The devotee can not see Bhagavan separately, the Lord is a constant companion for him/her.
All fears disappearing, all regrets gone, all anxieties vanishing and the devotee’s life turns into a true celebration!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Ajamila’s story starts here and we will study the Slokas well.
Ajamila was a noble Brahmin who lived in the town of Kanyakubjam. He was an ardent follower of Dharma who took care of his parents, wife and children well and observed all rituals like Agnihotram. He was full of noble virtues and lived a peaceful life.
But unfortunately, he was enchanted by the beauty of a prostitute and married her.
From then onwards, his life took an ugly turn. His focus was always on his new wife and tried to please her with his hard earned money, and when that was insufficient he looted from others too.
He spent time in gambling, stealing and hurting others. He lived such a pitiable life till he reached the age of eighty eight. He had ten sons in her and the last son was named Narayana whom he was feeding and pampering all the time.
While living like this, Ajamila was not aware of the approaching death. One day, the Yama Doothas came to take him to Yamaloka. Seeing their most terrible forms with the ‘Kalapasham’ to bind him, he screamed in fear and called his youngest son Narayana who was playing nearby.
Hari Om!
His cry fell on the ears of Vishnu Doothas who rushed to his rescue and stopped the Yama Doothas from taking his life.
Yama Doothas were surprised and they asked, “Who are you? You all look very gracious and divine. Why are you stopping us from obeying our master’s order to kill this man?”.
Vishnu Doothas laughed, “If you are the true servants of Dharmaraja, tell us, what is the nature of Dharma? How do you punish people? What is the ideal place for it? Do you punish all doers or only some of them?”.
Yama Doothas replied, “Dharma is what the Vedas approve and Adharma is what the Vedas reject. And the Vedas manifest from Lord Narayana. Dharma and Adharma are observed by witnesses like the Sun, Moon, Agni, etc. and the concerned doer will get appropriate punishment too. Punishing them is our duty”.
They added, “Karma depends on Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas; Karmaphalam makes one Sukhi, Dukhi and the blend of both. One’s life situation gives a clue on if he has Punyam or Papam.
Your present gives a clue on your past and your future too”.
Hari Om!
This is how the world assumes about you.
Note : Here, we are getting the most noticeable wisdom that your present life indicates your past life and it points to your future life too.
Yes, what you are today was the result of all your self-effort in the past and what you do now will determine what you will become tomorrow.
Your Life is a series of small steps you have taken so far. Their direction shows where you are heading to.
Ajamila’s story is a very popular story and much misinterpreted too. Ajamila was not a bad man, but he was living a very religious life.
Then what happened to him on all of a sudden? We will hear it from the Yama Doothas in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.1.21 – 6.1.47)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Here we are seeing the sudden pitfalls that occurred in a noble man’s life.
Even if you observe Dharma religiously, you may become weak. Why is it so?
Because Dharma as pure ‘doership’ can become monotonous too.
When your mind is caught up in the whirlpool of passion and desires, the first thing you lose is the discrimination of Dharma.
Then think, ‘what will I get from the fulfillment of this desire?” and then act accordingly with wisdom.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yama Doothas spoke:
The world judges a person by his external appearance and behaviour and position in life.
What about Bhagavan? He is the ‘All Knowing’ ONE hiding within every one’s heart and sees the past, present and future of all.
God knows everything, but the individual ‘Jeevan’ does not know anything other than his present body. In sleep, you take your dream as reality forgetting your awaken state completely. It is the effect of your deep sleep. Similarly, ‘MayaMoham’ veils you with ‘Vismrithi’.
The Lord is beyond Maya and is the KNOWER.
The Jeevan takes in the knowledge of world through five senses like eyes and ears called Jnanendriyas and uses five Karmendriyas to speak etc. The ten Indriyas and the five sensory objects associated with the mind becomes the experiencer. This ‘linga shareeram’ causes happiness, unhappiness and fear to the Jeevan.
Jeevan forgets its true nature of ‘Sachidanandam’ and becomes the doer of Karma. He suffers and destroys himself like the worm getting locked up in the ‘hole less’ nest made by itself.
Hari Om!
No one is free from doing Karma – bodily, verbally or mentally – due to the influence of ‘Raga’ or craving that pushes him into that. For unknown reasons of Vasanas, one takes a male or female body and suffers in this Samsaram.
After describing the misery in the world, Yama Doothas conclude with the way to Mukthi too. It is none other than the most intense worship of the Lord! There is no other way to liberation.
Then they clearly explained how Ajamila’s life turned out to be so miserable? We will see it very soon.
Note : Bhagavatham reminds us constantly that we are our own enemies. How? Like a worm we keep on producing the glue to build a nest and finally we ‘shut in’ ourselves without leaving even a hole to come out.
What a gripping picture is laid before us. Are we aware of this ‘self made’ web of thoughts?
We take this world which is only a projection of our own sensory perception very seriously. We toil till the end of our life, till the last breath, to hold onto it, to sustain this perishable body and enjoy life till the last moment!
Hari Om!
We forget the most precious faculty called Mind and we seldom use it wisely. The same mind can cause your bondage and your liberation, but you ignore it and neglect it. By the time you become aware, it may be too late to use it.
(Bhagavatham 6.1.48 – 6.1.55)
Dear Devotee,
When you hold onto a negative thought, you become more and more miserable.
There is only one way to save yourself – that is by replacing the negative thought with positive auto suggestions.
Understand, when you say, “I will face life boldly”, all the divine forces align to help you.
Remember the Lord and surrender!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yama Doothas explain what went wrong in Ajamila’s life.
As we saw earlier, Ajamila was a very noble and religious man. He was a Vedajna with a good character, tolerance, compassion and high morality. He was truthful and pure hearted, had sensory control and was regular in worshipping God.
He used to honour Guru, Agni, old people and was free from arrogance and jealousy. He spoke relevantly and did good to all beings. He was interested in gaining well-being in the ‘Paralokam’.
Such a wise man…
How could he get into such a sinful trap? We will see now.
One day, in obedience to his father’s will Ajamila went to the forest and collected flowers, fruits and other ‘pooja’ materials.
On his way back, he happened to see a ‘Sudra’ making merriment with a beautiful woman. Both were drunken and laughing and singing and dancing in intoxication. He was shameless and had no sense of morality while hugging her lustfully.
Seeing this woman in his arms, Ajamila, due to his sheer Prarabda Karma, was caught up by lust.
Hari Om!
He quickly tried to apply mental courage and Scriptural knowledge to control his mind conquered by Manmadha, but it was all in vain.
Ajamila lost his discriminating power to know what is right and what is wrong. Constantly pondering over her, he left his Swadharmam and wooed Adharmam by attending to her all the time.
He was totally enslaved by her bewitching beauty and discarded his poor wife who was not such an adept in entertaining her husband.
Whatever money he acquired from father or rightful deeds or even wrongful deeds, went to her only. He simply forgot that he would have to pay for all this.
Thus Yama Doothas concluded to the Vishnu Doothas, “Such a sinful life he has lived without any Prayaschitham. So he deserves our punishment, which will correct him eventually. So it is for his own good that we are taking him”.
Note : It is astonishing and disturbing to see a noble person like Ajamila yielding to such a grave mistake. Every statement is heavily loaded with strong messages to us.
This shows the importance of Satsang.
Hari Om!
When you see something stimulating your carnal desires, you tend to lose your wisdom and yield to lower energy.
It is very important to note that Ajamila did not see her alone, but in the bad company of an unwise man demonstrating his pleasure and enjoyment with her.
Isn’t it very familiar to our modern world, where young generations get addicted to adult videos, drugs and drinks? They see people enjoying in such things and get a false feeling that true pleasure is easily available there. Peer pressure is the main villain among child crimes.
This is a very serious situation in our country where even school children get trapped at a tender age and there is no one available to guide and correct them. The number of divorces are increasing explosively because the spouse is not an entertainer and one gets bored in the married life very easily.
Even a noble man like Ajamila suffered from a great fall. What to say about ordinary people? Then what is the solution to all these miseries? The answer is hidden in this story itself.
We have already read that Ajamila was interested in gaining the comforts in ‘Paralokam’.
Hari Om!
It shows that he was not a true devotee of the Lord, but his religious life style was aiming some pleasure at least there. The seeds of desire will definitely sprout, when the appropriate time and situation come in one’s life.
Only a true devotee who has no desire other than the presence of Bhagavan will be protected from all evils in life here and there. All others will have to take longer routes to reach their goal.
(Bhagavatham 6.1.56 – 6.1.68)
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavatham once again shows that it is the most modern text of human psychology and sociology. Again and again we have to assure ourselves that our children are seeing good things and listening to good things and in the company of good people.
A tender plant needs a strong fence to protect itself from grazing cows. But when it grows up to a big tree, the same tree will protect the cows under its shade.
So, let us bring up our children under careful observation till they grow up and take responsibility for themselves and this planet itself.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vishnu Doothas replied to the Yama Doothas:
“Alas! Even Dharmishtas have started doing Adharmam, by punishing innocent people. Great men who are compassionate, who give guidance and who fulfill desires now punish poor people who have taken solace at their feet! Then where can they go for relief? We can’t see their misery.
People blindly follow great men by imitating whatever they do. They never question if it is Dharma or Adharma or right or wrong. These Sadhus rest on their laps, completely surrendering themselves. In that case, is it Dharma to cause harm to these undoubting followers?”.
They continued, “This Ajamila has done Prayaschittha, not for this lifetime, but for all lifetimes to come, by calling Lord Hari’s name. Just by saying Narayana, you are entitled for Moksham. Whatever sins you have done, this Namam purifies you completely forever and you will never ever get into its trap again. Such is the glory of Bhagavad Namam”.
They stated, “the one who chants Bhagavad Namam in his death bed cannot be misguided by death”.
Hari Om!
Even if you chant unknowingly or mockingly, it doesn’t matter, because a wood put on fire knowingly or mistakenly will burn down definitely. Similarly, a medicine taken will definitely heal the body.
Thus they rescued Ajamila from the Yama Doothas who then went to report to Lord Yama.
Ajamila pleased and peaceful by the presence of Vishnu Doothas prostrated and as he tried to say something to them, they disappeared immediately.
It was not yet the right time for him to die, but due to his immoral life, he was inviting an early death. Now purified, he was given a chance to pursue his life.
Note : We can see the effect of surrender in a devotee where he is totally free from the anguish of doubt.
Then we can also realize the depth of Nama Japam which purifies one from all sins in the past, present and future too. When your mind is involved in Japam, it cuts its connection with the outer world and establish connection with the Lord within. That constant remembrance makes all your deeds a worship to the Lord.
Hari Om!
With God in your mind how can you cheat others? How can you hurt others? Your thoughts of God makes your words and deeds divine. You cannot do mistakes any more. No Prayashittham done out of ‘doership’ can purify you like NamaJapam can!
At the time of death, mind with all its vasanas leaves this body and then takes the next body to continue its journey to perfection.
The one who chants His Namam at the time of death is the most fortunate one, because the life long effort of Sadhana has only this one purpose – to remember Bhagavan at the last moment.
We do not know when death will come, so we have to train our mind all the time to receive death while being in the remembrance of Bhagavan.
If you chant knowingly, all the better, but even otherwise, it will save your mind.
We can also see that an immoral life causes toxins in the body and mind and thus shortens your life. This is what we can see all around us now. Youngsters waste their precious life and end in misery.
Hari Om!
Why did Bhagavad Doothas leave Ajamila without allowing him to speak? A beautiful secret is revealed here.
A Master with His awakened awareness knows that you commit a mistake out of ignorance. When you realize your mistake and become aware, you are no longer a sinner. Then speaking about the past, explaining and justifying will all come from your ‘self pity’, regret, defense, ego and thus ‘doership’. It will not help you at all.
So, a Guru will not allow you to explain and justify your mistake.
Then what will help Ajamila now? We will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.2.1 – 6.2.23)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
There are millions of thoughts in our mind. They map into a few hundreds of words. Then they map into a few tens of deeds.
So, not all thoughts become words and not all words become deeds.
Then can we blame any one for not committing their promises?
Can we blame any one for their wrong deeds as some ‘naughty’ thoughts manifested as words and deeds?
Now think, if all the thoughts are divine, what a holy person you become with your blessing words and prayerful presence!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Ajamila was listening to the ‘Trigunas and the related Prayaschitta’ described by YamaDoothas and the purification power of ‘Bhagavad Namam’ explained by Bhagavad Doothas.
As the Bhagavad Doothas disappeared, immense devotion dawned in his heart.
He regretted his mistake, “what a pity, I have fallen like this due to the lack of mind control. ‘Brahmana Kulam’ was disgraced by myself taking birth as my son in a prostitute. What a misfortune!
I deserve disrespect…
I am a sinner, a disgrace to my ‘kulam’ and disowned by great men. I discarded my noble wife and wooed a drunkard woman. I forgot my parents who brought me up and deserted them in their helpless old age.
I will be definitely punished for all these sins by Yama Raja. Sinners must invariably receive his punishments”.
Note: We can see Ajamila’s mind gripped by regret here. Whenever you realize your mistake, the first thing you experience is regret.
Ajamila regrets about giving birth to children from such a bad woman. It is quite noticeable.
Hari Om!
A mother should have noble virtues, otherwise her children will imbibe negative qualities and the future generation will turn out to be worthless.
We can also see here that, more than anyone else, your own mind judges you. It will quote your mistakes one by one and possibly make you feel guilt.
When mind falls into such an emotional trap what is the way out? We will see how Ajamila saves his mind in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.2.24 – 6.2.29)
Dear Devotee,
When we realize our own mistakes, how do we treat ourselves? This becomes the turning point of our life.
It is easier to forgive others than ourselves. We need to develop an impersonal and unbiased attitude towards our own mistakes.
Then only we can do justice to ourselves.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Now Ajamila started wondering, “Where have the people with the rope gone? Was it all a dream? Or am I awake? Where have my saviours gone?”.
Then he said to himself, “even though I have committed sins in this life time, I would have done some good things in my previous lifetimes to get their Darshan. Unless I have acquired some past good karma, I wouldn’t have uttered Bhagavan’s Namam on my death bed. Because, I have only erred in this janmam. Where am I, the disgraceful and shameful creature and the most glorious Bhagavad Namam ‘Narayana’?”.
Now, Ajamila decides, “I am going to arrest my mind and senses from their worldly involvement”.
How is that possible?
Ajamila realizes that, ignorance causes “I”ness in the body which leads to desire and the related deeds and relations with wife and children. He decides to cut it off by surrendering at the Lotus Feet of the Lord to discard his ‘animal’ like life. He would focus only on ‘Bhagavad Namam’.
He set off to Haridwar which is popularly known as ‘Deva Sthanam’ and started penance there.
Hari Om!
He was now able to transcend his ‘body consciousness’ and get established in the presence of the omnipresent Bhagavan. Then he could see his guides (Vishnu Doothas) once again and went along with them to the abode of Sri Bhagavan.
Bhagavatham asks here, “if a sinner like Ajamila could reach Bhagavan through a ‘name sake’ Nama Japam, what would be the merit a true devotee will get, through constant Nama Japam?
Note: Even though Ajamila blamed himself for quite some time, he collected his mind back and started thinking positively. The moment he turned his mind from problem to solution, a new energy sweeps in and he becomes a new man.
Even a few moments of ‘Satsang’ could invoke dispassion in his mind and save his life. We have a tendency to do only those things that can benefit us. Here Bhagavatham tells us what benefits we will get from regular Nama Japam.
Ajamila deserves respect now, because of his exemplary effort to uplift his mind which was immersed in a sinful life. He is a perfect example for us, showing how to apply corrective measures in life as we realize our mistakes.
Hari Om!
We need not dwell on a dull past, but move forward to a bright future with wisdom and courage.
(Bhagavatham 6.2.30 – 6.2.49)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails enquiring how to bring children to a spiritual path. The easiest way is to make them chant Nama Japam from a tender age. It will influence them positively.
As they grow up, they can start meditation as well.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Ajamila’s story reaches its end, King Parikshith asks Sri Suka, “You said, the Yama Doothas went to report this incident to Yama Raja. What was Lord Yama’s response? When every one is under his rule, how did he take the insult to his ordinances? Did he bear this disobedience or protested?. Such an incident was unheard so far”.
Sri Suka replies, “Yama Doothas gave a detailed account of what happened between them and the Vishnu Doothas”.
Yama Doothas reported, “how many masters are there in this world, who have the authority to govern and punish people according to their Karma of ‘Punya, Papa and Mishra’ nature?”.
If there many supreme rulers, it will lead to utter confusion. When a ruler decides to punish a sinner, another ruler may object to it. If a ruler saves a sinner, other rulers will object to that. So, rulers with different opinions will cause total ‘mis-management’ in giving Karmaphalam to people. So, there must be one Supreme authority.
“There may be many kings, but the emperor is only one. For us, the supreme master is none other than you”.
Hari Om!
But surprisingly, when we were executing your order to bring Ajamila to your abode, four noble men obstructed us from doing our duty and saved him. When he called the name ‘Narayana’ they rushed to him telling, “do not fear”.
If you too have the opinion that we need to know about them, please brief us about them. We want to know it from you”.
Note: We get really surprised by the presentation style adopted by the Yama Doothas. How diligently they have expressed themselves? They were utterly confused by the Vishnu Doothas’ act, but they went directly to their master. Using the most humble and respectful words, they asked for clarification.
Usually we can see that a person may approach wrong people for guidance. Even in educational institutions or offices, people may not go to the right authority who can solve their problem.
Instead of asking the right question to the right person in the appropriate manner, so many people jump into ‘self made’ misery. An unnecessarily assuming mind is your enemy.
Asking the right question to clear the doubt will always save you from future sufferings.
Hari Om!
We can also see their scientific analysis for understanding the situation. They were very respectful to their master too.
The beautiful combination of ‘humility with self respect and mutual respect’ in diligent communication is evident in this part of Bhagavatham.
How will Yama reply to them? We will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.3.1 – 6.3.10)
Dear Devotee,
We get so many mails from people of various ages, complaining about their bad experiences in office, especially from their superior officers.
We can assure you one thing.
If you possess the communication skills demonstrated by the Yama Doothas, you will never fail in your inter personal relations.
Sincerity in action supported by skilful communication is the key to success.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka continues, “Lord Yama, the true servant of Bhagavan in ruling over the subjects, was pleased by his assistants’ question and replied”.
Yama said, “Understand, there is a Supreme Lord who has designated me to serve Him. I am lord to the living beings only, besides I have command over the sinners only. I am a mere servant to Him, in whom the whole creation exists like a cloth in its threads. This world of names and karma is governed by Him”.
“Bhagavan is beyond the intellect of even the greatest sages. He is inaccessible to all senses, mind, intellect and all sciences”.
“Bhagavan’s Doothas wander everywhere and come to the rescue of the devotee who calls His Namam for help”.
“There are only twelve great men who have realized the greatness of Bhagavad Namam. They are Lord Brahma, Sage Narada, Lord Siva, Sanathkumaran, Lord Kapila, Manu, Prahlada, King Janaka, Bheeshmar, Mahabali, Sage Sree Suka and myself”.
Others do not know it, because it is such a divine secret, the knowledge of which liberates man and hence inaccessible to ordinary people.
Hari Om!
Yamadeva said “There is only one thing a human being need to attain, and that is none other than true devotion to Bhagavan”.
Note: Lord Yama’s pleasant response is noticeable here.
The simile of cloth and thread is unparalleled in describing the connection between the world and the Consciousness. If you separate the individual threads in a cloth, it no more remains as a cloth.
Bhagavatham says, every thread in this cloth which is the World, is none other than the Lord.
The vertical and horizontal threads are like the ‘Prakruthi and Purusha’ uniting in every creation. There is nothing devoid of God.
Whenever the devotee needs Him, He is easily available in the form of those who come to help.
It is interesting to note that men from various walks like a Muni, King and even Asuras are included in the list of those who know the glory of Bhagavad Namam.
Lord Yama explains further, which we will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.3.11 – 6.3.22)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people have doubts about chanting Namam or Mantras. They ask, which all days are ideal or what time is ideal for Japam. They also ask, which Namam is better.
Have you ever thought, what was Ratnakara’s Nama Japam which transformed him into Sage Valmiki? He chanted ‘Mara … Mara…” instead of “Rama… Rama…”, but with great devotion and mental involvement.
So, it is not what you call your Bhagavan, but how lovingly you call Him that melts His heart. Make Bhagavan your most beloved and live in eternal Bliss.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yama continues, “Dear sons, just see the glory of Sri Hari’s Namam. Merely chanting his son’s name ‘Narayana’, how Ajamila got Mukthi from the clutches of death! Then, what to say about the true devotee who constantly remembers Bhagavan.”
People feel that it is possible for only those great men who walk the path advised by the Vedas only. It is natural for anyone to glorify difficult things as it gives a sense of achievement. But Nama Japam is like the royal lion whose roar scares away the jackals of sins.
Lord Yama says, “I can’t touch the true devotee who is so intelligent that he leans on Bhagavan only. They are free from sins by the grace of the Lord. They are always protected by HIM. Not even Time can touch them”.
Note: It is interesting to note that this simplest method of Nama Japam to purify your mind is seldom advised by ordinary people. They think big Yagas and difficult rituals are essential for spiritual growth.
This greatest Sadhana technique is the easiest too. Bhagavatham wonders here, may be the ‘Bhagavad Leela’ wishes this world to remain so.
Hari Om!
If every one gets liberated how the world will exist as it is?
The true message is, if you want to escape from the misery of this world, attain HIM through HIS constant remembrance which is possible only through calling HIS beautiful name at all times.
Time can catch only a mind attached to the mortal body. The mind which is united with the Timeless, Infinite, Supreme – how can Time ever touch it?
Then, who are all susceptible to the punishment of Lord Yama? We will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.3.23 – 6.3.27)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people are ‘fear struck’ about God. They believe, God will punish them if they do not perform any Pooja or other expensive rituals for pleasing Him.
Even when they do it, their mind will be occupied with thoughts of fear and doubts. They do it reluctantly because they have to part with a huge amount of money.
We tell them, “whatever you do to please God, if your mind is not filled with His remembrance and your heart is not filled with deep love for Him, how can you bribe the Supreme, who owns the entire creation? Or, in other words, who is visible as the creation before us?”.
So, call Him lovingly with your whole heart, you will feel His presence instantly.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Yama says, “Bring those people here, who are stuck up with their sinful passion in worldly life and those who have no desire to taste the nectar of devotion”.
He describes the nature of such ‘Asath’ minds, “Their tongues never utter the name of the Lord. Their minds never remember His form. Their heads never bow down before Him. So, bring them here for punishment”.
Then Yamaraja apologizes to Bhagavan for his servants’ mistake as it is the responsibility of the master more than the servants.
Now, Sri Suka concludes to King Parikshith, “Bhagavad Namam is the ‘maha prayaschitham’ that destroys all sins and grants the four ‘purusharthas’. Other prayaschithams advised by Manu and so on are not irrelevant, but they can not destroy the Vasanas from their roots. Moreover, penance is difficult.
So, Nama Japam is the most sublime remedy for purification from all sins. The joy from devotion is supreme and hence no sensory pleasure can tempt the devotee. So he is saved from the vicious cycle of ‘desire and sin’ ”.
Here ends Ajamila’s story which was told by Sage Agasthya to Sage Suka and retold now to King Parikshith.
Hari Om!
Note: Here Bhagavatham tells us how to distinguish a positive mind and a negative mind.
What interests you indicates your mental state. Wherever you are and whatever be the topic of discussion, you will always consciously or unconsciously speak what interests you most.
You can always recognize a pure heart filled with the Lord’s remembrance. Such a devotee spreads the fragrance of devotion and his/her mere presence purifies the environment and elevates all other minds.
Bhagavatham also warns us about the consequence of our desires. A harmful desire leads to sin and you will immerse in its ditches. But, a positive desire to elevate your mind will save your mind from all the traps of the world.
Bhagavad Namam grants all wishes in this world and liberation from the world too.
We are concluding Ajamila’s story here.
(Bhagavatham 6.3.28 – 6.3.35)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
One may think that fulfilling a desire is something great. But we seldom recognize the vicious cycle of desires.
When a desire is fulfilled, it can lead to further desires and this chain may become endless. We may unconsciously fall into this trap and find ourselves helpless to get out.
A strong mind does not lose its balance in a desire materializing or not. The power to drop a desire and surrender before the Supreme saying “Let Thy Will Be Done” shows you are a true devotee.
When your emotional weakness transforms into devotional strength, you are already experiencing God here and now itself.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As stories of Priyavratha’s lineage was over, now King Parikshith wanted to know about Uthanapada’s lineage.
He asked, “How did the Lord expand this creation?”.
Sri Suka welcomed and complemented his prayerful question.
Then the story of Prachethas repeats here, which we have already seen in the Fourth canto, Thirtieth chapter.
We will look into some more aspects of their story.
Note: The prayerful question will always be greeted with delight. Any teacher would love such questions from the students.
We are emphasising this point here, because, many people keep on asking unnecessary questions, especially to show off their knowledge.
A wise teacher would not answer such questions, but mostly ignores them.
Here, Sri Suka is inspired to deliver more knowledge to King Parikshith.
So, knowing the skill to ask questions properly is a sign of wisdom.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.1 – 6.4.3)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Srimad Bhagavatham has exemplary literary beauty too, while narrating these chains of stories.
It is surprising to note the linking of stories among the various cantos while looking at them from different angles.
How fortunate are we, in getting this great treasure of knowledge and wisdom into our hands.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka replied, “Through Daksha!”.
How creation was expanded through Daksha?
Before telling that, Bhagavatham gives a flash back here:
Prachethas, the ten sons of Pracheena Barhis, as per Lord Siva’s advice observed penance under water for a long time.
As Sage Narada advised, Barhis too became detached and hence the kingdom became ungoverned.
There was no farming and the entire Earth was covered with overgrown trees, and this scene agitated the Prachethas on their return from penance.
Their anger was fierce due to their long term penance and its fire engulfed the woods. As this storm and fire were destroying the trees, their Lord Chandra tried to pacify the Prachethas.
“Hey great men, it is not fair of you to destroy the immobile and hence defenseless trees.
As you aspire ‘Prajabhivridhi’, you are guardians to trees too. Bhagavan’s devotees should not hurt His creation. Besides, the plants and trees offer food!”
Hari Om!
They described the various food chains in this world and asked, “Oh sinless men, as God and your father directed you to protect people, how come you destroy their food?”.
They urged them, “as your father, grand father and great grand fathers observed compassion towards all beings, you too follow their path. Drop your anger”.
“As parents to the child, eyelid to the eye, husband to a woman, Grihastha to the Sannyasi, learned to the ignorant, the King must be a well wisher to his people”.
Lord Chandra states, “Sri Hari dwells in every heart of the mobile and immobile in this creation. So, see every one and every thing as His abode. Then Bhagavan will be pleased by you”.
Bhagavatham further states the necessity of conquering anger, because that alone makes you a seeker of the Self. That helps you transcend all Gunas.
To soothe their ‘still persisting’ ill feeling, Lord Chandra further offers Marisha (daughter of Trees) in marriage to the Pachethas.
Note: We come across very precious, practical wisdom here. The whole planet is under fire as trees and forests are devastated. Isn’t it the duty of all rulers to protect them like other living beings on earth?
Hari Om!
What our ancestors practised through ages, we are neglecting, as if it is all useless and impractical. Their wisdom preserved the environment while our ruthless destruction makes life miserable for all. God can not be pleased when His creation is in agony.
Bhagavatham proves its ‘timelessness’ once again.
It is interesting to note the diplomacy of uniting Prachethas in marriage with Marisha, their enemies’ daughter! How easily one can solve conflicts in relations, that is also noticeable here.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.4 – 6.4.15)
Dear Devotee,
Unless and until you can see every one as Bhagavan’s creation and His abode, you can not experience Him.
Even in our temples, rushing to have a darshan of the deity, people push and hurt others. They do not realize that, in reality they are giving pain to Bhagavan Himself.
Do you think, Bhagavan will be happy to see their ‘mercy-less’ faces?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prachethas married Marisha (daughter of an ‘apsaras’ Pramlocha) and were blessed with a son Prachethasan, who had off springs filling the three worlds. His daughters enriched the lineage with noble children.
Bhagavatham says, first this Daksha created with his mind and when that was not sufficient, he did penance to please Lord Sri Hari.
He chanted ‘HamsaGuhyam’ sthothram to please Bhagavan who is unknown through the senses:
“Oh Lord, the one who takes the body as Self do not know YOU, or Your help. That is because the individual sees only the world. As sound can not know the ears, Jeeva do not know the Paramatma who gives both ‘Bhoga and Moksha’.
Mind creates this feeling of separation.
When the mind becomes free from names and forms, illusions of opposites, transcends to Samadhi state, Bhagavan shines in him as Sachidananda Swaroopam.
Only the intelligent ones purify their mind with knowledge through ‘Shravanam’ etc and come to know You.
As Agni hidden in the wood appears with churning, Paramatma appears upon constant introspection with ‘MahaVakyas’.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan, who is in all names and forms, yet untouched by them, may please bless me”.
Note: The comparison of sound to Jeeva and ears to the Paramatma is interesting. The ears know the sound, but the sound is ignorant of the ears capable of knowing it. Similarly, we individuals are also ignorant of the ‘all knowing’ Supreme.
The world is nothing but names and forms which exist because of the feeling of separation created by mind. How can you recognize the ‘all pervading’ divinity in such separate entities? Unintelligent people get stuck up with this alluring world and only the intelligent ones seek the Supreme.
‘HamsaGuhyam’ will continue in the next session too.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.16 – 6.4.28)
Dear Devotee,
Body has limitations. Mind too has limitations. So, whatever you can do with the aid of these two, will be definitely limited.
When you transcend these limitations by true surrender through meditation, you connect to the Infinite, Higher Energy which makes the ‘impossible’ possible!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Now Bhagavtham makes a beautiful statement here, “That which is said through words, decided by intelligence, grasped through senses and imagined by mind – none of these is the true ‘Bhagavad Swaroopam’. It is all ‘Guna Swaroopam’, but all gunas emerge and dissolve in Bhagavan only”.
Attached to nothing, yet being every thing is Brahmam. The world exists in Brahmam and there is nothing separate from Brahmam.
Then, why there are various schools of thought? It is only due to ignorance, which has no limitations.
The ‘Yoga Shastram’ that sees Bhagavan as a form and the ‘Samkhya Shastram’ that sees Bhagavan as formless, may appear to be contradictory, but they point to the same Supreme Truth.
Whichever form of God, one may worship to fulfil their desires, the same Bhagavan blesses through all these forms.
Daksha concludes his ‘Hamsa Guhyam’ prayer to Bhagavan, seeking His blessings.
Note: It is obvious that our culture is rich with various schools of thought. Dwaitham, Vishishtadwaitham and Adwaitham are only a few to mention.
Hari Om!
Our country has welcomed all these streams and maintained perfect harmony through centuries among these contradictory paths.
What is so special about our ‘Sanathana Dharma’ is that its undercurrent is the same divinity that illuminates all minds.
This maturity in perception alone can contribute towards a peaceful society.
How Bhagavan blesses Daksha, we will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.29 – 6.4.34)
Dear Devotee,
We say that God is Love. But today’s world is seeing more hatred than love, by the name of God.
When my God and your God are different, a clash between you and me becomes inevitable.
Is God such a cruel being to cause this much misery in this world?
Think, aren’t we creating our own Gods for our own sake?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Daksha’s prayer was answered as Bhagavan appeared (in that placed called Akhamarshanam) in His ‘eight-arms’ form. The weapons Chakram, Shamkham, Vaal, Paricha, Banam, Villu, Pasham and Gada adorned His arms.
He was shining in yellow robes and the most beautiful jewels, mesmerizing the three worlds and glorified by Sage Narada and all.
Daksha Prajapathy prostrated in excitement and speechless with great joy, yet desiring for offsprings.
Bhagavan who knows every one’s heart blessed him, “just because of your ‘Shradha’, you have ultimate devotion to Me, which is the real fruit of penance. I am pleased with your desire for the welfare of the world. As you did penance to fulfill My Will, I am pleased with you. Any effort for the welfare of all, is most relevant”.
Note: Bhagavatham states what pleases the Lord. It is none other than the desire for the welfare for all.
Mostly you want some thing for your own benefit and pray for it. But when you pray for a greater cause, which includes every one’s interest, Bhagavan is easily pleased. Your prayer is answered quickly. You do not even have to tell the ‘all knowing’ Supreme.
Hari Om!
HE also states, the ultimate aim of all penances and practices is to develop Bhakthi, the only way to reach Him.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.35 – 6.4.45)
Dear Devotee,
It is natural for any one to ask, why Hindu Gods are armored with so many weapons? An ignorant one may suspect, are our Gods preaching violence?
But think, the religions whose Acharyas preached non violence are actually involved in violence, whereas Hinduism believes in ‘Vasu Daiva Kudumbakam’.
Why there is such an irony?
It is because, Hinduism looks at the imperishable mind, not the perishable body and all these Godly weapons aim at the destruction of ignorance in all forms. When you root out ignorance from your mind, you become blessed.
So, please pass this message to all those people who ask you “why your God wears weapons?”.
First educate yourself and then educate others, so that the light of knowledge reaches every heart.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Bhagavan continues, “Dhyanam (yama, niyama etc) is my heart, Mantra Japam is my body, Rituals are my form, Yajnas are my body parts, Dharmam is my mind, the Devas who experience the parts of Yajna are my Pranas.
Before creation, I alone was, there were no objects to grasp, or the ‘anthakaranam’ to grasp them. I AM true ‘Chaithanyam’ which is not an object to any sense. So there was only omnipresent peace prevailing.
Then Brahma appeared from ME and started creating all beings. When he thought he was not good enough to do his duty, he performed intense penance as per My advice. Thus he became ‘Samartha’ and created nine Prajapathis like you.
Now, you accept Asikni, daughter of Prajapathi Panchajanan as wife and enrich your lineage with her.
From you onwards, all ‘prajas’ will join woman who is my Maya, and get born in her as your own child and surrender this pooja to Me”.
Saying thus, Bhagavan vanished as if in a dream, from Daksha’s vision.
Hari Om!
Note: We get simply amazed by the depth of Knowledge in this part of Bhagavatham.
First of all, Bhagavan says that whatever we do is only a part of Him, and there is nothing separate from Him. Then He says, all creation started from Him and according to His will.
What if you feel inefficient to perform your duty? Just surrender to Him through Sadhana or meditation and you become efficient again.
How auspicious is the act of giving birth to a child! This is the honourable culture of Bharatham which finds the union of a male and female as a Pooja.
It is God’s will to bring a noble child to our lineage with a surrendering mind. Our Upanishads proclaim this as a real Yajna.
If we can spread this awareness, all sorts of insults among men and women would end.
With this, fourth chapter of sixth canto ends here.
(Bhagavatham 6.4.46 – 6.4.54)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We are getting many mails from devotees, expressing their anxiety over constant failures in exams and interviews. A few attempts failed, they are afraid that they will not pass through tests and will not get jobs or admissions.
Here, Bhagavatham says how even Lord Brahma felt ‘inadept’ in performing his duty and how he could overcome his inefficiency through meditation.
When you feel helpless, turn to your own body and mind. Do Yoga Asanas, Pranayams and attend keenly your body and mind.
Just unwind yourself and practise regular meditation.
Slowly your mind will connect to the Higher Self and recharge itself. There is no other way, than connecting your self to the Supreme.
Withering away all weaknesses, once again, you will regain self confidence and attain success. This is the guarantee, this great Scripture offers to us.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Here Bhagavatham narrates an interesting story, where Daksha curses Sage Narada. It is as follows:
Daksha Prajapathy gave birth to ten thousand sons in his wife Asikni. They were called ‘Haryaswas’, who set off to perform penance according to their father’s will to increase offsprings.
They went to ‘Narayana Sarassu’ (the place where River Sindhu joins the sea) where holy men observe penance. In no time, their minds became free from ‘raga and dosha’ and slowly an inclination towards ‘Paramahamsa dharma’ dawned within.
Still they continued their penance for the sake of ‘Grihastha Dharma’.
But soon, they had a surprising visitor, none other than Sage Narada. It is no wonder that, when your mind becomes pure, you will get guidance from the Guru.
He said, “You are here to protect Mother Earth, yet you are trying to increase the population, unthinking about the limits of Earth. Isn’t it ignorance and pitiable?”.
Hari Om!
Note: It is always said, in the spiritual path, you will never wander aimlessly. If your intention is pure, you will get timely help from the right person.
How the master ignites a spark in them through an interesting puzzle, we will see in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.5.1 – 6.5.6)
Dear Devotee,
Isn’t Sage Narada’s question thought provoking, considering the call to increase population by certain sects for their ‘narrow minded’ interests?
We have to consider the limited resources in this planet and plan for the well-being of all.
This is just a thoughtful statement we derived from this part of Bhagavatham.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada gave a puzzle to them, ”The country inhabited by a single man, the cave without exit, the woman who has many forms, the husband of the woman who travels as she likes, the river that flows in two opposite directions, the amazing house where twenty five ‘thatwas’ dwell, the mysterious history, the thing seemingly made of the hardest diamond, which freely moves around, the essence of the order from the all knowing father – you do not know these! Still you want to involve in creation with ‘loukik and vedic karma’ ? How wise people like you developed such a desire?”.
Obviously, Narada’s words were ambiguous. But, Haryaswas introspected it very carefully.
The country inhabited by a single man – Brahmandam.
The cave without exit – the Lord’s abode where there is no return from, once you reach there.
The woman who has many forms – the ‘Budhi vruthi’ that follows all sensual activities.
The husband of the woman who travels as she likes – the Jeevan that follows her like a slave
The river that flows in two opposite directions – the Easwara Shakthi that creates and destroys.
Hari Om!
The amazing house where twenty five ‘thatwas’ dwell – the ‘Purusha’ who is Antharyami.
The mysterious history – how Jeevan binds itself to birth and death and how it can become liberated through Shastra Jnanam.
The thing seemingly made of the hardest diamond, which freely moves around – ‘Kala Chakram’ that whirls around most powerfully, taking every thing alongwith.
The essence of the order from the all knowing father – the Scriptures give the essence of dispassion to leave a domestic life to know the Supreme Truth.
Thus interpreting the Guru’s words, they adopted ‘Bhakthi Margam’, pleasing Sage Narada immensely.
But, how about their father Daksha? We will see in the next session.
Note: We are not going into the deeper meanings of these slokas.
An intelligent disciple does not need a detailed explanation from the master. He will grasp the essence of the advice with his sharp intellect. Here Sage Narada’s puzzles were easily cracked by Haryaswas and the master is pleased with their intelligence.
(Bhagavatham 6.5.7 – 6.5.22)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is an age-old tradition of learning process depicted by Bhagavatham here.
Our education system is not igniting sparks in the intellect of students, but stuffing information only.
Are we generating dumb generations in the name of such ‘all pleasing’ type of schooling?
Are we aware of the danger we may have to face unless we handle the education system carefully?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Haryaswas adopted the path of Bhakthi, Daksha became sorrowful. Separation with good sons is miserable, while separation with bad sons is not so.
Lord Brahma soothed Daksha. Askini gave birth to thousand more sons called ‘Sabalaswas’. They too obeyed their father’s advice to do penance to bless their creation and went to NarayanaSarassu.
As their prayers to Lord Narayana were focussed, Sage Narada appeared as before and directed them to follow their elder brothers, which they obeyed immediately.
This was too much for Daksha and he fumed with anger, “You have taken the form of a Sadhu and did wrong to us by directing my sons to Sannyasa. Man is born with three types of debts – towards, Devas, Rishis and Pithrus. He has to pay back it by Brahmacharya to Rishis, Yajnas to Devas and creation of children to Pithrus. You have wrongly guided my children to adopt Sannyasa. How do you become a devotee of Lord Hari? You have no love towards men.
Dispassion leads to liberation. But, a fake Jnani like you can not instil dispassion in others.
Hari Om!
Why? Unless you know sensory pleasures, you will not know how powerful they are. The one who experienced it will naturally come out of it eventually. That is true dispassion. If you jump into dispassion out of others’ suggestions, your dispassion will not be powerful enough to sustain. It will lead to more desires later”.
Uttering these harsh words, Daksha cursed Sage Narada, “You will wander aimlessly without any dwelling place”.
Narada very peacefully accepted it, even though he was powerful to avoid or react to it. A true Sadhu accepts every thing peacefully.
Daksha did not have the wisdom to know that a Guru advises only the most relevant to the Shishya, knowing where the Shishya’s mind is. Only the most qualigied Shishya will know the real meaning of the mysterious ‘GuruVakya’.
Note: Who can judge the Guru, the all-knowing master? When you qualify to receive the ultimate knowledge of the Self, you will receive the Guru’s blessings and guidance.
(Bhagavatham6.5.23 – 6.5.44)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We can see a very relevant point in Daksha’s argument. Many people think, Sannyasa is escapism from the harsh reality of worldly life.
But they do not realize that it is more adventurous and challenging. So, an immature mind jumping into dispassion will turn back as it can not escape from the sensory temptations.
So, it is better to observe your Vasanas before taking any immature decisions.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
This chapter describes the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathy and their expanded lineage.
Daksha was afraid that if he gives birth to more sons, they too would be diverted by Sage Narada. So this time, he gave birth to daughters and through them his creation expanded.
Only Chandra had no child as he was cursed by Daksha for loving Rohini more than others among his 27 daughters married to him. This also explains why Chandra has ‘Kshayam’ as part of ‘shapam’ and ‘Vridhi’ as part of ‘shapa moksham’.
Thus Dakshas creation filled all three worlds.
Note: We can see the importance of daughters who make their father proud in this part of Bhagavatham. We are not giving a detailed account here obviously.
Another interesting point is Daksha’s just mind that sees all his daughters impartially.
(Bhagavatham 6.6.1 – 6.6.45)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
How determined Daksha was!
If we have such determination, we can also transcend all difficulties and achieve what we want in life.
A single-focussed mind is the secret of success.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The seventh chapter of Sixth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham describes an interesting story of DevaGuru Brihaspathi leaving the Devas.
King Parikshith asked Sri Suka, “Why did DevaGuru leave his disciples Devas? What was their mistake? Please tell me”.
Sri Suka said, “One day, Devendra was sitting in his throne with Indrani, surrounded by all his courtiers. He was radiating his power and pride, enjoying the status of Devendra, the ruler of all three worlds.
Then Brihaspathi, the Guru for all Devas, entered the court, but Devendra did not pay attention to him. When the Guru comes, one must pay utmost respect to him and welcome him with all honour.
Even though Brihaspathi had the power to curse him, knowing that Devendra was mesmerized by power, the merciful master left them and hid himself.
Note: A wise man takes every thing positively. Bhagavatham says, Brihaspathi knew that some thing good will come out of this seemingly bad situation.
Sometimes prosperity steals your centeredness and virtues. You may even forget the people who contributed to your success, and thus insulting those very good people.
Hari Om!
This vulnerability of your mind becomes your enemy and steals your joy.
The ‘Sama Budhi’ exhibited by Brihaspathi is the secret to happiness and peacefulness in life.
(Bhagavatham 6.7.1 – 6.7.9)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails complaining about inter personal relations.
The first and foremost behavioural quality one must possess is respect. It is difficult to express love to all, but it is easy to express respect and honour.
When you are respectful, others will respect you and that mutual respect will nourish mutual love and hence enrich the relation itself.
Tell your children to respect their teachers and all elders. They will be blessed in life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Devendra came back to his senses immediately and started regretting for the insult he did to his Guru, “Alas, my act was disgusting. I have insulted my Guru, that too in the public. Just because of my arrogance. No wise man would aspire whatever wealth I have, because that only caused this Asurik act from me. No Jnani would want it.
It is meaningless and ignorance to say that a King should not respect any one to show his supremacy. In fact, a Brahmana should be respected by all.
The Acharyas who advise such wrong paths and their followers will perish, no doubt. So, I must prostrate before Him”.
The All-knowing Brihaspathi knew Devendra’s thoughts and hence hid himself. Devendra searched for him every where in vain and became mentally disturbed.
Note: Taking things for granted and regretting when you lose them, is a common mental trap.
Devendra represents our mind. We can see that the mind sometimes wavers and does some mistake out of ignorance. Then it keeps regretting and blaming itself endlessly.
Hari Om!
All sorts of thoughts pass through the mind and would not allow it self to regain peacefulness.
Such a negative mind would attract more negative experiences. What is awaiting Devendra and all Devas now?
We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.7.10 – 6.7.17)
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, “why bad experiences constantly follow?”.
It is because, the mind is unable to come out of the memories of bad experiences in the past and forms a pattern in the mind.
Then a victim consciousness develops and it attracts more of similar experiences in future too.
You have to erase all negative impressions from mind, if you want positive experiences in life.
Meditation is the best way to purify your mind from all such impressions.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
In no time the Asuras knew about Brihaspathi’s parting with Devas, they attacked them with approval from their own Guru Sukracharya. Their sharp weapons wounded them badly and they ran to Lord Brahma for shelter.
Even though Brahma knew what led to their misery, still He was very compassionate with them and said, “it is quite unfortunate that you insulted your Acharya, which caused this misery for you. That sin only brought this defeat to you, that too from weak enemies”.
He added, “Guru’s curse weakened strong people like you and Guru’s blessing strengthened weak people like Asuras. They may even try to attack me. So, go and request Viswaroopa to become your Guru. Even though he is born to an Asura woman, he will help you”.
How will the Devas bring Viswaroopa to their side? We will see in the next session.
Note: The Devas taking the help of an Asura member to defeat Asuras! Bhagavatham is showing an interesting political angle here.
We will see the consequences of this decision.
(Bhagavatham 6.7.18 – 6.7.27)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Today, we can see so many children hesitating to respect their teachers. In fact, you are not doing a favour to the teacher by showing them respect.
But their hearts get filled with love, when you honour them and that flows as grace into your life.
So, always remember to get their blessings whenever you can.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Devas persuaded Viswaroopa to accept their request, “we, your ancestors, have come to beg your favour, please be our Acharya. It is your prime duty to serve us, especially because you are a Brahmachari. We needn’t tell you much as you are a Brahmajnani”.
Bhagavatham says, the Acharya who teaches Vedas, after Upanayanam, is the embodiment of Brahmam. Janaka (father) is truly Brahma himself. Jyeshta (elder brother) is Indra and mother is Bhoomidevi herself. Sister is ‘Daya’.
Athithi (known guest) is Dharmam and Abhyagathan (unknown guest) is Agni or fire. They both have some purpose to visit you.
Emphasizing this, Devas continue, “We have come to you to seek help. You are eligible to advise us and free us from this misery easily. Do not doubt because you are younger to us, as more than age, knowledge is relevant”.
Viswaroopa replied with a gentle smile, “oh masters, I am your shishya. You have all the right to instruct me. Even though ‘Pourohithyam’ is dishonored by wise men, I am willing to accept it. How can I disobey your request? I am afraid to reject it. According to the Scriptures, a shishya must accept what the Guru tells him”.
Hari Om!
Why is Pourohithyam dishonored by wise people?
Viswaroopa says, “it brings irresistible wealth and fame, which will destroy the seeker’s centeredness. The vulnerable and ignorant one will rush to get it”.
Still, Viswaroopa accepted their request and thus the Devas welcomed him as their Purohitha.
Then he advised ‘NARAYANA KAVACHAM’ to Devendra.
Note: We can see how persuasive the Devas are in bringing Viswaroopa to their side. They gave many reasons, but for Viswaroopa none was actually needed as he was ready to help them.
So, a wise man like Viswaroopa is accepting a responsibility even though he is not attracted towards it.
NARAYANA KAVACHAM is a very powerful Mantra, which protects us from all miseries in life.
(Bhagavatham 6.7.28 – 6.7.40)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When noble minded people keep away from responsibilities, out of fear, crooked people take advantage of it.
So, even though we do not like to do something, we must do it for the good of all.
‘Sreyas’ is more important than ‘Preyas’.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Parikshit asked Sri Suka, “Please tell me all knowing Bhagavan, how did Viswaroopa advise ‘Narayana Kavacham’ to Devendra? It will benefit every one, so please advise to me too”.
Sri Suka replied, “Listen attentively. First Viswaroopa explained the preparations one must take before chanting the Mantra. It removes the three types of problems like Adhyatmikam, Adidaivikam and Adibhouthikam.
So, ensure physical cleanliness by washing your feet and hands, then sit silently, facing the northern direction, wearing the holy ring of Pavithram.
Then do ‘Anga nyasam’ by chanting ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ and do ‘Kara nyasam’ by chanting ‘Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya’.
Then finally chant ‘Om Vishnave Nama’ with ‘Hridaya nyasam’ meditating on any of the forms of the Supreme Lord”.
The next twenty three slokas form the most auspicious ‘Narayana Kavacham’.
Note: Great men are like that, they want to share all good things with every one. King Parikshit wanted every one to be blessed with the most powerful ‘Narayana Kavacham’.
Hari Om!
There are only three types of problems that we can have. Physical problems are called Adhyatmikam, problems from living beings (friends, relatives etc) are called Adidaivikam and problems from nature are called Adibhouthikam.
This Mantra is in fact an unshakable armour that envelopes the devotee and protects him from all miseries and dangers in life.
We will read this great Mantra in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.8.1 – 6.8.10)
Dear Devotee,
There are problems in every one’s life. But remember, the mind which expereinces the problems is superior to all the problems. One can either be disturbed or develop a positive attitude while going through their problems.
A spiritual person turns problems into challenges and discovers solutions.
Nama Japam and meditation help you develop immense mental strength.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Narayana Kavacham starts with prayers to Lord Sri Hari to protect at all times in all places as Bhagavan takes various forms accordingly.
Prayer is offered to Lord Matsya in water, Lord Vamana on earth and Lord Viswaswaroopa in the sky.
Lord Narasimha in the jungles and batlefields, Lord Varaha in the path, and Parasurama in the mountains and Lord Rama accompanied by Lakshmana and Bharatha in the alien places.
Lord Narayana may protect us from occult and the sin of inaction. Nara from arrogance, Dathathreya from faults and Kapila from karmic bondage. Sanalkumara from sensual temptations, Hayagreeva from dishonoring the noble, Sri Narada from mistakes in worshipping the Lord. Lord Koorma from all sorts of miseries. Lord Dhanwanthari from all diseases from undesirable foods, Rishabha from fear of opposites, Yajna Moorthi from rumors, Balarama from attacks from people, Adishesha from snakes.
Sage Vyasa from ignorance, Budhadeva from ‘Pakandas’ and laziness, Lord Kalki from the ‘kaliyuga doshas’.
Now a day is divided into six parts and prays that each part be protected by the various names such as Kesava, Govinda, Narayana, Vishnu,
Hari Om!
Madhuvairi Devan, Madhava, Rishikesha, Padmanabha, Easwara who bears Srivalsam, Janardhana, Damodara, Visweswaran.
Now the prayer is addressed to the various weapons born by the Lord. They are the Chakra, Gada, Panchajanya, Asivara (sword), Charma.
Garuda may save us from all miseries.
Sri Bhagavan may destroy all enemies and protect all devotees.
The next three slokas is like a powerful pledge, to ensure protection every where, every time.
God is formless to the ones who sees Him in every thing. For others, He appears as the most beautiful form with so many names like Rama and Krishna.
Narayana Kavacham ends with the prayer to the mightiest Lord Narasimha that destroys all fears and conquers all others.
Hari Om!
Note: Bhagavan displays very special and specific virtues in His each Avathar, which addresses the respective problems uniquely and saves you from those miseries.
Narayana Kavacham envelops your body and mind completely, making you fearless and powerful.
We will see the benefits of this auspicious prayer in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.8.11 – 6.8.32)
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, “As God is only One, why should we pray to many deities?”.
We get the answer here. The One Supreme Lord alone comes in many forms according to the need of the time and place.
Only the mind which has transcended those barriers sees the ONE Supreme in all these forms.
So, all prayers reach the same destination even through various directions.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Viswaroopa told Indra, “I have advised you this Mantra which is ‘Narayana Swaroopam’, protect your whole body with it and you will conquer the Asuras easily. Even a glance or a touch of the one who chants this Mantra will remove the other’s fear. It protects you from fear of kings, thieves, planets and what not?”.
He then narrates a story praising the glory of this Mantra.
Sri Suka concludes, “listening to this Mantra or chanting this Mantra in the morning or when you are gripped by fear, will free you from all fears”.
Thus Devendra defeated the Asuras and started ruling all three worlds.
Note: We have just mentioned about the story, not discussing it in detail. But those devotees who chant ‘Narayana Kavacham’ know the glory of this Mantra themselves.
Now another twist is awaiting in our story. Let us see it in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.8.33 – 6.8.40)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We would really like to know your Satsang activities.
Are you conducting Nama Japam or discourses in your locality? What is the response from children and youth?
Do they actively participate?
Please write to us.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Now Bhagavatham tells us how Indra got angry with Viswaroopa and cut his three heads off.
Indra came to know that Viswaroopa had a secret affinity for the Asuras. As the Deva Guru, when Viswaroopa used to conduct Yagas, he made offers to the Devas publicly and a part of them he offered to the Asuras secretly. He did this out of love for Asuras as they were his maternal uncles.
This annoyed Indra as he feared that the Asuras would once again become strong and defeat him as they too enjoyed the result of the Yagas conducted for the well-being of the Devas.
Indra cut off the three heads of Viswaroopa, and they turned into three birds. The head that used to consume ‘soma’ became kapinjalam bird; the head that consumed ‘sura’ became kalavingam bird; the head that ate usual ‘annam’ became thithiri bird.
This horrible act brought immense sin and karmaphalam to Indra. How he handles it? We will see in the next session.
Hari Om!
Note: This kind of ‘secret deals’ were present in those times too!
How fast Indra’s gratitude turns into revenge? How easy it is to change an opinion?
Bhagavatham is the most modern story teller too.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.1 – 6.9.5)
Dear Devotee,
Many people live a miserable life trying to impress others for gaining good opinions and remarks from them.
How long can an opinion stay in your mind? Then why should you give too much importance to others’ opinions?
See what you want in life and move on courageously.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Indra knew the gravity of his sin, killing his own Guru, which is nothing but Brahmahathya.
He bore it for one whole year and then divided among Earth, Water, Trees and Women who consented to share it on certain conditions.
Earth demanded that whenever a pit is dug, it should fill up automatically. Thus the sin it shared came in the form of deserts where no Vedic acts take place.
Trees demanded that they should grow back even when they are cut off. Their ‘sin share’ appear as the inedible tree sap.
Women demanded that their offspring should be protected in spite of mating during pregnancy which is not allowed in other species. Their ‘sin share’ appeared as their monthly menstruation.
Water wanted the boon to fill up however was taken from lakes and instead their ‘sin share’ appeared as foam which no one would consume.
Will Indra be happy now, as his sin was removed? We will see soon.
Note: Here Bhagavatham gives the message of ‘give and take’ philosophy in all worldly deals.
Hari Om!
This world is a place where all combinations of karma and karmaphalam take place. There is nothing like a ‘free lunch’ here. You have to earn and you have to pay. When you understand this, you become light hearted and stop grumbling.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.6 – 6.9.10)
Dear Devotee,
It says, ‘no pain, no gain’.
Whoever enjoys or suffers in life, are actually going through the results of their past actions.
Why feel jealousy or sympathy towards anyone?
Just educate others to develop awareness and move on!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Indra was freed from his ‘Brahma Hathya Papam’, Viswaroopa’s father Thwashtav conducted a ‘homam’ to create a monster who would kill Indra. He was called Vrutra Asura. But as he chanted the mantra (in the homam) wrongly, instead of killing Indra, Vrutra was killed by Indra.
We will go to the detailed story.
Vrutra had the most horrible appearance that could chase the Devas out. They were no match for his immense strength. But, in the core of his heart, he was a true devotee of Bhagavan who had profound knowledge too.
Devas could not withstand his attack and they started running back. Utterly helpless, they began to chant Stotram about the all knowing Bhagavan.
Note: Vrutra Asura is an interesting character in Bhagavatham. All his physical appearances and actions were of an Asura, but the innermost core of his heart was truly divine.
This reminds us of the inherent divinity omnipresent in all beings, irrespective of what they do.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.11 – 6.9.19)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people see only bad things in others, which makes life miserable for them as well as others.
If you have the wisdom to see the goodness in even a wicked one, you are actually invoking the divinity in them. That gives a chance for them to recognize their own goodness too.
Inside a Vrutra, there hides a devotee too.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Devas prayed, “We want Parameswara Himself to protect us, of whom every being from Brahma onwards is afraid and relentlessly obeys to do karma”.
Why the Supreme alone is sought? No one else is capable to save us, as they are all alike in drowning in the ocean of life. When they themselves strive to escape, how can they save others?
So, only the Supreme, changeless ONE, who shines in one and all is the most powerful to save us from our agony.
The Lord who incarnated as the Lord Matsya will save us from this ‘sea’ of fear of Vritra.
The Lord who saved Brahma when he fell down from Bhagavan’s lotus like solar plexus into the ferocious sea of ‘pralaya’, will protect us too from this fear.
HE alone created us from HIMSELF, whose grace make us create our own world. The delusion that we are separate from Him, does not allow us to see His ‘Swaroopam’.
He only takes ‘avathar’ as Deva(Vamana), Rishi(ParasuRama), Mruga(NaraSimha, Hayagreeva, Varaham), Manushya(Sri Ramachandra, Sri Krishna) and saves us from misery.
Hari Om!
They added, “As Easwara who saves the miserable, where they surrender, manifesting as this world, being the ‘Parama Purusha chaithanyam’ and playing the Leela of ‘Srishti, Sthithi and Samhara’ will console us”.
Note: It is noticeable that the Devas first depended on their own strength and weapons. But, no weapon can protect you forever. At some point of time, you will have to surrender before the Almighty. Earlier the better.
The same Chaithanyam manifest in various forms. God did not actually create the world from something separate from Him, but He alone appears as the world.
What does it mean, when Bhagavatham says that, He alone make us create our own world?
Yes, it is that Chaithanyam that functions our sense organs and capture the impressions of the world. That intelligence functions in our brain and analyses and understands and perceives ‘what is what’.
So, the Chaithanyam within experiences the Chaithanyam without, but a mind caught up in ‘Maya’ sees separation every where.
Hari Om!
Here, Devas express their strong belief in the Lord that HE will definitely save them in their difficult time. They do not get disappointed, either, as Bhagavan appears before them.
We will see it in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.20 – 6.9.26)
Dear Devotee,
As you believe, so it becomes. If you strongly believe that you will be always protected by the Lord, you will always experience it in life.
So, if you feel lack or fear, why don’t you check your thinking?
Replace all negativity with positive thinking or ‘Bhavana’ to make your life beautiful.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka says, “Oh Maharaja, Bhagavan appeared in the prayerful hearts of Devas who were intensely praying to Him. They realized Him through their Jnanadrishti.
He was surrounded by His aides who looked alike Him. Devas prostrated before Bhagavan and
slowly stood up and started their Stuthi.
They said the ‘created’ can not understand the creator. The effect can not understand the cause.
They were not satisfied with their short prayer, so started praising His glory to their hearts’ content.
A most notable remark is “You are the Sachidananda Swaroopa in the intelligence of wise men and the ‘miserable Jeevan’ in the minds of ignorant ones. It is like mistaking a rope for a snake and suffering with that illusion or realizing what is what”.
That Supreme One is achieved only by negating or neglecting all the others by saying ‘Nethi… Nethi!’.
Hari Om!
Note: Bhagavatham says, where Bhagavan appears. He appears in the longing hearts of true devotees. Your ‘flesh eyes’ can not see Him as a form.
You can feel His presence through such devotees only. Only they can experience and emanate His presence.
Do not misunderstand that only the wise has God in them, but the unwise too have Him as the innermost core of being.
‘Nethi’ means ‘this is not’. Take every thing one by one and ask yourself ‘Is this my true nature?’ and you will realize that none of them is you. What is left ultimately is what you are. And that is not separate or different from God!
(Bhagavatham 6.9.27 – 6.9.37)
Dear Devotee,
If you can see God even in stupid people, ignorant people and wicked people, you have realized the Omnipresent ONE.
Those who praise others, are in fact praising Him alone.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Devas continued their Sthuthi, “Hey Madhumadhana, the one who tastes even a drop of the nectar of Your Grace, can never leave Your Lotus Feet. There is no return from Your abode.
Asuras and Devas are Your part only. Yet, You have always protected the world from Asuras whenever they attacked. If You have compassion towards us, please save us from Vritrasura now, by destroying him.
Because of our constant remembrance, You have shown us Your beautiful form. Now You are authorized to remove our grief”.
They proclaim, “As sparks needn’t brighten fire, we needn’t enlighten You with anything. You already know what is in our minds. So, as always, Your Lotus Feet may please grant our wish and destroy Vritrasura who has captured all our weapons and glory”.
Thus they prostrated before Him, whose Abode is the destination for all seekers.
Sri Suka said, “Oh King, hearing their respectful prayers, Bhagavan replied to them”.
Hari Om!
Note: Bhagavatham tells us, once we taste the nectar of devotion, nothing else can tempt us.
Nothing else in this world can lure the devotee who has reached His abode.
Asuras and Devas are part of the same divinity! What a profound Truth unveiled by Bhagavatham.
Devas know that they needn’t tell Bhagavan anything, who knows everything.
What will Bhagavan reply to them? We will see very soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.38 – 6.9.45)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
All over the world, people chase happiness and in their endless turmoil they go from pleasure to pleasure trying to be ‘happy always’.
Are they getting true joy from these pleasures? No. Whatever gave them pleasure before gives displeasure sooner or later, because there is no joy or sorrow in external things.
Everything depends on your mind and how you take the situation to be.
Real happiness or peacefulness is achieved only through total surrender at His Lotus Feet.
And then, nothing else can lure your mind away from Him!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Bhagavan replied to the Devas, “Oh great Devas, I am pleased by your Jnana in the form of this Stotra. It will benefit all by developing devotion in them, so I am pleased by Your service to the world”.
Bhagavan hinted that Nishkama Bhakthi is more dear to Him than their Sakama Bhakthi.
Why? It is the ignorance in a person that makes him desire for some thing. So, granting that desire is a sign of ignorance for the Lord too!
Still Bhagavan advises them to approach Sage Dathiji and seek his help, to conquer Vritrasura.
They will have to make a weapon from his strong bones that will kill Vritra.
Bhagavan assures, “No one can destroy My devotees”.
Note: We have come across a beautiful knowledge point here. We may wish for some thing without the wisdom to know the after effects of materialising it. We do not know, if it is good or bad for us. Then granting a wish born out of ignorance indicates that the Lord who grants it is equally ignorant.
Hari Om!
Here Bhagavatham narrates another story, where Indra had enmity with Sage Dathiji and now he has to seek his past enemy’s help to defeat another enemy now. Your past friend can become your present enemy and your past enemy can become your present friend too.
It is a mysterious script, run by Time.
Sage Dathiji shows us the greatest service done for others, even by sacrificing his own body.
Ninth chapter of Sixth canto ends here.
(Bhagavatham 6.9.46 – 6.9.54)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is very common that we get frustrated when our wishes are not granted.
We complain and grumble and blame others in such situations.
But, do we think, is it a wise wish or foolish wish?
Understand, our limited intellect sometimes makes ignorant decisions.
So, when our wishes are not fulfilled, remember that the Supreme Intelligence can never make mistakes!
That will bring peacefulness back to our minds.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Tenth Chapter of Sixth Canto starts now.
Guiding Indra on how to fight with Vritrasura, Lord Hari vanished while all the Devas watched.
Indra approached Sage Dathichi and submitted their ‘request’ to get his bones for making the weapon. Even though he knew every thing and was ready to help them, he pretended to reject their plea.
He said, “Hey Devas, don’t you know how painful it is for all beings to undergo death? Your body is the most precious and dearest thing for you. Even if Lord Vishnu demands it, who would like to sacrifice it?”.
Devas replied, “for great men, compassionate and glorious like you, is there anything impossible to sacrifice?”.
They added, “those who are focussed on achieving some thing do not know about others’ grievances. If they knew it, they wouldn’t ask. Also, the one who is capable of giving, wouldn’t mind giving if he knows about the beggar’s misery”.
Their logic even went on to justify that both of them were selfish in ‘asking and rejecting’!
Hari Om!
Note: We can see an ‘unbelievable’ sacrifice in this part of Bhagavatham. Devas asking for the sage’s body and his response to such a ‘horrible’ request!
In our homeland, the Rishis lived for the welfare of all, while we can also see the average mind’s lack of awareness about others’ sufferings.
What will be the Rishi’s reply to them? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.10.1 – 6.10.6)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Today, we are living in a world where people are so glued to their comfort zones and seldom share with others.
It has caused all this misery in this world.
Our education system should teach children how to be concerned about the well-being of others and how to develop a sharing mentality.
When we teach little children to ignore others and focus on their comfort only, we are damaging their minds and our culture.
We need a revolution in our education system. For that we need good teachers especially in the primary classes.
The coming generations will decide the destiny of human existence. Are we guiding them rightly now?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Dathichi soothed the Devas, “I just wanted to know your mind. Do not worry, I shall give this body for your need, any way ultimately it will leave me. The one who does not use the perishable body for good purposes will be lamented by all. Sacrificing this body for the benefit of noble men like you is definitely most rewarding”.
He added, “After death, your body will be consumed by dogs and scavenger birds. So it is meant for service to others while you live. If your wealth, children and body are not for service to others, what is their relevance?
A life without service is not worth living at all”.
Saying this, the great Sage dissolved his mind in the Omnipresent ‘Para Brahmam’ and discarded his mortal body.
For him, it was a great service and he really honoured it.
Note: Here we can see the attitude with which Sage Dathichi gave away his body. He wholeheartedly accepted the Deva’s request and with a ‘Prasada Budhi’ offered his body.
We cling to our body and decorate it as if it is going to last forever. We seldom think about the purpose of having a human body.
Hari Om!
We do not even realize the blessing of having a human life.
Many of us come here, wander here and leave even without understanding why we are here.
Only the most blessed souls make use of their human life to the benefit of themselves and others.
How will Devas proceed now? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.10.7 – 6.10.12)
Dear Devotee,
Let each and every one of us ask ourselves, “What is the purpose of my life?”.
Meditate with this question for a few days.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Viswakarmavu made the majestic ‘Vajrayudha’ from Sage Dathichi’s bones. As soon as Indra raised it in his hands, the immense power from the Lord entered his being. He sat on top of his elephant ‘Iravatham’ and rushed to kill Vritrasura as Lord Rudra did to Yama.
What followed was a horrible battle between the Devas and the Asuras.
Whatever weapons the Asuras used, they could not even touch the Devas.
Bhagavatham says, ‘Their weapons were useless like the harsh curses that cannot touch the devotees who have received the Lord’s Grace”.
Trembling with fear, the Asuras decided to run away, leaving behind their master Vritra.
Note: What a beautiful statement Bhagavatham has done here? No curse can affect the true devotee!
Now the ‘Narayana Kavacham’ empowered Devas and they could chase the mighty Asuras very easily.
How will Vritra face the new turn? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.10.13 – 6.10.29)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails asking us, whether ‘black magic’ kind of curses will affect them.
We say, if you are a true devotee, no evil will ever touch you. You are totally protected for ever.
This is the guarantee given by the Lord!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vritra saw that some Asuras were already fleeing and more were joining them. Even though his army was injured, he smiled and addressed them,
“Listen attentively to my words. Death is something definite to all living beings in this world. Easwara has not provided any way out of it too. However, if death is a means to achieve Keerthi and heavenly abode, who wouldn’t accept it happily?
There are two ways to woo death gracefully. One is through Yoga and Brahma Jnana and the other is through battling with the enemy with a courageous mind. Both are rare and very difficult to achieve”.
Vritra has quoted from the Smritis here.
Note: Vritra is showing exemplary leadership skills here and the enormous valour to face the enemies in war till the end.
Why death in the battle field is compared to the death of a Yogi?
It is because in both situations, mind will be free from all negative impressions. When you are courageous, your mind fills with a positive energy and there will be no thoughts of past or future. Your mind will be focused on the subtlest and crispest ‘present moment’ where your false identities drop.
Hari Om!
Leaving the body in such a mental state is very difficult to attain and hence only the bravest people are entitled for that fortune.
Tenth chapter of sixth canto ends here.
(Bhagavatham 6.10.30 – 6.10.33)
Dear Devotee,
As we all know, a thoughtless mind is very difficult to attain.
Those who have experienced it through meditation know how precious such an experience is.
When you climb a steep cliff or engage in a very adventurous activity, your mind stops thinking about past and future as even a small slip will end the whole life. You have to be sharply attentive if you want to survive.
This mental state is a precious experience and that is why many people try to get it through such dangerous games or activities.
However, a regular meditator easily attains it!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vritra’s inspiring words fell on deaf ears only as the Asuras were too scared to fight back with the Devas. They decided to leave him alone in the war field and run away. Vritra could not bear this scene and he yelled at the Devas, “What do you gain from killing them from the back? They are such a disgrace and killing such cowards is disgraceful to you too. If you dare, fight with me!”
Vritra’s roar frightened Devas and many of them fainted. He started beating them. Indra rushed to Vritra with his ‘Vajrayudha’ which he could grab easily with his left hand. Then he struck Iravatha’s head heavily with that mace. The poor elephant started running back with a bleeding head and vomiting blood.
Seeing this Indra became disappointed and Vritra was so noble minded that he did not attack Indra then. Vritra was established in Dharma.
What a sin was done by Indra to Viswaroopa, his Guru and Vritra’s brother?! Sadness filled Vritra’s heart and he spoke to Indra.
The next fourteen slokas are Vritra’s advice to Indra.
Hari Om!
Note: We can see a great warrior in Vritra, who observed the Yudha Dharma very well.
He was stronger than the strongest, yet very righteous in the war filed.
He was an unshaken fighter who would fight till the last moment.
We can see many Asuras who are more glorious than even Devas in Bhagavatham.
What made Vritra so special? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.11.1 – 6.11.13)
Dear Devotee,
The inexplicable qualities of Vritra give us the message that even Asuras are great in their own way.
Even Devas who are supposed to be ‘all good only’ exhibit their weaknesses.
So, you can find goodness in any one and every one if you have the eyes to see it.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vritra said to Indra, “I am going to pierce your stone-like heart, as you killed my brother Viswaroopa, who was your Guru and a Brahmana. I am so going to pay that debt towards my brother.
You had attained his trust, made him your Guru and then chopped his head mercilessly like a cow. All virtues have left you and you have become dishonourable even by ‘man eating’ demons. Even they wouldn’t kill their Guru”.
Then Vritra warns Indra of the consequences he would have to face in battling with Vritra.
Note: Vritra makes a very strong reading here. Indra had put a trust into Viswaroopa’s mind first and then killed him.
Anyone who cheats first implants a trust in the victim’s mind. So, it is insult added to injury, when the person whom you trust cheats you.
Then Vritra gives a ‘self boosting’ dialogue to Indra, but suddenly his mind changes in the slokas.
We will see what happens next very soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.11.14 – 6.11.17)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
What is more important – trust or love?
We would say, it is trust, because wherever there is trust, love will automatically blossom.
But where there is no trust, love will naturally fade away.
So, trust is the strong foundation where love builds up on its own.
Check, if you are a ‘trust worthy’ person!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
So far Vritra was threatening Indra and boasting about himself and his valour.
Now his thoughts started to change as he kept talking to Indra, “victory in a war is unpredictable, so in case you kill me, I will give away this Asurik body as food to the Bhoothas and attain the abode of the Lord where greatest men reach”.
He expressed his wish to woo death, “why don’t you strike your Vajrayudha on me? It was given by Bhagavan to you, it will never be futile, so undoubtedly apply it on me”.
He added, “Only the one who has Bhagavan on his side can win.
Do not worry that it will hurt me; I will find solace at His Lotus Feet.
Do not doubt that I may become the winner, as Bhagavan grants such pleasures to worldly people like you only. He removes all such materialistic ‘wealth’ from true devotees as they can thwart their union with Him. He blesses them with none other than His own divine abode!
The Lord removes the misery of making and maintaining Dharma, Artha and Kama from His devotees’ lives.
Hari Om!
Only the one who has the intense desire for the Lord alone can attain His Grace. Others are not qualified for that”.
Note: A single utterance of Bhagavad Namam completely changes Vritra’s mind. His harshness gave way to devotion and his malicious words turned into gentle and respectful words. Such is the power of Easwara Namam!
(Bhagavatham 6.11.18 – 6.11.23)
Dear Devotee,
How do you know if you are a true devotee? Many people doubt their own devotion.
We tell you, put everything you have including all the relations, wealth, power and fame in a balance and weigh it with your love for God or your want for God.
Which is heavier? Will you discard God for world? Or, will you cling to God or your Guru and say that “Come what may, I want only my Bhagavan”.
A true devotee can bear any thing, but not the separation from his Bhagavan.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vritra prayed to Bhagavan now, it is a heart-melting prayer, “Oh Bhagavan, the one who dispels all miseries of devotees! May I be born as the servant of Your servants only, in every life time that I may take. The Supreme One who functions through all the beings, may I remember You only! May my words praise Your glory only! May my body do Your work only!
I do not aspire any thing in this world, be it fame or wealth or power or any thing…..
I want You and You only…..
Like a baby bird waiting for its mother, an infant crying for mother’s milk, a devoted wife craving for a glance and presence of her faraway husband…..
I seek You only!!!
Bless me so that I get Satsang of Your devotees only and never fall into the company of those who are caught up in the web of the world!”
Hari Om!
Note: what a deep prayer has come from Vritra’s heart. He knows that his life is going to end very soon. Still he is not bothered about what will happen to him, but prays for the Satsang of Bhagavad bhakthas only.
(Bhagavatham 6.11.24 – 6.11.27)
Dear Devotee,
What is devotion? Vritra has given an expression to true devotion through this prayer.
Usually people focus on every thing other than God.
When your single focussed attention is on Bhagavan and you do not bother about any thing else, and nothing else can make you happy, you are in deep love with Him.
Bhagavatham is the essence of such Bhakthi.
Now, look deep into yourself and realize that in the core of your heart, you want only Him.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Vritra started to threaten Indra and asked him to advance to kill him, knowing that he was going to die and it was time to discard the Asurik body and attain liberation. For him a ‘Veera Mrityu’ was more important than victory over Indra.
Indra cut his right arm first, still Vritra fought fiercely and blew down both Indra and Iravatha. Indra felt ashamed to grab his Vajrayudha back, but Vritra encouraged him, “do not worry, winning and losing is part of a war, the Lord alone is ever victorious.
Do not mistake that physical strength makes you a winner. Understand, the power of your senses, mind, body, skills, birth and death are all dependent on Bhagavan only. It is ignorance to believe that your physical strength makes you a winner.
All are simply like puppets in the hands of the Lord. He alone is the source of life and everything here.
Do not imagine that parents give birth to children and wild animals kill them. It is God who creates and destroys through beings.
Whatever you acquire here is only Grace and rise and fall of all sorts of wealth is from Bhagavan only.
Hari Om!
So develop a balanced mind that neither rejoices nor regrets over anything in life”.
How do you develop such balanced mind?
Vritra continues in the next slokas, which we will see soon.
Note: An Asura like Vritra had profound wisdom and advises Indra!!!
Bhagavatham illustrates such interesting stories.
(Bhagavatham 6.12.1 – 6.12.14)
Dear Devotee,
How can we under estimate any one?
Outer appearance is not a mark of inner beauty. When you interact closely you can realize that everyone is unique and beautiful in their unique way.
It is only a matter of how one expresses and how the other perceives!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
How to develop a balanced mind amidst ‘sukha and dukha’?
Vritra says, “sathwa, rajas and thamas are not of the Self (atma) , but of the nature (prakrithi). “I”ness and “My”ness about body and related things lead to ‘sukha and dukha’. The one who realizes this becomes a witness and remains centred. He is not bound to any thing.
Take me as your Guru and look at me as your example. Right now you have cut my arm and I am going to fail, still I am not miserable. I will fight till the last moment with all my strength as that is my Swadharma.
Effort is needed till the end because no one can predict who will win in a war.
I am only focused on my “Swadharma”.
Indra was surprised to hear such knowledge from an Asura, then he remembered another Asura Prahlada who was a true devotee of Bhagavan.
He replied, “it is surprising to see your devotion and grace in such a pitiable state. You have crossed all the limits of your Asurik birth, and its rajasik nature.
Hari Om!
It is no wonder that you have no desire for heavenly fortunes as you are immersed in ‘Hari Bhakthi’. The one who floats in the sea of nectar will not even throw a glance at the dirty water in a pit!”.
Then they continued their battle most fiercely.
Vritra managed to gulp down Indra with his Iravatham, but the protection of ‘Narayana Kavacham’ rescued him. Indra pierced Vritra’s stomach with Vajrayudha from within and came out triumphantly.
Vajrayudha roamed around Vritra’s head for 360 days and cut it down…
As all heavenly beings watched Vritra’s Atma joined with Bhagavan!
Note: Bhagavatham has portrayed Vritra as a true devotee of Bhagavan who has developed ‘Sama Budhi’ inspite of the most horrible and pitiable situations he faced.
When some one tells you, “you can take me as an example” it reveals their authenticity.
Vritra had nothing to gain nor lose, he simply did his duty sincerely.
And finally he dissolved in the Lord only.
Hari Om!
Twelfth chapter of Sixth canto ends here.
(Bhagavatham 6.12.15 – 6.12.35)
Dear Devotee,
For many people, devotion is associated with only good times in life.
In fact, true devotion is accepting every thing as ‘Bhagavad Prasadam’ and being ONE with Him in all situations.
Such a true devotee is always protected.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Did Vritra’s death make Indra happy?
Not at all. As every one rejoiced in Vritra’s death, Indra became desperate. His victory brought comfort to all but him. Why was it so?
Because first of all, Indra was reluctant to kill Vritra. He had just come out of the sin from killing Viswaroopa. He didn’t want to acquire more sin by killing another Brahmana.
He wondered where he would wash it away…
All the Devas and Rishis compelled him promising that they would do an ‘Aswamedha Yagam’ to purify him and free him from the sin.
Indra trusted them and set off to kill Vritra.
But now, Indra was all alone bearing the burden of sin while others retired for their peaceful abodes.
How could Indra become happy while he was bearing the blame of killing a Brahmana?
Any sort of luxury or valour was insufficient to cheer him.
Hari Om!
Note: it is quite noticeable that the people who dragged Indra into killing Vritra were not there to share his shame and misery. He had to bear it alone.
This is how the world behaves, when you act according to their greed.
The people who promise you help for doing wrong will definitely leave you when they get what they want.
What was waiting for Indra now? We will see soon…
(Bhagavatham 6.13.1 – 6.13.11)
Dear Devotee,
You may see friends promising help for doing good things and bad things.
Those who support bad things will leave you in misery, while those who support good things will extend their Satsang everafter.
When some one offers help or promises support, think twice, what is the price that you will have to pay for it?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Indra saw ‘Brahmahathya’ running after him, looking like a severely sick, bleeding, ugly ‘chandala’ woman disgusting with a foul smell. He ran in all directions seeking shelter in vain. Then he dived into ‘Manasa Sarovar’ and hid there thinking about a way out from the sin.
While Indra remained in water enveloped by a lotus stem, a king called Nahusha reigned over the Swargalokam. He was gifted with all sorts of talents, physical strength, intellectual height and spiritual wealth.
Then how did Indra come back to his place?
The story follows:
Nahusha was overwhelmed by the new power he was enjoying and became blind with arrogance, so he wooed Indrani claiming that he was the new Indra now.
Indrani informed this to Brihaspathi and he told Indrani, “ask him to come in a vehicle led by Brahmanas”. She did so.
As Nahusha was carried by the Brahmanas, one Sage Agasthya could not walk fast. Agitated Nahusha stepped on Agasthya with his foot shouting, “sarpa, sarpa” meaning ‘walk fast’. But it turned out to be a curse and he fell down in the form of a snake.
Hari Om!
Now Indra returned to the heaven, purified by his stay in the lotus where Lakshmidevi’s presence is inherent. Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra also blessed him.
As he returned, the Rishis conducted ‘Aswamedham’ and Indra regained his position once again, with the blessings of Lord Hari.
Note: Bhagavatham is telling a story that is more relevant in our time now. The power games and how power corrupts the leaders’ minds are not unknown to us.
Nahusha’s arrogance and lust hit him back.
This also shows how a mind purifies itself in the silence of divine presence.
(Bhagavatham 6.13.12 – 6.13.23)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have very recently gave a tearful farewell to our beloved abdul Kalamji.
He was placed in the highest office in our country and still he continued to be a humble man devoted to his duty.
For him power meant the additional responsibility to serve more. That made him eternal in the Indian hearts for all time to come.
Nahushas enjoy for a short while and then fall down, but the eternal fame belongs to noble men of character.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Pareekshith was highly surprised to hear about Vrutra’s devotion and asked Sri Suka,
“Oh Sage, how could an Asura like Vrutra have this much devotion in Sri Hari? Even Devas and pure hearted sages do not have it this much.
There are endless creatures in this world, only a few human beings walk this path of Knowledge. Among them only a few aspire liberation. Out of such thousand men, only one can attain it. The path of liberation is so”.
‘How rare are devotees in this world? That too a ferocious Asura who scares others terribly! How could he be unshakably devoted like this in a horrible war field? We are sure that he was not afraid of Indra”.
Pareekshith’s eagerness pleased Sage Suka, he smiled and answered, “I will tell you the story of Chitrakethu, which I heard from my father Sage Vyasa, Sage Narada and Devalan”.
Note: Bhagavatham says how difficult is the path to liberation. Out of millions, only thousands are inclined to it. Only the most fortunate few actually attain that realization.
Only unshakable devotion helps you reach your goal.
(Bhagavatham 6.14.1 – 6.14.9)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails from people complaining about their dear and near ones, “Whatever we tell them or do to them, are futile. They turn their faces away from God. They are so materialistic. Why is it so?”.
Here is the answer.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka started narrating King Chitrakethu’s story.
Chitrakethu was an emperor ruling over Shoorasena countries. His land was like a ‘Kamadhenu’ granting all wishes. He had many wives and none of them could give a child to him.
He became disturbed in spite of all the merits and wealth he had in life.
One day Sage Angiras visited him, Chitrakethu paid full attention to the sage honouring him and serving him very pleasingly.
Angiras observed that the king was unhappy and asked, “Are you doing well? A king can be happy only when himself, the minister, the kingdom, the forts, wealth, law, friends are all doing well. The king and his subjects must have mutual trust. How is your mind? If your mind is centered, every one will honour you and be with you. Your face looks unhappy due to an unfulfilled desire. Tell me, what is it?”.
Chitrakethu prostrated before the all knowing Sage who wanted to hear it from the king himself.
Note: We can see an interesting psychology here. The ‘all knowing’ sage already knows what is disturbing Chitrakethu. Still he very kindly enquires and prompts him to present it himself.
Hari Om!
What difference does it make, when the person presents it himself?
It activates his intellect and shifts from a depressive mood (tamasik) to an action oriented mood (rajasik). The correct presentation of a problem gives a quick solution too.
Moreover, it helps the person to take charge or responsibility of the situation.
(Bhagavatham 6.14.10 – 6.14.22)
Dear Devotee,
When you converse with children, are you aware of what is happening in their minds?
Are you suggesting solutions to them or are you helping them to find solutions on their own?
Do you tell them what they want to know or do they draft it themselves?
We tell you, keep asking questions and let them ask questions to you.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Chitrakethu replied, “Hey Bhagavan, a Yogi like you who has purified yourself through Thapas, Atma Jnana, Samadhi knows every thing. Still I have to answer your query. Yes, I am unhappy, because I am still childless. Nothing in this world is sufficient to give joy to me.
Kindly bless me to overcome this misery”.
The sage very compassionately conducted a Yagam and gave the Yajna Prasadam to the king’s first wife Kritha Dyuthi. Then he predicted, “Hey King, a son will be born to you, who will give you joy as well as grief”.
As he said, Chitrakethu was blessed with a baby boy, bringing a festival of joy to the whole kingdom. The king gifted lavishly to one and all, to express his unbound joy.
He showered all his love on his wife, the only fortunate woman who could gift a child to him. This brought black clouds of jealousy and despair into the hearts of all other wives.
As the king’s attention was totally grabbed by his son and the queen, the other wives felt much inferior, much lower than the maid servants in the palace.
Their wrath increased day by day…
Hari Om!
Note: Bhagavatham displays exceptional versatility in portraying human character traits here. As a king, Chitrakethu should have been more sensible and centred. He forgot that he was the lord of the country and protector of all around him. It was his immaturity that invited the wrath and the subsequent tragedy in his life.
(Bhagavatham 6.14.23 – 6.14.42)
Dear Devotee,
We have just celebrated the Teachers’ day, on Jagad Guru Lord Krishna’s Janmashtami.
Bhagavan has displayed impartiality all through His Leelas. Whoever wanted His attention was free to go and get it. Only a surrendered mind was needed. A good teacher can never reject a seeker of Truth.
A good teacher and ruler must be unbiased and impartial to all seekers of help equally, accepting every one and holding them close to their heart. Then the entire society will be happy and the world be a joyful place to live in.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Chitrakethu’s wives lost all wisdom and discretion and did that ultimate crime at last. They gave poison to the baby prince.
Kritadyuthi was unaware of all this and taking her child to be sleeping, she went on with her usual works at home. As the child was asleep for an unusually long time, she asked the Ayah to bring him to her. The maid went to the baby and finding him dead, screamed out and fainted on the floor.
What followed next was unbearable to behold…
All the men and women in the kingdom were weeping uncontrollably. The wicked wives also joined them pretending to be shocked and sad. It was more than anything for the king to tolerate.
Kritadyuthi started blaming Lord Brahma for cutting this bond, which was dearer than the dearest. How could men prosper in life if their offsprings were snatched from them? Chitrakethu too lamented and fainted.
Seeing the panic of the king, queen and all countrymen the most compassionate Sage Angiras approached them with Sage Narada.
Note: Bhagavatham narrates a very detailed account of the unfortunate event in Chitrakethu’s life.
Hari Om!
The king and queen could not handle this grief. They fainted.
Then the help reached them in the form of Sages Angiras and Narada.
Even for the most miserable grief in life, there is only one remedy, that is, the presence of the Guru and His touch through knowledge.
(Bhagavatham 6.14.43 – 6.14.60)
Dear Devotee,
When a person is in misery, he/she forgets God, unable to pray too.
The unwise go after temporary solutions like drinking and drugs to get mental peace for some time. They do not realize that they will get more miserable afterwards.
When the prayers are needed the most, only the luckiest turn towards God or Guru.
More blessed are they, to whom the Guru goes Himself to remove the misery.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada and Sage Angiras started consoling Chitrakethu who sat near the lifeless body of his beloved son, “Hey noble King, you must act wisely. Who you are lamenting about, is he really yours? And who are you to him? In this life time you are father and son to each other. In the past and coming life times, you need not be. There is no Karmic rule as such.
As grains of sand unite and separate in the powerful flow of river, so do individuals by the power of Time.
As grains fall from plants, neither the grains nor the plants grieve. It is not wise to grieve over this Will of the Lord.
How can you regain peace? We will tell you. Now we are all together here. We were not so before our birth, we will not be so after our death. We are not so even now, just establish this in your mind to become peaceful.
Death attributes to body only, not to the Jeeva. Seeds from a tree become trees and all of them perish while the Earth where they all exist remain imperishable. Similarly ‘Deham’ withers away while ‘Dehi’ remains eternal.
Even this illusion is due to ignorance only”.
Hari Om!
Note: We can see the essence of the second chapter of Bhagavad Geetha in this part of Bhagavatham.
All the misery in life is due to the body only, either one’s own or another’s. All the attachments in the mind can be connected to the cravings related to body.
The Masters point towards your true self, and shift you from this body consciousness.
(Bhagavatham 6.15.1 – 6.15.8)
Dear Devotee,
Life is the best teacher who teaches you through experiences in your life.
Those who learn fast and efficiently from the experiences alone can live life to the fullest.
Guru helps you to become the witness, who watches the pleasant and unpleasant with a balanced mind.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As the Sages soothed the king, he wiped his sorrowful face and said, “Oh Avadhoothas in disguise, who are you? I know that you are noblest among the most knowledgeable great men. You look like intoxicated devotees who travel everywhere to teach materialistic people like me”.
Then Chitrakethu lists out all the names of Sages and asked if they are any of them.
He pleaded to light up the lamp of ‘Self Knowledge’ to him.
Sage Angiras replied, “Hey King, I am Angiras who gave you the boon of a son. And this is Sage Narada the son of Lord Brahma himself. We are here to console you in this grief of losing your son, as a devotee devoted to Bhagavan and Brahmanas should not suffer like this”.
Then he added, “the day I came to your home and gave blessing for a son, I would have definitely given you Atma Jnana. But I knew that you had an intense desire for a son, so gave that blessing instead”.
Note: Listen, all devotees. This is the essence of the science behind PRAYER. An intense wish becomes a deep prayer and gets materialized.
Further, note the most important knowledge here.
Hari Om!
As long as any lower desires exist in your mind, the highest desire for Atma Jnana will not come in your mind.
The Guru who knows you thoroughly will help you transcend that desire first and then guide you to the Highest Knowledge.
(Bhagavatham 6.15.9 – 6.15.20)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is an amazing truth about how our mind functions.
It will cling onto even very small problems until it encounters a bigger problem. Then the smaller one vanishes for some time. When the bigger problem is solved, it will bring back the old smaller problem.
The existence of mind depends on the existence of desires. Lower desires act like dust particles in your eye and block your view of Truth.
Suppressing a desire is unhealthy. When all desires are transcended, (either through dropping or experiencing) then alone the seeker is blessed with the highest desire for Atma Jnana.
The Guru waits patiently for the Shishya’s desire to deepen, so that he can guide him towards the ultimate aim of life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Angiras continued, “now you know the misery of men who want children and those who have children too. So you are qualified to receive this Thatwa Jnanam.
Like children, your wife, houses , all wealth, friends, kingdom and what not… they are all impermanent. They give nothing more than grief, passion, fear and panic. They appear and disappear instantaneously. They are dreamlike experiences. They exist due to your hidden impressions and constant brooding over them.
This misery is caused by ‘Deha abhimanam’ (attachment and pride of body). Focus on the Lord with devotion and let go of all your worries. Become peaceful”.
Sage Narada also blessed Chitrakethu, “transcend the illusionary world and realize the Divine”.
Note: This part further establishes the Truth that a mind which has known the futility of fulfilling even the deepest desires is capable of rejoicing in true devotion.
For Chitrakethu, the craving for a child stood before all other desires.
Hari Om!
It was like a dust particle in the eye which blocks the Sun. Once it was removed nothing could stand in the way to the Divine.
(Bhagavatham 6.15.21 – 6.15.28)
Dear Devotee,
If something offers pleasure, it definitely offers displeasure too. That is the nature of this world of opposites.
When you transcend this duality only, you can attain the Supreme.
Becoming more and more aware of your desires marks the progress in spirituality.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka continues, “Chitrakethu was not convinced even though the Sages told him, how illusionary his relation to his son was. His sorrow remained and hence the compassionate Sages decided to bring his dead son and communicate to him”.
No wonder, the seers were such powerful yogis…
Sri Narada said, “hey Jeevatma, look at your grieving parents, friends and relatives. Come back to your body and live again your royal life”.
Jeeva replied, “I have taken birth in so many life times, which life time are you talking about, where they were my parents? If they are sad to lose me as a son, why don’t they rejoice to lose me as an enemy? The same gold will go from one person to another and then to another. People vary, but gold remains the same. Similarly the same mind unites and separates with many parents”.
“As long as some one is related to you, that ‘my ness’ causes bondage and misery. There is no relevance for bondage after death as it is purely based on the body”.
Hari Om!
Note: Indian philosophy advocates ‘punar janma’ or the cycle of life times.
Here the Jeevatma which took birth as Chitrakethu’s son speaks on this philosophy.
We can see that the same mind behaves as a dear one and a hostile person too. Even in the same life time a relation can go through ‘love… hate’ dramas.
Then what to say about different lifetimes?
Wise people understand this truth and transcends the illusion of duality.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.1 – 6.16.8)
Dear Devotee,
This is an important part of Bhagavatham where we find reference to the eternal nature of Self as described in the second chapter of Bhagavad Geetha.
Please read Geetha also along with this.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Jeeva concludes, “Jeevatma is eternal, has no birth or death like the perishable body. Body has no life or energy of its own. Jeeva illuminates the body through its own Chaithanyam.
There is none dearer or less dear to the Lord. The Supreme is the witness to everything in action.
I can not take any experience from you, as I am not related to you in any way. I am not the experiencer of good or bad too”.
Sri Suka said, “Telling this to Chitrakethu and others, Jeeva vanished, and they all were liberated from the grief of separation. The boy’s last rites were conducted. The wicked wives admitted their cruel act and performed ‘prayaschitham’.
Like an elephant coming out of mud, Chitrakethu came out of the passions of ‘Grihasthasramam’. He surrendered before the sages Narada and Angiras. Narada gave advice to him”.
It is surprising to see the dispassion of a man with crores of wives.
Note: Everything in life is a learning experience. It is meant to bring you closer to the Lord. When your attachment to the mundane world increases, you deviate from the right path. Then the Lord’s merciful blows bring you back to Him.
Hari Om!
First He gives small blows and if you do not learn from them, He gives hard blows.
There is only one purpose; that is, you become ONE with Him in devotion.
What was Narada’s advice to Chitrakethu? We will see soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.9 – 6.16.17)
Dear Devotee,
Life is the greatest teacher, whose lessons are mostly indirect.
Intelligent people learn very fast.
Unintelligent ones are slow learners, and make their own lives miserable.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The next eight Slokas contain Sri Narada’s advice to Chitrakethu.
It is meant to purify the four faculties of mind, by offering Namaskaram to Sri Vasudeva in Chitham, Pradyumna in Budhi, Anirudha in Mansas and Sankarshana in Ahamkaram.
“Namaskaram to Sri Bhagavan who is peaceful beyond ‘raga and lobha’, remains as solidified joy and Jnanam beyond ‘I’ness and ‘My’ness. Bhagavan is visible to all in the form of this world. Yet He is accessible at His own Will, only to the most fortunate devotee whose mind has become pure through devotion.
Like the vessels made from mud, go back to mud, we are all born in Bhagavan, exist in Bhagavan and dissolve in Bhagavan.
It is impossible to know Bhagavan through mind and intellect and I prostrate before that Infinite Supreme within and without like space”.
Note: Bhagavatham says, it is impossible to attain Bhagavan without His Will. What does it mean? All the Sadhanas and other practices imply some sort of effort.
Any effort can give a feeling of ‘doership’ which caters to pride. A mind preoccupied with pride or egoistic thoughts can not dissolve into the inner silence and experience the Lord within.
Hari Om!
Meditation or Dhyanam is effortless and there is nothing to take pride in.
With regular meditation one reaches a state where every moment is an experience of the ‘Sachidanatha Swaroopam’.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.18 – 6.16.23)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails from devotees asking, ‘if it is possible to see God?’.
They think as if God is a person to behold by getting eligibility after doing a lot of good deeds or Namasamkeerthanam etc.
We tell you, you can never see or experience God as an external object.
When your attention is turned within, to the Subject you will experience none other than Bhagavan.
The purpose of human birth is experiencing Him and every thing else is secondary.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Why the senses can not know Bhagavan?
Bhagavatham says:
The body, senses, Prana, mind and intellect function in the states of ‘jagrat’ and ‘swapna’ and they do not function in ‘sushupti’ and ‘moorchha’. They can function only when the Chaithanyam shines or prompts through them.
This can be compared to metals like iron that burn your hand when they are put in fire. It is the association with fire that makes them hot or in other words functional.
How can senses know the Chaithanyam that make them functional? Jeeva can not know Chaithanyam which in turn knows Jeeva.
Then sages Narada and Angiras advised Chitrakethu and disappeared.
He obeyed the Sage’s instructions precisely for seven days fasting with water alone.
At the end of his penance, he reached the abode of Sri Sankarshana Moorthi. He stood speechless for a long time as his deep love was flowing out as tears on the Bhagavad Darshan.
Hari Om!
Eventually his emotions subsided and he started praising Bhagavan.
Note: Bhagavatham points to a deep mystery in our daily life which we seldom notice or observe.
We all know that we have three states of experience like awaken state, dreaming state and sleeping state.
Have you ever wondered what is happening in these different states?
The one who is awake does not know dream or sleep and the one who dreams does not know the other states and the one who sleeps is unaware of the other two.
So, as a seeker one must observe this pattern very carefully. Because, the deepest mystery of life lies in this sequence.
The one who slips into sleep with awareness knows that he is not the body that undergoes these states and the mind that experiences these changes.
This is very much similar to death and hence it is said that the one who meditates regularly has no fear of death.
Hari Om!
In fact, sleep is a simulation of death and the one who understands the simulation model understands the real model too.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.24 – 6.16.33)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails asking for a way to get out of the miseries associated with fear of death. There is only ONE remedy and that is MEDITATION.
Real meditation is spanning every moment of your life where you forget the existence of your body and become simply AWARENESS.
Experiment with your own mind and experience the joy of such a living in ecstasy.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The next fifteen slokas compose Chitraketu’s Sthuthi to Bhagavan.
“Hey Bhagavan, You are the Supreme whom no one can win over. Yet You go to the true devotees who have a balanced mind. They want nothing, still they want You. Such Nishkama Bhakthas are blessed by Thee.
The servants (devotees) and the Served (Bhagavan) belong to each other.
It is His leela that the worlds are created, maintained, dissolved and He Himself shines as the living beings. Your ‘maya shakthi’ is behind their illusions of individualities and mutual friction.
You are in the smallest ‘paramanu’ and the biggest ‘Mahat Thatwam’ and in their middle too.
Before becoming the ornament and after melting the ornament Gold only remains forever.
And only You are in the beginning, middle and the end as Truth…….”
Note: Here Bhagavatham says, how devotees are connected to Bhagavan inseparably. It is shown by the statement that the Lord is attracted towards the devotees equally.
Hari Om!
Another striking point is given about Truth. It is THAT which remains unchanged in the beginning and end and in the middle too.
If something changes sometime, it cannot be eternally True. So, experiencing that changeless Truth in the ever changing world is real spirituality.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.34 – 6.16.36)
Dear Devotee,
Stop for a moment and think, “Where were I before this body was born? Where will I be after this body drops dead?”.
There is something that remains here forever, witnesses everything.
Realize THAT!!!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham was saying, Truth is beyond Time.
Now Bhagavatham says, Truth is beyond space too.
Bhoomi, Jalam, Agni, Vayu, Akasham, Ahamkaram and Mahadthatwam – each upper layer is ten times bigger than its lower layer and they envelop this Brahmandam.
Crores of such Brahmandam exist as a ‘Paramanu’ in this Infinity.
Unintelligent people relish in the pleasures gifted by Indra like Devas and they do not serve the Supreme.
All these materialistic gifts perish in the advance of Time, so aspiring petty things like swargam and serving Indra is foolishness.
Even for materialistic benefits, serving the Supreme will eventually lead to liberation. If it is so, what to say about the benefit of ‘nishkama bhakthi’?
Like fried seeds become infertile, the ‘sankalpas’ surrendered before You will not yield to misery.
Bhagavad Nama Japam is the supreme way of worshipping.
Note: Indra represents the mind and the pleasures gifted by mind are always attributed to senses. As long as you focus on them, you are away from the Lord.
Why waste your time and energy in acquiring perishable things?
Hari Om!
Acquire the imperishable, get in touch with the Eternal Power within you. This part of Bhagavatham describes what best you can attain in this world and how small it is before Infinity.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.37 – 6.16.40)
Dear Devotee,
Many people become confused when they start walking in the path of Sadhana and Satsang. They think renouncing the world is spirituality. Enjoying the comforts in this world is not against Sadhana.
But, when your mind is craving and running after materialistic pleasures, you are away from Bhagavan. When you suppress all your desires and force yourself into a suffocating custom also, you are away from Bhagavan.
Remember, whatever you do is either making you more divine or not. Your intuitive mind will definitely tell you, whether you are in the right path or not.
Sadhana and Satsang will help you develop such a strong mind. You can enjoy the world only when your mind is always connected to the Divine.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
What is so superior in ‘Nishkama Bhakthi’ compared to ‘Sakama Bhakthi’?
In ‘Nishkama Bhakthi’, there is no “I”ness and “My”ness. But in ‘Sakama Bhakthi’, there is a feeling of separation and chances of Adharma and aspiration for perishable benefits. So, it is considered to be impure.
What good can it bring, as it harms the seeker himself and others? Damaging yourself displeases Bhagavan and damaging others brings Adharma.
As the result of ‘Nishkama Bhakthi’ is not apparent, people go after ‘Sakama Bhakthi’ which promises evident benefits.
They don’t remember that the Lord has promised, “those who worship me with single focused attention will be protected”. Intelligent people seek it, while greedy people seek perishable fortunes.
Chitrakethu continues, “True devotees have unshakable faith in You, they serve You and attain Moksham. Even chanting Your name once liberates even a chandala. Then having Your Darshan is beyond any explantion. We have become pure hearted. Can Your devotee Sage Narada’s words become futile?”.
Chitrakethu offered Pranam to the Supreme whose will moves all
Hari Om!
planets and expresses life in various forms in this creation.
The Bhagavad Sthuthi offered by Chitrakethu ends here.
Note: Here, the most noticeable knowledge point is the comparison between ‘Nishkama and Sakama’ Bhakthi. When you pray for materialistic benefits in life, you are actually trying to accumulate perishable things. They are not going to last forever, neither the body that you have now nor its possessions will sustain here forever.
When you are service minded you are supporting others and yourself too. When you are centred around your wants and needs your mind will not expand. When the want becomes greed, it becomes destructive to all.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.41 – 6.16.48)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavad Seva is not some thing special that you perform in special occasions. You can make every thing a service to the Lord.
When you eat, drink and cater to your body, you are caring the Lord within. When you take care of others, you are actually serving the Lord within them.
When you perform your duty, involve your mind with Awareness and care, that becomes Bhagavad Seva.
So, a teacher, doctor, public servant, plumber, electrician or any one can be a devotee in action when they do their work as service to the Lord.
When that happens in our lives, our homeland will prosper exponentially.
Remember, you are here for a great cause!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Lord Adi Shesha was pleased with Chitrakethu’s praise and prayer and said, “You are blessed with the ‘Thatwa Jnana’ advised by Sage Narada and Sage Angiras and by My Darshan”.
Bhagavan establishes that knowledge in his awareness, “all the beings, that Atma in them and THAT which illuminates them, is none other than Me. The Vedas and the ParaBrahmam are my two imperishable forms.
The world which one can experience and the Experiencer of the world are ONE”.
Then why there is “I”ness and “My”ness between the experiencer and the experienced?
Bhagavan says, “A man while sleeping, dreams of the world and they remain separate from one another. When he wakes up, he sees himself in a corner of his own house. Similarly, Atma is separate and a witness to these changing states of existence”.
How do you know that Atma is the witness? The clue lies in the question, how did you know that you slept well? There must be some one who witnessed your sleep!
That’s why when you wake up, you can tell that you slept well, without knowing any thing.
Hari Om!
So, who is saying this? The one who slept? How could he know and say this?
The one who is asleep and the one who is awake are different. How can on talk about the other’s experience? The answer is, it is the same ParaBrahmam that knows in the sleep and in the awaken state. There is only ONE witness to both states”.
“When you forget My Swaroopa that shines in every thing, you are bound to suffer. Only this knowledge can liberate you”.
Note: Bhagavatham is pointing to a very striking Truth here.
When you dream, where do all those men, women, animals, buildings, roads and all come from?
Do you recognize that they were all created in and by your awareness? So, you are the creator! Every thing appeared and disappeared in your dream. You were also there as your own creation!
So, this explains how the Lord is the creator and the creation too…
The subtlest and the grossest is none other than Bhagavan. He Himself has become the creation too.
Hari Om!
This display called ‘world’ is nothing but the dream of the cosmic dreamer…
Yes, Bhagavatham is taking us to the higher dimensions of this mysterious knowledge, where every thing merges into that Supreme ONE!
(Bhagavatham 6.16.49 – 6.16.57)
Dear Devotee,
What is the purpose of this creation? We get this question many a time from our devotees.
Think, what is the purpose of a dream?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sixteenth chapter concludes here with Lord Adishesha’s advice to Chitrakethu:
“Even animals can experience sensory pleasures. A human birth is not needed for enjoying such pleasures. AtmaJnanam is attainable only in human life. A human birth in this auspicious land of ‘Bharatham’ must be used for attaining ‘Moksham’ through the study of Scriptures and practising Sadhana.
If it is not done here and now, it is not possible in any other body.
When one knows about the irresistible pleasures in this world, his mind craves for them. How to control such a wandering mind?
Only an intelligent person can distinguish and discriminate and follow the right path. He must withdraw his mind from all diversions”.
Bhagavatham speaks on Pravrithi and Nivrithi here, you can never find ultimate joy in your efforts, because the pride in our efforts is the prime obstacle. Scriptures and service to the SathGuru will definitely lead you to the realization of Truth.
The realization that Jeevatma is not separate from Paramatma is the ultimate knowledge. Once that realization dawns within, understand, your life is blessed. It will not dawn in an impure intellect.
Hari Om!
It happens only when all your efforts become service to the Lord.
Saying this and blessing Chitrakethu, Lord Adishesha disappeared.
Note: we are living in a time when the greed of man has started striking back. All over the world, people have started recognising the ill effects of exploitation on natural resources and looting in the name of expansion.
There is a limit to what we can enjoy through our senses. However delicious a dish is, how much can we eat? However melodious a song is, how long can we listen to it? However loving a touch is, how long can we hold onto it?
Simply speaking, Pravrithi is the involvement in the outer world and Nivrithi is the dissolving into the within.
Both are needed for a balanced life. A healthy mind relies on both and a healthy body sustains in it.
(Bhagavatham 6.16.58 – 6.16.65)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
A few decades back, our elders lived with a broader vision. They planted trees expected to yield after so many decades. They knew that they could never enjoy the result of their action, still they did it for the coming generations. Because, that was what they learned from their ancestors too.
Today, people want only quick results, quick money and quick returns. The cravings, greed and selfishness of individuals have corrupted society to a large extent.
What is the solution? That is, Pravrithi and Nivrithi……
Do what you can, offering it as a humble service to the Lord. It will purify the intellect and heart from all greed and selfishness and elevate you as an instrument of the Lord.
Only then the true purpose of human life, the realization of ‘THATWAMASI’ unfolds before us.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Chitrakethu was an ardent devotee of Bhagavan and he was blessed too. Still he became a prey to an unwise thought and bagged a severe curse from the Holy Mother Parvathi.
She still calls him ‘putra’ indicating the Divine love beyond judgements.
A blessing or curse from the Lord is for our good only.
Let us see how Chitrakethu responded to this difficult situation in the next session.
(Bhagavatham 6.17.1 – 6.17.15)
Dear Devotee,
Remember, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”.
Many people run into trouble when they fail to see the situation clearly and respond or rather react in haste.
Humility, especially before great people is the most important virtue that keeps your life ever blessed.
Before speaking, check, who are you addressing?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Suka said, “Chitrakethu immediately descended from the plane and prostrated before Mother Parvathi and pleased Her”.
Chitrakethu apologized, “Mother, I am accepting Your curse with both hands. It is not in vain. I deserve this and hence You are granting this curse to me.
This is the nature of the cycle of world. There is nothing to grieve or rejoice over anything here. The ignorant one thinks his Sukham is due to himself and his Dukham is due to his enemies.
What is the base of curse, blessing, heaven, hell, pleasure and displeasure kind of opposite pairs? Are they actually real? It is all from the Lord, still He is separate from it.
The purpose of creation itself is a blessing. Any good or bad experienced by the beings can be attributed to their Karma alone. Easwara is equal and impartial to all.
Hey Shobhane! I have expressed my just opinion only. Still as it has displeased You, I seek Your pardon”.
Thus Chitrakethu pleased the Lord and Goddess and left in his plane as They looked at him in surprise.
Hari Om!
Note: Bhagavatham remarkably demonstrates how to please an offended person of authority here.
Chitrakethu immediately went to Parvathi Devi and apologized.
He didn’t defend himself or justify himself.
Still he did not deny or withdraw his statement.
Very elegantly he accepted the punishment and that’s what surprised and pleased the Divine couple.
He knew whatever blessing or curse came from the Divine was for his good only.
Only a true devotee can have such a Prasada Budhi and balanced mind.
What was Lord Siva’s perception? We will see very soon.
(Bhagavatham 6.17.16 – 6.17.25)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is such a valuable lesson for each and every one of us, especially youngsters.
When a man in uniform asks you to stop your vehicle or questions you, how do you respond?
Do you walk to the officer or make him walk towards you? Is it a positive response like Chitrakethu had shown us or an undiplomatic one?
When your boss points out your mistake, how do you accept it? Do you irritate him further or surprise him with your elegant manners?
Please understand, what we have seen is an excellent example of benefits of Response (over Reaction) and how it works wonders in our life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Chitrakethu left, Lord Siva looked at Devi Parvathi and spoke in front of all Sages and Rishis, “Have you noticed Chitrakethu’s greatness? He is single focused in Lord Hari and hence has such a balanced mind that no curse can shake! A true devotee is fearless and accepts good and bad equally and peacefully.
Sukham and Dukham are related to mind, birth and death are related to body, none of them relates to Atma. Like the scenes and experiences in a dream, all these are delusions of the mind”.
How to end this misery?
The solution is devotion only.
When you have undeterred devotion in the Lord, you will realize that there is no other solace than Bhagavan Himself.
Lord Siva continues, “I am devoted like Chitrakethu and hence I have no ill feeling towards him. He just made a remark from a social perspective.
And, do not have pride that “I am capable of cursing” because they are also capable of cursing. They refrain from it just because of their harmless nature”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan’s advice put an end to Devi’s pride and anger.
Thus Chitrakethu was born as Vritra, the asura.
What was the philosophy behind Lord Siva embracing Devi Parvathi? It represents the subtle truth that Purusha joining Prakrithi is the root of creation….
Chitrakethu had to take one more lifetime to shed his ignorance and know this truth.
Note: Here we know the truth behind Vritra’s devotion. There is nothing like coincidence here. Where you stopped in your last life time, there you start in your present lifetime.
We have such bold Scriptures, where even Gods and Goddesses are questioned by the seeker and still honoured.
The greatness of our Sanatana Dharma lies in the ‘all welcoming attitude’. We honour life in its totality. We are bold to face questions and accept all situations peacefully.
With this note, seventeenth chapter concludes.
(Bhagavatham 6.17.26 – 6.17.41)
Hari Om!
This chapter describes the lineages. Thwashtav, the fourth among twelve sons of Adithi was mentioned along with his lineage. The eighteenth chapter describes the fifth son Vivaswan onwards.
We leave it to the interested readers to read it from the Bhagavatham text.
Here a most interesting story is the birth of Maruth Devas born to Dithi, wife of Sage Kashyapa.
As we read before, Dithi had two sons Hiranya Kashipu and Hiranyakshan.
They both were killed by Lord Vishnu.
This gave immense pain to Mother Dithi and she wanted to take revenge by killing Indra.
She wanted a son who could kill Indra and so thought about tempting her husband Sage Kashyapa into granting her such a great son.
She thought, “when can I sleep peacefully after killing Indra? Even emperors’ bodies upon death are eaten by worms. Then why do they want to kill others? What is their gain in giving misery to others? Those who give pain to others for self-gratification are harming themselves”.
Hari Om!
Note: Dithi’s thoughts appear to be just, but wait…. Isn’t she going to do the same by wanting to kill Indra?
Bhagavatham says, the knowledge in Dithi’s words were not present in her mind. What she condemns in others was present in her too.
Before blaming others, one should check if it is there in them, that would make this world a much better place to live.
(Bhagavatham 6.18.1 – 6.18.25)
Dear Devotee,
It says, what you spot in others, you already have in yourself.
So, before blaming others check if you have it already.
Correct yourself before correcting others.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dithi realized that she can give birth to such a powerful son who is capable to end the life of Indra with her husband’s blessings only. So she decided to allure him with her charm, service and care. She gave more priority to his comfort.
Her care and charm lured Kashyapa immensely and he asked her what wish he could grant her?
She expressed her wish for a son who could kill Indra and who could be killed by none, which was a very bad surprise for him. He regretted about it and thought of a wise solution which could pacify all.
He thought, “My promise must be honoured, Indra (who is also my son) must not be killed”.
Only Chittasudhi could remove the malice and revenge from Dithi’s heart. So, Sage Kashyapa advised a Mantra and penance to Dithi to get a great son.
He warned her that any lack in the penance would transform her son into a friend of Indra instead of his enemy.
Hari Om!
Note: This part of Bhagavatham describes how clever Dithi was in alluring her husband’s mind. We are not giving a very detailed note on the cunning mind set of Dithi and Kashyapa’s regret remarks here.
A determined woman sees no obstacles in her path and achieves what she wants. We can see Dithi as a negative character here. Let us see if her mind will shift to a higher level as her penance progresses.
(Bhagavatham 6.18.26 – 6.18.45)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We can see numerous divorces happening around, especially among Hindus.
It is mainly because we do not conduct pre-marital awareness classes for the young people before marriage.
A good marriage lasts better with good psychological understanding between the husband and wife. More importantly, the wife must have a good understanding about her husband and their children. Woman is the backbone of a family, her support is most essential for every one in the family.
Here we can see how Dithi could attract her husband with her charm and care. Both are needed for a charismatic marriage.
A man expects care of his mother and charm of his lover in his wife. In return, the wife wants a lot of appreciation and gifts from him. That is the success formula for an average married life.
Don’t you agree with us too?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dithi was ready to accept any penance for giving birth to a mighty son and requested Kashyapa to narrate the rules for observing penance.
He gave a list of thirty one rules that must be observed strictly during her pregnancy failing which her son would turn into a friend of Indra.
First rule set of ten, refers to general practices which are common for all penances.
Next five refer to food, another seven refer to travelling outside and then eight rules are related to sleep.
Then how to honour cows, Brahmins, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi other women and her husband.
We are not getting into the details here.
As Indra heard this development, he became alert and immediately set out to join Dithi as an assistant.
He served Dithi (his ‘younger mother’) with utmost care, eagerly waiting for a chance to destroy the child in her womb.
We will see the rest of the story very soon.
Hari Om!
Note: For our ancestors, giving birth to a child was very sacred and they knew how to get a good child in their progeny. Much before conceiving they prepared for the arrival of the torch bearer of the lineage and thus they could give birth to great souls.
(Bhagavatham 6.18.46 – 6.18.56)
Dear Devotee,
As a girl gets married and joins her husband, give her the wisdom to become a good mother. Our Scriptures give a lot of scientific knowledge on choosing the right child for you.
Isn’t it amazing?
Read this part of Bhagavatham for more information.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Indra served Mother Dithi with utmost care in observing her penance. He waited for the right opportunity to see her breaking the penance.
One day as he was pondering over the matter, he noticed that Dithi was sleeping tired at dusk without ‘sandhya shoucham’. In no time he entered her womb using his ‘yoga shakthi’ and started cutting the baby into seven pieces.
Each piece started crying and asking them to stop crying (hence called ‘Maruth Devas’) he again cut each of them into seven more pieces. Thus forty nine pieces cried to him asking for mercy, claiming that they are his brothers only.
Indra became peaceful now and as Dithi woke up from sleep she was happy to see fifty glorious sons. Constant chanting of Nama Japam had purified her heart from all hatred and enmity towards Indra.
Indra asked for forgiveness and Dithi blessed all her sons who went to Swarga with Indra.
Hari Om!
Note: What do we note here?
Bhagavatham says, the embryo in Dithi’s womb was shining bright like gold owing to ‘vrita mahatmyam’ and ‘beeja shudhi’ which refers to the nobility of father and purity of mother.
Another important point is, constant Japam purifies your heart by removing all negative emotions.
(Bhagavatham 6.18.57 – 6.18.78)
Dear Devotee,
A pure heart filled with devotion to the Lord can never be miserable. Whatever seemingly goes wrong will turn out to be good for you ultimately.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
King Pareekshith was highly impressed as he heard the glory of ‘Pumsavanam’. So he requested Sage Suka to detail more.
Sri Suka explained the process of taking penance and the versatile benefits. We are leaving the reading pleasure to the interested readers here.
This Nineteenth chapter happens to be the last chapter of Sixth canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
(Bhagavatham 6.19.1 – 6.19.32)
Dear Devotee,
Swamiji will be publishing a book on Scriptural Wisdom in another dimension.
We all know that our ancestors have mentioned the importance of rituals, customs, traditions, life style and food habits to be observed before, during and after pregnancy. This is essential in giving birth to intelligent and noble souls and protecting the lineage.
A research into this arena of knowledge is highly appreciable and we will be happy to publish the valuable discoveries.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Canto 7
Introduction to the Seventh Canto
Seventh Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham begins with the story of Prahlada and his father Hiranya Kashipu. We have the exciting Avathar of Lord Narasimha appearing in this canto.
What is the specialty of Seventh canto? It deals with the topic of ‘Udhaya’ which basically means the character of each individual. Our sages who have studied the human nature in depth could discover every human being’s true nature which they brought up themselves.
Modern science is not yet clear about how individuals differ in nature.
Srimad Bhagavatham gives a clear understanding and wisdom in this topic. According to Bhagavatham every human mind is associated with three gunas namely sathwa, rajas and thamas. Because of their influence our personalities are moulded in different ways.
If Thamo guna is dominating it implies laziness, lethargy, forgetfulness and dullness. Such a person becomes so dull minded and very weak in understanding and perfection in action. We generally call them weak or low I.Q. However they seldom realize they can transform this weakness
Hari Om!
into strength and ability by certain spiritual practices. As modern science states, energy can be transferred from one form to another. Similarly the gunas can be transformed.
And the Truth is, you are beyond the gunas. That’s why one can overcome or transcend his or her own character. So this gives a good lesson that, never mix up your personality and character. Personality is what you are and character is what you are carrying. This carriage can be changed, provided you get proper guidance and the technique of transformation.
Now some people are affected by very restless minds. They are able to focus their minds only on exciting and entertaining fields and not on work and studies. Such minds are called Rajasik, means agitated, aggressive, never gives peace of mind and happiness unless they are allowed to do what they want.
At the outer level, life is always choices. One is bounded by social, family and government systems. We can not just choose parents who really love us. Similarly you have no freedom in your study, job, family etc. Now instead of living with an agitated and disturbed mind one can enjoy the challenging environment, job and characters of others by
Hari Om!
transforming this Rajasik mind into a Sathwik mind. Eventually life becomes a celebration.
Sathwa guna people are good in grasping, understanding and performing in a perfect way. Such people are very egoistical in their abilities. So that nature has the tendency to degrade others who are not upto their expectations. This brings lot of frustration and depression in their life.
Bhagavatham says, such people need a balanced mind and thus they can transform their sathwa guna into Sama Budhi. They become real guides and models for others. Now let us discover these characters through Seventh canto.
Seventh canto gives us the techniques of transformation of one guna to a positive one.
Please do not simply read through these stories as if they are some ancient stories happened long back. They are pointers to how we can become better and useful personalities to ourselves and others. This alone brings respect, contentment and gratitude.
So let us travel together through this Canto.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The seventh canto describes how our Karma creates impressions or Vasanas in the mind.
Vasanas are either good(shubha) or bad(ashubha).
How are they generated? Bhagavatham says, the blessings from wise men cause shubha and their curse causes ashubha in our lives.
The stories of Jaya and Vijaya who were cursed by Sanaka and were born as the Asuras Hiranyaksha and Hiraya Kashipu depict this truth. Whereas, Prahlada though a born asura achieved the impossible from the Lord because of sage Narada’s blessings.
King Parikshit asks Sri Suka, “Bhagavan has no partiality, still He helps the devas and destroys the asuras. Why is it so?”.
The Sage replied, “the ignorant man thinks so, but the wise one understands the reality. Bhagavan is Changeless as ever, no one can impose partiality in Him. Every one reaps the result of his/her own deeds. As an unbiased authority, He just grants what you deserve.
The three gunas have rise and fall in nature in accordance with time. When a guna is dominating Bhagavan seems to favour that guna, that’s all. This is what appears to the ignorant. The wise knows the truth”.
Hari Om!
Then Sri Suka begins to narrate the conversation between Yudhishtira and Sage Narada during the Rajasuya Yagam conducted by him.
Notes: Bhagavatham says, the ignorant mind confines God to a physical form and projects his own mind on the Supreme Consciousness. All these doubts arise from such a doubtful mind. Here we can see a detailed description of how the gunas affect your karma and how it leads to future karma and the cycle of experiences.
(Bhagavatham 7.1.1 – 7.1.14)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is very important to know which guna is dominating in your mind and body to lead a quality life from moment to moment.
It is even more important to know about the other people with whom you interact to ensure harmony in life.
If a wife understands her husband’s mental state she can ensure a healthy communication with him.
In work places, people can interact constructively and work for a common mission as a single work force when they have mutual understanding and mutual respect.
When you feel dull or when you feel aggressive or when you feel peaceful realize which guna is dominating in yourself.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yudhishtira asked Sri Narada, “Oh Sage, how did Shishupala, who hated Sri Hari unite with Him in death as it is the most difficult to attain, even for the noblest sages? Another King Venan who despised Bhagavan had a mean end by the Brahmanas! Why Shishupala was blessed with such a noble death?”.
Narada replied, “Dear King, tell me, why do you think that the man who dishonoured Bhagavan is entitled to hell only? Do you think the Lord is pleased or displeased by any thing an ignorant one says or does? Are you so foolish to think so? Please understand that Bhagavan is ‘Jnana Ananda Swaroopa’ who is not vulnerable to anything good or bad.
How can Bhagavan be attached to any emotions as He has no body or form? He is the Formless Truth”.
Sri Narada continues, “It is not your love or hate but your constant remembrance that unites you to Him. You can have any kind of attachment to Him, enmity, devotion, love, or lust, only remember that it should be so strong to bond your Chitha to Him.
You may forget your friend, but you seldom forget your enemy. Thus Shishupala very strongly and vehemently remembered Him all through his life.
Hari Om!
As a worm trapped in a wasp’s cocoon becomes another wasp through its sole and constant association, Shishupala became ONE with Bhagavan through his hatred.
Similarly Gopis had constant remembrance of Him through their lust, Kamsa through fear, Vrishnis through alliance and you Pandavas through love.
Vena does not belong to any of this category, so his mind was not with the Lord and hence he did not attain Him.
So, whatever may be the way, your mind must reach to Him to become ONE with Him.
Notes: This is a very direct description. Bhagavatham says, it does not matter HOW you connect to the Supreme. What matters is only the constant, unshaken connection with Him all through your life.
This is the ultimate freedom we have in Hinduism. We are not preaching that you must love God for attaining heaven. We are not warning that you must fear Him for escaping from hell.
We have the freedom to connect to Him the way we want. This is why we are criticized by other religions who do not know the depth of our Wisdom.
Hari Om!
Our Rishis knew that any emotion directed towards the Lord within, dissolves into peace like all rivers flowing towards the ocean become the ocean itself.
So for example, when you are angry, direct it towards Bhagavan for bringing that situation in your life. Forget the situation and remember only Him. Then see what happens to your mind…
(Bhagavatham 7.1.15 – 7.1.31)
Dear Devotee,
What a striking psychology you can see here?
What you constantly think, you become that!!!
Next time you become obsessive with any kind of thinking pattern, watch it.
Analyse, is it useful to you in any way? If it is creative and constructive, apply it in your next action. If it is unresourceful or destructive, stop brooding over it and channelize your thinking power for the good.
Learn the Art of Thinking from Bhagavatham!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotees,
Greetings to all of you on the occasion of Sree Krishna Jayanti……
Why does the whole world celebrate Krishna, his birthday and his life? There is something we can all learn from his life. Krishna is ever remembered on behalf of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatham. Though delivered by sage Veda Vyasa, it is all about Krishna and his teachings. Right from birth, he encountered innumerable challenges and adversities in life. However with his inner strength, wisdom and courage, he boldly faced every problem that came his way.
This is our take home lesson from his life. Our life is rife with problems just as his was. If we worry or complain, not only do we not enjoy life, but we will be isolated and neglected eventually as well. Facing life with valor will bring us acceptance and respect. Courageous people are honored and recognized in all walks of life. Let us adopt his path of boldness and strength.
Let us offer our love and gratitude to Jagad Guru Sree Krishna by following His guidance in our lives.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage continued the story of Shishupala and Dantavaktra to Yudhishtira, “They were in fact Jaya and Vijaya, the gate keepers of Lord Hari in Vaikuntam. They came to this earthly world owing to the curse from Sanakas. They are equally qualified for Mukthi like you Pandavas”.
This aroused Yudhishtira’s curiosity, what could cause such a curse to the devotees of the Lord Himself? It was unbelievable for him.
Narada explained further, “Once the sages Sanakas who were resembling small children reached Vaikuntam in their usual ‘clothe less’ style and Jaya and Vijaya stopped them at the entrance. This provoked the sages and they cursed them for three ‘Asura lifetimes’ ; then they would return to their original abode.
Thus in the first life time they were born as Hiranya Kashipu and Hiranyaksha, second as Ravana and Kumbhakarna and now as Shishupala and Dantavaktra in their third life time.
Hiranyaksha attained Mukthi from Varaha Avathar of Sri Hari, Hiranya Kashipu from Lord Narasimha to protect Hiranya Kashipu’s child Prahlada from his ruthless father and Ravana and Kumbhakarna attained Mukthi from Lord Sri Rama”.
Hari Om!
Yudhishtira was eager to know how an Asura like Hiranya Kashipu have a devotee like Prahlada as son?
(Bhagavatham 7.1.32 – 7.1.47)
Dear Devotee,
We are moving to the magnificent story of Lord Narasimha very soon.
It says, we must salute the Asuras first, as they are the ones who bring the Lord here.
In a sense, Jaya and Vijaya were guarding Bhagavan’s entrance in Vaikuntam and they made His entry here too.
Without their mistake, these Supreme manifestations of Bhagavan wouldn’t have descended here.
So, before blaming any one for their mistake, have a good check on its possible goodness in future too. Then you will take it very light heartedly. Because you are not sure what all goodness will follow a seemingly bad situation…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada replies to Yudhishtira, “Hiranyakashipu had intolerable anger towards Sri Hari as the Lord killed his brother Hiranyaksha. Prahlada being a ‘Hari Bhaktha’ was unbearable for his father”.
Hiranyakashipu ordered to his fellow Asuras, “I want to kill Sri Hari as he killed my brother. So go and destroy all the Brahmanas, the cows, the trees and all noble men who conduct Satsangs, for these people and their auspicious deeds are the secret of Earth’s wellbeing. Destroy them and all the goodness in Earth will vanish like a tree’s branches fall when its root is uprooted. To annihilate your enemy, one must first destroy his aides”.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.1 – 7.2.12)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavatham says how Earth sustains and how it gets damaged. Aren’t we seeing the ill effects of Asurik actions in this world now?
We must look at the root of a problem to solve it completely and permanently.
It is the call of the hour to respect our Scriptures and conduct Satsangs to sustain human life in this planet.
Let this auspicious time of Navarathri bring out the valour in us to uproot negativity and spread positivity around us.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Asuras were more than happy to execute Hiranyakashipu’s instructions, as they enjoy hurting others by nature. They went ransack around like a hurricane using various weapons and set ablaze to kill people and bring down towns as well as villages.
This put an end to Yagas in the world and Devas roamed around in vain.
Meanwhile Hiranya Kashipu did all the final rites for his brother and assembled his wife and other family members to console them.
He knew it was his moral responsibility to give strength to his mother Dithi and his brother’s wife Rusha Bhanu with his soothing words. He had to play the roles of a son, brother and in the capacity of King too.
Note: We can see the importance of taking appropriate action in various roles here, even though it was demonstrated by an Asura.
Hiranya Kashipu acted upon his kingly role to attack his enemies. Still he remembered to conduct the final rituals for his brother as needed and also did not forget to bring solace to the bereaved family.
This is playing various roles without overlapping. Giving grief to the enemy and giving solace to the family are happening simultaneously.
Hari Om!
This is very important, to do the right action at the right time with the right people.
We are not appreciating his demonic actions, yet we are wondering at his mental strength to play various roles even in the toughest situation.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.13 – 7.2.19)
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails from devotees seeking advice on how to balance their various duties and responsibilities. Many find it difficult to forget the unpleasant events at home or office and it reflects in their dealings with others.
If an Asura can perform various duties simultaneously with his Rajasik mind, what miracles are not possible by noble men and women of high intelligence and Sathwik mind?
It is very important to detach your mind from past and attach to the present every moment if you want success in life.
Observe the various roles you play tomorrow and analyse how well you perform them.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu addressed Mother Dithi and Hiranyaksha’s wife and other family members, “Do not grieve, for the brave men aspire death in war-field while fighting their enemies. Even a child-less man can achieve heaven through such a brave death in the war-field.
It brings glory to his death too. So, do not grieve”.
He also added, “and do not think that a dear one is lost, for all relations in this world are like meeting in a rest place, spending some time together and then separating to move on, in different directions. A Sadhak takes all these with equanimity of mind”.
Notes: Here Hiranya Kashipu is speaking from the angle of, how a worldly person perceives death bravely.
It says, a childless person is not entitled to heaven. Why it is so? Let us look at it from a broader perspective. Do you think a cruel father who tortures his child is more qualified than a childless man who cares for others, to enter heaven after his death?
A person acquires different types of wealth and fortunes throughout his life time and hands over his accumulated wealth to his children at the time of his death.
Hari Om!
Then he dies peacefully, which means he has entered heaven after death.
What can we interpret here?
Here heaven is a symbol of all kinds of abundance and fame and well-being and a childless person represents the one who is not contributing to future generations. We all have the responsibility to hand over our wealth in different forms – tangible and intangible – to our successors on earth.
It is not sufficient to transfer our tangible assets and objects like jewellery and buildings etc. More importantly, we must transfer the precious knowledge we have acquired during our life time to our next generations.
A musician who taught everything he learned to his eligible student can die peacefully. So, with a carpenter or doctor or engineer too.
Peace is not in acquiring alone, it is in distributing too. The one who has shared every thing he had acquired, dies most peacefully.
Then what does your child imply? Because, generally speaking, your child is your rightful successor. And this warns us that we must share with the one who qualifies for it, rightfully.
Hari Om!
It need not be your biological child, but your spiritual child (irrespective of their age) who will honour it and transfer it similarly, so that the light of wisdom shines forever.
And develop ‘attachment with detachment’ for maintaining your peace even in toughest situations.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.20 – 7.2.21)
Dear Devotee,
Now think…
Are you sharing your wisdom with others? Whether it is your Scriptural knowledge or mastery in any arts or science, are you sharing it with others so that it does not end up with your lifetime?
Develop a ‘sharing and caring’ attitude so that you contribute to this world and its survival.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu continues to pacify his family by giving some sparks of philosophical wisdom, “Mother, the Self is not the body, it has no birth, death, impurity… your ignorance binds you into thinking that you are not the Self, but you are attached to the body”.
What is the nature of this ignorance? See…
The shaking images of trees reflected in a lake give a feel that the trees on the bank are shaking.
If your head spins and eyes revolve in sickness you feel that earth is rotating around you.
Similarly, as the mind wavers, the changeless Self appears to change.
This ignorance is the cause of likes and dislikes and forgetfulness of the Self. Even if you get a glimpse of Truth, you tend to forget it soon. And you are constantly brooding over materialistic things and achievements.
Then Hiranya Kashipu narrates a story on conversation with Lord Yama.
Notes: What a beautiful explanation on the working of mind… as the seer’s eyes tremble, so the scenery trembles! And he blames the effect forgetting that the cause is within him…
All the dramas in the world stem from this ignorance. The effect you see without is the result of the cause you have within.
Hari Om!
Every thing is visualized in your mind and then created outside. Your repeated thoughts take the physical form outside.
Your perception is mostly the projection of your own mind. What you see in others is what you have very much in you.
As the mind becomes still, it is nothing other than the Self. And this knowledge of the Self ends all miseries.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.22 – 7.2.27)
Dear Devotee,
It will be interesting to do a small observation of people communicating about others. If X says good about Y, then Y also says good about X without knowing it themselves. If they talk negatively also, it holds true.
Just be an alert listener to others and you can learn a lot about human psychology.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranyakashipu begins the story, “In a country called Usheenara, there was a king named Suyajna who was killed in a war. As he laid down in the battle field bleeding, his wives fell at his feet weeping and lamenting loudly. They said their husband vanished and became invisible and blamed Lord Brahma for calling him back from their lives.
The Sun set and it became dark, still they hugged his dead body and kept crying.
Hearing this endless screaming, Lord Yama reached them in the form of a small boy”.
The boy spoke to them, “your ignorance is too copious and not apt for elderly people like you.
See, you will also go back, understand, people go back to where they have come from.
Why worry when someone returns to where he has come from? It is futile and foolish to grieve”.
Children have no worry about who will protect them and they move on fearlessly in a forest. Who protected you in the womb? HE will protect you still now and everywhere.
This visible world is but a toy of Him.
It is all His Will that works here. No one can perish if HE protects him and no one can survive if HE decides it otherwise.
Hari Om!
As a man lives in a house the Self dwells in a body and still remains separate from it. Man is not his house, similarly the imperishable Self is not the perishable body.
“As the fire is latent in the firewood and visible separately the Self is separate from the body.
As the air passes through the nostrils and the entire body and still separate from the body, the Self is separate from the body.
As the space encompasses everything and still remains separate, the Self is separate from all the duties and functions of the body”.
Notes: Here Bhagavatham is explaining the philosophy behind death. Only the wise can think, what is the power behind your protection? Is it the body or is it something else?
If it is the body, then why it stops functioning on death? Then it must be something else. And, what is that power? It is the same Chaithanyam that sheltered you while you were in the womb. Why you cannot experience it now?
(Bhagavatham 7.2.28 – 7.2.43)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Every night you enter the veil of sleep and every morning you wake from sleep.
Where was your mind when you slept? What made you sleep and what made you wake up?
Did you have any control over it? Or do you have any control over anything inside your body?
Understand, you have freedom with your mind only. You can choose how to think.
If you think resourcefully you can elevate your mind and then only you can give a meaning to your human existence.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu realized that the bereaved women were not absorbing the higher philosophy. So he started talking to them in a more understandable manner, “Hey ignorant women, who are you crying upon? If it is the one who actually heard you before, tell me, have you ever met that inner being whom you took as your husband? Or, if it is that body, can’t you see the same body here now? Then what makes you cry now?
Wake up and realize, you have never really seen him, the inner being who was in this body before!
All the bondages of Karma exist as long as you have the “I”ness and “My”ness only. Once that ignorance is gone, you are free from the delusion caused by ignorance”.
And, the one who is going to die one day, grieves on someone else’s death now! What can be more stupid than this?
To explain it further, Hiranya Kashipu narrates another story about a bird couple who were killed by a hunter.
Notes: We can see the diligence of psychology in Hiranya Kashipu’s speech here. An intelligent man would experiment with a new idea if he finds the existing one not working.
Hari Om!
He saw that Dithi and other relatives were not swallowing his words, so immediately he reframed his speech into an understandable style. And to make it more solid, he is going to tell them a story too.
And wake up and see the reality, you are going to die sooner or later, why cry for the ones who left a bit earlier?
Are you going to stay here forever?
If not, why cry so miserably for someone who will never come back however you cry?
Let us read the birds’ story very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.44 – 7.2.50)
Dear Devotee,
It says, if something does not work, do something new.
And see what is working for you!
Whatever be your purpose of communication, speak towards achieving your goal with total awareness.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu continued Lord Yama’s advice to the King’s wives, “There was a couple of Kulinga birds. The hunter could easily catch the female bird and the male bird kept to his captive wife’s side in utter despair. As the husband kept lamenting over his wife’s approaching death, he didn’t notice the hunter aiming at him and fell a pray himself immediately.
You are ignorant and unintelligent like that bird and realize even if you cry for hundred years, you will not get back your husband”.
Suyajna’s people wondered at his wisdom and attained peace through his words. They gave way for the final rites to take place.
Lord Narada said, “Hiranyakashipu’s talk with such exemplary stories to regain peace gave a strong and positive impression in Mother Dithi and others. They let go of their grief and focused their mind on the ONE TRUTH, which only has existence here”.
Notes: Our Puranas are wonderful treasure houses of stories that illuminate our intellect and empower our mind. They are excellent narrators of stories to win our hearts.
Actually it is interesting to note that it is a ‘heart to head’ journey where you are attracted as the stories win your hearts and the imbibed philosophy shoots into your intellect.
Hari Om!
Then it is a ‘head to heart’ journey as the matured intellect opens up your heart in a divine love to embrace the whole creation in a divine love.
The wisdom of our Seers is inimitable. They spoke through the Asura Hiranya Kashipu in an unbeatable manner to shake off the grief in Mother Dithi and help her regain peace even in that toughest situation.
Hiranya Kashipu brought in a story with similar characters and situations and Dithi and others could actually watch the scene from a distance as a witness. This worked as a psychological tool to dissociate them from their life situation and witness it in another person’s situation.
The cycle of ‘heart to head to heart’ for learning and applying philosophy works miracles in your life.
Second chapter of Seventh Canto ends here.
(Bhagavatham 7.2.51 – 7.2.61)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Being in a traffic block for hours can shake and upset you. But watching a traffic block from your balcony doesn’t disturb you.
Whenever you are caught up in a challenging situation in life, apply this technique and see the result.
Dissociate yourself from the scenery and observe it as if you are a total stranger. It is like watching traffic from balcony.
If you can be a total witness to all that happens in and around you, you are liberated!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Third chapter of Seventh Canto describes Hiranya Kashipu’s penance to attain immortality.
Sage Narada elaborates it to King Yudhishtira’s wish.
Hiranya Kashipu employed his men to destruct the noble people and customs in the Earth and gave comfort to his family. Then he decided to target his enemy, so set off for a severe penance till he attains immortality as Lord Brahma to make his victory over the Lord Hari certain.
His penance was so intense and severe that he lost body consciousness completely and his flesh was eaten by ants leaving only his skeleton in the body.
The warmth of his penance was fire like and engulfed all worlds, even the Devas could not tolerate the heat.
They ran to Lord Brahma seeking shelter, “Hey Bhagavan, this horrible Asura is trying to capture your position now and it is not good for all worlds if he becomes victorious in his penance”.
Hearing this warning, Lord Brahma went with them to see the Asura.
Notes: Hiranya Kashipu’s action plan is worth noting. He delegated his task to his servants and comforted his family and thus made himself peaceful for focusing uninterruptedly in his penance.
Hari Om!
Another disturbing factor is keeping his own family peaceful while damaging others’ lives. It is prevalent more among today’s politicians, right?
And look at what the Devas tell Lord Brahma to protect their interest. They indirectly provoked him to join their mission by projecting Hiranya Kashipu’s penance as a move against Lord Brahma.
How brilliantly they put forth their demand!
(Bhagavatham 7.3.1 – 7.3.14)
Dear Devotee,
We can see two ideal attitudes here for making your plan work.
First is the unshaken determination coupled with an intelligent action plan from Hiranya Kashipu.
Second is the brilliant way the Devas present their idea to Lord Brahma as if it is for His benefit.
Bhagavatham is an excellent manual for all walks of life.
Introspect, how good you are in carrying out your mission?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
It is interesting to note that even though the Devas conspired for winning Brahma’s heart against Hiranya Kashipu, in reality Brahma was much pleased by the Asura’s most intense penance.
Lord Brahma appreciated him heartily and blessed him to regain his youthful body and spirits.
Hiranya Kashipu was overwhelmed with joy and the next nine slokas contain his Brahma Sthuthi.
Six gunas are defined as Godliness, namely, ‘Swa prakashathwam’, ‘Jagat prakashakathwam’, ‘Thatkaranathwam’, ‘Thalsrishtyadi karthrithwam’, ‘Mahathwam’, ‘Parameshwarathwam’. It means that the Supreme or Chaithanyam shines Himself, and makes others shine, cause and effect of creation and the ONE inseparable from everything in creation like the thread that connects all beads in a garland.
God is ‘manifest’ and ‘un-manifest’ which means HE is in all forms and beyond all forms too.
Praising thus, Hiranaya Kashipu laid out his wish before Lord Brahma, “I must be protected from death, from all creations that came from You. Death should not touch me within house or outside house, not in day time or night time, not on Earth or sky, not by humans or animals.
I must become glorious like You and eternal like You”.
Hari Om!
Notes: Here we can learn that however people conspire against you, your sincere work or action speaks for you. No one can steal your merit when you are sincerely working for your cause. Sincerity in action leads you to success.
And how ambitious Hiranya Kashipu was, in demanding such an almost impossible wishlist.
Let us see what he will do next in the next chapter.
(Bhagavatham 7.3.15 – 7.3.38)
Dear Devotee,
Some people are fervent and at times fanatical in their demands. They may go to any extent to get what they want.
Ignoring their selfishness and greed and yielding to their wishes can be very dangerous in the long run.
Are you really conscious about the consequences when you grant such wishes?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu achieved what he aspired.
The most pleased Lord Brahma said, “Dear, for any human being, these boons are almost impossible to achieve. Still my excessive love for my ‘Prapoutra’ qualifies you for it. So you are granted what you wish”.
Hiranya Kashipu worshipped Lord Brahma, for His boons are never in vain.
How did Hiranya Kashipu live from then onwards?
Bhagavatham says, he attained such confidence in consequence to Lord Brahma’s appreciation.
He approved himself, his hatred towards Lord Hari for killing his brother Hiranyaksha and engaged intensively in vengeance.
He conquered and ruled all the three worlds, inhabiting Lord Indra’s Deva Lokam.
How he ruled every one, is what we are going to see very soon.
Notes: We are focusing on two aspects of human psychology here.
First is the criteria on which Lord Brahma granted boon to the Asura king. He admits that it is His affection to His great grand child and his intense penance too. Lord Brahma did not take the warnings from the Devas about Hiranya Kashipu’s intention.
Hari Om!
Most of us do not put unbiased thinking into action, but love for certain people determines our decisions.
Do they really deserve our support, what consequence will follow based on our decision are the most important questions that we must ask ourselves before supporting any one.
Second is the self-approval of Hiranya Kashipu for moving on with his revenge and ‘hate war’ against Lord Hari.
It is the after effect of Lord Brahma’s appreciation and he thought he is in the right path.
If he were not right, why should Lord Brahma appreciate him and grant such an almost impossible boon?
Why didn’t the all knowing Lord Brahma stop his heinous step? Instead supported him?
An approval from a higher authority is mostly taken as a green signal by any individual to move on with his plan, whether it is good or bad.
From a logical point of view, Lord Brahma was spoiling Hiranya Kashipu, but we know that our Holy Scriptures examine life in its totality.
(Bhagavatham 7.4.1 – 7.4.8)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
If you hold an office of authority, you have the options to elevate your team and spoil them too.
A wise manager examines the attitude and psychology of his people and approves and disapproves with an unbiased mind.
The same is applicable for all walks of life, where unbiased thinking must prevail in supporting people for a greater interest.
Have you yielded to pressure tactics from people and enjoyed their ‘Hiranya Kashipu kind of worshiping’ you ?
Have a check on your past decisions and learn from the mistakes…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Now Bhagavatham is describing the luxurious life of Hiranya Kashipu on the throne.
He enjoyed most exquisite comforts and extravaganza one could ever dream of, and beyond.
He was in command of all the three worlds, ruling all, except Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. Rishis, Sages, and Devas had to praise his glory and serve him, left with no other option.
All time drunken, he sat in his chair of authority with reddened and restless eyes.
He became so arrogant with unquestionable power that he lost all his virtues and imposed horrible laws on all beings.
When it reached intolerable limits, Devas and Rishis went to Lord Hari for emancipation.
Notes: It says, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”. That’s what happened with Hiranya Kashipu. He lost all the wisdom and that led to his peril too.
We can note his body language here.
Hari Om!
He had restless eyes, which implies his mind was restless. When you are peaceful your glance would be stable. Hiranya Kashipu was always agitated and his thoughts, glances, words and deeds were all full of hatred and violence.
What is within is what is without.
You can not give joy when you are in anguish or anger. Your world reflects your mind.
And this time Devas went to Lord Hari, because Lord Brahma had already worsened the situation by blessing him and couldn’t help any more.
We will see how Bhagavan responds to their plea very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.4.9 – 7.4.21)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
A person communicates more through non verbal clues than verbal communication.
However good a person appears, observing him for some time can definitely give clues on his intention.
Eye movements are very important in studying a person’s psychology.
You can detect lies and hidden motives by keenly observing face expressions and body postures.
If young children and teens can learn this technique, they can save themselves from unwarranted dangers in life.
And like Devas did, isn’t it wise to approach a new person for solution for a problem created by some one else?
Because the mind that created a problem may not be able to find a good solution as a witness can.
In short, when you become a witness only, you can actually solve a problem.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Devas worshipped Lord Hari silently in strict penance.
Then they heard an ‘Ashareeri’ removing all fears from their hearts.
Bhagavan proclaimed, ‘ I KNOW his wrong deeds, I will stop it. Wait patiently for the right time of his peril”.
What is time of peril for anyone? “It is when one loses honour and develops hatred in the Scriptures, in Acharyas and Sadhus, in holy cows, in SatKarma and in ME”.
Now that Hiranya Kashipu had already started all these heinous acts, when exactly he will face such downfall?
Lord says, “When he starts distressing his noble son Prahlada, my most devoted Bhaktha, I will destroy him”.
Prahlada had an undivided mind with constant remembrance of Sri Hari.
Bhagavan says, “I may accept anything, but not the harm to MY Bhaktha”.
Devas were overwhelmed to hear this promise and as Hiranya Kashipu had already started disturbing his innocent son, they assured themselves that he is already finished. They went back in joy.
Hari Om!
Notes: We have two most important points here.
First is the assurance that a Bhagavad Bhaktha is always protected and taken care of by the Lord. A devotee can experience it very well in his/her life.
Second is the psychological aspect of ‘self assurance’. Devas did not prolong their happiness to future, that is, on the event of Hiranya Kashipu’s death. They rejoiced now itself with the assurance of his certain end and made themselves peaceful.
Anyone can feel joyful after they get what they want. But it takes wisdom to be joyful right now in anticipation of a certain achievement.
You can remain centred and certain in uncertainty only when you get that assurance from the Supreme.
A devout Bhaktha alone can experience this unshaken joy.
(Bhagavatham 7.4.22 – 7.4.30)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The most successful people on Earth are the ones who assured themselves of victory in spite of a series of failures.
Even when they traversed through the longest dark tunnel of life, they knew there would be light at the end.
Foreseeing light when you are in darkness, leads you to light.
Constantly assure yourself of success in whatever you do and see what shift it brings in your life!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
What made Hiranya Kashipu mad with Prahlada? We will see now.
Prahlada was the eldest of Hiranya Kashipu’s sons and the younger ones were called Anuhladan, Samhladan and Hladan.
Prahlada was a devotee of devotees, then his devotion to Bhagavan needs no remark at all. Such was his deep faith in the Lord and his virtues were fathomless.
He respected Sadhus and elders, always truthful, and befriended all around him. He would prostrate before great people, loved and served the grief-struck, good companion to equals, honoured masters like Easwara, scholarly in Shastras, abundance in all dimensions and still possessed humility thus became a beloved of all.
He was fearless and never bothered about any mishap in life as he knew every thing in life is temporary. He never set his mind on unnecessary matters and always lived a noble life.
His Bhakthi was ultimate and blissful. It was as if his mind was united with Bhagavan and his tender body was carried by Him as a mother. He was inseparable from the Lord (invisible to others) and no one could see what made the child so blissfully happy.
Hari Om!
Any trace of separation would bring unbearable pain to the child and Bhagavan embraced him immediately. He had constant dialogue with Him and at times he was so ONE with Him and played like Him. He was unaware of the world around.
This constant oneness with the Supreme established Prahlada in an unshaken joy and gave peace to every unhappy soul around.
Why would such a noble child invite wrath of his father? We will see soon.
Notes: We are all familiar with Prahlada’s story. What is so special here?
First is the quality of devotion Prahlada was fortunate to have. We can see different types of devotion in people. Bhakthi for gaining something, Bhakthi for some seasons only, Bhakthi for time pass, Bhakthi for pleasing God or Bhakthi for not losing what you have.
In short we can say it is all based on some kind of fear of losing something, in varying degrees.
Bhakthi out of pure love is rare to find. Bhakthi out of ONENESS with Him is the greatest and very rarely, the most fortunate devotees alone can taste it.
Hari Om!
It shifts their mind from the mundane world to the higher planes of consciousness. They alone experience God, and this experience is unknown to ordinary people. That’s why they question if there is anything called God?
Prahlada lived in the ecstasy of such an intoxicating devotion.
Second is the effect of such a person on others and the environment.
A miserable man emits signals of misery and an angry man emits anger around him.
If a negative mind can disturb other weak minds and environment how profound will be the influence of a strong positive mind on the same?
The energy vibrations from an elevated mind send signals of peacefulness and joy to every one in his proximity.
That’s why Krishna’s flute music could soothe the entire creation.
(Bhagavatham 7.4.31 – 7.4.44)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever wondered, what is your influence on others?
Are you emanating peace?
Are you giving comfort to others?
Are you giving energy to others?
Are you giving inspiration to others?
If not, check your connection with the Lord.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yudhishtira wondered, “Oh devoted Sage, how could a father harm such a pure child? Usually parents protect their children even if they are wicked. They may advise or scold for the well-being of children, but would never cause any harm.
His act to end the son led to his end itself !
Please elaborate and explain to us, this mysterious thing”.
Notes: Bhagavatham follows a wonderful story-telling style. You can see the diligence of a creative mind in the script here.
First the story is presented in a capsular form. Then the same is elaborated, and on the way, the most eloquent pearls of wisdom appear before us.
Every time you read this Scripture, the brilliance of the Rishis catch you in awe.
The right question attracts the right answer relevant to the multi-dimensional planes of life.
Yudhishtira presents a generalized situation of parenting and asks why Hiranya Kashipu was exceptionally harmful as a parent.
We will see it more in the fifth canto soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.4.45 – 7.4.47)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The character of Hiranya Kashipu represents today’s humanity in a kaleidoscope.
Majority of human race are mentally weak and live in utter ignorance.
Unfortunately, many strong willed people indulge in the hunt for power, money and fame.
They involve in rivalry to their nobler counter parts. They are even attempting to damage the future generations.
The misery in the world attributes more to the evil of the strong men who have lost a broader perception and a deeper mission.
Mind’s destructive power can be compared to the nuclear energy, which can destroy life completely.
Realize your own power, check how it is directed.
Is it elevating you and others?
If not, steer it back into the right track.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Fifth Adhyayam of Seventh Canto describes how Hiranya Kashipu tormented his devotee child Prahlada for his unshaken faith in Lord Sri Hari.
Sri Narada says how Asura Guru Shukracharya’s sons educated Prahlada to become a ruler. However, Prahlada ignored these lessons that promote ignorance. He had clear conviction and wisdom which his teachers lacked.
One day Hiranya Kashipu asked his son, “what do you take as the most greatest thing?”.
Prahlada very innocently replied, “People who are focused on worldly, temporal things have no peace. I consider meditating on the Holy Feet of Bhagavan Sri Hari in solitude as the most important thing in life”.
Hiranya Kashipu took it as a joke and thought the child was influenced by the preaching of some Vishnu devotees in disguise as Asuras. So he warned his security guards to take more care of the child and what he learns at the Gurukul.
Later Prahlada’s teachers whipped him by questions on how he imbibed devotion to Sri Hari, left and right. They were furious as all other Asura children followed them, Prahlada had his own way of thinking, that too against his ruler father.
Hari Om!
Prahlada kept saying it was Divine Grace only that his intellect was undivided and his mind was constantly contemplating on Bhagavan.
They brutally punished him and forcefully taught him on Dharma, Artha and Kama sciences.
Days passed.
Now it was time to complete Prahlada’s studies and the teacher thought the child was well versed in Sama, Dana, Bheda and Dhanda methods.
Teacher took the child to his mother’s house and got him well dressed, ready to be presented before the King. He was in high anticipation of great rewards from Hiranya Kashipu for his accomplishment.
Notes: This part of Bhagavatham presents our prevailing education system in our country.
It is very important to note that Hiranya Kashipu wanted his child to learn Dharma, Artha and Kama purusharthas and not Moksha purushartha at all.
The first three purusharthas are for a materialistically focussed life where you practise a system of discipline to get all that can fulfill your needs and more. It aims at a successful life from a worldly perspective. It is more of ‘Acharam’ or action.
Hari Om!
But Moksham deals with training your mind or more of ‘Vicharam’. It is not something that you attain after death. It is ‘Moha Kshayam’ or transcending your desires and thoughts and hence freeing your mind from all worries and anxieties.
In our present education system, we learn so many physical sciences. Unfortunately they are all objective. We are not at all learning the science of mind, which is subjective.
As you learn how to take care of your body, you should learn how to take care of your mind too.
Body being gross gives evident signs, but mind being subtle does not show its weakness in the beginning. When it finally shows it’s pathetic condition, it may be too late to correct and save your life.
Prahlada had the wisdom to discriminate and choose what he really needed.
As he rightly said, it is a sacred gift from the Lord.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.1 – 7.5.19)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We request you to observe the children around you and help them acquire wisdom more than information.
Let them learn Nama Japam and Yoga. Let them learn how to handle their emotions.
Teachers who are mere employees in education industry can not impart wisdom to their students.
Bhagavatha Gramam conducts children’s camps during April every year to initiate them into a ‘healthy mind, healthy body, healthy society’ life style.
Not all children are born wise like Prahlada.
So let them grow up as boons to our country with our support and guidance.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Prahlada prostrated before his father’s feet, he took him into his arms, blessed and embraced lovingly. The mighty Asura kissed his son’s head as tears of joy wet his body.
Hiranya Kashipu said, “Dear child, tell me some great thing that you learned from your Guru”.
Prahlada replied, “This teacher you had selected for me is not a true Guru and so I haven’t learned any great lesson from his teachings. So I would narrate what I learned from the great sage Sri Narada”.
They are listening to the Lord’s glory praised by sages, praise Him, remember Him, serve Him, worship Him, chant His Nama with word, prostrate before Him with body, work as His Dasa, trust Him as His friend, surrender everything including your body before Him, be effortless in managing everything as Bhagavan is their true owner, and be free minded as you own nothing to be concerned about.
Prahlada meant that his teacher hadn’t taught any valuable lesson like what Sri Narada taught him. So it was not worth mentioning about what he learned from such a teacher.
Notes: It is amazing to see how Bhagavatham portrays our social panorama in today’s education system.
Hari Om!
Yes, it is not worth mentioning about what you learn from today’s schools.
As a child of four or five you enter into this production line with enthusiasm and vigour. You are full of energy and life. At the age of twenty two (usually) or may be eighteen you are dumped out of it as a dry log of wood. There is no more fun or thrill in life.
These many years most youth spend without learning even basic skills. Many do not even write or speak well even in mother tongue. No need to mention about courtesy, politeness, humility, honour, civic sense, hygiene and basic manners.
In Kerala, imitating and mocking even great personalities are treated as a common game. Ridiculing teachers and elders are normal…
There is no shame associated with intruding into others’ personal lives and peeping into private rooms or even wash rooms. Spreading gossips and rumours over social media is heroic.
No concern for maintaining public properties. Any child can write any nonsense on class room desks and benches, throw stones on buses, damage the state owned properties.
Hari Om!
A pre-primary school child stuffs his head with information on unnecessary things, while knowledge on how to speak well with different kinds of people is alien to him/her.
How to behave in various social scenarios is unknown to the child.
And how to tap his inner life force is never taught.
How can an ‘employee teacher’ impart this precious knowledge to the child, when the teacher himself is ignorant?
This is what Bhagavatham conveys to us through Prahlada.
And behold, Bhagavatham is not a ‘problem teller’, this great Scripture is an eminent ‘Solution provider’ too.
So, what is the solution to the apathies in today’s education system?
Prahlada says, “Listen to Sage Narada”.
Yes, listen to the discourses on Scriptural wisdom and apply in life if you want to live a life of purpose.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.20 – 7.5.24)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Computer classes can wait.
Let your children learn some humanness first.
Let them learn how to be a good citizen of this country first.
Let them realize, all the power and resources that they need are well within themselves.
Take them to Achrayas who can kindle the light of wisdom in their hearts, so that the so called ‘teachers’ cannot damage their life forever.
We request all teachers who read these notes to do a self analysis, “Am I imparting wisdom along with syllabus information in my classes?”.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu was outraged as Prahlada’s words fell on his ears. His body trembled with anger and burst out to the teacher, “Hey wretched Brahmin, what have you done? I pay salary to you and you work for my enemy privately? What stupidity did you teach my boy? How dare you?”
Teacher replied, “Oh no King, he didn’t learn it from me or any others, he is born like this. His intellect is so, right from his birth”.
He also hinted that Hiranya Kashipu could reign like Indra because of their support only.
It is not fair to abuse them for no mistake of theirs.
Notes: Hiranya Kashipu is very much living in our society today. You can see him in many parents who abuse teachers even in front of their wards.
If parents dishonour teachers how can the children learn respect? Children learn through your visible examples, not from your advices.
Consciously or unconsciously they model you. Not all children are born wise, they learn from their elders and imbibe values.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.25 – 7.5.28)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
You can see a ‘blame game’ played by the parent and teacher here.
It is very prevalent in today’s schools now.
Parents blame teachers for the students’ failure or poor performance.
Teachers blame parents for their lack of understanding.
Students are put in a whirl pool, not knowing where they would end up.
The easiest way to destroy a nation is by damaging its education system. And that’s exactly what India is facing now.
It is high time we stopped the blame game and started working on a holistic, value based, skills based education system to build up a healthy nation.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu turned to Prahlada, “You wretched boy, if not from your teacher, where did you get this Budhi from?”.
Prahlada said, “Bhakthi is not for the one who seeks pleasure from home alone, not for the one who keeps running after cravings and sensory pleasures, and definitely not for the students who get advice from this kind of teachers.
It is for those who serve Mahatmas and blessed by the Supreme’s grace.
The mind that craves for sensory pleasures will seek more and more such pleasure. It can not seek Bhagavan. They will go to those people who would advise on what they actually aspire.
The teachers who are stuck in the dreams of after worlds of heaven and the means to get there can not liberate you from the worldly miseries.
It is possible only for those noble hearts who aim nothing other than Moksham, and only they will take you to the Lotus Feet of Sri Hari”.
Then who is the real master who can guide you?
It is only that Mahatma who doesn’t want anything other than the presence of Bhagavan, who can save you.
Hari Om!
Here Prahlada hints about Sage Narada who had shown the right path of wisdom to him.
Saying this much, Prahlada kept quiet and sat silently on his father’s lap.
Notes: In modern psychology it says, you will see only what you want to see and you will hear only what you want to hear.
Thousands of years before Bhagavatham said it very clearly as Prahlada makes a very notable remark here.
You will seek advice from those people alone, who would actually agree with your view point. In fact you don’t need an advice, but an affirmation of your mental stand from another.
You feel good when the advisor justifies and approves your mental position (good or bad) so that you can move on more confidently.
Unless you know the path to liberation how can you lead another? So, be very careful when you take advice from an Acharya, especially in the spiritual path.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.29 – 7.5.32)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
You learn driving from an expert driver and swimming from an expert swimmer.
These are all easy to demonstrate to prove the teacher’s expertise.
How do you know if a master is a SathGuru?
It is not through their words or deeds or any magic that they perform. All these may be there, but the true magic is in their presence.
The one who experiences the presence of Bhagavan imparts the same presence to all around, because he has no separate existence apart from the Lord. He is ONE with HIM and Bhagavan is very much in the devotee.
Whenever you see such a devotee or master, know that it is the true Satsang and be there.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu burst out with anger and pushed his son away from his lap. Child fell down and the father called for the Rakshasas to take him away and end his life in whatever way possible.
Now Bhagavatham narrates all justifications from Hiranya Kashipu’s part.
He says, “This boy has killed my brother Hiranyakshan. Don’t think it was Vishnu who killed, because Vishnu’s man is Vishnu himself. The one who discards his own father and his people and joins side with the enemy who killed his own uncle deserves nothing less than death. Your enemy and his people are the same”.
He adds, “And do you think Vishnu will accept him? How can he take a boy who doesn’t love his own parents at this tender age of five? Who else will he love then? Isn’t Vishnu intelligent?
Don’t worry that he is my own son. A son is the one who stays with the father. Even a stranger who does good to you deserves your love like a wild medicinal herb being planted at home premises.
However a son who harms you must be removed like a sick limb that poses threat to the entire body. So kill him to save all others”.
Hari Om!
Hiranya kashipu advises his men to give poison in food or cut him into pieces while asleep or whatever way they could by winning his trust. By this time he had realized that it is not very easy to manage Prahlada.
Notes: We have to pause at this part and critically analyse what Hiranya Kashipu says.
First part actually hints that the devotee and Bhagavan are ONE and the same.
Second part indicates, a person who cheats his own people is not trustworthy at all. An intelligent man wouldn’t take him into his trust.
And third part undoubtedly says, anything that harms your wellbeing must be discarded straight away.
Here the example given is that of a ‘Muni’ who does ‘Indriya Nigraham’ by whatever means to contemplate on the Supreme.
Bhagavatham is brilliant in presenting the most positive side of even the worst situation. It never allows your mind to sink down in despair even when you read the most miserable story part.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.33 – 7.5.38)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Whoever cheats you wins your trust first.
That’s what Hiranya Kashipu orders to his people here.
So always introspect and check your intelligence before you give unconditional trust to anyone.
And the moment you understand that someone is actually harming you, have the courage to detach yourself and preserve your mind and life.
If you really observe, even people like Hiranya Kashipu can impart precious wisdom if you carefully choose from them.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
In no time Hiranya Kashipu ordered, the Rakshasas started attacking Prahlada brutally. Prahlada remained unshaken and peaceful in the constant remembrance the Lord. Nothing could touch him adding to the panic of his Asura father.
Bhagavatham narrates the heinous attacks they attempted on the innocent child and how it all turned out to be in vain.
Eventually Hiranya Kashipu was lost in thoughts,” whatever I did to him could not scare him and he overcame all threats by his own inner power . He is capable of killing me like the boy Shunashefa who took revenge on his parents (he was mentioning another story).
Hiranya Kashipu realizes, “Prahlada has no fear and hence death can not touch him. But my hatred towards him can cause my death though I am safe through the boon in all other ways”.
As he sat gloomily his GuruPutras (sons of Shukra Acharya) approached him with new ideas. They consoled him, ” Oh brave ruler of Three Worlds, fear not, that too a small child. We can put him in a place where he can not escape from and there we can reform him.
As time goes in the company of wise men he will turn to the right direction”.
Hari Om!
King agreed and ordered them to teach him only kingly and worldly content with Dharma, Artha and Kama orientation avoiding Moksha obviously.
Prahlada sat obediently before his teachers but never gave his attention to what they taught. He was always focussed on Parama Purushartham only.
And one day as the teacher retired to his house work other asura kids invited him lovingly. Prahlada smiled back and started conversing with them. His sole intention was to enlighten them on what they were undergoing in such a life and how they could elevate themselves.
We may wonder why he wanted to deal with them rather than rejoicing in his aloneness?
Bhagavatham says, the Jnani is so compassionate towards his fellow people that he wants them to experience the same inner joy like him.
Notes: This part of Bhagavatham gives profound insight about human life and death. We will see them one by one.
Look at Prahlada who could easily withstand all the brutal attacks on his physical body, only because he had immense mental strength.
Hari Om!
This shows how mind can overcome the limitations of the body through single pointed focus on the Supreme. It is the victory of Faith.
And moreover, this is also a state of being Yogis experience. They say that our body is not solid matter, but condensed vibrations in gross form.
For example, they are called ‘LIfetrons’ by Sri Yogananda Param Hamsa. Swami Vivekananda call it ‘whirlpool of matter’ always on the move.
A Yogi who attains this state of being can do things what others term as miracles.
And see what Hiranya Kashipu infers here. He says, Prahlada will not die because he has no fear.
What a truth he has revealed. Yes, it is not the attack or accident or disease that causes death, it is the fear that strikes our brain mainly causing death.
Even in a snake bite, if the person doesn’t know it he can survive, but the moment he realizes it, he may succumb to an immediate heart failure.
So, it is very important to develop a strong mind to face any challenge in life and believe, life is for the strong!
Hari Om!
And lastly, see the compassion of Prahlada who is very happy to share his knowledge and wisdom to others also. When you enjoy something you would want others to enjoy it too. So something like Bliss when you experience, you would want all others to join your celebration.
This is the secret of the everlasting happiness of our great Masters who share it in abundance with all around.
(Bhagavatham 7.5.39 – 7.5.57)
Dear Devotee,
We request you to read this note again and again.
Please understand, every time fear attacks you, your brain produces deadly toxins in your body which can lead to so many diseases in the long run or immediately sometimes.
That’s why we keep telling you to practise Japam and Dhyanam to develop a fearless mind and healthy body so that you live a life of celebration.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have learned some very important lessons from Bhagavatham 7th canto, 5th chapter.
Let us summarize them here.
The most important knowledge is surrendering yourself before Bhagavan.
Only those who have tasted the nectar of such deep devotion can experience the protection that envelopes you all through your life as Prahlada experienced.
Then the peacefulness and joy Prahlada experiences even in the midst of unbearable troubles caused by his own father. This is possible for a true devotee only.
On the contrary, his mighty father Hiranya Kashipu who dared to rule all three worlds has started to shake before his tender child.
See the power of devotion and faith!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu realizes that it is fearlessness that protects Prahlada from his claws of cruelty.
He also realizes that his hatred towards the child is actually damaging his own mind to perish.
This is a truth that we all must remember. Our anger, hatred and revengeful thinking do more harm to ourselves through the secretion of harmful hormones and toxins in our body.
The last but not the least important fact is that we must share our knowledge with all, and then only it will blossom in ourselves.
Prahlada is only happy to elevate other minds while uplifting his own mind.
Next chapter will tell us how he advised the Asura kids, so please keep reading our notes along with Srimad Bhagavatham.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sixth chapter of Seventh Canto describes the ‘Thathwa Upadesam’ done by Prahlada to the Asura children.
He says, “It is absolutely necessary to start contemplation on the Supreme and observing spiritual practices at a very early age. Human birth is very rare among these millions of species in creation. Once you get it, understand it is temporary and use it for a higher purpose utilizing every moment. No other species is entitled to this opportunity of Parama Purushartham.
As you know, animals have no free will and they have to abide by the laws of nature. Only humans are blessed with a high intelligence to seek beyond and realize the Supreme.
So, instead of toiling for satisfying sensory pleasures invest your time in SathKarmam.
Do not wait until you are old, because you don’t know how long you will live. Spending your youthful years in seeking worldly pleasures and postponing your SathSang and Sadhana to your twilight years can be an utter foolish idea.
How do you know you will live that long?
And suppose you die at an early age, are you sure you will get a human birth again? Why not utilize the golden opportunity here and now itself?
Hari Om!
When you are young you are healthier. So utilize that physical strength to walk the spiritual path rather than chasing and running after temporal gains which you will have to drop along with your body.
When you observe the world, you can see that people risk their lives in their plight for acquiring more and more wealth, fame and power. And ultimately what do they gain? They have to discard everything here at the end of their life.
Prahlada gives an account of an average person’s life span.
Suppose a man lives for hundred years, he spends fifty years in sleep. The initial ten years as a child and the last twenty years in a helpless unhealthy state are not adequate for spiritual practices.
The youthful years that span over twenty or thirty years are mostly spent on sensual pleasure seeking activities.
So how much time do you get for seeking Truth and experiencing divinity?”.
So Prahlada warns, “The more you satisfy your Kama for one thing, the more you crave for another one. It is like pouring ghee onto fire which raises the flame still higher.
You cannot subside Kama by fulfilling desire after desire. There is no end to it.
Hari Om!
And there is no limit to the sins you do out of Krodha. So only the one who has transcended both can win this battle of worldly life”.
Bhagavatham says, it very difficult to detach your mind from such a comfort zone like your home that gives luxury, comfort, pleasure, sweet relations, love and care from dear ones. An ordinary person shuts himself in this cage of worldly pleasures.
It continues as a pattern all through his lifetimes one after another. His intellect never points towards a way out of it.
Worse than this are the mean activities one may choose, to accumulate more wealth and more sins.
Prahlada gives a good account of the miseries you can experience endlessly in this world, with an ‘all time’ outward mind.
What if you want to look inward to seek HIM?
And then (an experienced) Prahlada guarantees, “When you are in the path of devotion you are always protected by the Lord”.
Notes: It says, three things are rare to get, namely “Manushyathwam, Mumukshathwam, MahaPurusha Samasrayam”.
Hari Om!
Among millions of species in this creation only human beings are fortunate to absorb wisdom. Among billions of humans only few are keen to know Truth.
Among these seekers only a handful are blessed to get guidance from a SathGuru.
Why is it important to start at a young age?
It says, “Catch them young”.
That’s what the terrorists do when they capture young children and train them to kill others through instilling such belief systems into their young minds. That’s what religious schools do to bring up children in a disciplined culture.
You can not start something new when you are very old, but you can continue what you were practising for so long.
After your middle age or in your old age it may be difficult to start Yoga, Japam and Dhyanam owing to physical and mental limitations.
But if you are a Sadhak right from your young age, it becomes so deep rooted in your muscles, brain and mind that you don’t need any effort to continue your introspection, meditation and contemplation.
It has become your very nature.
Hari Om!
As a child Sadhak, Prahlada has all the authority to give this advice.
Are Asura children too qualified to seek the Lord?
We will see in the next Slokas very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.6.1 – 7.6.18)
Dear Devotee,
In all physical sciences, you need a coach to train you, whether it is academic or sports or arts.
You don’t question the need of a coach in these sectors.
However, when it comes to a Spiritual Guru, many people step back. They think, it is unnecessary to follow a Guru, and you can see many negative remarks too.
You must understand, a person who struggles like you cannot elevate your mind.
You need an elevated mind to guide you.
Hari Om!
Unless you trust your Guru, (as faithfully as you trust your swimming trainer) you cannot move ahead in this path.
As you use a GPS system when you travel in unknown places, you need a SathGuru when you traverse in the unknown, inner territories of your mind.
Believe it, a Guru need not be a human being! Our Scriptures or Mother Nature can also guide you in your spiritual path.
And once again believe it, your inner journey is far more adventurous and thrilling than any journey you make on roads, rails or sky!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada addressed the Asura boys, “Do not doubt if you are eligible for devotion to the Lord. HIS devotees are always protected and saved from all mishaps. That’s why HE is called Achutha (the one who has ever glowing glory). It is effortless to praise HIM through chanting as HE is the omnipresent SELF in all. Hence no need to travel long distances and there is no delay in approaching HIM. You need only surrender to HIM who dwells within your own heart”.
Prahlada continues, “HE is the ONE and the SAME in the subtlest and the grossest elements in creation. You may doubt that Jeevatma is separate from Paramatma. It is not so. You may wonder, this Jeevatma who undergoes various worldly miseries, is Paramatma?
Understand, as the light of wisdom removes your ignorance and illuminates your intellect you will realize that the Jeevatma is Paramatma itself.
For example, you may dream many things in your sleep and they had their existence as long as your dream lasted only. The moment you woke up, they all vanished.
Similarly ‘Jeevatma Bodham’ is a creation of your ignorance and once that vanishes you realize that you are ‘Paramatma’ beyond all these delusions and illusions.
Hari Om!
Then why there is a combination of scenery, seer and the experience of seeing?
Why there is an object, subject and experience of doing?
Bhagavatham says, it is all created by the mystery called ‘Maya’ which gives a feeling of separation.
Further, Prahlada tells them how to worship Bhagavan, “Drop your innate asurik nature of killing all and harming all, completely and develop compassion and friendliness for all beings.
Help others as much as possible, to come out of their misery. It will please Bhagavan and HE will bless you.
You can not pretend before HIM as HE knows everything. Your genuine devotion HE will definitely know.
And remember, when HE is pleased, HE blesses you with everything you need. You don’t need to pray for anything such as Dharma, Artha and Kama as HE gives what you need from moment to moment.
As for Moksha, you will realize that the unimaginable joy that you experience through HIS presence is Moksham itself. So worship HIM along with compassion and love for all beings”.
Hari Om!
Prahlada reminds, “All Karma including the study of Vedas has any benefit if and only if they are done as service to Bhagavan. Everything else is futile in the spiritual path”.
When you surrender the ‘Thrigunas’ before His Lotus Feet you become ‘gunatheetha’ according to Bhagavad Geetha.
Prahlada reveals that he was initiated by Sage Narada who had realized it himself.
Asura boys were surprised, “how could Sage Narada advise the five year old Prahlada or meet him in their isolated Gurukul?”.
Notes: See how diligently Prahlada teaches here.
He instils confidence in the Asura boys first of all, to reach Bhagavan. Then he tells the benefits of such devotion. Then he imparts the way to worship Him.
If a teacher takes classes this way, it will be a wonderful experience for the students and a success for the teacher’s efforts too.
Deeper analysis would reveal profound philosophy in this part of Bhagavatham.
In spiritual path, you cannot imitate others and you have to walk it yourself.
You have to start from where you stand. This is very important.
Hari Om!
A true Guru knows your present position and guides you from there to reach your destination.
You have your own strengths and weaknesses. You have both resourceful and unresourceful traits in your nature. You need to continue what is resourceful and drop other unwanted and harmful traits if you want to succeed.
Asuras must stop their destructive activities and make friends with all, if they want to please the Omnipresent, all knowing Supreme.
So the first step for them is to drop the negativity and then develop more and more positivity.
An Asurik mind would appreciate something if only it is beneficial for them and Prahlada assures sure benefit for them.
And look, they are not ready to accept his words without knowing how he conceived this knowledge!
We can keep writing pages after pages on the wisdom in these Slokas, but we have to limit here now, though hesitantly.
(Bhagavatham 7.6.19 – 7.6.30)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Only through your personal and authentic experience you can transfer such subtle knowledge to another.
Omnipresence of the Supreme is a mystery for many to comprehend.
Let us examine a simple example. Look at your own body, which has life. And while knowing that your body has life now, think about all the cells in your body which have life in each and every one of them.
These cells have their own life span, they are born, sustain themselves and then die while the entire collection of them, called this ‘body’ seem to have life of its own.
So, isn’t this life force or ‘Chaithanyam’ present in each and every cell equally? Or isn’t it omnipresent in all the cells of your body?
Then why do you doubt Omnipresence of the Lord in this entire creation, when you are a specimen of this Truth?
And, can’t you see ‘Viswa Roopa Darshan’ in yourself now? Contemplate on this…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada continues Prahlada’s story to King Yudhishtira.
As Asura boys listened curiously Prahlada told them, “You know my father went for a severe Thapas at Mandara mountains. Then the Devas attacked our palace and people, scattering all of them hither and thither.
My mother was carrying me in her womb at that time. Indra caught her and dragged her forcefully.
Sage Narada happened to see my helpless mother crying miserably and stopped Indra, “Hey Lord of Devas, let her go. She is a righteous woman and wife of another man”.
Indra said he wanted to kill me who was still in the womb as I would be born as a threat, inheriting evil from my Asura father.
But Sage Narada compelled him to set my mother free, saying that I am a great devotee of Lord Sri Hari.
Indra obliged and left her after doing Pradakshinam around her to honour me.
Then Narada Muni took my mother to his ashram and there she lived peacefully waiting for my father’s return and then only she would give birth to me at her own will.
Hari Om!
He was very compassionate to her and gave ‘Thathwa Updesham’ to her, so that I would hear it in the womb.
His Sankalpa and blessings were not in vain and even though my mother forgot it all after a while, I was fortunate to retain every thing in Smrithi.
If you have the same attention (shradha) you too will attain this precious wisdom and devotion”.
Notes: We can see the greatness of our culture depicted here, in honouring sages and women. We can also see that the child in the womb receives outside messages.
Hence it is very important to speak carefully in the presence of pregnant women.
Modern Science is actually lagging much behind compared to our Rishis’ knowledge.
And never take your Knowledge for granted as it comes from your Guru’s blessings only.
Prahlada’s detailed instructions to the other boys we will see very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.7.1 – 7.7.17)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavad Geetha states, “Shraddhavan labhate jnanam” (one who has “Shraddha” obtains Knowledge/Jnana).
Your passion and attention qualifies you to get higher knowledge.
If you want to know your child’s area of interest, observe him/her and you will discover where they give attention, forgetting every thing else.
Then you can guide them to success effortlessly.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is very much important to examine Prahlada’s inspiring words more, before we get into his detailed instructions to the Asura boys.
First we see that he urged them to have ‘Shradha’ (attentiveness or being single focused) while listening to his words of wisdom.
Then he hints on passion for learning and the power to control the senses that divert your attention to the outside world. Whatever you learn with passion gets deeply established in your memory. It will be easily accessible any time you need it.
And passionate learning is possible only when your mind is focused on the learning instead of getting scattered through your senses onto outside world.
It is called ‘Vikshepam’ of the mind.
Then you need faith in the Scripture and the Master.
When you doubt them, you are actually using one part of your mind for accepting the knowledge and the other part for rejecting it.
It is like taking one step forward and the next step backward. It doesn’t lead you anywhere.
Hari Om!
Then Prahlada assures, if these rules are observed, even ‘sthree’ and ‘bala’ can develop the intelligence to realize the Supreme.
What does he mean by mentioning ‘sthree’ here?
Is he actually looking down at women? No, he is actually referring to the genuine nature of a woman, who is ruled by her heart and hence feelings.
When your feelings dominate you are perceiving things through your heart, not head.
And intelligence is something we connect with the head, not heart.
If you want to learn meticulously you shouldn’t be swayed by your heart of feelings for other things.
Understand, your memory stores what touches your heart deeply and you constantly remember your favourite, right?
Thus your constant remembrance of the Lord comes from your deepest longing for Him. That’s what unites your mind with Him.
Prahlada indicates that your feeling for the world becomes your weakness and your longing for the Lord becomes your strength.
Hari Om!
Then what is so peculiar about ‘bala’ or a child?
A child is playful by nature with a fluttering mind that keeps shifting attention from one thing to another very impulsively. This thwarts capturing knowledge.
So Prahlada says, if you have steadfast commitment, your mind will transcend both its ‘woman like’ weakness and ‘child like’ weakness and attain highest knowledge.
And finally he assures them, if they follow his words, they too will get the intellect for experiencing devotion as he could. This is a loaded statement according to Modern Psychology which says, if one person can do something well, others can also learn to do it so.
We can see it everywhere, when one person does a seemingly ‘impossible’ thing, many would successfully imitate him. Climbing Mount Everest or breaking Olympic records are good examples, probably because, the pioneer can give confidence to the followers.
The expert teacher Prahlada says, “if I can do it, you can do it too” and gives immense confidence before he begins his ‘Upadesam’.
Let us read further Slokas very soon.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
In the next ten Slokas Prahlada addressed the attentive Asura boys,
“You can recognize Atma by six characteristics. Jayathe (getting born), Asthi (sustains), Vardhathe (increases), Viparinamathe (changes), Apaksheeyathe (deteriorates), Nashyathi (gets destoyed) are the six ‘Shad bhavas’ caused by TIME. Atma is beyond all this.
As the fruits in a tree come into existance, stay and fall down while the tree remains as it is, Atma prevails”
Prahlada goes further into detailing here, about how to realize Atma or Brahmam through the processes of ‘shravana, manana, nididhyasana, dharana, dhyana, samadhi’.
Then this body which appeared to be truth turns into ‘mithya’ and TRUTH shines as Atma before the seeker.
How do you start as a seeker?
You will start from your own body which is your apparent truth for the time being.
Scriptures and Master give you the way to move ahead in this path.
Examine yourself…
Are you the body?
Hari Om!
Are you the senses that give you the details of the body and the world?
Are you the mind that feels it in various ways?
Are you the intellect that analyses it?
Are you the memory that stores and recollects all these?
Are you the Ego that gives ownership and doership on all these?
As you ask these questions to yourself in deep introspection, you will realize that you are much beyond all these and come to the realization of Atma.
Prahlada cautions, “do not be in a hurry and do not be discouraged, keep doing it till you realize it”.
As the fragrance of air is not related to the air but the flower, the world and its experience are not related to Atma though it appears so.
When the Truth appears all delusions of the body and the world vanish.
Notes: No words can express Truth or explain Vedantham, still Masters use examples called metaphors to give us a clue.
Bhagavatham says, further questions about the tree’s life need not be entertained as it is only a pointer here.
We are giving the most essential part of Prahlada’s advise here though you can read in detail further in Srimad Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
The six levels of our existence as we transcend one after another leads to the Seventh level of the all prevailing Atma.
(Bhagavatham 7.7.18 – 7.7.27)
Dear Devotee,
As you walk in the spiritual path, you may face many obstacles.
Your body can resist your Sadhana through laziness.
Your senses can distract you to beautiful sceneries, delicious food, friends, and what not temptations?
Your mind can run after cravings and run away from aversions and get instabilized.
Your intellect can analyse falsely and lead in a wrong direction.
Your memory can show a panorama of visuals and audios accumulated so far when you sit to meditate.
Your ego can take pride in being a seeker and grade others as lower beings and that’s it. Whatever wisdom you gained so far is gone for good.
So, be steadfast and walk with confidence holding the hand of your Guru. Remember, you alone can walk for you and be assured that it is a promising journey.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
How to remove Ajnanam (ignorance) and transcend the Samsara (world)?
Prahlada tells them what Sage Narada advised to him long back.
With Jnanam you can overcome both Ajnanam and Samsaram.
How to attain that wisdom through devotion?
It is possible only through surrendering every Karma at Bhagavan’s Lotus Feet as a worship offered to Him.
This is pure devotion. And how can you develop it?
Sincere service, love and surrender to the Gurus, being in Sathsang with devotees, worshipping Easwara, listening to the stories of Bhagavan, meditating on His Lotus Feet, seeing His idols and worshipping them can unite your mind with Him.
And most importantly seeing and honouring Bhagavan in every being is pure devotion.
Thus the devotion for the Lord matures into an unshakable, supreme devotion and bliss.
You become intoxicated with that deep love for Him and dissolve in Him, ending this repetitive cycle of lifetimes. This is what you call ‘Brahmanandam’.
Hari Om!
Notes: The most difficult obstacle to your Sadhana comes from your ego, which bestows ownership and doership for your possessions and actions, thus binding you to a limited mind.
The Chaithanyam (imagined to be) bound with your limited existence is like air in a pot.
When the pot breaks, that air becomes ONE with the enveloping atmosphere. Its limited identity gets dissolved in the infinity.
The moment you realize that you are not the doer, but the Supreme is acting through your mind-body system, your limited identity vanishes and your pride melts away.
Till then you have to consciously remind yourself to surrender your actions and their results before Him. At times you may fail, never mind!
Keep doing it and then eventually it becomes your nature and you would work like an extended part of Bhagavan.
And your mind becomes Pure Consciousness.
Why live a life with a lower purpose when you know your maximum possibility?
(Bhagavatham 7.7.28 – 7.7.37)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many young people argue, “God is in my mind. Why should I go to temples or do Japam? What is wrong in getting involved in entertainments and parties? Isn’t it ok for the youth to celebrate life in such splendour?”.
We tell you, do not mistake celebration for pleasure from body alone.
Once you experience the energy gained from Japam and the joy from Dhyanam, you will stay away from lesser entertainments. You will observe a disciplined lifestyle and channelize your life.
Once you get clarity of mind, sharpness of intellect and purity of heart your life will become sacred and light. That’s true celebration. Those who do not know it, run after other modes of pleasure.
Regular Sathsang and temple visits with true devotion constantly remind you about Him and that’s how it works.
We tell you once again, invite your friends and relatives and give them a taste of it. They will continue on their own forever.
Let us spread this culture of Sadhana and SathSang, like Prahlada did long back.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada continues, “It is very easy to access Bhagavan because HE is well within you.
In life either you will leave all worldly wealth or they will leave you. Either way, end result is the same.
Even your body which is your dearest possession, will leave you one day, then what to say about other relations and possessions?
And think, is it more pleasure or displeasure they all gift to you from birth to death in your life? What can they appeal to the eternal Atma, your true Self?
In fact their memories actually block your vision of Atma.
What action can give comfort to you, when you yourself know that at the end of the day, it is actually sleep that gives peace to you?
Instead of relishing worldly pleasures like mere animals, utilize your higher birth as a human being for the highest purpose.
A seed grows into a tree and the tree gives birth to seeds and that seed becomes tree again thus the cycle of lifetimes continues endlessly.
How do you come out of it?
Only through Knowledge of the Self, Atma Jnanam, which is possible by the Grace of Bhagavan alone.
How can you get that Grace of the Supreme?
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, only true devotion can please Bhagavan. No other noble act, charity or penance can qualify you before Him.
When you live such a surrendered life, all your wishes will get fulfilled naturally. However, if your aim is fulfilling your desires through devotion, it degrades your mind.
And how can you please Him?
It is only through service to the world, seeing Him in every being.
Notes: We have presented the essence of Prahlada’s ‘Thatwa Upadesham’ here.
You are here to realize your own worth, instead of eating and sleeping your precious time away.
Why live like an animal when you are blessed with this human birth with highest possibilities?
Why waste your time in accumulating things that you will undoubtedly leave here itself, when your journey of life gets over?
So invest your time and energy in the imperishable, greatest wealth of devotion, one can ever gain.
(Bhagavatham 7.7.38 – 7.7.55)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Words of wisdom must strike your head of ignorance like an arrow, pierce the skull of prejudices and explode your delusions.
The drama of life is very much visible before your eyes; still you live like a blind.
You see people running after mirages of pleasure and luxury thinking that will make them happy.
You can also see very old people regretting about wasting their youthful years.
You know that a young and healthy body is essential for learning all physical sciences.
Then why do you postpone the more difficult study of your own mind, to post retirement years?
Your mind is your best friend when it works resourcefully and otherwise, the worst enemy.
Spirituality is not a mere time pass for old age. It is the most essential way of life you must practise from your childhood if you really, really, really want to live a purposeful and fulfilling life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sree Narada said, “Bhagavan appeared in the form of Lord Nara Simha and destroyed Hiranya Kashipu who was constantly tormenting Prahlada mercilessly.
Bhagavan with such a frightening external appearance and tender compassion within, blessed both Prahlada who had deep love and devotion for Him and Hiranya Kashipu who had immense hatred towards Him at the same time”.
This was the consequence of Prahlada’s teachings which transformed all the Asura boys for a better life. They rejected Hiranya Kashipu’s advices.
Notes: This sloka gives a very important message to us. We can see that even within the frightening form of Bhagavan, there is only deep, all inclusive, compassion for all.
HE comes to you as how you connect to HIM.
Prahlada connected through love and Hiranya Kashipu connected through hatred and fear.
However, both established connection with HIM and that’s enough to access HIM.
Bhagavan blesses Prahlada through protection and Hiranya Kashipu through destruction.
Hari Om!
This is a very deep Thathwam to comprehend.
We leave this to the readers to go deep into introspection and discover.
We can see the magnificent ‘Nara Simha Avatharam’ in the next coming slokas very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.8.1)
Dear Devotee,
In deep love, fear or hatred towards a person you can observe the sensation in your heart area and it is not easy to forget that person.
This implies that these feelings connect you to that person invisibly.
Analyse all your inter personal relations and verify it. Other people cannot connect to you.
And most of your true friendships start with initial fights, right?
With Bhagavan, at least develop hatred if not love, so that you get connected. Never have indifference towards HIM, as you remain disconnected.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham is coming to a very stirring part now, when Prahlada was brought to Hiranya Kashipu by his frightened teacher.
The Asura King could not bear it any longer and his body trembled with anger. He decided to end Prahlada’s life in no time.
He looked vehemently at the child prostrating humbly before him and shouted in uncontrollable fury, “Hey wretched son, destroying your Kulam and its glory? How dare you disobey your father who is worshipped by even the rulers of three worlds?
What is the base of your strength?”.
Prahlada replied calmly, “The ONE who is the custodian of all beings including Lord Brahma is my strength, as well as your strength, and for every one! All strength comes from Him only. This world is His visible form and so He is the only shelter for you and me and all.
Discard the identities of friendship, enmity and indifference from your mind, become a balanced mind through conquering your senses. Remember, there is only one enemy for you, that is your own mind which traverses though wrong paths.
The best worship is a balanced mind.
Hari Om!
How can you boast that you have conquered all enemies, when you haven’t conquered the vises of ‘kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and malsarya’ in your own mind?”.
Notes: What a wonderful insight Prahlada presents here. It is as plain as it appears here. We don’t need to explain further on this profound statement by Prahlada.
There is only one life force that moves everything in creation. An ignorant man gives credit to himself, for his strength, and see how foolish he is…
It is true wisdom to realize that your strength comes from the Lord only.
Why a balanced mind is praised like this? Because a balanced mind is the one that accepts life as it is, or in other words, honours the Supreme Will as it comes.
A mind that honours all pleasant and unpleasant things as God’s blessings is the mind that surrenders completely before Him. There is no better worship than true surrender.
Let us see how Hiranya Kashipu takes his son’s assault on his pride, very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.8.2 – 7.8.11)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Haven’t you noticed, how easier it is to convince others about your stand point rather than your own consciousness?
And how easier it is to control your foes through force, rather than your own inner foes of vices as Prahlada has rightly pointed out!
A seeker observes his inner feelings, sensations and responses to situations and judges himself very critically as a witness. He is the first one to warn himself and correct himself while the outer world doesn’t even have a clue of what is going through his mind.
No satsang or sadhana can benefit you unless you watch yourself as a committed coach and correct yourself.
Remember, more than any holy book, your own life teaches you uniquely and intensely if you are ready to learn and uplift your mind.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Hiranya Kashipu refuted, “yes, indeed you are dumb to praise yourself and insult me. So your end is near and hence you speak so foolishly. Tell me, who is God other than me? Where is he?”.
Prahlada said, “HE is everywhere”.
The Asura king hissed pointing to the next pillar, “is he in this pillar too?”.
Prahlada as a devout devotee sees only Bhagavan everywhere, so unhesitatingly he said, he saw Bhagavan in the pillar too and did Namaskaram.
Hiranya Kashipu could not bear it any more and struck the pillar hardly, “I am going to cut your head away now. Let your savior Hari save you now”.
He would have probably thought his son was lying. Even if he was telling a truth, killing his savior would end his stupidity.
But to his greatest astonishment and chilling scare for all, the pillar exploded with a thunder as Hiranya Kashipu stood boldly checking where that sound came from.
Hari Om!
“SARVATHRA GOVINDA NAMA SANKEERTHANAM,
SARVATHRA GOVINDA NAMA SANKEERTHANAM,
SARVATHRA GOVINDA NAMA SANKEERTHANAM,
GOVINDA, GOVINDA!!!”
The most majestic, miraculous Avathar of Bhagavan Sree Nara Simha has appeared!
Notes: Watch what Hiranya Kashipu said as a curse to Prahlada, and so came Bhagavan to save and bless His beloved devotee.
HE took utmost care to keep each and every word uttered and promised and demanded by all devotees.
Only Bhagavan can do it so magically and miraculously.
We will bless ourselves by reading further very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.8.12 – 7.8.17)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Please read Sree Nara Simha Avatharam and experience the blessings yourself.
When you are scared, and doubtful about your safety and security, read this part of Sreemad Bhagavatham.
You will be relieved of all your fears and anxieties immediately.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
With a prayerful mind we are going to see Shree Nara Simha Avatharam now.
Bhagavan appeared in a most unique and unbelievably defined form according to the wish of each and every devotee prayed to Him directly or indirectly.
Prahlada said he saw HIM in the pillar. So HE came from the pillar.
Remember Hiranya Kashipu’s demand to Lord Brahma? “I must be protected from death, from all creations that came from You. Death should not touch me within house or outside house, not in day time or night time, not on Earth or sky, not by humans or animals”.
Thus his boon was satisfied. So HE came as Nara-Simha, half human and half animal form too.
It was not a creation of Lord Brahma.
Sage Narada had predicted to Indra that Prahlada was Lord’s devotee and hence imperishable.
Moreover, Hiranya Kashipu himself was Lord Vishnu’s gate keeper and devotee, who was cursed with three Asurik births. He must return to Bhagavan Himself after three lifetimes.
Hari Om!
Thus Bhagavan came in accordance with all these devotees and their fulfillment.
Because that’s what HE has promised in Geetha to Arjuna, “My devotee is imperishable, he is protected by Me”.
Bhagavan Shree Nara Simha roared fiercely in HIS most indescribably frightening form.
What followed next was a terrible fight to witness, even for the boldest, as the Asura leaped forward like a cockroach onto fire.
Hiranya Kashipu was more than fortunate to get His Darshan, being liberated by the Lord is beyond explanation.
During the time of dusk, above earth and below sky, Bhagavan sat in the Sabha, laid the Asura on HIS lap.
Keeping every word of boon intact, without weapons, HE tore the Asura’s body open with blade like nails, reddening Himself with blood.
As the Asura’s body became lifeless, Bhagavan sat Himself on the royal throne. No one dared to go near the furious and frightening Lord.
Notes: We are not giving a detailed description of the fight here. We just want to note that the Lord is all compassionate in blessing every one. From our view point we see devotees and Asuras differently.
Hari Om!
For Bhagavan, every one is a part of Him, who has come from Him and returning to Him alone.
Who was this Asura Hiranya Kashipu? He was the most loyal servant of Lord Sree Hari.
How did he get this curse? While doing the Lord’s work.
Who cursed him? Sanat Kumaras, the great Gurus.
So, was it a curse or a boon in disguise?
Any word from a SathGuru is a blessing even though it may appear to be a curse initially.
And a devotee is too happy to bear anything from the Guru and Bhagavan! Only he can play any drama endorsed by them.
So, Hiranya Kashipu was an Asura in his conscious mind. But in his subconscious mind, he was a devotee only, even without his awareness.
Only a devotee gets the great fortune of Bhagavad Darshan, then what to say about liberation?
So, whenever you see an Asura like person, look deep into his eyes, you can see a devotee there.
(Bhagavatham 7.8.18 – 7.8.34)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
If Prahlada and Hiranya Kashipu were devotees of two kind, what was different with them?
We can see that Prahlada’s mind was filled with love and joy while Hiranya Kashipu’s mind was filled with fear and hatred.
So Prahlada is eternally glorified as ‘Bhaktha Prahlada’ and Hiranya Kashipu termed as a terrible Asura.
Whatever you are, deep in your sub conscious mind, doesn’t apply here. What you are here apparently, becomes your visible identity.
This is the answer to our readers who ask us, “why people do not like me, even though I am good and sincere?”.
If people do not appreciate your goodness, it is because you are not expressing well. That’s all.
So develop divine qualities and express them, not to please the all-knowing God, but to please the world and yourself.
That good Karma brings joy to yourself.
And let us look deeper now….
Hari Om!
Another deep message lies underneath here.
Look at the time Hiranya Kashipu chose for Bhagavad Darshan, the dusk which lies in the middle of day and night. And the place is in the middle of outside and inside.
Bhagavan tore apart the middle part of his body.
Every aspect including the Lord Nara Simha’s form is representing the prominence of MIDDLE.
What do we understand here? It is the middle path, the golden path that leads you to liberation.
No extreme can keep you centered.
Unless you are centered by balancing your mind you cannot walk the middle path of seeking Him.
Bhagavad Geetha proclaims the glory of this middle path in Sixth chapter.
Again and again our Scriptures remind us of attaining a balanced mind.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As Lord Shree Nara Simha remained furious, every one tried to pacify Him.
Bhagavatham describes the Sthuthis by Lord Brahma, Lord Rudra, Lord Indra, the Sages, the Pitrus and so on here. Please read on from Bhagavatham.
We will deliver only the key points from selected excerpts.
Lord Brahma said, Bhagavan plays such Srishti Leela (of His own form) not for His sake, but out of compassion for devotees to praise Him and purify their minds.
Shree Rudra requested Him to drop His untimely anger (hinting Pralaya time is the right time for destruction) and bless the devoted child Prahlada.
Indra said, after Yagas, the Prasad enjoyed by them actually goes to the Lord within. But due to fear of the Asura, their hearts were miserable so far and now HE has regained HIS dwelling in their hearts and expanded it.
Rishis said, they are fortunate to continue their Thapas which was banned by Hiranya Kashipu.
Hari Om!
Many Sthuthis followed and finally Vishnu Parshadas spoke, “Oh Lord, this Asura is none other than Your own servant, who was cursed by Sanakas. You have taken his life to take him back to Your abode. At the end of curse, he will be back with You and that’s Your Will only”.
Notes: Every Sthuthi is pregnant with meaning suitable to the respective Devas and their Dharma. Every Dharma belongs to Him. What intelligence is displayed here!
Lord Brahma hints at creation of the unique Avatharam Bhagavan took.
Lord Rudra hints at dissolution of Srishti.
Indra makes a very distinct point here. Bhagavan is within each heart, at the core of your being. Still HE is not accessible, why is it so? Bhagavatham says, when there is fear in your heart, you cannot experience Him. What a profound statement!
Yes, when your mind is free from fear only, you can enjoy anything.
And, as Vishnu Parshadas rightly said, only when the Lord wants, you will get His Darshan.
Next chapter will tell us who will pacify Bhagavan eventually.
(Bhagavatham 7.8.35 – 7.8.56)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails asking, “How can I see God?”.
We know that God is not an object for the eyes to catch.
Why our Scriptures say, only when the Supreme wishes, you get His Darshan? It is because, all your efforts are based on doership. You are in action, when you do Sadhana.
Do you think your efforts limited by body, senses and mind are enough for Self Realization?
And without your efforts is it possible?
We need to understand it well here.
When His Will comes into play rather than your call, you let go of all your efforts and mind becomes free. Even traces of need gets mind into projection, and disturb your tranquility.
Total rest happens only after doing your best and surrendering everything.
Bhagavan chooses you then, to unite with HIM…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sri Narada continues, “As even Goddess Lakshmi stayed back, little Prahlada approached Shree Nara Simha in abeyance of Lord Brahma’s advice”.
Prahlada prostrated in full length before Bhagavan who in turn blessed him placing HIS most gracious hand on his head.
Prahlada’s Sthuthi follows in the next Slokas.
Its essence says, whatever virtues you acquire as a common man or even as a Brahmana, it can all add to your pride and arrogance. Thus it will keep you away from the Lord. Only devotion can purify your mind and hence connect you to Him.
Whatever you surrender before Him, HE accepts most compassionately, only to uplift your mind and make you POORNA as Him.
Bhagavan reflects in you.
It’s like seeing you decorated in the mirror. In actuality it is your own body that is decorated but seen as your image in the mirror so.
Then Prahlada pleads, “Oh Lord, the Asura who invited your fury is no more. Then why remain furious, when all these beings are relieved yet fearful to behold Thy Form? This remembrance itself will strengthen all, so please drop Thy anger, Bhagavan”.
Hari Om!
Notes: Bhagavatham reminds us that all the virtues that we possess or pose to possess lead to ownership and doership. True wisdom is in realizing that it is Bhagavan who displays this intelligence through our human existence. Only devotion can melt your limited identity and dissolve you in the Supreme.
When you constantly remember the Lord, your mind actually absorbs the superlative qualities and virtues of divinity, giving you the transcendental energy.
We find an interesting knowledge here when Prahlada pleads to Bhagavan to drop further anger as the cause of anger vanishes. This is very important for us, because most of us have a tendency to recall and replay unpleasant past experiences.
We must understand that every time it replays an unpleasant event, it regenerates the associated emotions like anger, hatred and fear etc which produces toxins in our body. It leads to diseases later. So it is very important to consciously choose your memories from the past.
Dwelling on past is not relevant and it is merely wasting your precious time. So it takes wisdom to drop the effect consciously when the cause has become nonexistent.
Hari Om!
We will read the further Slokas in the Prahlada Stuthi soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.9.1 – 7.9.14)
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever wondered why you keep thinking about past events frequently?
We tell you, it is because life is not charming or interesting for you right now. And how does it become interesting? Only when you do something creative!
What happens when you do something creative? Obviously that is when your right brain dominates. And then the left brain which is used to logical reasoning and analytical thinking (and hence processing past records) gives way to creative thinking.
Constructing something new is possible only in the present moment, not in the past or future. So your mind becomes free from the regrets of past and anxiety about future. Such a happy mind involves effectively and finds everything interesting.
So learn something new every day to keep yourself youthful and happy.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada continues, “Oh Bhagavan, I am not scared by Your appearance, but I am really scared by the horrible and cruel ‘Samsara chakram’ which engulfs all beings.
Still worse, You have given my birth amidst Asurik minds. I can be relieved only when You call me to Your abode.
In this world, you do not get what you want and you get what you do not want. No one is exempted from this misery unless Your grace blesses them. Only then you will be fortunate to join other devotees and become blessed.
Is there any one capable of rescuing here, other than You? A child dies even when nursed by loving parents. A patient dies even when served with life-saving medicines. A ship is supposed to save drowning men, but a ship full of sailors drowns itself”.
What logic can apply here?
Prahlada says, only when Bhagavan blesses you, those saviours are capable of saving you from death. It may appear externally that these means are saving you, but actually it is the Lord who saves you through them.
Hari Om!
He pleads, “Bhagavan, this ‘samsara chakram’ is squeezing me like a sugar cane caught up in the grip of cane juice extractor. Please save me from its clutches, my Lord.
Notes: Prahlada points to a very important knowledge point here. He says, people find security in the promises of the world.
No medicine can guarantee to save your life or no ship can guarantee to save you from drowning unless the Divine Grace wills so.
Money cannot assure you comforts. Relations cannot assure you happiness. Medicines cannot assure you good health. Only the Supreme grants you all privileges in this world.
Bhagavatham reminds us, those who cannot see the divine intervention apparently happening through friends and enemies are mere fools.
We will read Sthuthi slokas further very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.9.15 – 7.9.22)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We get many mails from people expressing severe concerns about their problems.
Look at Prahlada, he is very much aware of his life position in the midst of Asuras. He knows that the Lord Himself has given such a life to him.
He never complained or blamed any one. He never regretted or became frustrated.
But very intelligently he used every moment of his life for a great purpose.
Those who lament about their present life must learn from Prahlada, who made the impossible possible.
Remember, seekers are not living a problem-free life, but they know how to use their problems as opportunities for uplifting their minds.
Isn’t it high time you had an introspection about your own life?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada states, “Nothing in this world can woo me, because I know all of them are futile and perishable. However good something can be, how long can it last? Why long for it, as it can not sustain your joy? Only Seva to Bhagavan can give eternal happiness”.
He justifies his point further, “As the water shadow in a mirage attracts a tired traveler, the pleasures in the world tempt you and intensifies your thirst, it never quenches your thirst. You chase it like pouring ghee into fire and thus makes it harder to subside and rises it further. Your very body which enjoys all these pleasures becomes a berth for all sorts of diseases”.
Prahlada wonders how Bhagavan happened to bless him this much, though he is an asura? He realizes that Bhagavan has no partiality to any one as HE is the ONE in all.
Then why can not every one get equally blessed?
It is because Bhagavan blesses you like Kalpa Vriksha, according to your Sankalpa.
What you receive is what you deserve through your seva!
Nothing else matters here.
Hari Om!
Notes: What a secret of life underlies here! The attractions of the world add to your thirst and service to the world quenches your thirst…
In spiritual seeking, you qualify for higher knowledge through seva only.
Your worldly credentials cannot help you here.
It is beautifully stated that when you deserve it, you will receive what you desire.
We will continue the study very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.9.23 – 7.9.27)
Dear Devotee,
Many people ask us, why they have to undergo sufferings all through their life?
We get the answer here. It is a combination of power of Sankalpa and nobility of service.
If you have both, you will achieve what you aspire.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada confirms, “it is only through service to Your servants that I got entitled for Your Darshan. You are always honouring the words of Your beloved devotees who serve You. So please me to be Your servant ony. I do not need anything more”.
Prahlada also mentions the ‘Hayagreeva Avathar’ of Bhagavan to save Vedas from the Asuras Madhu and Kaitabha. He praises the Lord for all His astounding Leelas.
He describes Bhagavad Thatwam in detail here.
As a loving child Prahlada pleads for saving all miserable beings from this distress of worldly life. He sees that only rare people are seeking liberation and majority of human race dwell in ignorance and stress.
He concludes his Sthuthi with a heartfelt prayer for all beings.
Notes: We have given a short summary here. The most noticeable knowledge point in Prahlada Sthuthi is his ardent wish to share his devotion and joy with all and thus uplifting their minds.
It says that an Asurik mind focusses on acquiring more and possessing them. Prahlada was truly exceptional in his divine qualities and thus earned the title of ‘Bhaktha Prahlada’.
Hari Om!
In spite of his discouraging back ground and threatening hazards, he protected his mind from all evils and shared wisdom with others.
It is easy to be good in an encouraging situation. But it is really challenging to maintain your poise in a threatening and dangerous situation. Your faith has value only when it stays with you even in the most difficult situations.
(Bhagavatham 7.9.28 – 7.9.50)
Dear Devotee,
We can see a lot of opportunism when it comes to devotion.
Many people claim to be devotees for years and the moment they lose something valuable, they blame Bhagavan and that’s the end of faith. In contrary, some people being atheists for decades, finally realize that there is some supreme intelligence beyond their reasoning power.
We have to remind ourselves, the Supreme doesn’t take any one’s part, it is upto us to reach His Abode and experience the magic of life unfolding before us.
Prahlada tells us, taste the nectar of devotion and you have tasted the elixir of life!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada says, Prahlada most devotionally praised Bhagavan. The Supreme was very much pleased and dropped His anger.
Bhagavan blesses the boy, “tell what you wish, it will be granted. I AM the ONE who grants all wishes. Drop your desire to uplift all from misery and ask for what you aspire. Each being can work for their own grace”.
Why can’t all beings get blessed by ‘Bhagavad Prasadam’ ?
Bhagavan says, not all have the power to transcend the barriers set by body and senses.
Those who have acquired that great fortune through many lifetimes of noble life and service, they alone are blessed by the deep devotion to please HIM.
All their wishes are granted by HIM.
Though Bhagavan offers such irresistible boons, Bhaktha Prahlada wants nothing other than Bhagavad Karunyam.
Notes: We see a very important knowledge point here, each person can work for his/her progress and well being.
If you do not want it yourself, no one else can help you.
Hari Om!
We can also see that those who wish goodness for others get more blessed like Prahlada.
(Bhagavatham 7.9.51 – 7.9.55)
Dear Devotee,
We need to have a clear understanding about Seva. We all know that ‘Manava Seva Madhava Seva’ and at times we may go out of way to help people who do not deserve it.
We need to be cautious here. We should not lose our centeredness or peacefulness while elevating other minds.
So, first of all, be happy yourself and then make others happy.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Sage Narada continues how Prahlada prayerfully stays back from lures offered by Bhagavan as he knows any such materialistic gratification will imply heavy loss for him.
Prahlada prays, “Bhagavan, as such I am born as Asura and hence susceptible to such desires. So please do not offer testing boons that can spoil me further.
The devotee who prays for boons are in fact traders who exchange devotion for their gains. He is not a true devotee and his lord is not a true Lord too. Both are traders in reality”.
Prahlada establishes, “I have nothing to get from YOU and YOU have no use of me. Still if I must ask something, I would pray for the complete exclusion of the seeds of kama from my mind even before they bud”.
Notes: We have come across very precious insights on devotion here. Bhagavatham says people who try to bribe Bhagavan for their gains are actually doing a trading business. And if you get all that you ask for, you are actually becoming a loser in your worldly and spiritual arenas of life.
Materialistically, those who get things easily, take them for granted. Moreover, their abilities and skills remain unused.
Hari Om!
Life blesses you when it offers challenges and that’s how you become polished like a diamond.
For a seeker, any physical gain in this world, however great it is, is not sufficient at all to bring fulfilment. The true Sadhak enjoys everything with a balanced mind, but rejoices only in the union with the Supreme.
He never trades it for absolutely anything else in this creation. He only has to courage to tell Bhagavan, “I want nothing from You other than love”.
He wants nothing other than Bhagavan. If he wants anything at all, that is only the removal of barriers between him and Bhagavan. He just wants to get rid of anything that stands against his union with the Divine.
How Kama damages us? We will see very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.10.1 – 7.10.7)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
After reading this part, you needn’t get confused about your prayers for gaining something from the Lord.
Remember, if there is something that you genuinely need, please have a good Sankalpa about it, pray for it with a single focus and work for getting it. This is not meant for satisfying your greed.
As you advance in life, you will realize that your desires get more and more Sathwik in nature and eventually you will reach a desire-less state as Nature will be keen in satisfying all your needs.
This is like a fruit getting ripe, so do not be hard on yourself and suppress your wish list effortfully.
Become aware of your needs, wants and greed and carefully pray for what will genuinely bring prosperity in your life.
It will bring success in the world and success in life too.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
What is wrong in having Kama in your mind?
Read on as Prahlada explains…
As Kama buds up in your mind, your senses become useless as they fail to turn to Bhagavan. Then mind will engage in thinking about how to get the objects of desire. Prana becomes useless in such a slave of wordly desires. He would involve in pitiable deeds to fulfill his desires. As the Dharmik duties are not observed, Dharma too perishes. Courage to face ups and downs in life also vanishes. Intelligence loses the power of discrimination. Shame in doing unrighteous deeds will disappear.
Thus the virtues of ‘Aiswaryam, Prathapam and Bhagavadanusandhanam’ perish on the rise of Kama.
Hence Prahlada prays to Bhagavan for the blessing of ‘Kama Nasham’.
He says, only a mind free from desires will experience the Divine. And you get such a mind by the blessings of Bhagavan only.
Bhagavan Shree NaraSimha is delighted by the devotion of child Prahlada now.
Notes: Bhagavatham explains the chain reaction of negative thinking here. This is very much relevant in young generation indulged in substance abuse and other addictions.
Hari Om!
Each bad habit starts with a single negative thought which gets powerful with your constant brooding over it. Every time you ponder it, you are engraving it harder in your mind and your subsequent actions get carried away by its influence. It all begins with your sensory perception of the world and gradually affecting your mind power and intellect.
Bhagavatham teaches us to save our mind and thus our life by choosing wisely on what thoughts to entertain in our mind.
(Bhagavatham 7.10.8 – 7.10.10)
Dear Devotee,
How can we make use of the knowledge here?
It is more than destroying negative patterns. We can actually develop constructive and successful execution models using this wisdom.
If we consistently engage ourselves in a well planned task or project applying this wisdom, we will be able to achieve whatever we want in life.
Think more about it…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Today being Sree Krishna Jayanthi, let us prostrate before Bhagavan in surrender and deep devotion.
Let us take the oath to spread Scriptural Wisdom and the message of ‘Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu’ for mankind.
We will continue with Bhagavatham slokas where Lord NaraSimha replies to Bhaktha Prahlada’s prayer.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavan Sri Nara Simha spoke to Prahlada thus, “A devotee like you wouldn’t aspire anything from ME. Still it is your dharma to obey My words. So enjoy all the comforts here as a ruler while observing your dharma in surrender. Such work is real worship to ME.
It doesn’t cause bondage and hence it is not Karma too.
You can transcend your Prarabdha of ‘Punyam’ by experiences of Sukha, ‘Papam’ by service to other beings, Body by time and ultimately you will merge in Me”.
Anyone reciting this Prahlada Sthuthi in glory of Bhagavan will attain Mukthi. What to say about Prahlada?
Notes: This is a powerful message on how to transcend Karma and Karmaphalam.
Any work done as offering to Bhagavan saves you from Karma bondage because there is no doership in what you do.
Prarabdha is the already acquired Karmaphalam.
Punyam and Papam cause Karmaphalam and Bhagavatham says how to transcend both.
Hari Om!
Your body is born due to Karmaphalam only and it ceases to exist when the designated Karmaphalam finishes and in Time.
(Bhagavatham 7.10.11 – 7.10.14)
Dear Devotee,
Every one seeks happiness and no one wants unhappiness.
When you seek happiness, it can lead to unhappiness.
The wise one remains peaceful as ‘ATMA RAMA’ beyond this bipolarity.
It is like the open sky above white and dark clouds where you see all underneath experiences with a balanced mind.
Start practising it with small and trivial pleasant and unpleasant experiences and you will see the shift in your consciousness.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada further pleads for the Lord’s mercy on his Asura father, who out of ignorance hated Bhagavan.
Lord NaraSimha assures to Prahlada that all his ancestors have become pure because of his birth in their lineage.
Such is the power of devotion in purifying your lives.
Bhagavan declares, “even a slum becomes sacred with MY devotee’s presence”.
The sign of a devotee is ‘Ahimsa’. How it is accomplished?
‘Himsa’ is the effect of ‘Krodha’ and ‘Krodha’ is the effect of ‘Kama’.
How do you overcome ‘Kama’? Only when you transcend the pull towards objects causing ‘Kama’ and then only your mind unites with Bhagavan.
The moment you realize that you are none other than THAT, the Truth which shines in everything, you become liberated from ‘Kama’!
Bhagavan instructs Prahlada to conduct the Pithru Karma for his father Hiranya Kashipu, as whatever noble men perform, become guidance for others to follow in observing Dharma.
Prahlada assumed power as ruler for the Asura dynasty.
Lord Brahma expressed joy in establishing peace after all this turbulence which started with His boon and praised Lord Sree Hari for saving every one.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan Sree NaraSimha told Brahma, “Please do not grant such boons to undeserving seekers, as it is like giving Amruth to poisonous snakes” and disappeared.
Notes: What clarity is exhibited here, about transcending Kama, Krodha and thus Himsa in our lives!
Himsa is not a physical act, but it is giving pain on a psychological or emotional level too.
When do you give pain? It is when you are angry and you want to take revenge on the person who caused it.
And when do you get angry?
Simply speaking, when your desire turns into a disappointment or frustration, you become angry and take some sort of hurting action on others or yourself.
So the first trigger is Kama or desire and if you can transcend its grip, you become free. The only way to divert from worldly desires is to replace them with desire for the Lord.
While worldly desires lead you to bondage, longing for Bhagavan lead you to liberation as you become ONE with HIM.
Hari Om!
Another astonishing aspect is balancing your life on a materialistic plane while anchoring your mind with constant remembrance of the Lord.
That’s exactly how Prahlada manages his life as a ruler. Being a seeker does not exempt you from taking responsibility in life.
And lastly, Lord Brahma gets his piece of advice, not to grant boons to the undeserving.
When you give power to someone, you must think about the consequence too.
(Bhagavatham 7.10.15 – 7.10.31)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The first lesson a seeker must practise in life is “do not give pain and do not take pain”.
It is such a fine balance; you need that much awareness to know the intelligence of the moment to act upon.
Every moment in life is sacred and teaches you something.
The Supreme Intelligence conveys a message to you, through each and every event, however trivial it may seem to be.
If you have an intuitive mind, the awareness to decipher it, you will live a ‘pain free’ life.
There starts freedom from Kama, Krodha and Himsa.
A true devotee celebrates life as it comes.
Always remember, pleasant and unpleasant moments are equally important in our life. They are here for a greater purpose, which is known to an aware mind only.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Prahlada prostrated before Lord Brahma and Lord Siva and all Devas before they all disappeared.
Sri Narada concluded this story with the ‘Phala Shruthi’ as King Dharma Putra listened in awe.
He reminded that Jaya and Vijaya took demonic births three times as Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kashipu, Ravana and Kumbhakarna and Shishupala and Danthavaktra, each time dissolving in the Lord.
It is a wonder that through immense hate also, they could attain Him.
Bhagavatham says, as a worm becomes a wasp on constant hateful remembrance, even a demon can attain Bhagavan through immense hatred.
Yudhishtira wonders how fortunate Prahlada was to get His Darshan, but Sage Narada emphasizes how fortunate Yudhishtira and his brothers are, for Lord Krishna lives as one among them through kinship.
Tenth chapter ends with another story where Lord Sri Hari rescued Devas from Asuras by supporting Lord Siva to empower Himself.
You may please read it in Bhagavatham text.
Hari Om!
Notes: Bhagavatham tells us the story of wasp and worm in many contexts.
It is a very strong scientific fact that your mind gets tuned with what it perceives regularly.
If your circle of influence is good, you become good, otherwise you get doomed.
What you constantly focus on influences your life. This is the secret behind how your role model makes you or breaks you.
So, you have to be very careful in choosing your mentors or coaches. What to say about your spiritual Gurus?
(Bhagavatham 7.10.32 – 7.10.71)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We have heard that the Gopis and Asuras attained Bhagavan through constant remembrance.
How is that possible? Is Bhagavan insensible to treat both equally?
When we look deeper, we will know that it is not Bhagavan but we ourselves are connecting to Him through our deep feelings, whatever be the feelings. It doesn’t matter good or bad, positive or negative, but feeling for Him is the only way to connect to Him.
Then what is the difference between love and hate here?
The difference is in your own peacefulness and joy that you derive from love and the heart burn you get from hate. Devotion gives sweetness and enmity gives bitterness and choice is yours.
And always remember, even traces of ‘Upeksha’ or indifference towards Him implies heavy loss for you.
Connect to Him from wherever you are and experience divinity here and now.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Eleventh chapter of Seventh Canto describes the observance of ‘Varna Ashram’ and its associated rules and guidelines.
What are the duties and methods of livelihood (and the alternatives) prescribed for Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vyshya and Shudra according to our Scriptures?
Read this chapter for a detailed description.
It even mentions the ideal ways a wife can work to please her husband and his family.
A noble husband is Lord Narayana for the Lakshmi like wife according to our ancestors.
Bhagavatham says, observing your Swadharma is the most important thing and do not compare it with others or adapt their Dharma.
Notes: We see here that, a Brahmana or Shudra is not a person born in those castes, but it is determined by the virtues and ‘vasanas’ prevailing in them.
Why is it important to keep up with your own Swadharma?
Because, as you keep farming in the same land years after years, it no longer gives any yield and eventually the seeds also get destroyed, so your seeds of Kama and Karma extinguish and you become liberated!
Hari Om!
It says, dripping ghee on fire will shoot it to greater heights of flames, but swallowing the fire with ghee till suffocation will actually extinguish fire itself.
When you keep doing the same Karma for a long duration, your mind will get liberated from its cycle.
(Bhagavatham 7.11.1 – 7.11.35)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Often people wonder what kind of jobs can suit them?
What makes you work well in some areas and poor in some other areas?
Usually our people follow what others do, taking the same degree that your neighbour took and later wondering why you are not as productive as him?
See, it is very important to know your congruence with what you wish to do.
Apparently, you may be interested in many things and as an intelligent person you may be managing it all very well.
Still, you are not reaching a level of excellence in life! Or, you are not becoming a model of excellence in your selected profession, even after working in it for many decades!
What could be the possible reason? We find it here in this part of Bhagavatham.
Are you in congruence with what you practise?
After a hectic day’s work, are you satisfied or are you sickened?
Remember, that makes all the difference in excelling in life.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Eleventh canto was all about Varna Dharmas. Now, Twelfth canto is going to deal with the Four Ashramas, especially Brahmacharya and Vanaprastha Ashramas.
We wouldn’t mention the various ‘Acharams’ or customs observed in each discipline.
We are focused on how to select each Ashram and how to proceed in life.
Sage Narada says, it is most essential to start with Brahmacharyam and then Grihastha , Vanaprastha or Sannyasa can be chosen as you opt.
Brahmacharyam is like laying the foundation of your life. There you have to be stead fast in acquiring knowledge through GuruSeva and disciplined learning. Any sort of diversion to physical pleasure must be curtailed in this phase.
For that, it is very much necessary to keep a distance from people, men or women who can divert your mind.
On successful completion of Brahmacharyam, the Shishya leaves Gurukul after offering Guru Dakshina and getting blessings from the Guru.
Hari Om!
Then according to your Vasanas, you can adopt Grihastha, Vanaprastha or Sannyasa ashram or continue Brahmacharyam throughout your life.
Notes: Bhagavatham tells us, how to channelize our life through various stages in life.
It is indeed essential to focus on your goal like a racing horse with blinders over the eyes that see nothing other than the goal.
So, Brahmacharyam is the phase to set your life’s mission.
What are the determinant factors for choosing each Ashram?
It is your deep impressions in the mind which tell you, what is it that you really want to achieve in life…
When you have desires for Grihastha life, imposing any other ashram will not work and it will only jeopardise your growth.
If you cannot be truthful in your chosen Ashrama, it will not help you at all. Therefore it is very essential to follow what suits you.
And what is the importance of good company in adhering to your Ashrama?
Let us take the example of a person who had an unpleasant childhood. He could be ‘love deprived’ or grew up in competition with friends or relatives.
Hari Om!
Later in life, most possibly he can develop ‘attention seeking’ and other related behaviour patterns, which he himself has no clue about. Through Satsang of wise people he can definitely become aware of it and improve himself.
See, it is mind boggling to realize that your identity or identification with anything that defines your personality is a mere entertainment or repetition of one single thought, may be in various patterns.
And, your thoughts are influenced by your Vasanas, whereas your Vasanas are influenced by the environment which mainly includes people closely associated with you.
That is why, Brahmacharis, Vanaprasthas and Sannyasis observe very strict discipline of celibacy in life though Grihasthas are exempted with certain guidelines.
(Bhagavatham 7.12.1 – 7.12.16)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Yes, we repeat, it is mind boggling to note that, what you are is the outcome of what you constantly think.
Random thoughts do not affect our life, but when the same thought is entertained repeatedly, it goes deeper into your mind and starts manifesting as reality.
And what is reality?
It is only a map of the world recreated within your brain through the sensory perceptions.
So, unless you are steadfast like a racing horse with blinkers, you are most likely to miss the goal.
And what we think as small or trivial matters a lot in reaching our goal.
For example, a seeker of Truth, is actually committed to realizing the Supreme Truth or ‘Parama Sathyam’.
And this journey to that realization is not by a flight or train, it is made through each and every step taken towards it.
Hari Om!
Each step offers a relative truth, means, the intelligence of that moment is revealed to you. Manipulating it with lies is actually dampening the ‘Agni’ in your speech, which is most essential in your Sadhana.
Honouring the Supreme shining in all beings is most essential in your spiritual advancement. When you give insult or pain to innocent people, it is actually harming yourself.
Believe it, an all time plastic smile does not imply that you are a Sadhak, it is the smile from the heart that shows how blossomed you are.
Similarly in all walks of life, you reach your goal by achieving its molecular goals one by one and moment by moment through integrity.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Next Slokas describe the phase of Vanaprastha and how you can dissolve your identity in the Infinity.
There are definite rules for consuming food, observing daily routines precisely.
Bhagavatham talks on ‘Pancha Bhootha Dharana’ here, where the panch bhoothas in your body gradually merge with the Panch Bhoothas in the Universe.
Thus the ‘vyashti shareeram’ slowly merges with ‘samashti shareeram’ and the ‘My’ness in your spouse, children and all objects must vanish slowly.
For this you can imagine that all ‘karya panch bhoothas’ of your ‘sthoola shareeram’ are already dissolved in the ‘karana panch bhoothas’.
Next is the ‘sookshma shareeram’ .
Here all sensory organs or ‘indriyas’ are surrendered into their respective ‘adhidaivam’.
For example, ‘Vag indriyam’ will merge with Agni, ‘Karam’ with Indra, ‘Padam’ with Vishnu and so on… And Indra, the one who makes the indriyas function is considered to be inseparable with Easwara.
And finally as all faculties or components of your existence dissolve one by one, you will experience what remains and that is what your true SELF is…
Hari Om!
We are not giving the full description of this procedure here, but we will look deeper into the process.
Notes: This meditation done using the ‘power of imagination’ actually works miracles in your Sadhana path.
For example, the organ of speech carries Agni.
If you really understand Bhagavatham, you will honour the Agni in your words. Your words should be like the Agni of a lamp that gives light. Only truthful words can purify your mind and help others too.
A liar doesn’t understand the harm he does to himself more than others.
That’s why all our Rishis give prime importance to the purity of speech.
And Indra is our mind itself, which makes all our sensory organs perceive sensory input of the world. This mind is inseparable with God!
So, that means our mind can be ONE with consciousness or God unless we imagine otherwise.
Using the power of imagination of your own mind you reach where you really wish to reach.
What a freedom we get through this precious Knowledge!
Hari Om!
As we say ‘Nethi,Nethi’ to each experience and finally ‘nothingness in fullness’ or ‘fullness in nothingness’ becomes our existential reality we reach the ‘being’ state naturally and automatically.
(Bhagavatham 7.12.17 – 7.12.31)
Dear Devotee,
And you thought you can play with your words and fool others ???
HariOm!
Hari Om!
This chapter of Bhagavatham describes ‘Sannyasa ashram’ in detail.
Bhagavatham says, after Vanaprastham those who have physical strength and intellectual ability should enter Sannyasam, dropping everything except own body.
The rules of Sannyasam implies having no desire or craving for anything, he should wander without staying in any place for more than a night.
He should use minimum dress or clothes and eat whatever received at whatever time.
He has absolutely no bondage with any one. He sees the Lord in all alike.
How to see Bhagavan and your self as ONE?
Its when you realize that Bandham (bondage) and Mukthi (liberation) are mere illusions.
Ignorance causes the feeling that you have bandham and wisdom makes you realize that you are already free.
How does the Sannyasi accomplish this?
By being aware in all three states of Jagrath, Swapnam and Sushupthi and their overlapping ‘sandhi’ too.
Hari Om!
It is very important to catch the moment when you slip into sleep and the moment you wake up from sleep. These are the two ‘sandhi’ times of two different states.
The one who anchors his mind at that state of being all through alone can free his mind from the illusion of bondage.
Notes: We have a very precious knowledge point here. Apart from the usual definitions of Sannyasam given in the first slokas, we come across a finite definition here.
Bhagavatham says, Sannyasam is not for weaklings, but for the most courageous who can fix their mind on the most slippery, subtlest, atomic point of the dimension of Time.
Mind and time are synonymous in a sense. That is, both can co-exist only. When mind subsides, you don’t experience time. In sleep mind subsides and when you wake up mind expands.
At the junction point of sushupthi and jagrath there is a finite moment when mind just subsides before sleep and just expands before waking up.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.1 – 7.13.5)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Observe your mind at the moment you realize that you have awaken from sleep.
Do you remember anything at that first moment?
Do you have any likes or dislikes? Do you have any preferences?
Do you have any friends or enemies? Do you have any relatives or family?
Do you have any memory? Do you have any intelligence or judgements?
Do you have a body???
Nothing…..
At that intense silence and stillness you are just AWARE of your existence. You are PURE AWARENESS.
From next moment onwards, the outer layers of your existence come dancing and singing and your mind once again projects itself from Consciousness.
It’s like wearing clothes one on another as draping yourself.
Do this exercise every morning as you wake up and as you slip into sleep.
Experience consciousness consciously! You don’t need the uniform of a monk to experience it.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham further describes, how a Yathi or Sannyasi appears to be. He should not be like an ordinary, ignorant person.
A beautiful explanation follows here.
Death is certain and desiring or hating death indicates ignorance. When body undergoes misery, one prays for death to end suffering soon and when surrounded by good health, luxury and pleasure, one prays for long life to enjoy it.
But truth is, this impermanent life ends when it is destined to end and your craving or aversion for it makes no difference to its length.
So loving or hating life or death is, sheer ignorance.
Yathi simply waits for Time to decide things for him. He is not doing anything, but just remains in the being state.
He neither learns the sciences that study materialistic things nor use them for materialistic gains. He wouldn’t teach Scriptures for a living.
He should drop all kinds of arguments and never take a mental stand on anything compulsively.
Notes: It is easily understandable that a Sannyasi takes life as it comes to him, letting go of every thing, every moment.
Hari Om!
It is sensible to agree that he wouldn’t make a living by teaching Scriptures and work for wealth etc.
What is more commendable here is the knowledge about dropping arguments and taking a compulsive mental stand or opinion.
What does it mean? In fact both imply the same. You can not argue on anything, unless you take a mental stand on it. And whenever you take a mental stand on anything, even if you don’t engage in verbal arguments, your mind doesn’t allow the free flow of knowledge into it. That means, you are not allowing yourself to change your earlier perception. Rather you are stuck in the impressions acquired in the past and analysed and labelled by your intellect.
The word ‘compulsively’ indicates your doership and your ego in sticking with your old perception for whatever reason. When you have wisdom deeply established within, you will drop the past perceptions and move on, accepting life as it comes.
You will honour all experiences as gifted by the Supreme with an unshaken smile on your face. This is the mark of true renunciation, one who has achieved it, is a free soul.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.6 – 7.13.7)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
What is meant by mental freedom ?
You can say, it is actually the ability to use your mind as a faithful servant, irrespective of its likes and dislikes or in short, demands.
You become a master of your mind when you can command it to hold on to a resourceful thought or idea as long as it is good and drop it when it needs to and your mind obeys you most loyally.
Anytime your perception becomes harmful, you have the mental strength to reprogram your brain and implement the resourceful idea and move on.
Suppose people take you for a ride and use you for their personal benefit, while presenting it as if it is something beneficial for you. You thought you were in paradise and then later you realize that it was only a fool’s paradise.
Once you realize this, you want to stop further damage and shift your focus immediately to higher goals. How do you accomplish this?
The keyword here is AWARENESS.
Become aware of the present moment unassumingly and what the Supreme Intelligence has in store for you.
Hari Om!
You need courage to accept the present moment as it is. This moment is designed for you exactly this way, by the Supreme Intelligence.
Allow the ever new knowledge to flow through you.
In spite of a series of failures, if you still can attempt, you are not a slave of past and you are living in the present moment.
Even after being rejected many times, if you still have hope, you are ever new.
However you were treated badly by some people whom you trusted and loved, if you still can trust and love more people with the same innocense, it is a mark of mental freedom or renunciation.
Life is the holiest Scripture and living it without defining it and labelling it is the best form of worship. Then you will be kind to yourself as well as others.
Honouring every moment of your life as it comes, beyond likes and dislikes is actually practising renunciation.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
How must the Yathi conduct his life?
Bhagavatham continues, he shouldn’t acquire disciples for a living or fame. He shouldn’t practice very many books, or interpret them. He shouldn’t engage in religious organizations too.
Why such rules are imposed? Because, it will all cause projection of his mind, called ‘vikshepam’ of the mind, which is very much against his sole purpose of attaining peace.
There are two types of ‘Yathi’, namely Sadhaks and Sidhas.
Sadhaks can engage in such works of Scriptures as they have not yet reached the ‘Parama Padam’.
Sidhas are realized souls who have transcended all worldly limitations and hence they are beyond all these rules.
How to recognize a true Yogi, as fake ones are very much there?
A real Sidha need not have a distinguishable appearance, but his presence is of Bhagavan.
He knows every thing, still appears to be crazy and child like before others.
Though an expert in speech, appears to be silent like a dumb person.
Notes: Appearances can be deceptive. Bhagavatham reminds us here, the so called crazy people who behave like small children may be great souls. And those who pretend to be wise need not be so.
Hari Om!
How do you recognize a true devotee? The only way to know is through their presence.
If you feel light hearted and peaceful and full of joy in his/her presence, they are radiating true devotion and Grace.
If you feel sad and heavy hearted make a note, you are not with a devotee.
It is not the outer appearance but the inner purity and presence that tells you, this Yogi is an instrument of Bhagavan.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.8 – 7.13.10)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Let us see another example.
How do you know if a Yogi is real or not?
Look at the people who have been with him for a long time, especially in his close circle.
How have they grown since their association with him?
Have they advanced spiritually or have they developed worldly desires and vices like jealousy, envy, possessiveness etc?
Have they become selfless in their service or more cunning in their attitude?
Do they treat others more compassionately or with more pride?
How is their speech now? Is it elegant and humble?
In short, the close associates actually imbibe the quality of the Yogi and if they became worse, it indicates the impurity of Yogi’s heart actually.
Always remember, your close associations can elevate you or degrade you.
We can say that our minds are like mixable fluids, so be careful with whom you mix and blend yourself.
This applies to any social panorama and leaders in any field.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The coming slokas describe the conversation between Prahlada and a Muni.
King Prahlada was travelling with his ministers to have a check in person, on what was going around, in his kingdom.
He happened to meet a Sage lying on the ground, enveloped in dust still radiating inner light of innocence. Only blessed souls are fortunate to see such great souls, for they may remain indistinguishable through their acts, speech, appearance, symbols of varna ashramas.
Prahlada prostrated before him and asked, “You don’t seem to engage in any thing and earn anything. Still you look so contended and comfortable. How are you so physically fit?”.
Prahlada asked more curiously, “Even inefficient people work and earn. You being such intelligent and skillful opt to be withdrawn, why is it so?”.
Muni smiled and replied, “You have the inner eye to know what people get from their Pravrithi and Nivrithi. How I attained the Sarvanjathwam, I will explain..
There is fire in all wood, yet it doesn’t burn all wood. Why? Because, you need to churn the wood to bring out the inner fire to set the wood to flames.
Hari Om!
Similarly you need to churn your mind with devotion to bring out the inner divinity of Bhagavan. He shines in those beings only, though HE is omnipresent in all”.
Notes: Bhagavatham has given a beautiful knowledge point here. It is a common question, why some people are blessed with a divinity in their life while others seem to lead an inauspicious life.
If wood is dried and churned, it burns easily. What if its damp and wet?
Your Sadhana and Upasana are meant to make your mind ready to set ablaze with the fire of Jnanam and Bhakthi. Then the mind extinguishes and what is left is pure Consciousness only.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.11 – 7.13.21)
Dear Devotee,
The sign of life is enthusiasm and spark of energy.
Use it wisely to realize your inner divinity before your mind gets damp with inertia.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Muni tells Prahlada, “You are all knowing, still I will share my knowledge with you, as I know from my Guru. Speaking with you purifies the mind”.
Notes: Please note the first statement here. Muni does not claim honourship on his knowledge as it was transferred to him from his Guru. It brings humility to the speaker and the listener as knowledge is transferred with such reverence.
There is nothing that gives more joy than the Satsang with a devotee like Prahlada.
What makes him so special? It is easy to live with devoted people and maintain your Bhakthi. You are truly challenged when you live under the command of a person like Hiranya Kashipu and still hold onto your devotion. Such a true devotee alone can share such a Grace with others.
We will listen to the words of Muni very soon.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.22)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This sloka actually throws a light on our age old education system and culture.
We honoured knowledge and how it was transferred from one person to another person without ownership.
Today in this world of patents and copy rights, can you believe it?
Let us gradually restore this practice of sharing wisdom with honour!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
“When the whole world is engaged in Karma, why are you retired from it?”.
Muni addresses Prahlada’s inquisitiveness in the next four slokas, “It is desire that sustains the world. You never get contended by satisfying your desires. It is like a river that never fills even in the heavy rains. When you are caught up in it, you get born and reborn endlessly in different species.
You get a human birth very rarely. Once you get a human life, you can attain Swarga through your Punya karma, lesser life through your Papa karma, Moksha through Jnana and Bhakthi and again another human life through your mixed karma.
I have noticed that those who engage in karma for pleasure get only the contrary in actuality.
Still, how does one get Sukham from observing karma?
It is because, the moment you achieve the desired result, your mind becomes still for a moment and then the inner joy comes into experience.
This is what happens in deep sleep also. In dream and awaken states, mind is not still, hence no joy too.
Hari Om!
Realizing this, I have dropped these temporary pleasures and withdrawn myself to mental stillness and hence ultimate Sukham”.
Notes: Bhagavatham tells a secret here. How do you experience joy? It is possible only when your mind subsides. When you see beautiful scenery, a ‘WOW’ arises in your mind and instantly it becomes still and inner joy permeates.
How do you see the bottom of a lake? Only when the water is still, right? When there are ripples in the surface you can not see the bottom. Only still water can reflect the full moon in the night.
So any joy is experiential in a thought-free mind. Or in other words, when your mind is bombarded with endless conflicting thoughts you cannot be happy.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.23 – 7.13.26)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We see that all over the world, people chase happiness and through whatever means.
The one who knows this ‘secret key to joy’ stays where he is, doing all that he is supposed to do and slips into that mental stillness whenever he needs to repose.
Whatever your body works through all the Jana and Karma Indriyas, if your mind does not have ownership and doership, you are in joy.
When you are stressed with over loaded work, just imagine that you are not doing it, but it is all happening through you!
Instantly you will feel relaxed…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Why does the world engage in Karma relentlessly?
Muni says, “Because of ignorance of the Self only”.
When the surface of a lake is filled with weed plants, you have no clue of the fresh water underneath.
Ignorant of the water in the lake, the world runs after a mirage, expecting water there.
Only the intelligent one will wade into the water, taking effort to throw away the weeds.
Similarly the Self is covered with layers of body and other mental faculties, hiding the Sublime Bliss from the seeker.
Muni says, even if you get good karmaphalam from your karma you are bound to suffer further from fear. Fear of losing it through the king, thieves, enemies, animals and birds, beggars, relatives, time and even own body.
How does wealth affect you badly?
When you lose it grief, when you posses it craving and fear of losing it, when someone steals it anger, when you can’t obstruct them misery, when you acquire it effort fullness, when someone thwarts competition… these all are the ill feelings associated with acquiring and possessing wealth.
So intelligent people must drop the desire in such wealth.
Hari Om!
Notes: Bhagavatham describes the ignorance of humans who fail to see the real purpose of human birth and runs after temporary pleasures.
They fail to see that effort is needed to clear the layers of dirt enveloping pure Self. Unless you drill through the mud, how can you get pure water from the well?
We get a clear description of all sorts of feelings attached with wealth, for which humans spend the entire time allotted to them in this life time.
Is it really worth?
(Bhagavatham 7.13.27 – 7.13.33)
Dear Devotee,
If you perceive your own life as a good guide, you will clearly see the lessons in each moment.
Observe yourself as you spend each day with awareness.
See the effort you take in getting money or any other wealth.
As you possess it, observe the craving to earn more and the fear of possibly losing it.
Hari Om!
When someone snatches it away, how angry you become?
As you can’t stop them how helpless you feel?
When you see a counter, how competitive you become?
In short, see all the intangible ill effects happening in your mind when you are obsessed with your tangible wealth!
Does it mean that you should stay back from wealth? Not at all.
Acquire wealth and spend it wisely, share with the deserving and celebrate life!
And just observe, are these ill feelings enter your heart at any time of this cycle?
You will never miss the lessons in life as that’s what life is!
The intelligent one learns the lessons well and absorbs more and more wisdom and remains peaceful in all situations alike and it says, life salutes before them!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
We see that people do not attain dispassion and they are not contended with what they have.
Muni further explains to Prahlada, how he attained both. He says, he learned dispassion from honey bees and contentment from a snake called Ajagaram.
How?
“The bees collect honey from flowers and others steal their hard earned wealth by destroying them. I learned that wealth that leads to self destruction must be avoided.
The big snake never moves and eats only what comes to it. It waits patiently till then.
I too lead an effortless life and contended with whatever I get and waiting courageously and patiently till then.
I eat whatever I get whenever I get, I don’t mind if it is tasty or not, good or not, served with care or not. Same way, I dress with whatever I get to clothe, silk to tree bark doesn’t make any difference to me.
The secret of my health and well being is nothing other than overwhelming joy.
I can sleep on leaves or cozy beds.
Hari Om!
I am indifferent to people who shower appreciation or blame on me and I pray for both alike”.
Notes: Dispassion and Contentment are the most important aspects to liberation from all the bondages of this world.
Bhagavatham illustrates an extreme model here through this renunciate Muni.
We may not be able to practise as he does it. Still it gives us a clear road map to liberation.
It takes such innate wisdom and courage to take appreciation and blame equanimously and bless and pray for them.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.34 – 7.13.42)
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavatham has shown the gross, body level of dispassion and contentment here.
We can at least start at the subtle, mind level and experience the shift it gives.
How much tolerance you have towards those who blame you?
Hari Om!
Are you one who portrays others so cheaply to defend your self inflated ego?
How do you treat those who helped you reach so far, with honour or insult?
Are you driven by your physiological or emotional insecurities and throw your mental garbage on others to feel secure yourself?
If you look deeply into your mind, you can see that if you dishonour those who help you or love you, it is simply because you have a very low self respect and self image. You feel at a subtle level that, you are some one who doesn’t deserve it.
Spirituality is not verbal gymnastics; it is training your mind moment by moment to accept and honour life in its totality as we have just seen here.
It says, it is very easy to preach and advise but very difficult to apply in your own life.
So address these questions, confront your own mind and see where you belong to.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Muni was compassionate to share the Thatwam with others so that they can follow too,
“Any thoughts of differentiation on form or caste must be sublimated in Chitha Vrithi.
It is a Vikalpam only and truly has no existence and its only a creation of Chitham. This misappropriation of taking something as something else is due to the mind. Surrender that mind in Sathwik Ahamkaram, then that Ahamkaram into Mahat Thathwam and Mahat Thathwam in Maya.
On contemplation you access Atma and surrender Maya in Atma.
As you know that you are Atma Swaroopan, remain so ever.
My story may appear odd for many, but those who know Thathwam will approve it as Truth.
So I keep this secretly and not disclosing to all around.
As you are a devotee you are entitled to know this Truth, hence I told you in detail”.
Sage Narada says, Prahlada was very happy and bid farewell to the Muni and returned home.
Notes: Bhagavatham shows a route map to the Self here. You have to start from where you are and transcend layers of existence one by one.
Hari Om!
Self is the changeless Truth and all relative changes happen around the Self. How can you reach that changeless state?
Let us give an example here. The bottom of ocean is changeless or STILL and how do you reach there ? You have to dive into the rising and falling waves and go deeper and deeper into the bottom.
Here we can compare our mind to the waves and the Self to the ocean bottom.
This process is called self enquiry and you don’t stop till you reach the ultimate goal and then you remain there ever.
Bhagavatham warns us, not to disclose such priceless wisdom to any ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’, but only to the most deserving seekers and scholars who honour it.
In short, who are real Satsang to you.
(Bhagavatham 7.13.43 – 7.13.46)
Dear Devotee,
We must clearly define Satsang if we are genuine seekers.
What is meant by SatSang? It is not merely singing Bhajans and reading Holy Texts alone.
Interestingly, it is not even connecting with good people too.
Hari Om!
You may wonder why?
See, it says, honey and ghee are good by nature. But when they are mixed in equal proportions, it becomes poison.
What do we understand here? This is something really important to contemplate on.
When two minds, however good they are, act on the same plane with equal power they can be empowering each other or they can be depowering each other.
We can see this happening in many marriages, where prominent and successful people get into a wed lock or such a relation and end up in a mess, frustrating themselves and all those around them.
Weren’t they good when they began? Definitely they were.
Didn’t they have good intentions? Yes, of course.
Then what happened later? No one knows including themselves.
This is very much seen in this world of incompatibilities today.
What could be a possible solution?
They must have a common goal, a great vision to work for together.
They must share a big dream together and drop their individualistic comfort zones and cravings and aversions for a greater purpose.
Hari Om!
They must sacrifice their personal preferences for the benefit of their common goal. They must maintain trust, harmony and honour within themselves and allow the leading partner to take more weightage and thus breaking the equal proportion of poisonous balance.
This will help them live in marital bliss and society will honour them for their service; otherwise they present themselves as ‘to laugh about and comment upon’ before the society.
Always remember, anything that we do in life must add to our value. So always be careful about the people in our close circle.
You can easily verify it by asking yourself, “Am I happier with this person? Do I get more respect after associating with him/her? Am I getting closer to my destination now or drifting away? Is it affecting the people around me positively? Is it bringing more peace into our lives? Is it really worth???”.
And then take appropriate action to turn your relation into a Satsang by adding more or less of honey or ghee appropriately!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Yudhishtira has now become eager to know, how Grihasthas like him could attain Moksham.
So far Brahmacharis, Vanaprasthas and Sannyasis were the topics in discussion.
Sri Narada replied, “Grihastha must observe all his domestic duties well and then devote their time to learn from Munis and SatSangam. Thus they must gradually detach themselves from worldly bondage with their own wife and children. Ultimately they will all leave you one day. So before that happens, your mind must drop the bondage with them”.
How can you live as a family man when you have such dispassion?
Here comes the wonderful answer, “Be dispassionate within, but skillfully express and involve in everything with passion”.
Be with your father, mother, spouse, siblings, children, friends and relatives, but never develop possessiveness in your mind.
Then why you need to consider or respond to them? Because, if you do not consider them, it will lead to disharmony at home and that will upset your mind.
It will spoil the purpose of liberation.
Hari Om!
Notes: Bhagavatham says, you need that much wisdom to live skilfully in this world.
Grihastha has to play a multidimensional role in this world, with active interaction with many people. It is very easy to get bound here. And it is very difficult to keep your mind intact too.
The demands from the world actually challenge the Grihastha. How can you tackle it?
Bhagavatham says, by spending only that much very essential effort needed to maintain the worldly life!
You must have good clarity of the nature of the world and the nature of the Self.
How easy it is to say it!
What is the nature of the world? Simply speaking, it is ever changing. Your looks, your thoughts, your attitudes, your possessions, your wealth, your relations… every thing changes here.
What was so precious long back has become stale now.
What was so essential for a long time has become obsolete now.
What was unimportant earlier has become most wanted now.
The list is endless and countless in this world of changes.
Hari Om!
And what is the nature of the Self?
Amidst all these changes, there is a centre point, a subtlest point where nothing changes. It is stillness and silence at the core of your being. It is the changeless Self around which everything is wrapped up.
The one who ever tasted the elixir of the Self will drop the entire world and all its glory for it.
One who has this knowledge of the Self alone can balance this worldly life skillfully.
(Bhagavatham 7.14.1 – 7.14.7)
Dear Devotee,
You may wonder how to balance your life this way?
Great Masters tell us, it is like balancing your cycle, when it goes more left, turn to right and when it goes more right turn to left!
What does it mean?
Observe your thoughts, words and deeds.
You will know your direction very well and steer yourself in the balanced direction.
Hari Om!
As a simple example, if you keep chanting Japam all through the day, get into some work.
If you keep watching movies and mostly engaged in entertainments, give a pause and do some service and attend Satsang.
Observing your own intentions and actions will give you clarity. How do you spend your time?
Are you overdoing something? If yes, is it good for you and others?
And occasionally just ask yourself, “when I reach the end of this journey called life, will I be happy about the way I travelled so far?”.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The next question arises, “how can I share wealth with all? Is there enough to satisfy all needs? If I spend so lavishly, will it last sufficiently?”.
Bhagavatham says, whatever wealth you have, comes from Bhagavan only, you are not creating anything new here. Whatever you acquire here, was always here.
So, even if you get more, never have ‘asakthi’ or craving that leads to greed in your wealth.
You own only that much needed for your survival. All the other extra wealth do not belong to you. Taking ownership and pride in what is not yours’ makes you a thief.
Grihastha must protect all beings as if they are own children.
He must share and care for all around him and live a life of contentment.
Notes: Here we can see the right equation for social welfare prescribed by our great ancestors.
We never condemned the rich. We never criticized money as evil.
We had the wisdom to use our potentials to live prosperously and share it with the less privileged or challenged brothers and sisters.
When we shared our fortunes with them, they were happy for our well-being and never felt jealousy or envy.
Hari Om!
They prayed for our growth and supported us.
This ensured social harmony.
We knew that whatever we acquire now belonged to someone else in the past, will go to someone else in the future.
So why take a temporary ownership in the mind and spoil our peace?
(Bhagavatham 7.14.8 – 7.14.11)
Dear Devotee,
When we look around, we can see that most of the rivalries arise from greed.
Greed for power and greed for money are the worst enemies for a harmonious life.
Remember, all the land on earth is here for millions of years, possessed by generations of people down the line.
They were ‘proud owners’ of the properties and where have they all vanished while the land remains there itself?
Hari Om!
When you have your name written on a paper of ownership you are proud of possessing the land.
But the land must be smiling, “I have seen so much of these papers and all those owners have disappeared while I am eternally here. Do I own you or do you own me?”.
Remember, we will all ultimately disappear into Mother Earth as all our ancestors did and as all our successors will do certainly.
And this short interval of lifetime in this infinity of Time, do something good. Live happily with contentment and die peacefully with contentment.
Is it intelligent to leave a huge unused bank balance that can damage the character of your kith and kin who do not know the value of effort or in their absence absorbed by the government?
Does it make sense?
At the end of the day, how are you going to be remembered? For your revenues or your contributions?
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham has already stated, instead of planning well before, we must be capable of managing life spontaneously.
Now Bhagavatham says, a Grihastha must share his wealth with the poorest and all living beings. More profoundly, he must involve his only wife in engaging such noble activities.
A man takes the ultimate pride in his wife. He may leave his dearest wealth and even his father and Guru just because of his possessiveness and ownership about his wife. Only the rarest among humans would transcend these traits and allow his wife to do such duties.
Bhagavatham says, such a man wins Easwara HimSelf.
How he is able to reach such a dispassionate state?
Just by remembering that his most dearest body is going to drop dead one day and will become worms or mud or ashes.
Then why take pride in another such female body called wife which gives some temporary pleasures to your perishable body?
Where stands such a wife? And where is your Self that is eternally great?
Hari Om!
Notes: Here we have a brain teasing point to start with.
We are all used to hearing planning well in advance. But Bhagavatham is pointing towards developing skilfulness in being spontaneous too. This is a very deep matter which can take pages of discussion here.
Let us briefly glance it. Planning and analysing engage left brain activity. It denotes a need for security in life. Readiness for managing life as it comes denotes courage to face uncertainty.
It is constructing from thin air and your right brain gets activated. It’s an adventure and thrill to accept life as it is. That’s why it says, life is for the courageous only.
The next point is even more magnanimous when Bhagavatham asks the Grihastha to engage his ONLY wife in his service activities referred as ‘Athithi Pooja’.
An Athithi is a person who comes without prior notice. When you are giving the best honour and service to an uninvited or unexpected person, that is a mark of your excellent flexibility and spontaneous action.
Being spontaneous is being in touch with your innate wisdom and true nature. Spontaneous actions shift your mind to an elevated plane. It’s such a fun and thrill to be spontaneous.
Hari Om!
Introspect this wisdom, contemplate, apply in practice and get established in your true nature.
Give the same opportunities to your dear ones too.
(Bhagavatham 7.14.12 – 7.14.14)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Isn’t it amazing to see the freedom our women enjoy which is proclaimed in our Scriptures?
Does the word ‘only wife’ ring any bells in your ears?
In this world where religions that support polygamy exist, we are talking about our culture where the husband gives freedom even to his ‘eka bharya’ and supports her to grow in life alongwith him.
This denotes, the most passionate relation can also turn into the most fulfilling companionship if you live your Grihastha life with spiritual values.
It means, as you advance through years, your passionate married life will gradually and eventually turn into a sacred companionship and holy pilgrimage.
See the disciplined and orderly way of life advocated by our Scriptures. Our Rishis knew, it’s not that possible to change your mind overnight.
Tell this to all those who are not yet aware of it.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
These Slokas describe the customs and rituals allowed to the Grihastha for leading an ideal life.
It includes all the pooja methods and auspicious places and days on which to practise them.
We are not elaborating much here as it gives factual information directly for curious minds to explore further.
Then we see a very important, mind boggling knowledge point from the ‘sloka 37’ onwards.
Bhagavatham says, as water poured on the roots reaches upto the branches and leaves, worshipping Lord Sree Hari pleases all living beings.
How?
All the beings have come from Bhagavan only and HE dwells in them.
You can see Bhagavan in all living bodies with varying glory, humans capable of hosting divinity more than other species.
And the one who shines the most with divine presence is worshipped by all.
So, honouring one another is actually worshipping Bhagavan Himself!
But from Thretha Yug onwards there was decline in Dharma and people started to disrespect one another.
Hari Om!
As the mutual respect declined, the great seers Rishis introduced IDOLS for offering Hari Pooja.
Then less intelligent people became ardent worshippers of idols only, still they gained nothing from this pooja as they continued their harmful deeds to others.
Bhagavatham says, the Brahmana who is observing Thapas, Upasana and contentment is the really adorable one.
Even Bhagavan Himself worships such a Brahmana.
Notes: We are getting answer to the age old questions on ‘Vigraha Aradhana’ here. Right?
How clearly Bhagavatham explains how idols became a part of our Pooja rituals.
The wisest one sees God as First person (I), lesser intelligent ones see as Second person (YOU) and the least intelligent ones must see at least as Third person (HE).
It says, if I cannot see God in myself, how can I see in you?
Honouring and connecting to God or the Supreme within, is most essential for sustaining an ‘alive’ life.
If it is not possible for you to respect and experience divinity through other living beings, let it be possible through idols at least.
Hari Om!
This was the underlying principle of idol worship. But where have we landed now?
Those who can not see God in living beings became attached more to idols.
Bhagavatham says, the human being who has purified himself with Thapas, Upasana and contentment is none other than the ‘worshipable’ God.
(Bhagavatham 7.14.15 – 7.14.43)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
If we look at the essence of Sanathana Dharma, we can see that it is the honour that we give to life in its totality.
Our great Rishis gave utmost importance to honouring trees, nature, people and all living and non living beings.
God is very much within and without.
Speaking scientifically, isn’t it high time we did reverse engineering?
To make it more clear, when you worship an Idol of Bhagavan, realize that HE in the idol is in the next person whom you call YOU and whom you refer as I.
From third person to second person and then to first person in yourself, realize Bhagavan!
That’s the real mark of intelligence and ultimate of devotion.
“Manava Seva, Madhava Seva” …..
HariOm!
Hari Om!
We are entering the fifteenth chapter, the last chapter of Seventh Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
In this chapter all the Dharma characteristics of all Varnas are depicted in detail.
It mentions how versatile and different and unique are the various roles people play. Some Brahmanas are focusing on domestic and fruit-giving activities, while some are on penance, some study Vedic texts, and some cultivate Jnanam and some are into Dhyanam.
We pick only most relevant knowledge pearls here so as to avoid elaboration.
Bhagavatham says, one shouldn’t be a spendthrift in conducting ritualistic functions like Shradham however rich he is. Because when you invite a lot of people, you may not be able to give proper attention as each of them deserves.
When you offer ‘Annam’ to others and to self, imagine that you are offering to Bhagavan Sree Hari.
Never offer meat or any thing that causes pain to other living beings, in rituals.
Still, the most sacred Dharmam is the vow, not to hurt any one through your speech or mental or physical deeds.
Hari Om!
Notes: Again and again we can see, Bhagavatham emphasises on honouring others.
When you see Bhagavan in a person, how can you hurt him or her? So, HONOUR is the one word that takes you closer to divinity.
When you invite a crowd to your function, how will you offer the kind of reception each deserves?
Isn’t it better not to invite people to avoid any feeling of insult?
When we conduct a function or offer a feast, it should bear the blessings of nature. When you give the capital pain of death to animals to feed yourself and celebrate, do you think nature will bless you with peace and joy?
This noble thought may appear bizarre to a major part of population today.
Why give pain to please your taste buds? Especially when you have good alternatives?
Bhagavatham reminds us, more than doing any rituals, be firm that you will not hurt others with your thoughts, words or deeds.
Those who aspire spiritual growth must observe this non-violence strictly.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.1 – 7.15.8)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Many people complain about unacknowledged or unreturned love.
Isn’t it because there was no honour accompanying in the exchange of love?
If you have a choice between love and honour, what will you choose to reach the other’s heart instantly?
Remember, love can be easily mistaken. When you express love, unintelligent people can mistake it for your weakness. Narrow minded people may doubt that you are seeking some benefit from them. It can pump their ego too.
It is interesting to note that when you give love it is dissolving your ego and when you receive love it can build up your ego.
Wisdom is in giving love with honour and receiving love with honour. It’s a fine balance.
If you can’t do that, just give honour with a genuine smile to whoever you meet and you will be honoured and loved in multitude.
Because you are pleasing the Bhagavan in the other!!!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, the wise one who knows the nature of Yajna clearly becomes dispassionate and withdraws senses from objects and sees the Lord within while doing the duty entitled to him. This is the noblest Swadharma.
When you conduct a Yaga with offerings of meat, it causes such hurt and misery to the animals and cattle.
Even in organized agriculture you can see an amount of assault. Hence the truly wise one consumes only naturally grown food.
The various branches of the tree of ‘Adharma’ are ‘Vidharma, Paradharma, Dharmabhasam, Upama and Chhalam’.
Vidharma is that which works against your Swadharma.
Paradharma is that you do which was entitled to some one else.
Upama or Upadharma are those advocated by texts opposing the Vedas.
Chhalam is doing something after justifying the meaning of Swadharma (according to your convenience).
Dharmabhasam is applying your own interpretation or stretching beyond your Swadharma.
Notes: We can see a clear interpretation of Swadharma here. It gives the Don’ts of Swadharma too.
If we understand these concepts clearly, it will pave our way to excellence in life.
Hari Om!
Let us examine with some examples here.
Suppose you are a teacher by profession, whose duty is to educate children and empower them to become good scholars. Now out of greed for bribe you are allowing a student to do malpractice in the exam. Now are you really helping the student? Are you doing justice to your duty or working against its ethics? This is Vidharma.
Now you being a teacher is giving undue importance to play activities which must be monitored by the physical education faculty. Here you are actually spoiling the faculty by excusing him from doing his Swadharma. This is your Paradharma.
When you discard the wisdom in the Scriptures and follow other malicious texts you are into Upama.
Sometimes you act upon your Swadharna for name sake only. For example, donating a cow which is almost dead. This is Chhalam.
Dharmabhasam means stretching yourself beyond your Swadharma and doing Paradharma.
It’s scaring in the sense that its crossing the stipulated boundaries which can give unpredictable result.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.9 – 7.15.14)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Whenever you are stuck in your career, just observe how you practise your Swadharma.
Do you see any discrepancy as we discussed now?
And how do you know what is your Swadharma?
When you feel that you have thrown yourself completely into what you do, without knowing boredom or fatigue, forgetting time, realize that you are doing your Swadharma.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, the one who seeks liberation shouldn’t bind himself with seeking money.
He must be delighted in what comes his way naturally.
This is for the ‘Moksharthi’ and doesn’t apply to common folks though.
The one who rejoices every moment, experiencing Bhagavan, lives like one who walks with shoes on a tough road, unaffected by thorns and stones.
One who runs after materialistic gains relentlessly cannot experience that bliss.
Its possible to live happily with minimum comfort if one has such a mind.
What a pitiable life it is, when you are dominated by the ‘dog like’ urges of cravings for food and carnal pleasures.
The one who can not rejoice in a spontaneous life will have a down fall however scholarly or ritualistic he is.
Out of the three kinds of distortions Kama, Krodha and Lobha, the worst is Lobha.
Kama disappears when hunger and thirst appears. A hungry man wants nothing other than food at that moment.
Krodha disappears when you hurt on punish your enemy.
But Lobha has no end. Even if you accumulate all the wealth in the world, your greed wants more and more.
Hari Om!
Even great scholars or Acharyas who have outstanding knowledge on worldly and Vedic sciences, who answers common man’s questions, who adorn high seats on stages fall prey to hell just because of this one ‘dosha’, of not rejoicing in spontaneous gains.
Notes: Bhagavatham points out the enemies of your ‘well being’ here, Kama and Krodha and Lobha.
You don’t know how ugly you become when lust overtakes you. You lose all the charm and sacredness when love gives way to lust.
You live like a dog when you are driven by fantasies of good food and great sex and run after people for satisfying your cravings.
You don’t know where your anger can land you. Its consequences are unpredictable.
And your worst enemy (of humanity) is nothing other than greed.
It is greed that leads to corruption. The craving for money and power stems from greed.
Accumulating wealth which may never be used by you, is out of greed only.
Your greed is actually snatching away from some one else, what he rightfully deserves.
Kama and Krodha can subside after some time. But Lobha grows exponentially only.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham cautions here, even accomplished scholars can fall from great heights of glory if they ignore these enemies.
A true seeker actually doesn’t seek anything. Not even Truth or Love. That’s the most interesting contradictory fact about spirituality.
He simply doesn’t allow any of these distortions take charge of his mind.
That’s it !
(Bhagavatham 7.15.15 – 7.15.21)
Dear Devotee,
Most youngsters smoke or drink for the first time out of curiosity, assuring themselves that they have the power to stay away from it.
But what do we see generally here? Why do people yield to bad habits even when they know how harmful it is.
Some times you may have the delusion or over confidence that you are transcending your desires by fulfilling them.
But remember, you can not dampen fire by supplying more and more ghee into it.
Hari Om!
It’s a tricky path for spirituality when you overcome your vices one by one.
How do you know if you are in the right path?
Only through your presence !
And look at the people who are attracted by you. They are your mirror reflections only.
And see how you speak to one another. What are your topics of discussion ?
Are you gossiping or speaking wisely ?
Is there Truth and sacredness in your speech?
Is your presence becoming more and more divine?
This self evaluation is most important for your growth.
Otherwise you will fall prey to your own delusions and your so called supporters.
Keep a watch !
HariOm!
Hari Om!
As all the demerits of the vices are described, we get the solutions to overcome them too here.
How to conquer Kama? Through the practice of ‘stopping imagination’ on how to satisfy Kama.
You can destroy Kama by not thinking about the ways to materialize it.
If you are successful in destroying Kama, you can master Krodha too.
Being dispassionate and realizing the futility of wealth you can conquer Lobha.
Establishing your mind in the ‘Paramatma Thathwam’ you conquer fear too.
Notes: Any one can list out the problems, only great minds can provide solutions.
Bhagavatham gives us sufficient solutions to conquer our vices.
See how imagination works in the case of Kama.
Our mind is like a fertile land to grow imaginations incessantly. Whatever we constantly think passes into reality.
When our mind dwells on an object of Kama, it turns into a law of attraction. So it’s very essential to apply your imagination power wisely.
Hari Om!
When you are less vigilant Kama can creep into your mind and as you ponder on ways to materialize a damaging desire, there starts a dangerous journey.
When Kama is not satisfied, it leads to frustration and anger. Thus Krodha takes birth.
As all the wealth in the world is not sufficient to satisfy any one’s greed you will digest the truth of impermanence of life and it heals Lobha.
Fear is the product of insecurity in one or more forms. The first agent of fear is change.
When your mind shifts from all changing aspects of your being such as body, mind, intellect, memory etc. onto the non changing, non dual Self, you become free from Bhayam !
(Bhagavatham 7.15.22 )
Dear Devotee,
This one Sloka delivers immense knowledge of priceless value.
Keep pondering on it and apply in life.
You will be purified automatically.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
How to conquer your vices ?
Bhagavatham states further, “ Transcend Shoka and Moha by contemplating on what is Self and what is not; Dambha (deceiving others) through serving noble people; gossiping through vow of silence, Parahimsa through overcoming senses.
Express compassion towards those who hurt you. It will erase your grief.
If you feel low or miserable without any reason, it is called ‘Daivika Dukham’. Take it as residues of past life times and move on.
Overcome bodily illness through Pranayama and Yoga.
Conquer excessive sleepiness through Sathwik food habits.
Using Sathwa, transcend Rajas and Thamas and then ultimately conquer Sathwa too.
Acquire this wealth of Sadhana through deep devotion and with HIS grace you can transcend your vices one by one”.
Notes: Unparallel Wisdom appears here in these slokas.
We get very specific solution for conquering each vice. Let us examine them one by one.
Shoka and Moha are products of thinking about impermanence of life.
When you want permanence in an impermanent life, you have no way other than grieving.
Hari Om!
When a wave identifies itself with its limited existence it will grieve, but the moment it realizes that it is only ocean appearing in such a small form, it will identify with infinity and grief vanishes.
Same with Moha or wants, when you know that you are part of abundance where is place for small desires?
Dambha is some kind of showmanship or trying to impress others with a superiority. It’s a part of egoism and deceiving. The best antidote to ego is serving great men. You learn a lot from them, most essentially humility and reverence without which all your knowledge is in vain.
That’s why it says, having a Guru is most important in spiritual life. Those who claim as ‘self made masters’, do not realize that they are unfortunate without the guidance of a SathGuru.
Guru will polish you like a diamond. Only the most fortunate can reach the abode of such a Guru.
Silence purifies your speech and excessive talk leads to gossiping about others. People who are in spiritual path must be very careful not to gossip about others especially those who trust you.
Withdrawing your senses you can avoid Para Himsa too.
Hari Om!
Sometimes, even though you mean only good, do only good, still you may feel low without any reason. Allow it to pass through you, let go! Just drop the desire to be happy always, remember ‘no pain no gain’. Your pain will definitely bring gain in due time.
Practising Sadhana and consuming Sathwik food you will have a healthy body and mind.
Surrendering at His Lotus Feet in devotion you can definitely achieve the highest.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.23 – 7.15.25)
Dear Devotee,
What more to say in this context? It is such a complete ‘procedure manual’ for a fulfilling life.
Out of all qualities, compassion is the greatest virtue that gives you peace of mind. If you are compassionate towards those who gave hurt, you are actually saving your mind only.
And save your mind at any cost, no one else can do it for you !
HariOm!
Hari Om!
We receive the ultimate knowledge about Guru from these Slokas.
Bhagavatham mentions our possible doubts here.
Isn’t Guru a human being too? Then he must be prone to human emotions like grief and desire.
So how can Guru Bhakthi help you in attaining ‘Guna Sampathi’?
Bhagavatham says, Guru is the one who gives the lamp of ‘Atma Swaroopa Jnanam’ and hence Bhagavan Himself . He is not a mere human being.
The one who mistakes Guru as a mere human being is quite unfortunate. Whatever Knowledge he acquires from Shastras will be in vain.
It’s futile like an elephant showering dust on himself just after cleaning with a bath.
Trust, the Guru who gave you the light of wisdom is Bhagavan Sree Vasudeva Himself.
The world through its delusions mistakes Him as a human being.
HE is the Easwara who connects Prakruthi and Purusha.
HE is the Holy Lotus Feet sought by the noblest.
Hari Om!
Notes: All the oceans in this world are not sufficient to contain the Kripa of the Guru, His Compassion, Love and Grace.
Ignorant people can see only His physical body and they have no clue about what is beyond His visible form.
How HE reaches the sincere seeker, how HE functions through His instruments and how HE dissolves the most beloved devotee into His infinite Self is beyond the grasp, even for the most intelligent observer.
Three things are rare in this vast creation.
First is getting human birth among this countless species of beings.
Second is getting the desire for attaining knowledge of the Self.
Third is reaching the abode of the Guru.
‘Manushyathwam, Mumukshathwam, Maha Purusha Sannidhi’ define your spiritual progress.
Only a human being can help another human being.
So Bhagavan appears in human form as Guru before the devotee and unites him with the Supreme.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.26 – 7.15.27)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It says, it is very easy to get caught up and deluded with the physical presence of the Almighty Guru. It can really confuse your intellect.
What to do here? Surrender to Him and become awake and become aware… Honour every one as if they are His own people. Do everything as Seva to Him.
Look beyond His physical body, which is only the tip of the gigantic ice berg. Let your ears be like antennas to receive His messages from all corners of universe. Slowly you will transcend your limited intellect and then HE starts using you as His instrument. When you transcend your ego, you dissolve in Him.
What more is there to attain, rather than immortality, in this mortal world? Only the most intelligent can transcend their intellect. Only the most fortunate can dissolve their ego called their ‘personality’ in the Supreme Self.
You have attained the greatest through ‘Manushyathwam, Mumukshathwam, Maha Purusha Sannidhi’.
With humble Pranams at the Lotus Feet of the Guru Parampara,
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, use any techniques to transcend your desires and conquer your senses and sublimate yourself in meditation. Otherwise, all your schooling in Scriptures are in vain.
Any spiritual practices or Sadhana which does not lead you to meditation doesn’t help you at all.
Whatever rituals you do, it will not liberate you unless you have Bhagavad Bhakthi.
The Slokas from 30 to 32 describe the method to practise Yogam.
The wise man gradually withdraws the vulnerable mind engaged in desires, from such experiences to the Supreme within.
With constant, daily practice, the Yogi’s mind becomes still from its relentless activities.
As the fire wood finishes with fire, mind ceases when ‘chitta vrithis’ end and bliss dawns.
The one who tastes bliss will never seek anything else or anything less.
Note : Why it is so important to transcend desires ? Because with desire, starts the vicious cycle of mental activities. So the one who wants to transcend the mind, must transcend desires.
There are two ways to achieve it. First is by fulfilling the desire to your heart’s contentment, second is by dropping the desire fully.
Hari Om!
It is better to drop an absolutely impossible desire to keep your mind peaceful and balanced.
A desire is always pushing mind to the external and does not allow it to direct inwardly. As long as you have desires in mind, you cannot meditate deeply.
At the same time, the object of desire can pull you inwards. How?
For example, as you perceive a scenery, become aware of the eyes that see it.
Then become aware of the mind that captures through the eyes.
Then become aware of THAT, in which the mind exists.
Now you have come from the plane of experience to the plane of experiencer.
Bhagavad Bhakthi relieves you off the load that you carry to put it simply.
From the state of ‘effort fullness’ to the state of ‘effortlessness’, your mind surrenders itself.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.28 – 7.15.35)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
As a Sadhak or as a layman, you must really check what kind of desires you hold in your heart.
You must have clear understanding about the consequences of fulfilling your desires or dropping them too.
You can analyse what would be better and then be bold enough to take the right decision.
In this context, have an introspection about your own life and how you managed your desires.
Because, managing the desires means navigating your life itself.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Now Bhagavatham refers to the Bhikshu who takes Sannyasa and then returns to Grihastha in a critical note.
It says, it’s like shamelessly gulping what you vomited.
As Grihastha is focused on Dharma, Artha and Kama alone and Sannyasa is advancement into Moksha a return to Grihastha is portrayed very badly here.
Similarly, the Grihastha who doesn’t observe his designated duties and the Brahmachari who doesn’t focus on acquiring knowledge and serving in the Gurukulam and the Vanaprastha who abandons his ashram are all prone to defame.
Bhagavatham warns, such faking or fraudulent people must be avoided as they can set very bad examples for society.
If the Sannyasi adopts worldly Kama and Karma, it denotes that he is still a slave of his sensory pleasure. He is not a Jnani.
Note : Bhagavatham is strictly guiding us here. We need not jump into any Ashrama for whatever sake.
We need only do justice to our choice of Ashrama.
We must have clarity and conviction; otherwise we are doing harm to ourselves and society for generations to come.
Hari Om!
Usually people take it very casually, saying that whatever they want they will do and why should others bother about it?
The answer is very much obvious here.
As a human being and as a social being we are all holding responsible positions in life.
A teacher is under watch by so many students and his/her message is primarily how they live as examples.
There is a common tendency to follow a person of authority.
Why Bhagavatham speaks so firmly here?
Because a Sannyasi is the one who dedicates his life towards HIS service and all others honour him and follow his guidance. So he can not jump from here and there. And the society has all the reasons and freedom to discard such a person.
A person reaches that elite state like ripening of a fruit only, where he has no personal desire of his own and attained complete surrender and offers himself unassumingly.
It is not something that you change on impulsive decisions.
The merit of a Sage is in his word.
He is not doing any strenuous physical work like a farmer or a soldier or a trader.
Hari Om!
Still he is honoured the most just because of his conviction and commitment in his speech and centeredness in his presence.
If that’s at stake, then what is left in him?
A true Sage is one in millions and belongs to the ages and his name will be written in golden Lipi and his message will keep awakening hundreds of generations to come.
It is his choice, whether to give priority to his lower mind of vikara or the higher mind of viveka.
And the consequence of his decision reflects in the world in a large scale beyond all calculations and imaginations.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.36 – 7.15.40)
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
In our country, marriage is considered as the most important event in a human life.
Why? Because, we consider a wife as Saha Dharmini, who will take side with her husband in all wordly and spiritual pursuits from Grihastha phase onwards. She is the one who helps him to transcend all feverishness in the mind and reach a balanced mind.
A wife who defames her husband in the public is his worst enemy because he is losing honour forever and his confidence is shattered.
But a wife who leads and follows him simultaneously is his best friend and together they reach excellence in life.
The same with men too, in supporting their wives to reach greatest heights of their lives.
As Grihastha and as Vanaprastha and finally as Sannyasi they complete the circle of life together and set example for others.
Same is applicable in our modern times with all its demands and milestones to achieve.
So, the first Satsang must be in your married life and choosing your life partner wisely is a sign of wisdom.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, human body is the source of all miseries from birth to death for the ignorant one, while the same body is the means to attain Moksha for the wise one.
Body is called the chariot, senses are the horses, mind (that control the senses) is the rein, the sensory faculties like sound, touch etc are the paths of travel, the discriminating intelligence is the chariot driver and the memory that love the experiences (imagining they are delightful) is called the binding rope and the two wheels are the karma of ‘punyam and papam’.
The Jeevatma who takes pride in the chariot is the traveler.
Bow is the Pranava Mantra.
Arrow is the Jeevatma who dropped body consciousness through introspection and meditation.
Using the bow of Pranava Mantra, shoot the arrow and dissolve Jeevatma into Paramatma, the destination.
Note : Here we can see the ‘Ratha Sankalpam’ elaborated in Bhagavad Geetha. We are not going into the much discussed concept here. Still we will take some very important points.
The human body can be used for bondage and liberation.
How’s that possible?
Hari Om!
Let us examine the relationship between mind and body.
Though all the components mentioned in the ‘human system’ are interconnected, we can say mind and body are like the two ends of a pole.
The subtle and gross forms of energy, to put it in another way.
Then observing the emotions in the mind and corresponding sensations in the body reveal our own mysteries before us.
For every mind state our body follows a particular posture or for each body posture, there is a corresponding mind state.
The one who can detach the emotions from the body sensations can free the mind from impressions.
A deeper mind free from impressions alone can dissolve in the infinite consciousness.
The Jeevatma free from body consciousness is like an arrow ready to strike and it will undoubtedly reach the abode of Paramatma.
The one who uses his body for merely satisfying sensory pleasures is in fact wasting his precious human birth.
Hari Om!
This is most profound knowledge for the one who seeks Moksham.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.41 – 7.15.42)
Dear Devotee,
Can you do one simple exercise?
Please observe your body postures when you are happy, angry, sad etc.
Now change your body postures and see how it is affecting your mind state.
This will help you develop more awareness about yourself. It will also bring your mind from ‘there and then’ to ‘here and now’.
You can observe your family and friends too.
It will open a magical door into the knowledge of human mind and change your life forever.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
The Jeeva who travels in the chariot of body conquers the following enemies in his battle.
Ragam or the craving for pleasant things.
Dwesham or the aversion for unpleasant things.
Lobham or the greed for getting more and more rather than getting contended with you have.
Shokam or the grief when you lose what you love.
Moham or the lack of clarity or discretionary power.
Bhayam or the mind shaking fear of uncertainty about future.
Madam or Garvam or arrogance about your own background.
Manam or pride when others praise you.
Avamanam or feeling of insult and sadness when others reject you.
Asuya or jealousy of finding vices in others instead of virtues.
Maya or deceiving others.
Himsa or harming others.
Matsaram or competition when you see progress in others.
Abhinivesham, a rajasik virtue of intense attachment.
Pramadam or lack of care in duty.
These are the vices one must transcend.
People fall into three categories of Thamas, Rajas and Sathwa.
Hari Om!
Though Thamas and Rajas are harmful and Sathwa is better, it can also cause bondage through attachment to others by serving them and your own virtues.
Hence one must detach from any sort of bondage to any Guna.
Bhagavatham says, you must achieve this at the earliest when you are in this body with all senses and skills are in excellence.
Surrender to Guru and with the sword of Atma Jnanam granted by Him, extinguish all these enemies, attain Peace and realize the Self before discarding the chariot of body.
For that take refuge in devotion to the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
Note : Look at the specific list of vices you have to conquer. This is a perfect manual for the sincere seeker who can introspect and implement in himself.
When each thought is mapped into words and actions, observe the intention behind it. Only you know your intention and only you can guide yourself.
For learning any science or knowledge you must have good senses and intelligence. Then what to say about the subtle science of the mind?
Hari Om!
You need sharp intelligence and unbiased thinking to win here.
Most importantly you need innocent faith and pure devotion in the Guru to reach the other shore of this ocean of world.
(Bhagavatham 7.15.43 – 7.15.45)
Dear Devotee,
What is the purpose of your life? Have you ever thought about it?
Are you here to just work, eat and sleep and one fine day say good bye and leave?
Before dropping all that you have accumulated through years, think what you really wish to do here.
Introspect what your heart wants and follow it.
Trust your feelings and purify them and become more and more divine moment by moment.
Before leaving this planet, become what you are supposed to become and get contentment.
This is your birth right.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.46 – 7.15.49)
What is harmful if you do not attain that Ananda Samrajyam (Empire of Joy)?
If you are not in charge of the horses(senses) and the rider(intellect), then you will lose control of your life and will remain in this cycle of lifetimes for ever. So, be intelligent to take charge of your life and get liberated.
Karma has two forms, Pravrithi and Nivrithi.
To speak in the atomic form, Pravrithi is all about doing your actions with ownership or doership with a desire for result and Nivrithi is doing everything as offerings to Bhagavan in total surrender.
Pravrithi leads to bondage and Nivrithi leads to liberation.
Note : Bhagavatham says, Pravrithi leads to rebirths or bondage and Nivrithi leads to liberation.
What makes this huge difference?
Bhagavatham answers, it’s all in the mind!
When you take credit for your actions, there must be some debit part too and vice versa.
When you drop both, you are hollow and empty.
Then you break the pattern of Karma and become free.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Surrender is a very ambiguous concept for many devotees.
Many wonder how to drop the desire for result and offer all your deeds to Bhagavan.
When we say, it’s all in the mind, what sense does it make?
Here, it refers to the power of your imagination.
Rather than imagining that you are the owner of your home, you can imagine that you are the care taker of Bhagavan’s home and suddenly your home becomes sacred. Its no more a mere dwelling place.
Rather than taking your family for granted, you can imagine that they are various forms Bhagavan took to enrich your life. Suddenly a shift happens in your consciousness.
When you have a person like Hiranya Kashipu in your life, you can imagine that you are Prahlada and definitely your mind will shift from hatred to perseverance and devotion.
You will naturally wait patiently for miracles to happen.
Hari Om!
Only humans have this power of imagination and can create their future in the mind.
If you feel bondage you are so and if you feel liberated you are so.
So just observe your mind and check, what are you imagining now?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.46 – 7.15.49)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.50 – 7.15.57)
The next Slokas describe the path a Jeevan takes after death.
Bhagavatham says how life gets recycled here again and again.
The body dissolves into Earth and turns into new plants, which in turn gets into human body as food. That becomes ‘Rethas’ (semen) and once again another life cycle begins. This is called ‘Pithru yanam’.
It is ‘Deva Yanam’ that gives Mukthi through ‘Upasana’.
We are not going to elaborate here, but will note a wonderful knowledge point here.
‘Nivruthi margam’ or the path to liberation uses ‘Bhavana’ or imagination.
One must sublimate the actions of Karmendriyas through knowledge at Jnanendriyas.
Jnanendriyas at Manas (associated to sankalpa), and Manas (mind) at the word. Sublimate the word at ‘AUM’ that consists of ‘A’karam, ‘U’karam and ‘M’karam.
Imagine that ‘AUM’ contains all varnas and surrender that ‘AUM’ at ‘bindu’, bindu at ‘Nadam’ and nadam at Jeevan and Jeevan at Brahmam.
Thus it goes on upto ‘Kaivalya Prapthi’ by attaining the abode of Narayana from where there is no return to the miserable life cycles.
Hari Om!
The one who has clarity about this scientifically will pursue his path irrespective of whatever others practise around him. He will have no diversion, but will have sole focus on his aim.
Note : Bhavana or imagination is a wonderful gift human mind possesses. Mind exists as a stream of thoughts, random or channelized.
Random thoughts have no power like scattered rays of sun light. But channelized sun light gets power and the more focused, the more penetrating it becomes.
Thoughts about future must be creative and constructive to reach desired goal.
Liberation is the goal of a Sadhak and hence he must iimagine that he is qualified for it and attaining it eventually.
This power of imagination and steadfast determination will take him to his destination ultimately.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It is interesting to note that a focussed person doesn’t bother about what others follow.
He has such strong clarity that he will dare to walk alone and others will follow him when they get convinced about his pursuit.
Are you following others or are you walking your own path?
When you create your own life story, apply your Sankalpa Shakthi or power of imagination. That will take you to your destination.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.50 – 7.15.57)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.58 – 7.15.65)
You may ask, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna were born and dead as all humans do, and hence how can they liberate you from the cycle of births and deaths?
Bhagavatham explains, the form of Bhagavan is unreal like a reflection in the mirror.
Any form is a creation of the sensory organs and hence unreal.
Associating worldly attributes to Bhagavan is the result of ‘Mithya’.
As we have body, we think Bhagavan also has a body.
It’s like, when we are in Jagruth, Swapna and Sushupthi seem to be unreal; in Swapna state Sushupthi and Jagruth are unreal and in Sushupthi state Jagruth and Swapna are unreal.
So, all the states of mind are unreal. How to impart this profound knowledge to common people?
You have to start from avoiding harmful deeds and doing only noble things. Then you will eventually understand that the so called good things are also causing bondage. This will lead to total surrender where you will keep doing things as offering to the Lord only.
Now you are free from all claims and ownership and no Karma can affect your mind.
Hari Om!
The next four Slokas explain Jeevan Mukthi through BhavAdwaitham, KriyAdwaitham and DravyAdwaitham.
It’s all a dream. Whatever you see in the world is different from each other, it’s just a dream.
Each one has specific Karma and all Karmas are different from one another, it’s a dream.
You have to bear the Karmaphalam of your own Karma, that’s another dream.
Atma Sakshatkaram brings end to all these dreams.
BhavAdwaitham is explained with an example as seeing the thread as Karanam and cloth as Karyam.
Seeing Para Brahmam as the Karanam of everything is BhavAdwaitham. All forms merge into ONE.
KriyAdwaitham is offering all Karma by Mind, speech and body, without any desire for result, at the Lotus Feet of the Supreme. All actions merge into ONE.
DravyAdwaitham is seeing every one and every thing as part of the only ONE SUPREME. All the matter merge into ONE.
Hari Om!
Note : This is a wonderful address to the intellectuals who want to logically understand philosophy. Adwaitham is not that easy to understand even for the intelligent scholars.
Here we see how every aspect of life can be differentiated into many and integrated into ONE.
This is the ultimate of philosophy where all duality ends and a Seeker uses his intellect to assimilate it.
Dear Devotee,
The urge for feeling or experiencing ‘POORNATHA’ or completeness is inherent in every mind.
Whatever we do stems from our desire to feel complete.
Nothing worldly can fill this gap, only the mind that transcends all limitations can embrace infinity where everything merges into ONE.
The purpose of Sadhana and Satsang etc are to prepare you for this ultimate. While the world exists through forms and names, you see and experience only the Supreme through them.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.58 – 7.15.65)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.66 – 7.15.80)
This is the concluding part of the last and fifteenth chapter of Seventh Canto.
Bhagavatham says, the Grihastha who observes his Dharma assigned to him as offering to the Lord reaches the same ultimate destination as the renounced Sannyasi reaches too. He too will merge into Bhagavan.
Sage Narada reminds Yudhishtira (remembering his own experience) that whatever challenges they faced were easily overcome by Lord Krishna’s Grace. They could even accomplish a great Yaga like Rajasuya. Similarly all devotees who surrender before Him will cross the ‘sea of Samsara’.
How to get such deep devotion in the Lord?
Narada tells his own story of past lifetimes here.
In a past lifetime, he was a Gandharva called Upabarhanan. Having sedative beauty, fragrance and conversational skills he was a favourite among women and enjoyed his free life.
Once the Prajapathis conducted a Sathram, where he entered with his fellow women in mere mirth and this invited the fury of Prajapathis.
Hari Om!
They cursed him to be born as a Soodra and thus he was born to a slave woman. Still with his devotion he got another noble birth as Sage Narada.
He adds, “though Lord Krishna is your relative and HE has immense love for you, don’t think it is equally available for all. It is your great fortune that HE showers this much compassion, love and blessings on you”.
Yudhishtira was too pleased and surprised to hear this and worshipped Sage Narada and Bhagavan Krishna.
Shree Shuka Maharshi concludes Seventh Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
Note : Sage Narada reminds us that the blessings of great men bring prosperity to us and their curses bring misery too.
You can not take devotion for granted as you get this great fortune through Grace only.
So it is very important that you accumulate as many blessings as possible from noble Acharyas and Gurus.
This Grace makes it possible to reach the greatest heights of your life.
It turns a king into an emperor and takes a devotee across the turbulent sea of Samsara.
Yes, the most compassionate Guru takes you to your destination.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
As we complete our reading of Seventh Canto, let us introspect our own mind state.
Did Prahlada inspire us? Has he changed our perception?
Are we still afraid of the Hiranya Kashipus around us?
Or are we moving on with steadfast determination and faith?
Very soon we are entering the Eighth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham with all the wisdom we have acquired through the first seven Cantos.
Keep reading and stay blessed.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 7.15.66 – 7.15.80)
Hari Om!
Canto 8
Introduction to the Eighth Canto
We are entering the threshold of the Eighth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.
Have you seen a temple like Madura Meenakshi?
Entering from one Gopuram to the next, each Gopuram is enchanting and exciting and enlightening.
Similarly Bhagavatham is also like a temple which has eleven Gopuras or entrances and finally reaches the sanctum sanctorum or Twelfth Canto, where we experience God in this lifetime.
Till now we could pass through several cultures and we are blessed to move into the Eighth.
We are going to see three main stories in this canto, namely Gajendra Moksham, Palazhi Madhanam, Mahabali Charitham and Matsya Avatharam.
Most of us may be knowing these stories, but without knowing the Thathwam or the Science behind, these stories remain mere fiction. It can not give any wisdom to add up in our life.
Hari Om!
Sage Ved Vyasa categorized the stories in the eighth canto into Manwanthara Akhyanam.
Unfortunately many thought that this was all about the history of Manus who ruled in this land. When we look at the word Manwantharam, it is “Mana Antharam” and these stories are explanations about various Gunas contained in the mind.
As we know every mind carries Three Gunas which is natural and inherent.
When we are lethargic and lazy we are influenced by Thamo Guna, when the mind is very agitated and loses focus it is Rajasik.
When mind is focused, able to understand with clarity and conviction, such mind is Sathwik.
However that person remains only at the level of mind and intellect. Here Vyasa says every one can transcend mind into awareness. (Guan Atheetha or transcendental ).
That is the spiritual awakening which is possible only when we understand the spiritual wisdom, apply it in life and practice relentlessly.
Here in the eighth canto, the first story is about Gajendra representing Thamo guna and how Thamas can be refined so that no body would be the victim of their weakness and ignorance.
Hari Om!
Palazhi Mathanam is about Rajo guna and explains how it transforms into Sathwa guna. Hence every one can develop, focus and understanding mind.
Third, Mahabali is about Sathwa guna. How one can create a new world with right focusing and clear vision about life.
At last about the Matsya Avatharam that teaches how one can balance and experience one’s own tranquility and awareness.
So let us elaborately get into this topic.
Let us walk together, to learn about this canto in detail.
More knowledge means more clarity about life and more passion and more love and honour towards life.
Never think about the insignificance of life. When we fall, we think life reached an end and very few convert it into a new start.
We see that Gajendra and others fall but never thought it was the end, but converted it into a new start.
So let us learn the art of converting the fall into a ‘fly high’…
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.1.1 – 8.1.16)
Eighth Canto of Bhagavatham will narrate the stories of Manus other than Swayambhuva.
Akuthi and Devahoothi were two daughters to Swayambhuva Manu.
Bhagavan took avathar as Yajna Moorthi, son of Akuthi and Kapila Muni, son of Devahoothi.
We have already learned ‘Samkhya Yogam’ advised by Lord Kapila to His mother Devahoothi.
Now we will see the avathar of Yajna Moorthi.
King Pareekshith requested Sage Shuka to enlighten him further.
Swayambhuva Manu entered the forest with his wife and performed very intense penance for one hundred years.
Then he received this insight:
The ONE who illuminates this whole world is unaffected by the world. When the body sleeps, HE is the witness there. The ONE who knows everything, remains unknown to the world.
So, worship HIM, surrender before HIM. HE owns everything in the world and so offer everything to HIM first and then take from it.
If God is omnipresent, why can’t see Him?
Because, God is not an object so that your eyes can see Him.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, you can know HIM with HIS Grace only.
Jeeva knows only a little though Easwara knows infinitely.
Jeeva illuminates one body only, while Easwara illuminates the entire creation.
Bhagavatham also tells us, the one who offers all his work before Bhagavan eventually attains liberation.
It is not the Karma, but the desire for the Karmaphalam that causes bondage.
The thoughts “I am doing” and “I am experiencing” are the causes of bondage. The one who is free from these thoughts is truly liberated.
Sharing this wisdom with others, Manu surrendered before the Lord.
Notes : We can see pearls of wisdom in the beginning of Eighth Canto itself.
We get an answer to the age old question, “Can I see God?”.
The answer is very crisp, “No, because God is not an object of your eyes”.
HE is the subject that makes the mind see through the eyes. Then, how can you see Him as an external object?
You can only realize Him within.
Hari Om!
He is within you as Jeeva and without (in the whole creation) as Easwara.
So, it is the same Easwara functioning through each Jeeva.
You need such a great fortune to know HIM and experience HIM.
HE decides who can know HIM.
Dear Devotee,
Spirituality is the most adventurous trip one can ever take.
What do we learn from here?
We get a lot of advices and instructions about doing Sadhana and attending Satsang etc.
Then why Bhagavatham says, only with Grace you can experience Bhagavan?
Because, whatever effort you take has only one purpose.
That is, to convince you that no effort can take you to the Supreme.
Then as you drop all efforts in total surrender, only through effortlessness you can realize Him.
Let us get more clarity.
Effort is the language of the body. It is what makes things work in the tangible world.
Effortlessness is the way mind works in perfection. Your inner journey has to be effortless.
Hari Om!
Any trace of effort indicates the working of conscious mind which interacts with the outer world. In total effortlessness only the deeper mind or subconscious mind can be accessed.
That is where, at the deepest core of your being you can realize the Lord within.
Or, in other words, as you let go, HE reveals Himself to you.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.1.1 – 8.1.16)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.1.17 – 8.1.33)
As Swayambhuva Manu was engaged in intense Thapas and Samadhi, chanting Brahma Vidya, hunger struck Asuras and Rakshasas ran to consume him.
Then Yajna Deva (avathar of Sree Hari manifested as Indra) killed them all and saved the Manu.
Bhagavatham says, in each manwantharam, there would be six teams of Manu, Manuputras, Devas, Rishis, Devendra and the ‘Amshavatharam’.
(Amshavatharam is avathar of Bhagavan only).
We will make a very small note in this chapter.
We have seen the first Manu’s story now.
With second Manu Swarochishan (son of Agni Deva), Bhagavan appeared as Vibhu, son of Rishi Vedashirassu and his wife Thushitha. Bhagavan observed and taught Brahmacharya.
With third Manu Uthama (son of Priyavratha) Bhagavan was born as Sathyasena to Dharman and his wife Sunrutha.
HE killed Rakshasas, joining with the Indra Sathyajith.
Uthama’s brother Thamasa was the fourth Manu. This was the era when they collectively regained and propagated the Vedas which were almost extinct with time.
Hari Om!
In this manwantharam, Bhagavan took Avathar as Hari from Harimedhas and his wife Harini.
HE saved Gajendra from the Grahat (crocodile).
King Parikshith became curious to know this story and requested Sri Suka to narrate it.
He was only happy about it.
We are going to read it very soon in the second chapter.
Note : We can note that, Bhagavan is appearing in each manwantharam and there is a team of six designated teams/individual for fulfilling the task headed by the Lord. What do we learn here?
We can hear people saying, “God will take care of me/community/society/country”.
But see here, Bhagavan is not alone in this Karma. HE acts with Indra and other teams.
Indra represents our mind.
And it is very much obvious that the mind united with Bhagavan or the Supreme Intelligence along with all other resources and faculties act together to achieve success.
You can leave the responsibility of Karma to Bhagavan out of laziness or fear.
Hari Om!
Or you can do your maximum and complete the Karma and offer to HIM and leave the responsibility of Karmaphalam to HIS choice.
The first group of people do not live a lively life.
But the second group of people lives every moment to the fullest and makes life a celebration.
Any big task needs a good team to fulfill the purpose.
Dear Devotee,
Next time you hear some one saying “Let Bhagavan take care of it” ask them to read Bhagavatham, Canto 8, Chapter 1.
Devotion is not an excuse or escapism to support lethargy and laziness.
Act with wisdom and devotion and act as a group if you want to accomplish big things in the world.
Tell all youngsters too.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.1.17 – 8.1.33)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.2.1 – 8.2.33)
We are going to see the dramatic story of Gajendra, the head of elephants who was caught by a crocodile (or alligator) while drinking water from a lake.
The well known story goes like this as we brief it.
Thrikooda was a magnificent mountain with a big lake with sweet water, in an island in the milky sea.
Bhagavatham gives a glittery narration of the mountain with its versatile flora and fauna.
One day, a gigantic male elephant Gajendra, and his parade were wandering thirstily in the forests and came to the lake to drink water.
This Gajendra was such a huge elephant that even mighty lions were afraid of him.
As they were all enjoying in the lake, Gajendra was caring for his wives and children.
Bhagavathm says, as he kept pampering them, he was unaware of the approaching danger in the form of an alligator (or ‘Graham’), which caught him on the leg.
There started their terrible battle which lasted for a thousand years.
However hard Gajendra tried to free his leg, Graham pulled him more and more into the lake.
Hari Om!
His wives watched him in utter helplessness as other elephants tried to drag him outwards in vain.
While Graham who lives in water fought forcefully, Gajendra could not maintain his life force for long as he was deprived of food and water and rest all this time.
Gajendra felt that his end was nearing and convinced that none in his people can save him from the approaching death.
Suddenly he realized, only the Supreme Lord can save him now.
Only Bhagavan who grants Moksham from Anthakan who does his duty upon fear of HIM, can save Gajendra now.
So, he surrendered before Bhagavan in full faith.
Note : We see a very thoughtful point here. As Gajendra was busy caring for his people, he missed to notice the approaching danger.
Isn’t it eye blowing for Grihasthas who are totally immersed in their family life?
As their focus is on family and daily life, they do not realize that time is running out and death is approaching.
Does it mean that they shouldn’t take care of their family?
No, it only warrants that they should live with awareness and a clear understanding of life and their purpose in life.
Hari Om!
Surrender or Sharanagathy happens only when everything else fails to help you.
As long as you fight or resist from your might, your ego will not surrender before the Supreme.
The true devotee does not wait for such mishaps, but throws himself into the arms of the most Beloved Bhagavan, always, moment by moment.
Dear Devotee,
Are you like Gajendra?
Are you aware of the ultimate truth of life called death?
Right now, what is in your mind?
What are your priorities?
Are you able to see life above mundane things?
Are you merely existing or are you living an alive life?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.2.1 – 8.2.33)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.1 – 8.3.3)
In utter helplessness Gajendra began to pray from the bottom of his heart.
As Bhagavad Geetha says, what you practiced in the previous lifetime will be stored as Vasana in your Chitham and it will commence to reflect in due time.
Here Gajendra remembered his prayer and offered Namaskaram to the Lord in his mind.
His prayer was, “I surrender to the ONE in whom the seen and the heard world resides like vessels in a house; the ONE from whom they manifest like the vessels from the potter; the ONE who creates them like a manufacturer makes a wheel or rod; the ONE who exists as they are like the clay used to make the vessels; the ONE who is neither the gross nor the subtle. I surrender before that Bhagavan who shines Himself”.
Bhagavatham says, if you pray this Mantra 1008 times daily, all fears of death will vanish.
Note : This prayer is the essence of Adwaitham. You can not explain the ultimate Truth better than this at any time. How to define God the indefinable? Still human mind makes an attempt using some examples that you see around.
Hari Om!
God is the creator, the creation, the material used for creation, the space where creation came from and exists and returns too.
Still, HE is not the gross and not the subtle too.
Isn’t it confusing to grasp?
Well, that’s what the purpose of the Rishi here.
Your intellect gets fed up and mind subsides in utter failure as it tries to analyse God.
This is the beginning of wisdom.
As the eyes and ears have restrictions to accessibility, mind and intellect have limitations in understanding the indescribable Supreme.
Where mind subsides into consciousness God becomes a subjective experience of Truth, beyond objective illusions.
Repeated prayers seep into the sub conscious and it becomes your reality.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Fear is the strongest emotion that can literally kill you.
The reason for fear is the feeling of separation only.
However strong a human being can appear to be, you cannot rely on his strength completely.
If you know this truth earlier, the better.
And throw yourself into the Eternal Grace of the Supreme through constant contemplation.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.1 – 8.3.3)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.4 – 8.3.14)
We will look at the detailed Sthuthi or Prarthana offered by Gajendra calling for Bhagavan to rescue from his misery.
“Bhagavan is the light that illuminates the world and the ONE that creates the world and dissolves it too.
He is the ONE who gives light to the eye that gives light and makes things visible.
When all the manifested creation dissolves into darkness, HE remains beyond as the eternal light.
As an audience has no clue of the true nature of the actor playing various roles on stage, no one, not even Devas and Rishis can have any clue of “Bhagavad Swaroopam”.
The renounced Munis discard all worldly relations and go to the forests searching for HIM in solitude with purified mind and intellect. May that Bhagavan come to my rescue”.
Gajendra describes the Lord as the ONE who cannot be accessed through words or thoughts or mind.
Only an intelligent and wise mind that wooed Sannyasa through Sathwa Guna can reach HIS abode.
Gajendra keeps calling Bhagavan describing HIS infinite Gunas.
Hari Om!
It is the Bhagavad Chaithanyam that gives power to the senses to know the world.
“Ahamkaram” that causes you to take pride in the body and the world is like HIS mirror reflection and hence points to HIS true nature.
Note : We can see the essence of Upanishad wisdom here.
Bhagavan is beyond where even mind can access.
This needs some explanation to understand.
We all know that our eyes are limited to access sight within a range only.
Still we know that light rays like ultraviolet and infrared exist beyond our accessibility of vision.
Same with the hearing capacity of our ears too, where sound waves below and above our hearing range exists in fact.
If that’s the case with our physical faculties, it is so with our mental faculties too.
It is not in the presence of mind, but in the dropping of mind that Absolute Bliss or Bhagavan comes into our ‘Anubhavam’ or experience.
Another most important knowledge point is the reference to ‘Ahamkaram’ or the “I”ness of existential identity.
It is such a surprise that every human being feels something eternal within and that’s the only reason we do not actually take our own death as a reality in spite of seeing so many deaths in our lives.
Hari Om!
A man who meditates can experience his timeless mind and eternal nature.
Age is just a number for him and he cannot trust the fact that he will die one day.
He asks himself, “how can I die?”.
He is very much right. How can the eternal life that shines through his mind and body cease to exist even when the body drops lifeless?
So, the same ‘Ahamkaram’ that propels you to think that you are powerful and makes you forget about your own death is very much like the mirror image of the Supreme in you.
Your sense of power comes from that Supreme Power.
Your sense of “I know” comes from that Supreme Intelligence and Awareness only.
Still you must have the wisdom to realize that it’s not the property of your perishable body or limited mind power.
Supreme cannot be defined or confined within your limits.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is the beauty of Sanathana Dharmam in understanding and respecting various religions and schools of thoughts.
Isn’t it high time we study it scientifically and educate the ignorant minds?
When in doubt, refer to SHRUTHI VAKYAM.
We just saw the Scriptural reference to God here.
All our Deities are various pointers or pathways to realize this Divinity.
Please understand this and give smart answers to those who question you about your magnificent religion of Sanathana Dharmam.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.4 – 8.3.14)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.15 – 8.3.29)
Gajendra’s Sthuthi continues through the next Slokas and we will see the most prominent Slokas here.
Gajendra says, though Bhagavan is the Cause of entire creation, HE remains without any cause.
Like Agni is hidden in Arani wood, Bhagavad Swaroopam is hidden by three gunas.
Those who are free from the bondage of Karma light up their beings with Your presence.
Only a free mind can liberate another mind in bondage. Similarly, only a mind lit up in knowledge can help another mind suffering from ignorance.
Still a mind stuck up in worldly relations can not experience His nature.
All desires are granted by Him. Still a true devotee has no desire other than devotion.
Such devotion is not yet mine, hence I am praying for freedom from suffering”.
How the worlds emanate from Bhagavan? It’s continuous like sparks from the fire and endless like the rays from the Sun and dissolve in Him too.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan is neither Deva, nor Asura, man or woman or ‘Napumsaka’ or any being in the creation.
Gajendra prayed for that Bhagavan to appear before Him. Now he is wishing for freedom from ignorance not from the clutches of ‘Graham’.
Because only Bhagavan can end Ajnanam, and ignorant and deluded people do not know it.
Bhagavatham beautifully says here, the Supreme is within attracting the mind and without attracting the senses.
Gajendra surrendered in prayer before Bhagavan.
Note : We agree totally, only a mind that knows freedom or knowledge can impart the same to other suffering minds. Today, it’s mostly like ‘blind leading blind’ and lack of clarity in thinking has become a curse to many.
Common man doesn’t know whom to rely on and keeps running after fake people.
When you realize that only Bhagavan can free your mind and ignite with knowledge you will stop your futile efforts and listen to Jnanis who experience Bhagavan in their being themselves.
The most beautiful knowledge point here the way Bhagavan is described as the one who attracts the mind within and senses without.
Hari Om!
So, the attraction your senses experience towards the outer world and the deep meditation connecting to your inner silence is attributed to HIM alone.
What a beauty here, all conflicts about the outer and inner worlds cease here.
This is ultimate Adwaitham.
Dear Devotee,
Whenever you are in conflict, just stay where you are and experience HIM all around you.
See HIM in all around you as various roles played in chaos and deep within you in the stillness and silence of your being.
Suddenly, clarity will dawn from nowhere, illuminating your intellect.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.15 – 8.3.29)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.30 – 8.3.33)
Sree Shuka said, “As Gajendra prayed to the Supreme Lord who is beyond all forms of Gods. Then none of Gods like Brahma came to him. But Lord Sree Hari who has transcended all forms appeared before him. Bhagavan saw the mighty Gajendra in his plight and rushed to rescue him.
The moment Gajendra saw HIM, unable to utter anything in sheer helplessness offered a lotu flower from the lake and chanted,
“Hey NARAYANA ! AKHILAGURO ! BHAGAVAN ! Namaskaram to Thee”
Bhagavan in no time pulled him out, along with Graham and freed him by cutting it’s throat.
All Devas witnessed it.
Note : We see a noticeable point here that, when Gajendra was focused on the Supreme, no other Gods came to him, Bhagavan Himself came to him.
When your mind is focused on the ultimate, in every chance you will be blessed with it.
So far we have seen lengthy Sthuthis offered by devotees.
Here Gajendra could not even speak when he got Bhagavad Darshan, still Bhagavan understands his plight and mercifully rescues him.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan only wants your total surrender and HE is always ready to pull you out of any misery.
Just call HIM with all your heart.
Dear Devotee,
Single focussed attention brings miracles in your life.
When all your mental faculties are focussed on a single wish and you strive for it, you will inevitably achieve it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.3.30 – 8.3.33)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.4.1 – 8.4.13)
This canto describes the previous life times of Gajendra and Graham as all the Devas showered flowers in glory of Bhagavan.
In his previous lifetime, Graham was a Gandharva called ‘Huhu’.
One day as he was playing with a woman in a lake he pulled the leg of a sage Devalan who came to bathe there. The sage cursed him to be born as Graham and also blessed him to regain his form upon the touch of Sri Bhagavan.
Now time has come for his liberation and with great gratitude he left for his home.
Gajendra was a Pandya king named Indradyumna, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu in his past lifetime.
He was observing intense Thapas and one day sage Agasthya and his disciples happened to visit his ashram. As the king was deeply immersed in meditation he was not aware of the sage waiting there.
Quite unfortunately the sage misunderstood that the king was arrogant and his intelligence was stuck like an elephant. Thus he cursed him to take next life time as an elephant and get engrossed in darkness.
Hari Om!
Indradyumna being a devotee of the Lord did not blame the sage, he didn’t regret too. He consoled himself saying that it is his prarabda karma and managed peacefully.
This is typical of true devotees, as we know.
Though he was born as an elephant, he had remembrance of Bhagavan because of the devotion he had in the previous lifetime.
As we have seen, Bhagavan came to his rescue now and took him alongwith HIM in the same ‘Chathurbhuja’ form (as Bhagavan Himself) clad in ‘peethambaram’, while all heavenly beings praised the Lord’s love for the devotee.
Note : This is an interesting story of two ‘shapam’ and ‘shapamoksham’.
The Gandharva Huhu actually caused a curse on himself, rather invited it. Sage Devalan had blessed him for liberation too.
But, Indradyumna was innocent and the unjustifiable curse was imposed on him and there was no mention of shapamoksham from sage Agasthya. Still his attitude towards such an unfortunate event is commendable. Though he was a king, he chose to respect the sage without any complaints.
Even a curse from an Acharya is a blessing in disguise as we see later.
Hari Om!
As they both get liberation from the curse, Huhu returns to his original status.
But Indradyumna was elevated to the highest realm and we can say, this devotee became God Himself.
All the sufferings of Gajendra finally led him to Lordship merely because of his surrender and devotion.
And Bhagavan holds His devotee close to HIS heart and makes him equal to HIM.
We can also note that without the curse from the sage it wouldn’t have been possible at all.
And we understand that by not giving the clue to ‘shapamoksham’, sage Agasthya was actually helping Gajendra to surrender totally independent of any external support.
Only total surrender can lead to total devotion and hence Lordship.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Why do our Scriptures praise the glory of the devotee?
Because though God is omnipresent, devotees are very rare.
God is like air and as we need a fan to feel the presence of air, we need the presence of a devotee to experience the presence of Bhagavan.
Such a devotee is the dearest to Bhagavan and HE considers him equal to HIM.
And the world takes refuge at the feet of such devotees to experience God.
We also know that, the highest possibility of you and me is to become God Himself.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.4.1 – 8.4.13)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.1 – 8.5.13)
Fifth chapter describes the fifth and sixth ‘Manwantharas’.
Thamasa was the fourth Manu and his brother Rivatha was the fifth Manu.
In fifth Manwantharam, Bhagavan took Avathar as Vikuntan and created ‘Vikunta lokam’.
Chakshusha was the sixth Manu and Bhagavan took avathar with the name ‘Ajithan’.
Bhagavan Ajithan churned the milky ocean (‘palazhi mathanam’) and gifted Amrutham to the Devas. He took the form of a great tortoise and held the mountain Mandara on its back when it was about to sink into the ocean, while the churning was going on.
King was curious, “Oh, the all knowing one, for whom and for what purpose did Palazhimathanam? Did the Devas get Amrutham? Did anything else emerge from the ocean then? It’s such an amazing thing. Please elaborate how Bhagavan conducted it. Listening to the stories of Bhagavan actually increases my thirst for more stories”.
Note : We are going to see an ‘unbelievable’ story beyond all logic, very soon. It is going to be an amazing experience with the blend of mythology and philosophy and psychology under the cover of spirituality.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Are you reading Bhagavatham stories with an eye on deeper knowledge?
So, this is a great opportunity for you to dive into our Scriptural Wisdom.
Will be back very soon.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.1 – 8.5.13)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.14 – 8.5.18)
Sage Sootha said, Sri Suka appreciated King Parikshith’s curiosity and started narrating the story of ‘Amrutha Mathanam’.
The next eight chapters will depict this wonderful story in detail. It was a battle between the Devas and Asuras and the Devas fell down in defeat and lied motionless.
Same time, Sage Durvasavu cursed Devendra and all the three worlds lost Shree (Grace).
There were no rituals or Yaga in the world as a consequence.
Why did the Sage give such a terrible curse to Indra and the Devas ? A ‘Vidyadhara Sthree’ gave a heavenly garland to Sage Durvasavu and he gave it to Devendra.
Devendra did not give much respect to the garland and placed it on his elephant Airavatham’s head. Airavatham threw it away and stepped on it. This disrespect agitated the Sage and he cursed three worlds under the lordship of Indra.
Two terrible things at a time and Devendra could not find any solution in spite of discussing with other heads.
Hari Om!
So they all approached Lord Brahma for a solution.
Note : Devendra represents our mind. When the mind loses its clarity or becomes absent-minded you wouldn’t know how to behave appropriately.
This is exactly what happened here. Devendra should have been more intelligent and aware, especially when he was dealing with a short tempered person like Sage Durvasavu.
Anyway, there are only blessings in life. Any apparent curse will actually lead you to a blessing eventually.
Dear Devotee,
Let us put it very crisp here.
You needn’t love anyone. But you really need to respect people if you want a peaceful life.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.14 – 8.5.18)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.19 – 8.5.23)
Lord Brahma observed that all the Devas including Indra and Vayu were depleted of glory and Asuras became strong and blessed.
He focused his mind and remembered Lord Sree Hari and as he got assurance, became joyful that everything would be alright very soon.
The next three slokas compose ‘Brahma Vachanam’.
“All Devas and everything in the creation manifest from Sree Narayana only. We need to go to His abode and surrender before Him”.
Devas may wonder, “How can we get protection from Him, as HE is the cause of all?
Lord Brahma says, Bhagavan adopts Rajas for Srishti, Sathwam for Samrakshanam and Thamas for Samharam at appropriate times.
Now HE has adopted Sathwam and this is the time for Devas who have Sathwa gunam to get benefitted. Suras observe righteousness while Asuras go against it.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham reveals a true secret here.
The whole creation is just a kaleidoscopic display of the three Gunas namely Sathwam, Rajas and Thamas.
According to Time who decides the whole drama of Karma, these Gunas ascend and descend in nature and all beings. Bhagavan chooses Rajas for creation, Sathwam for maintenance and Thamas for destruction.
When HE chooses Sathwam, the beings who are in Sathwam are favored or Sathwik work takes place through them. When HE chooses Thamas destruction takes place through such beings. When HE chooses Rajas creation happens through such beings.
It is the same mysterious life force acting behind good and bad and runs this complex Karma cycle in tune with Time.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When your mind becomes a Witness to the trinity of Gunas, it actually attains the Lordship.
You become detached to the effects of Gunas when you know the fundamental working principle.
You will be compassionate to an Asurik person as you know its just an increase in Rajas and Thamas in him.
Your whole perception of life will change when you are a witness and it is possible only through a Sama budhi.
Next time you get angry with someone, just observe the three Gunas playing hide and seek in him. It will elevate your mind to higher consciousness.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.19 – 8.5.23)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.24 – 8.5.50)
Brahmasthuthi is detailed in these Shlokas, as Lord Brahma accompanied by Devas approached Bhagavan and prayed to Him intensely.
Let us examine some pearls of higher Knowledge embedded in them.
Lord Brahma hints that the Supreme is not an object of our eyes, but we have heard about Him in the Vedas.
In another sloka, Brahmadeva says, Bhagavan is even beyond imagination.
All sorts of Sadhana help a man in knowing that Bhagavan is separate from body or intellect or ego as fire inherent in wood or butter in milk.
Here Bhagavan’s ‘Vibhootis’ are detailed, in comparison with the visible creation.
Praising and praying, Lord Brahma and Devas stood with folded hands.
Note : All Scriptures speak about ‘Shravanendriyam’, the organ of hearing.
What is so special about it?
Hari Om!
We have seen in Bhagavatham, that the path to Self Realization starts with ‘Shravanam’, progresses through various stages and concludes with ‘Atmanivedanam’.
So our ears are such subtle instruments to catch precious wisdom.
Why Lord Brahma is saying that, Bhagavan is beyond imagination?
Because imagination is mind functioning, creatively or constructively through right brain and how can a human being create even an image of the Supreme, who is behind his existence?
How Sadhana helps in knowing that the Supreme Being is separate from your body?
Because an ignorant person identifies himself with his body and he considers the end of his body as his own end.
Sadhana helps you to realize that you are beyond your body.
Bhagavatham describes the whole world as the cosmic body of the Supreme.
We will see how Bhagavan would consider the Devas’ prayer very soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Your visible body is just the tip of the ‘ice berg’ called your being.
Great masters tell us, we have seven layers of existence called body, breath, mind, intellect, memory, ego and the Self.
When you transcend the six layers, you experience the changeless Self. It is none other than the Supreme within you.
How to experience this elixir of life?
The fascinating story of ‘Amritha mathanam’ will deal with it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.5.24 – 8.5.50)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.1 – 8.6.12)
Sri Shuka narrates the story of ‘Amritha Mathanam’ now.
Bhagavan appeared with the glory of a ‘thousand Suns in one’ form before the grieving Devas led by Lord Brahma and Lord Siva.
The next five slokas describe the unparallel beauty of His form.
Brahma Deva offers His Sthuthi before Bhagavan.
He compares Bhagavan with the mud that makes the pot. Then one may wonder, is Bhagavan susceptible to such change too?
But the wise one realizes that Bhagavan is the changeless Truth in the changing entity.
How is it understandable?
Bhagavatham says, Bhagavan is like the Agni hidden in the Arani wood which appears through ‘mathanam’.
He is like the butter hidden in the milk and obtainable by churning the curd. He is like the ‘Annam’ hidden in the Earth, available through farming and harvesting.
Hari Om!
He is like the water underneath earth available through digging a well.
He is like the wealth and money that can be accumulated through effort.
Human beings realize Him separately from body and mind faculties through Yoga and Sadhana.
Note : Bhagavatham has lavishly given examples to point to this precious knowledge. It is the most practical wisdom given to the seekers.
You need to put in your self effort first of all if you want to realize God.
Bhagavan is not separate from you, but hidden in your being.
You cannot experience Him outside because HE is very much within you.
And to know Him, you need to churn yourself, work with yourself; not outside with anything or anyone else.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We are all used to seeing others around us. We see their positives and negatives. We compare ourselves with them and it causes jealousy and anger and all sorts of unpleasant feelings.
Just think for a moment. Have you ever tried to know who you are? What is your true nature? What are your potentials? What makes you do what you do?
In fact, the most important person in your life is none other than you, yourself. Because, everything else vanishes, the whole world disappears before you, the moment you cease to exist.
So, what should be your prime responsibility? Is it to keep looking at others or to look deep within yourself? Unless and until you know yourself, what is the benefit of whatever knowledge you acquire?
Please understand, seeking Bhagavan hidden in your Being is the most fulfilling effort you can ever take in life.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.1 – 8.6.12)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.13 – 8.6.26)
As Devas saw Bhagavan, they experienced the ecstasy of thirsty elephants caught in the midst of wildfire, blissfully drinking ‘Ganga jal’.
They prayed for an answer to their grief.
Bhagavan replied, “Hey Devas, now TIME is in favour of Danavas and Dythyas. So until TIME becomes favorable for you, ally with them. Take action for that”.
How do you make ally with your enemy?
When you have a great mission to accomplish do whatever is needed, with skilful action.
This is like a snake allying with a rat to seek help to come out of snake catcher’s basket.
As the rat grinds a hole and the snake comes out, its first act will be to prey on the rat.
Bhagavan says, “So, until you get things your way, ally with Asuras. And take action with them, immediately to churn out Amruth from Palazhi”.
“Do not worry, you alone will get the elixir of eternity and they will suffer only, however they work for it; because I AM with you only”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan advises further, “for the time being, agree with all the demands that they come up with, because Krodha cannot give the result of ‘Sama upaya’ at all”.
Bhagavan cautions further, “when you do Samudra mathanam, poisonous Kalakootam will emerge first. You needn’t fear then.
As you continue churning, beautiful and charming things will emerge and many will grab them. You shouldn’t have Lobham or Kamam in those objects or Krodham in the grabbers”.
Saying thus, Bhagavan disappeared from their vision.
Note : This is an outstanding, impeccable pearl of Wisdom, be in harmony with those who are blessed by Time. It takes such awareness and alertness to recognize this Truth.
When Time is against you, do not offend those who are blessed by Time.
And wait patiently till you get the right time to enjoy your benefits.
Usually people unintelligently fight with people, unaware of this truth.
You may be right, they may be very much wrong yet very powerful too. Opposing with them adding to enmity is not the way of the wise.
You can not stay away from them, and you can not neglect them and you can not join them too.
Hari Om!
So you need to be very skillful in dealing with them, apparently working with them, yet keeping your secret aim intact within.
Here Bhagavatham is giving a glance of Raja Thantram, which is essential in governance.
See the assurance or guarantee Bhagavan gives to the devotees, however things appear now, the devotees alone will be happy at the end of the day.
Additionally, the importance of skillful action without getting emotional or angry is projected here.
Dear Devotee,
What is the secret of ‘Samudra Mathanam’ or churning of the ocean of milk?
It is none other than Mananam or meditation.
As you start meditation, initially you will see a lot of toxins leaving your mind and body.
You may experience head ache and you could wonder what all unpleasant thoughts I am having now.
Hari Om!
Then as you progress, you may get many pleasant experiences and develop many abilities or Sidhis too.
You should not get attached to them or crave for them as that is not the objective of meditation at all.
Divert your attention from the experiences to the experiencer, the one who meditates.
Continue and continue your Sadhana until you get the ultimate Bliss which is Amruth or elixir of immortality.
Be steadfast and do not stop until you attain the Ultimate.
That is what, you have come here in a human body for…
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.13 – 8.6.26)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.27 – 8.6.39)
As Bhagavan disappeared, Devas went to meet Asuras to discus about Amrithamathanam.
Mahabali, the king of Asuras guessed, the Devas were approaching them for some good reason and so stopped other Asuras from offending the Devas.
Lord Devendra is an adept in sweet talk and convinced Mahabali well. All Asuras agreed upon the need to churn the Palazhi and get Amrutham.
Next step was to bring Mandara Parvatham and however hard they all tried, they fell down and got severely injured under the gigantic mountain fell over their bodies.
Seeing their misery, Sri Bhagavan mounted on Garuda and caught Mandara in one hand and placed it near the ocean. All Devas and Asuras came back to life by His Grace.
Note : Bhagavatham gives us a note on how effective communication can help us in our lives. However hard the enmity between Devas and Asuras were, when Devendra and Mahabali exchanged pleasing words, all rivalry were forgotten instantly.
See the power of your words.
You can make or break all relations with your words.
Hari Om!
And we see another great knowledge point here.
When Devas and Asuras took effort and when it seemed to be impossible, Bhagavan came to their rescue and it got solved immediately.
Dear Devotee,
There are people who lament, why God is not seeing their misery?
We tell them, look at yourself.
What have you done to solve it?
If you have done your part to the maximum extent, either it is solved by now.
Or God will do it for you.
But God cannot help, when you have not done your part.
So, when you desire something, take the first step. And things will move on their own.
That’s how life works.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.6.27 – 8.6.39)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.1 – 8.7.10)
We are entering the exciting elaboration of Palazhi Mathanam now.
Bhagavan Sree Hari initiated this magnanimous process by holding Vasuki’s face and all Devas joined HIM. Seeing this, Asuras got offended as they were apprehensive about holding Vasuki’s tail. Bhagavan sensed their withdrawal, smiled at them and immediately reversed HIS position and caught Vasuki’s tail along with Devas.
As the churning process continued vigorously, Mount Mandara sank into the ocean leaving all in despair.
Lord Sri Hari took Koorma Avathar (a gigantic tortoise form), immersed HIMSELF under the sea and uplifted Mandara and placed it on HIS back.
Then Vighneswara Pooja was conducted and they all resumed Mathanam.
Note : It’s really amusing to see how Bhagavan tactfully deals with the Asuras who were resisting initially.
Bhagavatham gives a tip on how to skillfully manage your opponents and enemies in this part.
Hari Om!
Intelligent people observe their competitors and compromise tactfully to achieve their goal.
Bhagavan is involving in each and every activity as we see here. It has a profound message for us too.
Dear Devotee,
In all business and other interactions with people, there are certain small things that decide the outcome actually.
It is not the big things, but the minute ego centric things that determine the course of our lives.
And like monkeys holding onto peanuts, we are often stuck with them.
Release yourselves from mundane things if you want to achieve great things in life.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.1 – 8.7.10)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.11 – 8.7.19)
As the Mathanam progressed, Devas, Asuras and Vasuki were severely exhausted. Bhagavan entered Asuras as ‘Asura Swaroopam’, Devas with ‘Deva Swaroopam’ and Vasuki with ‘Nidra Swaroopam’ igniting their strength and valour.
Lord Sree Hari kept anchoring the mountain so that it doesn’t sink into the ocean. HE was the Koorma, HE was in Devas and Asuras as their nature, HE was unconsciousness in Vasuki and the churning went on vigorously.
Bhagavan brought rain to shower on them as Vasuki exhaled horrible fumes. Still Amruth remained hidden.
Then Bhagavan Himself started mathanam and Bhagavatham describes the enchanting beauty of Him in this part.
The first thing that emerged from the sea was the deadly poison called ‘Halahalam’. Everyone was scared and took refuge in Lord Siva.
Note : Bhagavatham implies that Asuram, Devam and Nidra and so on are all derived from Bhagavad Shakthi only.
Hari Om!
We wonder, why Bhagavan entered Vasuki as unconsciousness? May be, it was meant to save Vasuki from the unbearable effort fullness of the gigantic task he was doing. It saves from doer ship and hence fatigue too.
It was entirely the Lord in action and we understand that whatever we see directly and indirectly in action here, is nothing but HIS work.
Now, let us have a deeper look at Palazhy Mathanam from a philosophical point of view.
Our Acharyas state that it is actually the churning of the mind, rather we can call it Dhyanam or meditation.
When a novice starts with meditation, he/she may experience a starting trouble and it takes some time to actually get into it.
Then a lot of toxins get released from the mind-body system in the form of negative and agitated thoughts, pains in the body and so on. It’s all a part of purification process, still what to do when you get horrible thoughts in the beginning?
Yes, the answer is, surrender to Siva or the Pure Consciousness, the originating source of all thoughts and where they dissolve too.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Over thinking is the root cause of many psychological and physiological diseases.
How to deal with thoughts? Whether positive or negative, thoughts are thoughts.
It’s like white and dark clouds that cover the blue sky (infinity).
So, each and every moment you become aware of your thoughts, raise your awareness to the Consciousness as you glance at the sky through the gap between the clouds.
The more you are aware of your Consciousness (the Siva within), the more peaceful you become.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.11 – 8.7.19)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.20 – 8.7.32)
The next Fifteen Slokas are the Devas’ Siva Sthuthi.
They prayed to Him to save them from the powerful and horrifying Kalakoota poison.
Here Lord Siva is depicted as Virat Purusha, where all the visible Jagat is nothing but His invisible attributes.
‘Sivam’ is the transcendental state where Bhagavan is in Yoga Nidra.
Devas added that Lord Siva did many great things including the destruction of ‘Kalakoota visham’
Note : Bhagavatham says, the world is the visible form of the Lord. The intangible is behind the tangible. It is energy visible as matter. It’s a combination of imagination and devotion inherent in this Sthuthi.
We have selected a particular knowledge point here. Devas were praying for protection from Kalakootam and yet they declared in advance that its already destructed by Lord Siva.
This is interesting and profound wisdom from a psychological point of view.
Hari Om!
When you project your mind and visualize that you have achieved what you want to achieve, by all means you will achieve it.
It’s amazing to see that Bhagavatham spoke thousands of years ago, what modern psychologists and success coaches speak now.
We leave it to you, to read this Sthuthi and experience the universal or cosmic body of Bhagavan Siva.
Dear Devotee,
We suggest, you do an experiment now.
Write your wish list of three genuine wishes and just imagine that you have achieved all of them.
How do you feel now?
It’s also amazing to see that our mind also returns to the same old state very soon, even after materializing our long cherished dream.
That’s why people seem to be greedy, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.20 – 8.7.32)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.33 – 8.7.46)
Devas spoke diffidently that they are none to know HIS infinite nature. Ignorant people mistake HIM as cruel, destructive one who stays in cremation ground, lustful husband of Devi Parvathi and so on. In actuality, Lord Siva sets example of how one can live a balanced life by living both in ‘Kailasam ‘and ‘Smasanam’. HE is always in a meditative state so that the highest seekers get inspiration from HIM.
Devas wonder that they are not even qualified to praise Him, still prayed to HIM to get freedom from the Kalakoota Visham.
Lord Siva mercifully decided to save them and appeased HIS Divine Consort Devi Parvathi before swallowing the mighty poison.
As HE consumed the horrible poison, HIS throat turned blue in colour because of it’s venom.
As it’s droplets fell down it entered snakes, scorpions and other poisonous flora and fauna.
Note : Sometimes we see people who serve others have to suffer themselves. We may wonder, what prompts them to do such service despite their own suffering in doing it?
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham says, they are serving the Lord within those needy people and its their Samarpan before HIS Lotus Feet.
Dear Devotee,
We hear about a balanced mind everywhere?
How do we attain it?
Look at Lord Siva, the embodiment of Pure Consciousness, which transcends all ‘duality’ of the world.
HE shows us the extremes of life in ecstasy of ‘Nataraja Natanam’ where body becomes pure motion and meditation where there is absolute stillness.
HE lives in Kailasam and Smashanam and shows us life is a celebration beyond happiness and unhappiness and all events.
And Glory belongs to those who offer themselves for others!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.7.33 – 8.7.46)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.1 – 8.8.16)
Now Sri Shuka is narrating the ‘Mohini Swarupam’ of Lord Sri Hari.
As Lord Siva consumed the Kalakuta poison Devas and Asuras felt such a relief that they happily resumed churning the ocean of milk.
Next came Kamadhenu, the giver of Agnihotra materials, whom the Rishis accepted.
Then the white horse ‘Uchaishravas’ emerged from the sea who was taken by Mahabali. Indra did not object to it as Bhagavan had already advised him.
Indra accepted the most famous ‘Iravatham’ who appeared next.
‘Kousthubham’, the most precious stone adorned Lord MahaVishnu’s bosom.
‘Parijatham’ became a part of Devalokam, granting all wishes.
‘Apsara’ women were the next to come.
Then Sree Devi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu appeared. Bhagavatham describes the beauty and virtues of Goddess Lakshmi in superlative adjectives here.
Hari Om!
The whole creation including Devas and Devis welcomed her with reverence and decorated her with the most exquisite jewels and costumes.
Note : We can see the justified distribution of wealth among all stake holders of ‘Palazhi Mathanam’ making everyone happy and content. On a social context, this is a perfect example of how a common goal can be accomplished and how all concerned people can coordinate and cooperate and enjoy the outcome too.
On a philosophical note, we can see that every thing that came from Palazhi is symbolic and relates and belongs to the respective person or faculty.
Dear Devotee,
In any situation its always better to reach a ‘win…win’ solution that makes everyone satisfied. It takes intelligence to execute it though.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.1 – 8.8.16)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.17 – 8.8.22)
Bhagavatham is bountifully describing the beauty of SreeDevi here, as SHE slowly walks to woo the most ideal husband for Her.
Devi wants her Lord to be the embodiment of all good virtues, imperishable and without any lack and hence found all Devas and the like to be not matching for Her.
It’s interesting to read the expected qualities of the ideal husband for the Goddess.
Though one has penance, if he has not transcended anger, its merely futile. Remember Durvassavau?
Another man may have Knowledge but no dispassion (like Shukra, Brihaspathy).
Another man may be great, but not free from lust (like Brahma).
A dependent man is not attractive (like Indra).
Some may have Dharma, but not compassion (like Parasu Rama).
Some are selfless like Shibi, but they are not liberated either.
Hari Om!
Though some are courageous like Kartha Veeryarjuna, they are also perishable by Time.
Sanakadi may be deep rooted in Samadhi, but they are beyond all Gunas, hence not appealing for marriage.
Some may be enjoying long life like Markandeya, but they do not enjoy sensory life.
Some may have very short life, like Hiranya Kashipu.
Sri Rudra has all virtues, but dwells in ‘Smashanam’.
Thus, Goddess Lakshmi finds only Lord Vishnu as the most ideal husband for Her, but HE was not at all paying attention to Her.
Note : This is shown as an interesting monologue played in Devi’s mind. We can see that it’s a clear logical thinking to find the ideal match for Her.
What all qualities are essential to become a perfect human being and attractive bride groom?
You need only read this part of Bhagavatham.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Countless people ask about the need for horoscope matching for fixing a marriage.
Isn’t it more important to check how matching or mismatching the minds are?
It seems, you become more attractive, when you pay less attention?
And the deep philosophical note is, you can not find any human being with all the qualities that you admire.
Bhagavan is the only ONE whom you can depend forever.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.17 – 8.8.22)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.23 – 8.8.29)
Bhagavatham describes SreeDevi wooing Sri Bhagavan here.
You may wonder why SHE approached HIM though HE was not paying any attention to HER. It’s because all great virtues are inseparable from HIM and HE never discards any Sidhi like “Anima” who takes solace in HIM. Hence Sree Bhagavathy would also merge with HIM.
The Supreme Father of Creation gave HIS bosom for the Supreme Mother as Her entitled seat. Bhagavan knew that SHE can bless all the creations that emerge from HIM with all abundance.
It’s understood that HE married HER for the well-being of the world, which the Goddess observed meticulously.
The next few slokas describe how Devas celebrated the celestial marriage.
Without blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, one can develop evil qualities. If you want to get a glorious life, you need blessings from Mother Lakshmi and Lord MahaVishnu.
You should observe Upasana for Goddess Lakshmi to develop good virtues.
Hari Om!
Note : We can again see an intelligent observation about marriage in this excerpt. A noble husband is one who treats or considers his dependants well. Such a husband will be equally considerate for his wife too. A woman who trusts a man who loves her alone and dishonors others is in fact a fool.
And a marriage between a man and a woman must bring more joy and well-being to their families and society too.
Dear Devotee,
When a person does not receive blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, he is gripped by lack and greed. Greed causes anger and frustration and ultimately to destructive actions.
If we observe keenly, we can see that all abundance comes from our skills or talents. What is latent as skills within manifests as wealth and glory in your life. Only when you develop your gifted skills, you will reach greater heights in life and become successful.
Upasana to Mother Lakshmi channelizes your life towards success and glory. Don’t you think so?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.23 – 8.8.29)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.30 – 8.8.46)
As ‘Palazhi Mathanam’ continued, next emerged Varuni Devi (the Goddess of ‘Madyam’); she was possessed by Asuras. This implies that drunkards are Asurik in nature and they must discard their Asurik nature.
As the churning reached the final stage, a MahaPurusha appeared before them. He was none other than Lord Dhanwanthari (Amshavatharam of Lord MahaVishnu), from whom Ayurveda came into existence. He was holding Amruth in His divine hands.
The Asuras who were till then disappointed as they couldn’t possess KamaDhenu, Parijatham etc, quickly grabbed Amruth from Him leaving the Devas in utter dismay.
Bhagavan consoled them, and what followed was a big chaos among Asuras as they started fighting for Amruth.
They all wanted it for themselves and not willing to share with one another. While the strong Asuras were fighting among themselves, the weaker ones started to argue that the Devas are also entitled for Amruth as they also participated in Palazhi Mathanam.
Thus the Asuras were divided among themselves.
Hari Om!
Now Bhagavan Sree Hari took the most intriguing ‘Mohini Avatharam’ of a young woman of astonishing beauty.
Asuras were spell bound with her beauty and fire of lust sparked in them.
Note : As we stated before, Palazhi Mathanam is synonymous of meditation, we can see that Varuni emerges before Amruth. That is, all impurities of mind have to go out before you receive the Bliss. Your meditation or Sadhana must continue till then.
And another knowledge point we get here is, the Asuras got divided into two groups and one group started supporting the Devas, their enemies.
We can see that in our society now. As the mightier people do not care for the entire society, that will lead to the protest from the weaker sector and they will support the enemies too.
Intelligent leaders use diligence to keep all sectors united.
What can make things worse, other than lust?
After all, Asuras are Asuras.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Don’t you think we are going through a time of chaos created by inhuman divisions and separations?
Intelligence is in keeping all together for a good purpose and giving each their deserving share.
When greed supersedes wisdom, irrespective of strength and power, all fall prey together and fail together.
It’s high time we think beyond religion and politics to save humanity, Right?
Let’s use our Religion to become better human beings as blessings and guiding lights in this ailing world.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.8.30 – 8.8.46)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.9.1 – 8.9.29)
Bhagavatham is coming to the fascinating part of ‘Amrutha Danam’ by Mohini Devi.
Asuras were enchanted by Her beauty and surrounded Her with intrinsic desire. They lost all wisdom and tried to woo Her and pleaded to help them for dividing the Amrutham equally among them.
She said, “How come you trust me, a woman who is in search of men and pleasure? Intelligent people seldom trust wolves and women who seek pleasure of flesh as its only a temporary association. I am surprised that you are born to a wise man”.
These smart lies only scaled up their trust and in order to please Her, they offered the Amrutha Kalasham for equal distribution.
Bhagavan accepted it with a condition, “Whatever I choose as good or bad, if you are willing to accept it, I will divide it among you”.
Asuras agreed happily and made all arrangements for the occasion.
They took bath, observed ‘upavasam’, conducted ‘yagam’, offered ’danam’ and assembled in the decorated ‘Shala’ along with Devas.
Hari Om!
Very soon Bhagavan as Mohini Devi approached them and as Asuras watched awestruck with her beauty, She divided Amrutham among Devas.
Captivated by their own promise and respect and love for Mohini Devi, Asuras sat silently.
By this time an Asura called Rahu crept in between Surya Deva and Chandra Deva and consumed Amrutham. As they hinted to Bhagavan, HE cut Rahu’s head with Sudarshana Chakram, before Amrutham entering below his throat.
As he had already sipped Amrutham, Rahu’s head was alive and Bhagavan turned it into a celestial planet. Rahu would trouble Soorya and Chandra whenever possible as we know it as Solar and Lunar Eclipses.
Mohini Devi re-appeared as Bhagavan Sree Hari before Devas and Asuras.
This story reveals the truth that your efforts will bear fruit only if you have devotion to Bhagavan.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham is exposing how to manipulate a situation when it is truly required to save the noble minds from evil minds.
It is interesting to note that Bhagavan is actually giving all hints to Asuras, not to trust Him and HE is also cautioning that HIS decision must be final. Still Asuras obliged, right?
We can learn the Art of winning your opponents from this part of Bhagavatham. Asuras are actually mesmerized by Bhagavan’s “Conversational Hypnosis” as we can call it.
Let us examine further. For any effort to materialize, place(here it is palazhi), time, resources(Mandara Parvatham), goal(Amrutham), and the desire to achieve the goal(to drink Amrutham) are essential. Both Devas and Asuras had all these equally. But Devotion to Bhagavan was the only determining factor, which helped Devas ultimately.
Bhagavatham says, whatever you do with a selfish aim, will not serve you at all. Its all futile.
And whatever you do with the desire to serve Bhagavan in all forms, that alone will bear fruit.
Its like wisely watering the root rather than showering water on the branches.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
You can see the brilliance of Srimad Bhagavatham in understanding human psychology in this chapter.
And how to succeed in life?
Have a broad vision for yourself and the world, see how you can bring a change positively around you.
To see a smile on the faces around you, whatever you do, with whatever you have will certainly lead you to unimaginable heights in life.
That’s how all great people began their journey towards excellence.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.9.1 – 8.9.29)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.10.1 – 8.10.15)
Shree Shuka continues, “Hey King, though Asuras were sincerely involved and took all effort in Amrutha Mathanam, they couldn’t enjoy it, because they were devoid of devotion. Bhagavan blessed only the Devas with Amrutham and disappeared”.
Asuras couldn’t tolerate seeing Devas rejuvenated with Amrutham and they started a terrible war with the Devas. “AmruthaPanam” had made the Devas strong and powerful again and they fought with the Asuras with all their might.
It was a Dharma Yudham, observing all the rules of the war fairly.
We are not giving a detailed account of the war here. Let’s see who led the war from both sides, very soon.
Note : This is so typical with any onslaught as the losers can’t bear the winners celebrating especially when they are deprived of their rightful share, at least according to them.
It’s not the effort that you take, but it is the Grace that you get, which matters at all, in becoming successful in life.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
How do you become eligible for Grace or “Bhagavad Kripa”?
When your heart is pure and innocent and your thoughts, words and deeds are aligned to be HIS Instrument, naturally you become grateful and Grace envelops you, protecting you like a mother protects her new born baby.
A devotee is always protected by HIS Grace.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.10.1 – 8.10.15)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.10.16 – 8.10.57)
Now Bhagavatham is describing the entry of MahaBali, the warrior head of Asuras to the war field. He was well armored and surrounded by Asuras by all sides.
Why they set off for this war? Because, they toiled relentlessly for Amrutham, but did not get it at all and Devas consumed it in front of them. They assumed that they could win again like before.
Devendra got furious looking at the enemies approaching him. What followed was an inexplicable battle between the mighty armies. Chariots crashed, animals elephants and horses feel down, heads rolled down and earth became invisible with dust scaling up in sky.
Mahabali and Indra faced each other and as time advanced, Asuras started ‘Maya Yudham’ driving the Devas into delusions of terrible sights and sounds.
Devas got perplexed seeing the gory visuals and they froze not knowing what to do next.
As they got stuck up, unable to fight anymore, they remembered Bhagavan.
Hari Om!
Immediately the Lord appeared before them, delighting them with the most beautiful, divine, ‘eight armed’ Darshan.
As HE entered their army, all the delusions ended and clarity dawned. Even remembrance of the Lord saves your mind, then what to say about HIS Darshan?
Kalanemi, Mali and Sumali rushed to Bhagavan attacking HIM and they all fell down dead with HIS Sudarshan Chakra.
Note : We feel that Bhagavatham is referring to the worldly plights of humans here.
People fight with people, attack each other and destruct themselves. Adding to this, human intellect gets deluded with imaginations and fears.
It’s difficult to deal with real fears, then what to say about imaginary fears?
There is only one escape, that’s none other than remembrance of the Lord.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When the world appears to be too scary, what do you do?
Understand, When you feel helpless, that’s the ideal time for prayer.
Because Bhagavan is ready to appear before the devotee, waiting for his prayerful call all the time.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.10.16 – 8.10.57)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.1 – 8.11.9)
Sri Shuka narrated how Sage Narada withdrew Devas from annihilating Asuras and how Shukra Muni returned life to them.
Indra had a mighty battle with MahaBali and he insulted Bali, “You are trying to delude us with your childish magic tricks? Do you think it will work on us? Understand who I am, I can stop all who want to enter Swargam through such heinous means. You dumb man, I can dice your head into hundred pieces with my Vajra, come on, face me with all your kith and kin”.
MahaBali gave a dignifying reply, “you are the ignorant one, because you talk without knowing the subtle truth of success and failure. Let me explain. See, all are obliged to the mystery of Karma, according to what Time grants in each situation. Glory, success, failure and death occur according to the rules of Karma as all are slaves of Karma.
Wise men understand this Truth and neither rejoices nor grieves over anything. Ignorant people like you enjoy and suffer too. Noble people feel sympathy for you, as you claim it’s all your merit behind your success. Though your words are piercing, we don’t consider them because of your lack of wisdom”.
Hari Om!
Note : It is really interesting to note the change in Indra’s attitude towards MahaBali after grabbing Amrutham. See how arrogant he has become now, adding insult to injury.
We are surprised by the wisdom MahaBali pours into his reply.
Don’t you think it’s wonderful when Bali says that they ignore the piercing words just because it’s coming from an unwise mind?
Dear Devotee,
This is a precious pearl of wisdom that we find here.
When you hear piercing or hurting remarks from people, just pause for a moment and think.
What kind of a mind is behind that insult?If it is from a noble mind, consider it and introspect.There must be some good intention and you must follow it.
If it is from an unwise mind, just ignore it and move on.
See how simple it is, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.1 – 8.11.9)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.10 – 8.11.43)
Sree Shuka continues, “MahaBali hastened his attack on Indra in addition to his verbal onslaught”.
Indra knew Bali was right, still he couldn’t tolerate such a bitter Truth from an enemy. With one more terrible blow with Vajra, Bali fell down like a wingless mountain.
Bali’s dear ones came one by one and faced the same fate as Indra slaughtered them all.
Indra’s charioteer Mathali came forward with timely help in that most urgent situation too.
Asuras fought back with all their strength. Indra had his toughest time facing Namuchi, even Vajra couldn’t touch his skin.
Indra was not prepared for this bad surprise. He couldn’t believe that Vajra, his most powerful weapon, would ever turn into such a mere stick in his hands.
As Indra became depressed, he heard the voice of the Lord, “This Asura can not be killed with a wet or a dry weapon as he is blessed with MY boon. You can think about a weapon which is neither wet nor dry”.
Hari Om!
Indra meditated focusing his mind and immediately a solution popped up as the ‘Jala Nura’ (water foam) which is neither wet nor dry and killed Namuchi with ‘Jala Nura’.
All the heavenly beings sang and danced appreciating him.
As the massacre of Danavas continued, Lord Brahma sent Sage Narada to interrupt Devas from further destruction.
Note : We have dived into the ocean of Srimad Bhagavatham and found some precious pearls of wisdom in this part. Let us see them one by one.
First one is, Indra’s intolerance towards criticism from an enemy though he knows it is truth.
This is a very common trait we can find in people. Intolerance towards your opponents even when they expose truth is a sign of a prejudiced mind. Such a mind is a slave of your likes and dislikes or cravings and aversions. Your opinionated mind does not allow Truth to expand your wisdom.
Secondly, your over confidence about your mightiest weapon (in other words, your strongest defense) can shatter any time. The Will of the Lord supersedes everything. Yes, you heard it right.
Hari Om!
Thirdly, a helpless mind alone can hear the voice of the Lord, as nothing else in the outer world can aid it, if and only if you surrender totally before HIM.
When all other external voices disappear, you hear the voice of the Lord, in the silence within.
For all your problems, the most appropriate solutions appear in this inner silence, if you can access it through silencing all other outer noises. Yes, you heard it right again.
And most interestingly, the fourth one is, Lord Brahma the creator, sent Sage Narada to interrupt Devas from wiping out Asuras.
Why? Because, the world is a combination of ‘good and bad’ or ‘positive and negative’.
Or, a combination of opposite values that complement each other.
If there is positive, there must be negative too. Creation is incomplete otherwise.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When you look at life from a broader perspective, you will smile at all events in your life.
You will know that more than the pleasant events, it was the painful events that actually helped you to grow.
In your body, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria living in their colonies. When there is a balance of both, you are healthy.When the bad bacteria grows exponentially you fall sick and you take medicines to kill them.
The equilibrium is restored and you become healthy again.
Can’t we compare a ‘DharmaYudha’ to this simple war happening in our own body?
In this world too, when the Bad outgrows the Good, Bhagavan protect the Good, yet maintaining the equilibrium of the Bad too.
Isn’t it interesting to watch this “Easwara Leela”?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.10 – 8.11.43)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.44 – 8.11.48)
Sree Narada speaks to the Devas, “As you surrendered before Sree Narayana, you got Amrutham. As Sree Devi blessed you, you got all abundance too. Now, withdraw from the war”.
Sree Shuka narrated that the Devas were willing to obey Sree Narada and they all left for their abode.
Asuras with permission from Narada took Maha Bali to their place Asthachalam.
There Shukra Maharshi used Mrita Sanjeevani on the wounded Asuras, including MahaBali and brought them back to life.
Though MahaBali restored his health and enthusiasm back, he didn’t regret in losing the battle. He had the wisdom to know that success and failure are not in your control, but determined by God.
Note : We can see that Sage Narada is playing the role of a perfect diplomat here. He reminds Devas of the benefits they got and diverted their attention from anger causing elements and hatred.
MahaBali is a true leader and composed person taking things light heartedly.
Hari Om!
When you offer your virtues and vices at the Lotus Feet of the Lord, you become free from all ‘doership’, as more than your efforts the thought of taking ownership for your efforts tires you tremendously.
Dear Devotee,
Don’t you think this is a wonderful way of tranquilizing people?
Many of us start complaining and grumbling, only when we forget the blessings and abundance in our life.
Remind people of the blessings in their life, you can immediately shift their mind from negativity and aggression to positivity and peacefulness.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.11.44 – 8.11.48)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.1 – 8.12.13)
Sree Shuka portrays how Lord Shiva and His divine consort Devi Parvathi approached Bhagavan Sree Hari to see HIS ‘Mohini Roopam’ in this chapter.
Lord Siva started, “Hey Jagadeeshwara, nothing can surprise YOU, yet we are all surprised by everything in YOU”, referring to the most astonishing ‘Mohini’ who skillfully granted Amruth to Devas leaving all Asuras devastated.
The following twelve slokas comprise the Shiva Sthuthi, praising the infinite glory of Sree Hari who is in and as ‘Brahmam’ in the entire creation. HE is beyond even the wildest imagination of all beings. HE is not in need of even the ‘Aiswaryam’ in HIM, even that is meant for the seekers.
Lord Siva further requests Sree Hari to appear once again as Mohini before them.
Note : Lord Siva explains how various people look at Bhagavan and interpret HIS attributes.
‘Vedanthi’ takes HIM as the omnipresent Brahmam. For ‘Meemamsi’, HE is Dharmam.
Hari Om!
For Samkhya, HE is ‘Purusha’ above ‘Prakrithi’ and the ultimate ‘Easwara’. And it goes on endlessly according to various schools of thoughts.
As we conclude Lord Siva too concludes, “But YOU alone KNOW, all others are merely surprised by YOUR Mahima”.
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavan can go to any extent to fulfil the desire of the devotee.
If you are a true devotee, there will be ample examples and true life stories in your life too.
If you keep an account of miracles and surprises in your life, referring to it occasionally will elevate your spirits.
As we always say, forgetting the blessings in your life is misery and remembering them gives unshakable confidence in life.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.1 – 8.12.13)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.14 – 8.12.40)
Sree Shuka says, Lord Sree Hari accepted Lord Siva’s request with a joyful smile.
Bhagavan replied, “When Amrith was grabbed by the Asuras, it was possible to cheat them only through a manipulative female version of Myself. Be ready to witness that enchanting woman beauty”.
Saying this HE disappeared.
As Lord Siva and Devi Parvathi eagerly waited, Bhagavan reappeared as the most enchanting Mohini Devi. The next few Slokas describe Her ethereal beauty and we leave it to the readers to glance through the erotic poetic beauty of Bhagavatham in this part.
What to say more? Lord Siva, who is known as the One who mastered mind and conquered Kama Deva could not behold Mohini’s enthralling beauty and HE ran after Her forgetting everything else, even Devi Parvathi.
It says, Lord Siva chased Mohini Devi and hugged Her. On this lustful run, He dropped His ‘Rethas’, which became the gold and silver ores in earth.
Hari Om!
All of a sudden He became aware and gathered His senses within.
Lord Siva realized that it was the Maya of Sree Hari that bound Him and became dispassionate once again.
Lord Sree Hari was pleased with Siva’s Thathwa Jnanam and His composed state.
Bhagavan said, “Only You can free Yourself from my Maya, it’s not possible for others. Only a devoted one with pure intellect can transcend this kind of challenge. Driven by TIME and abiding by MY Trigunas this Maya which worked on You, will never allure You again”.
Note : There is a deep lesson in this part of Bhagavatham, for the sincere seeker of Truth.
Lord Siva who was chasing Mohini Devi was actually influenced by Time according to HIS Leela.
Then as He was chasing and running after this female for a long time, a revelation came on its own and He stopped, becoming aware!
When self awareness dawns, you become aware of your own crushes and cravings and where they are actually leading you to.
You will literally stop and think!
Hari Om!
Well, that’s the power of human intellect, to recognize its own foolish pattern and stop before it’s too late.
And the one who transcends his own weakness through wisdom will never yield to it again.
Dear Devotee,
We can say that there are three ways of facing a desire.
One is fulfilling the desire by experiencing it fully.
Second is dropping the desire through meditation etc.
Third is, experiencing a tiny bit of it, understand the perishable nature of it.
This helps you to drop it by satisfying your intellect and memory and transcend the craving.
Let’s explain it further.
Suppose you want to know the taste of sea water, you don’t have to drink a lot of sea water. You need only a drop of it to know that it’s salty and it satisfies your curiosity.
Hari Om!
Then your wisdom tells you the consequences of consuming too much of salt and you stop there.
What if you don’t apply wisdom in dealing with your desires?
You will have to yield to your cravings and you cannot transcend your desires.
Wherever your senses take you, you will follow as a slave.
So, better break the chains of desires and become free.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.14 – 8.12.40)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.41 – 8.12.47)
Sree Suka concludes, “Lord Siva with His divine consort Devi Parvathi and His Bhootha Ganas left for Kailasam as Sree Hari happily blessed them all”.
Lord Siva enlightens Devi, “This is amazing even for me, to be mesmerized by the beauty of Bhagavan. What to mention about ordinary people who are slaves of sensory perceptions? You had enquired who am I meditating on, as I come out of thousands of years of deep Samadhi. Now see, this is the ONE on whom I meditate”.
The ‘Phala Shruthi’ of ‘Samudra Mathanam’ concludes the real benefit of listening to this story.
“I bow down before the Bhagavan who is accessible only through Bhakthi and who gived all the four Purusharthas to the sincere devotees”.
Note : Sometimes,it is surprising for us, in some situations, how we behaved, why behaved so and so on.
We believe we have acquired strength and control over our mind. But to our utter surprise, we realize that our mind wanders on its own and reacts in it’s own way.
Hari Om!
Only with solid awareness we can get centered and save our mind from its own tricks.
Why it is so important to save our mind from its tricks? Because, these mental perceptions are all delusions that divert our attention from Truth.
Only the most fortunate seekers can have stead fast focus on spiritual progress.
Others get carried away on the way.
Dear Devotee,
Apart from the philosophical interpretation, we see a cute couple in Lord Siva and Devi Parvathi here, right?
They share such transparency and mutual understanding which really opens our eyes too.
What unconditional love and mutual respect is displayed here!
It’s for us to reflect on our relations too, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.12.41 – 8.12.47)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.13.1 – 8.13.36)
Sree Suka narrates the next Seven Manus and the respective Manwantaras in this chapter.
The Seventh (now presiding) Manu is SradhaDeva. In this era, Bhagavan took Avathar as Vamana Moorthi as the son of Kashyapa and Adithi.
We take note that in the seventh Manwantara, Bali surrendered his entire wealth and himself to the Lord. Hence he will become Indra in the eighth Manwatara, at the end of which he will unite with Bhagavan.
At the time of ‘BhooDanam’ Bhagavan was highly pleased with Bali and hence elevated him to Suthalam where he reigns like Indra in Swargam.
Bhagavatham says the stories of all Fourteen Manwantaras that occur in one Thousand Yugas which comprises one Kalpam.
We leave the rest of this chapter for the readers to glance through.
Note : The most prominent note we get here is the cyclic nature of Yugas where Bhagavan takes various forms according to the need for sustaining Dharmam in creation.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We are limiting ourselves with the modern time calculations.
But Our Ancient Time Scale is awe inspiring even for modern scientists.
You can google and find the calculation of Yugas and Kalpam.
In each Yugam, Bhagavan takes Avatharam to protect Dharmam.
It gives such a relief to the noble minded people, right ?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.13.1 – 8.13.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.14.1 – 8.14.11)
King Pareekshith curiously asked Sage Suka, “Please educate me,how Manu and others observed their duties in each Manwantara?”.
Sree Suka replies, “Oh King, the Manus, their sons, Saptharshis, Indras, Devas all abide by the rules set by Bhagavan. That’s their primary duty like people obey the King’s instructions”.
Bhagavatham says, at the end of the fourth Yuga, the knowledge of Vedas shrink. Rishis at the onset of KrithaYuga, intuitively learn Vedas and propagate Dharmam in the world.
Manus look after this with utmost dedication and penalize defaulters of Dharmam.
Indra take care of rain and harvest in the world.
Bhagavan alone is working through all the beings in the world.
HE is the ONE who does Srishti (thourgh Rajas), Sthithi (through Sathwa) and Samharam (through Thamas).
All dwell in HIM, yet no one knows HIM, nor HIS true Swaroopam.
Hari Om!
Note : Sanathana Dharmam is the Dharmam that never perishes. Bhagavatham is speaking about the cyclic nature of world, Dharmam and how Dharmam is revived from time to time.
As an avid reader of Bhagavatham, you reach a realization that the world is going through a cyclic pattern infinitely and whenever there is decline in Dharmam, Bhagavan manifests to uplift it.
What is Dharmam?
Let us think about it. Honouring life in its totality can be called Dharmam, right?
Taking minimum or what is needed for our survival and leaving the balance of the world intact is our Dharmam.
Dear Devotee,
At this crucial time of Corona invading nations and humans hide in their hideouts to save their lives, its important to think about how we treat our planet and our fellow inhabitants here.
How much cruelty humans have shown to other humans and animals and birds in countless ways…
Hari Om!
For our entertainment and eating pleasure and hunting hobbies, we have ruthlessly harmed them in heinous ways.
We laughed sarcastically at the wise men and women who tried to correct us.
And we have landed in this great danger now.
We have reached a critical situation where we are left with no choice. Right?
The first and second world wars were between humans, now this third world war has united human race for its survival.
Its upto us, whether to survive together or vanish together like the Dinosaurs did long back.
Let Dharmam dawn in each human heart and may Wisdom guide us for a better, sustainable future as ‘Hope for Humanity’.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.14.1 – 8.14.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.15.1 – 8.15.27)
The forthcoming Nine chapters narrate “Vamanavathara Charitham”.
King Pareekshith enquires, “Hey Bhagavan, how come Lord SreeHari beg to MahaBali for three feet of land? After getting it, why did HE tie him? It’s unbelievable that the Lord of Creation begs for something and still that innocent man is punished by HIM. Please quench our curiosity”.
Sree Suka reminded him about the deadly war Bali had with Devas, how he was killed and then later brought back to life by his Guru Shukracharya. Then Bali became an ardent devotee of his Guru Shukra. Later Shukracharya guided Bali to conduct a grand Yagam called ‘Viswajith’.
Consequently Bali was blessed with a golden chariot and magnificent horses and a flag with the symbol of Lion. Along with other accessories his grandfather Prahlada gifted him with a garland that never fades. Shukracharya gifted a conch too.
Mightier than ever, MahaBali set out for another battle with Devas with all the new weapons and arms he acquired. He headed for Indra Puri which is blessed with all the abundance of beauty, wealth and charm
Hari Om!
that anyone can ever aspire.
We suggest, the readers can read the slokas describing the heavenly beauty of the Swargam and its exotic heavenly beings.
MahaBali surrounded Swargam from all directions with his ferocious army and blew his conch.
Indra was alarmed and asked his Guru Brihaspathy, “Hey Bhagavan, our enemy MahaBali has come to confront with us, with great valor and more power than he ever had. What’s its secret? I feel, no one can conquer him now. How did he acquire this much Indriya Shakthi, Mana Shakthi and Deha Shakthi? Please tell me”.
Note : We are going through an inspirational part of Bhagavatham where MahaBali bounces back to power and glory from his own ashes. It is his Guru who saves him and guides him well to recuperate.
This also hints the most important powers one needs for success.
Indriya Shakthi means the power of the senses through which we can observe and analyze the world around us. No one can join an army if he has weak hearing, seeing or speaking abilities. Needless to mention about the army chief, right?
Hari Om!
Mana Shakthi means the will power, without which you will not have the courage to face a war.
And Deha Shakthi is the strength of body. Physical strength is most essential for fighting and winning a war.
Indra is so intelligent that before encountering the enemy who returns with greater power, he consulted his Guru for advice. Indra did not jump into a fight, but intelligently asked a man of wisdom to introspect and analyze the situation well.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
There is a big difference between intuitive decisions and impulsive decisions.
Intuition comes from the spontaneity of your consciousness.
Impulsion comes from the impressions in your subconscious mind which triggers strong emotions and urge to act upon them.
When you are intuitive you are guided from within.
And before jumping into impulsive actions, always consult wise people who have the expertise and centeredness to guide you.
That’s what Indra did now, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.15.1 – 8.15.27)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.15.28 – 8.15.36)
Guru Brihaspathy told Indra, “MahaBali surrendered before his Guru Shukra with utmost honour and attentiveness and thus the Guru blessed him with all their Thejus. Only Lord SreeHari can confront him. As you are not strong enough to face him now, leave Swargam and seclude yourself in ‘Adarshanam’. You needn’t worry about how long it will take, please wait until the time of his fall. Rises and Falls are part of Time. So be bold”.
When will MahaBali descend from his glory?
Brihaspathy consoles Indra, “when Bali dishonours his Guru, his power will be gone too”.
He didn’t hint that MahaBali will be further blessed by Suthalam and the title of Indra and ultimately Moksham. He knew that it can disturb Indra further.
Indra felt huge relief and obeyed his Guru and secluded himself with his people undercover and travelling in disguise.
MahaBali ruled Swargam and all the three worlds happily with his men.
Hari Om!
He conducted one hundred AswaMedham as Shukracharya instructed and it further illuminated his glory like ChandraDevan.
All this gave him almost fulfillment in life.
Note : Bhagavatham reminds us, the blessings from the Guru is most essential for a blessed life. We all understand that and it does not require any explanation.
It says, “Guru Bina Gati Nahi” in Hindi, which means without the blessings and guidance of your Guru, you cannot succeed in life.
Then another interesting point is the way Guru consoles Indra.
Though he knew Bali will be ascending his ladder of glory, Guru consoled Indra and asked him to wait patiently. Sometimes, you have no option other than waiting patiently.
And it was not a lie, Indra will eventually get back to his throne.
Finally, we see that even at the epitome of success and glory, Bali was almost in fulfillment, not completely though.
It means, true contentment is in uniting with Bhagavan and nothing else can give that joy.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Let us just introspect for a moment, how do we communicate with people when they are in despair?
Does it soothe them or kindle their agony further?
And isn’t it interesting at this time of Corona ruling the world to see Indra and his people taking asylum in ‘Adarshanam’, the unseen place?
Like Indra, today World is awaiting the fall of Corona with full faith that “this too shall pass”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.15.28 – 8.15.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.1 – 8.16.10)
Sree Suka narrates,”Mother Adithi was in great distress as she missed her sons Devas while Swargam was captivated by Asuras. As days passed, one day Sage Kashyapa woke up from his Samadhi and reached Adithi’s Ashram.
He found it dull and devoid of the mirth of Devas and Adithi Devi looked unhappy”.
He enquired looking at her sunken face, as given in the next seven slokas.
“My Dear, what is the cause of your misery?
Are Brahmins in dismay and hence Dharma in decay leading to damage to the world?
At home, was there any lack in Dharma, Artha and Kama?
Have you ever failed in your main responsibility of greeting ‘Athithi’ with reverence?
Were they ever dishonoured and hence walked away from our home?
Or did you miss Agnihotra anytime?
I have seldom seen you with this apathy, as you are always courageous, so tell me dear, why are you disappointed?”
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham is pointing to our rich culture and elegant manners observed by Grihasthas here.
It shows that when we neglect our responsibility to our ‘Athithi’ it ruins all happiness.
Who is an Athithi? A person who doesn’t look for Thithi (time) and just comes into our home is called Athithi.
When someone walks in unexpectedly, we must be truly alert and aware to offer them our best service.
Grihastha’s life phase demands more balance and multiple responsibilities compared to Brahmacharya, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa where an individual has single focussed attention pertaining to the respective Ashram.
Brahmacharya is for attaining knowledge and skills.
Garhasthyam is for applying all those skills practically in life and supporting ourselves and others. Society depends on the Grihastha for its survival.
Vanaprastha is expanding our vision and serving all as our own family.
Sannyasa is getting mentally detached from all responsibilities and accepting every moment as it is, blessing all with total contentment.
Hari Om!
So, Grihastha being the pillar of strength for all others, must adhere to his Dharma, failimg which will reflect in his well-being too.
If a wife is left alone at home, still she must observe all these duties.
See, how empowered is the woman in our homeland!
She is treated with reverence and never an object for sensory satisfaction.
Married life implies commitment for self, family and society too.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
When a man of wisdom becomes miserable with your action, it causes decay to Dharma and it leads to disintegration and damage to the world.
Recently in our country, two Sadhus were murdered which gave excruciating pain to all wise men and women.
When innocent children, noble men and women are tortured, it really shows the decay of righteousness in our society.
What is progress when barbarian acts are shamelessly done? That too by a mob?
Nature has put a break on the arrogance of human beings who foolishly behaved as super species, as Corona has proved that humans are not necessary for this planet.
Our survival is solely our problem and our responsibility. Right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.1 – 8.16.10)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.11 – 8.16.21)
Adithi replied to her husband, “My Lord, you know it all, still I tell you, your home has never forgotten to serve the Brahmanas, Cows and Dharma and it has been an abode of Dharma, Artha and Kama. As your loyal consort, I have been giving apt offerings to all. Being the mother of your sons, I have been bestowed with all abundance.
It’s known that Bhagavan is impartial to all, but only those who have devotion to HIM get HIS blessings. Please consider me, who is in constant remembrance of you”.
She explained, enemies had attacked their place and stolen their wealth and glory. She was forced to abscond leaving all her wealth and fame, immersing herself in a sea of grief.
She prayed to him for advising her children, how to regain their lost province.
Shri Shuka said, Sage Kashyapa pretended to be surprised about her affinity for her children.
He exclaimed how Maha Vishnu’s Maya had tied all in HIS rope.
Hari Om!
When you mistake your body as your Self you tend to grieve about others too. In reality, no one has any relation with you.
Adithi was not convinced or pleased with this philosophical reply. So he told her to pray to Bhagavan who grants all materialistic blessings as well as ultimate liberation. It is easy to access HIM as HE dwells in your heart itself.
Complete faith and Devotion alone can save you and grant your wishes.
Note : We can see Mother Adithi expressing her real concern and she justifies her eligibility to get solution for her troubles. We need to ponder here, when we speak for our rights, do we really take up our responsibilities and perform our duties too?
It is amusing to see a little bit of bargaining also here.
Adithi will not settle for anything other than her hard core needs. Philosophy can take next turn.
Sage Kashyapa could recognize it and hence channelized her worrying mind into a prayerful mind to seek within for the Supreme.
As long as we are worrying about something, we don’t get a solution for that.
Hari Om!
Imagine that you are driving on a road, problems are on your left and solutions are on your right. When you keep looking at the problems side, you can’t see the solutions side.
If you observe, all your worries are related to who or what you believe to be yours.
It’s all external to you, and the solution comes from within only.
Bhagavan or the Supreme is nearest or dearest Beloved whom you can access instantly if you look inwards. All resources are within you, ready to help you, in fact waiting for your seeking.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
As long as your basic needs of security and well-being are not ensured, no philosophy can allure you.
So it indicates how fortunate you are to tread on the path of spirituality and self realization because it also implies you are satisfied with other basic things in life.
You don’t have to focus on your livelihood alone and hence you are gifted to explore further in seeking your Higher Self.
All those who read this, please take it for granted that you are here for a BIG purpose in life.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.11 – 8.16.21)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.22 – 8.16.62)
Adithi enquired further about the ‘Hari Upasana’ and Sage Kashyapa prescribed the ‘PayoVrutha’ ritual to seek blessings from Sri Hari.
It’s a twelve days routine of worshipping with a milk diet for the seeker and the exact way of doing worship and all associated rituals are explained very well here.
We request the seekers to go through the Slokas for reference.
There are certain gems of knowledge we see here.
First of all, as you worship, you have to see Lord Sri Hari in an idol, or Padmam, or in the Soorya, or in Agni or in your Guru with your mind focused.
Bhagavatham also says, honoring and offering food to less privileged people is serving Bhagavan Himself.
Sage Kashyapa advised His wife Adithi to observe ‘PayoVrutham’ as explained.
If properly performed with reverence it will grant all worldly and beyond blessings to the seeker.
Hari Om!
Note : This is amazing as what a flexibility and freedom Bhagavatham is giving to the seeker to worship Bhagavan in the most appealing way his can effortlessly focus.
Mind can not grasp infinity, so you need a finite form which can appropriately represent it.
Mind exists on concepts and beliefs and you have to use the same belief system to transcend mind.
Guru is the ONE visible before you to experience Infinity or Bhagavan and it is easier to remember HIS divine form rather than an imagined form of Bhagavan.
It is also easier to feel connection with Guru rather than any other object.
So, Guru is the ONE that connects you to Bhagavan, so anyone who has a SathGuru is closer to God than other seekers.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Don’t you think this is a beautiful illustration of husband-wife relation as we read here?
If a husband and wife have mutual respect that’s enough for the marriage to flourish. Love is secondary in any human relationship.
If respect is there, everything else will fall into proper places.
respect is there, everything else will fall into proper places.
When a wife expresses more respect and the husband expresses more fondness then it turns into a sweet and deep relation which ensures success and joy for the family.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.16.22 – 8.16.62)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.1 – 8.17.11)
Sree Shuka narrates how Bhagavan appears before Mother Adithi as she completes her PayoVrutham as advised by Sage Kashyapa with utmost reverence.
Intellect as the charioteer, using mind (as the rein) controlling the senses (the mischievous horses) and withdrawing them from distractions Adithi meditated on Bhagavan with single focused attention.
Bhagavan adorned beautifully in yellow robes appeared before Adithi, with Shankha,Chakra,Gada and Padmam in four hands.
DevaMatha Adithi sprang up as she suddenly saw HIM and prostrated before HIM.
She could not utter any words, but stood there with tears of joy from her melting heart. She was spellbound and could not sing any Sthuthi too.
Sage Shuka says, her eyes were passionately glued on HIM as if she was absorbing HIM within, through her eyes. As she became conscious, offered her Sthuthi in stammering words.
The next three Slokas comprise her Sthuthi.
Hari Om!
She addresses HIM as, Hey Bhagavan, the ONE who gives fruits of all Karma, worshipped by all Karma, savior of Bhaktha, destroyer of all miseries, and the ONE who gives Darshan to those who surrender before HIM.
She prays to HIM for granting Sukham. She says she is incapable of anything other than surrendering before HIM.
She portrays that It’s such a small task for HIM to grant them all with Shareera(body) with Parama Ayuss (long life), Parama Shakthi (strength), beauty and skills, wealth, abundance, mastery over all worlds and heavens and knowledge too.
Conquering your enemies is a trivial thing if HE blesses you, right?
Sree Shuka says, Bhagavan glanced at her with HIS beautiful lotus like eyes, removing all her grief instantly.
The next Slokas will tell us what Bhagavan conveyed to her.
Note : It’s very difficult for a devotee to speak when Bhagavan appears before him/her. The joy from the heart flows through the eyes and the stammering words are not enough or capable to describe your devotion.
Hari Om!
The all knowing Bhagavan understands without your words too.
She is not talking about knowledge or philosophy here. She as a mother is praying from the bottom of her heart for the well-being of her children. She lists out all her requirements innocently to her Bhagavan.
HE glances her with utmost love and compassion and that was enough to remove all worries and concerns from her heart.
All Karma when done as worship to HIM, is actually giving the Karmaphalam of HIS ‘Darshan’ or in other words, take you to higher planes of devotion.
Dear Devotee,
A mother is a mother only. When it comes to her children, their well-being takes her first priority.
Bhagavan listens to the prayers of mother who surrenders before HIM and blesses the mother as well as the children.
A noble mother gives that much protection to her children and all around her.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.1 – 8.17.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.12 – 8.17.20)
Sree Bhagavan addressed Mother Adithi, “Hey Deva Janani, I know your deep prayers for your children, who were thrown out from Swargam by their enemies. I know you want your sons to win over their enemies, and return to you, offering Pranams at your feet with regained ‘JAYASREE’ (victory and glory).
I know you want to see the wives of Asuras crying near their dead bodies.
You want to see your sons living happily in Swargam with all abundance, glory and glamour once again”.
Reading her mind, Bhagavan said all this and further, “Still it is not the right time to conquer them, especially as they are protected by the Brahmanas.
Yet, your PayoVrutham must ensure boons to you as a devotee’s worship to me will not be in vain.
As your penance was meant for your sons, so, I will take birth as your son and save your sons from this misery. Hence do service to your husband seeing ME in him and with his grace, I will be born to you.
Hari Om!
This is a Deva Rahasyam (sacred, divine secret) and must not be disclosed to anyone”.
Note : We see a most compassionate Bhagavan who is giving Himself to the devotee to fulfill her desire. Whatever your sincere desire is, with committed action and intense prayers you can achieve it.
You need to visualize it in detail to manifest it as Bhagavan tells Adithi. Though she doesn’t tell HIM, it’s all known to the All Knowing Supreme.
Once you pray from your heart, now it becomes Bhagavan’s responsibility to take care of the devotee.
Here, to save Adithi’s sons, Bhagavan is deciding to take birth as her son. Its ultimate care bestowed upon the devotee by the Supreme.
Another knowledge point we come across is, when the couple decide to give birth to a child, let the mother see the Divine in the father (the source of life), and thus, the child will be born with all divine qualities.
Also Bhagavatham cautions, for a Sadhak, the revelations he/she gets in the spiritual journey or self exploration are Sacred Truth and hence must be preserved confidentially within.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
It’s very important to keep your mind pure and settled before inviting a child into your life.
At the time of conceiving and during pregnancy, the mother’s mental state plays a vital role in the formulation of the child’s character.
We have seen that in MahaBharatham, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.12 – 8.17.20)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.21 – 8.17.28)
Sree Shuka continued, “Blessing and assuring Mother Adithi, Bhagavan disappeared. Adithi was almost overwhelmed with joy as the Lord would be born as her son”.
Why Adithi didn’t get ultimate joy from Bhagavan’s blessing? Because, though Bhagavan grants Moksham, the ultimate, yet Adithi didn’t aspire for it. She prayed for personal gratification. So anything less means lesser joy.
Bhagavatham says, that is the power of MayaShakthi, which could blind even Mother Adithi.
Meanwhile in Samadhi, Sage Kashyapa sensed that Bhagavan had entered his body as ‘Veeryam’ and he transferred it to his wife Adithi’s ‘Garbham’.
Bhagavatham says, Samadhi is the state where the vibrant mind becomes still and reflects the Self, which is all knowing of Past, Present and Future.
‘Easwara Sankalpa‘ is behind Bhagavan appearing as Kashyapa’s son to Adithi as Sage Kashyapa is becoming instrumental in destroying his own sons Asuras by his own divine son.
Hari Om!
Brahma Deva praised Bhagavan as HE entered Adithi’s womb.
His Sthuthi concluded, as people drowning in sea find shelter in a ship, Devas outcast from Swargam find solace in Bhagavan.
Lord Brahma prayed to Bhagavan for reinstating Devas in their rightful haven.
Note : Bhagavatham is giving a gentle reminder here, that your prayer must be focused to achieve the Highest, nothing less than that. Because, all worldly relations and possessions are limited, even if you get the highest boon, you can not sustain it eternally.
So Bhagavatham hints here, when you get an opportunity to get a boon from the Lord, ask for the Highest!
Another knowledge point we get here is, Devas and Asuras are from the same father. That implies, both good and bad stem from the same source even though our limited intellect may find it difficult to comprehend.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Brahma Deva, the Lord of Creation is unbiased and stands with Mother Adithi and prays to Bhagavan to fulfil her wish.
When we pray for something, let it be for a just reason, so that even Gods are in unison with us, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.17.21 – 8.17.28)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.18.1 – 8.18.11)
We are blessed as Sree Shuka is all pleased to describe the ‘Bhagavad Vamana Avatharam’ in this part of Bhagavatham.
He says, Lord Brahma praised the glory of Bhagavan as HE appeared in Adithi’s womb with Shamkh, Gada, Padmam and Chakram in HIS ‘four armed’ form. This Divine form is meditated by Saguna Upasaka devotees, means, those who meditate upon the form of the Lord.
The next few slokas describe the garments, ornaments and all accessories in detail.
Please read it as it helps to improve your power of visualization and anchors your mind very positively.
Bhagavan with HIS glowing form was born, removing all the darkness of Ignorance from their minds.
At that time, all celestial bodies aligned in the most auspicious ‘Abhijith Muhoortham’ and heaven and earth filled with mirth and joy. Showers of flowers adorned Adithi’s ashram and the blessed couple stood blissfully beholding their Divine child.
Sage Kashyapa blessed his son to be victorious.
Hari Om!
Note : Let us remember an important aspect of meditation here. The external world is a collection of forms and names.
Can you remember anyone without his/her name and image? The primary identity of a person is declared in infancy when ‘Namakaranam’ is done, attaching a name to the person.
Can you call a mind by its own name? You can only say Arjuna’s body, Arjuna’s mind and so on, right?
So, a seeker needs a form to start with, when he begins Sadhana. Later as he matures, he transcends all forms.
‘Bhagavad Roopam’ is a symbol of all virtues that you want to attain.
There is absolutely no trace of misery or sorrow attached to Divinity in our tradition of worshipping.
Even a glimpse of ‘Bhagavad Roopam’ must instill valour and courage and immeasurable joy in the devotee’s heart.
We have millions of idols, pictures, literature works, art forms and discussions and debates based on Krishna’s life and teachings, but never a picture of HIS death is placed anywhere.
Hari Om!
We are celebrating HIS eternal life, not death of the physical body.
For us, body is only an instrument to accomplish our goals.
‘Bhagavad Roopam’ reminds us to balance our lives with courage, beauty and celebration.
Dear Devotee,
What a beautiful way of welcoming a child into your life, right?
Please share this with all young couple, let them give a regal welcome to their successors in life.
Let the wheel of life move on gloriously…
And there may be people who ask you, “why your Gods are holding weapons in their hands?”.
Now that you have clarity please educate them, “our Gods are role models for us. We learn all virtues from them to lead a life of excellence”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.18.1 – 8.18.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.18.12 – 8.18.32)
As father Kashyapa and mother Adithi were witnessing, Bhagavan turned into a little Brahmin boy.
He was very short and the delighted Maharshis initiated all rituals for Upanayanam by Sage Kashyapa.
Everything went exemplarily well as Suryadeva initiated Him with Gayathri. And all other Upanayana accessories were offered by parents and other Devas. As ‘Upanayanam’ rituals were completed Universal Mother UmaDevi fed him with ‘Bhikshannam’.
Afterward Bhagavan Vamana Moorthi concluded the rituals by offering ‘Homa Dravyam’ in the Agni and set off to see Maha Bali where he was conducting ‘Aswamedham’ yagam.
As the little boy walked, each of HIS step was lowering earth! His tiny body looked like a seed containing a gigantic tree.
Meanwhile MahaBali was on the banks of river Narmada, conducting AswaMedham alongwith his Guru Shukra and other Acharyas.
As VamanaMoorthy approached, they were mesmerized by His glow and wondered if the boy was Soorya or Agni in disguise.
Hari Om!
As HE entered the Yajna Shala with Dandu (long stick of monks), Chathram (umbrella) and Kamandalu (small metallic water pot) they stood up in honour and welcomed with devotion.
MahaBali worshipped Him, washing His Holy Feet with water, and sprinkling that holy water on his head.
Bali prayed, “Hey Brahman, Thy arrival into my Yajnam has purified all of us, even my bygone ancestors. The holy water that washed Thy Holy Feet has removed all my sins. Your Holy feet has purified my land too.
Please receive, whatever YOU want from me”.
Note : It is interesting to note that Bhagavan turned into the form of a little boy, removing all HIS weapons and adopted a sweet and pleasant appearance.
Bhagavan is going to meet His righteous devotee now hence weapons are not needed at all.
Bhagavatham hints that the Dandu or stick represents the punishment meant for Bali, Chathram or umbrella represents the afterwards shelter and Kamandalu or water represents the RasaThalam where Bali will be elevated as ruler.
Hari Om!
Even punishment becomes blessing for the devotee.
When Bhagavan appears, devotee knows it in his heart and offers everything before HIM.
No need of a war or weapons to capture a devotee. He surrenders wholeheartedly and offers himself to Bhagavan.
Dear Devotee,
‘Vamanavatharam’ has been a topic of debate recently. Some people portrait Bhagavan Vamana Moorthy as a persecutor in disguise, who cheated MahaBali.
But we are yet to see the compassion of Bhagavan towards HIS devotee and the honour HE bestowed on him.
So, please read ‘Vamana Avatharam’ attentively and educate others too. Yes?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.18.12 – 8.18.32)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.1 – 8.19.9)
Bhagavatham is coming to a very deep and skillful conversation part now.
As MahaBali offered Vamana Moorthy anything HE could possibly ask, Bhagavan praised Bali and his ancestors.
Bhagavan says, “Hey King, you have given the most appropriate promise. Your lineage is famous for charity and integrity displayed by your ancestors like Prahlada. Your Guru Shukracharya guides you in worldly matters. And noble Prahlada is your guiding light for spiritual matters.
The elders in your family roots have never given false promises or denied charity.
It’s all because of the Grace of Prahlada.
And your forefathers Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kashipu possessed praiseworthy courage and talent.
Vishnu had a great struggle in killing Hiranyaksha while rescuing Earth from him.
Then HiranyaKashipu got mad with anger and searched for Vishnu.
Hari Om!
Vishnu, an expert in mystical warfare and skillful in timely action decided to hide in HiranyaKashipu’s heart to evade his search”.
How did Lord Vishnu enter his heart? We will see soon.
Note : Bhagavatham displays an exemplary skill of coining philosophy with story telling here.
Vamana Moorthy praises MahaBali for the impeccable heredity and glory that surrounds him.
HIS comparison of the Asuras almost at par with Lord Vishnu may surprise us. This skillful conversation actually binds Bali more to his promise to be delivered.
Lord Vishnu knew the one who searches for HIM outside cannot find HIM anywhere. Only those who turn inward can find HIM.
It seems, as Bhagavan stands as a small boy before Maha Bali, HE is actually giving a hint that if Bali looks within he can recognize the Lord standing before him.
Only the most fortunate can recognize Bhagavan and for that you really need to look within.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Have you noticed the impact of speech here?
Praising people wisely will actually bind them to you.
When you become instrumental for honouring even your forefathers, what more can you dream for a compliment?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.1 – 8.19.9)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.10 – 8.19.17)
Lord Vamana’s discourse to Maha Bali continues.
Vishnu knew that Hiranya Kashipu was searching for HIM outside, hence HE decided to hide within the Asura’s heart itself. Asura was scared and thus his mind was wavering. Then Bhagavan entered his breath in ‘Sookshma Shareeram’ and reached within his body.
Hiranya Kashipu saw that Vishnu was not in Vaikunta and it agitated him further. He kept rushing in all planes of worlds in search of Vishnu. After a long feverish, futile search, he assumed Vishnu would have attained Yama Lokam where there is no returning from.
Still he couldn’t forgive Vishnu for killing his brother. His enmity was sprouting from his anger and anger lasts till you mistake your body as your Self.
Anger vanishes when you know your Atma.
Ignorance is, not knowing about your Atma.
Ignorance causes pride in body consciousness and that leads to anger and eventually to enmity.
Hari Om!
So people who mistake their body as their self will suffer from enmity all through their lives.
Your father Virochana was also highly generous and gave his life as offering to Devas who came in disguise as Brahmanas.
After praising the ancestors Vamana praised Bali himself heftily.
And then HE begged MahaBali to grant Three Feet of Land to HIM.
HE clarified that asking for more than what you need is a sin.
Bhagavan went as a Brahmana because it is rightful for a Brahmana to beg.
HE also states that you should ask a person if and only if he is happy to donate.
The donor must be from a family where his ancestors were also generously giving charity.
Note : As long as you search outside, and do not look within, you cannot find the Lord at all. How beautifully Bhagavatham portrays it here.
We can also see how terribly fear can weaken our minds and how it affects the rhythm of our breath too.
Hari Om!
The mental state can affect our breathing positively or negatively and it can determine our destiny too.
Another interesting thing we see here is, Bhagavan first praised Bali for his charity and generosity and then placed HIS request. It is putting Bali into a more generous state right?
Dear Devotee,
When you inherit good virtues from your ancestors, it becomes your habit. When you see your elders being generous you will naturally develop generosity and its effortless for you.
When your actions stem from your noble attitude, it’s like a beautiful flower with fragrance.
The best gift you can give to your lineage is being models of excellence so that they can learn from you.
And practise breathing exercises regularly for your well being!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.10 – 8.19.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.18 – 8.19.27)
Maha Bali replies proudly to Lord Vamana in the next slokas.
“It seems you are so naïve and not selfish as the child you are. You are asking for three feet of land only from me though you know that I can donate even continents. And you don’t need to approach anyone else as I can grant all the land that you need”.
Bhagavan replies profoundly, “Hey King, you are generous to give, but the seeker must be satisfied to meet his needs only. Moreover, the one who can not win over own senses, can not rejoice in any big achievements in all worlds.
One who is not happy with three feet of land, will not be happy with an island too. Because then his desire will grow more to acquire seven more islands.
There are many like Prithu, Gayan and so on, who could never find a limit to their desires.
One who is happy with unprompted gains is the real happy person. Others who haven’t won their minds remain unhappy even if they gain all the three worlds.
Hari Om!
Happiness and unhappiness can cause both liberation and bondage. Lack of satisfaction causes bondage while satisfaction causes liberation.
It’s happiness that brings abundance and Grace. Lack of happiness will deplete your Grace.
“Happiness is the root cause of well-being. So, I will be happy with mere three feet of land. Wealth must be sufficient, not in excess, because excess wealth can cause anxiety and thus misery too”.
Note : Bhagavatham points here, the proud attitude of Maha Bali where he thinks he is the best donor in all worlds. He doesn’t recognize that its Bhagavan HimSelf who has come in the form of a small boy.
So, is there anything wrong here? Yes, when your ego dominates, you cannot recognize divinity.
And see the importance of being happy and content as Bhagavatham convinces us.
Happiness is a quality that helps you to develop all other qualities and maintain your physical and mental well-being.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Life is a series of moments. Happy moments as well as unhappy moments can create such patterns in life.Consciously choosing to be happy is the best gift you can give yourself.
Writing a wish list and doing them one by one, spending time for your hobbies, talking to your sincere friends, listening to music or following your dream can all increase your happiness quotient.
Let’s do a small experiment?
Sit comfortably with closed eyes for some time, take a few slow and deep breaths.
Then, just imagine you are breathing in happiness and breathing out happiness. All the air around you is happiness.
And you are HAPPINESS!
Taking your own time, open your eyes.How do you feel now?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.18 – 8.19.27)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.28 – 8.19.37)
Shree Shuka continues, “MahaBali smiled and told Vamana to accept what he wished”.
Then Bali took the water vessel in hands for taking Sankalp before granting the donation.
Shukra Muni immediately paused him, “see, this is Lord Vishnu who has come in this little form. HE has taken birth as the son of Sage Kashyapa and Adithi to fulfill the need of Devas.
You are not aware of the consequences of your promise. It will bring misery to the Asuras.
HE will disarm you of all your wealth and possessions and return them to Devendra.
Don’t justify that you have promised only three feet of land. HE can grow exponentially to fill the entire universe and grab the whole world from you. How will you sustain your body then?
Don’t worry about keeping your word, because you can’t grant it anyway as HE will place HIS first step on Bhoomi, second step on Swargam and you can’t show any place for HIS third step!
Hari Om!
So, any way you are going to break your promise and why not withdraw it completely as it will save your life.
Tell HIM ‘No’ now, it will save you from all misery. There is no grace in donating everything and yielding to poverty. You will be defamed too”.
Now Shukracharya gives a beautiful advice on how to spend your money.
Divide your money into five parts. Use first part for the purpose of Dharma, second for maintaining Sath Keerthi, third for further investment, fourth for your own comfort and fifth for giving comfort to your people.
If you manage your money this way, it will make your life easy here in this world and beyond.
Note : We are taking only these ten slokas now, because it is truly educating us with practical life lessons, especially for young men and women.
Maha Bali’s Guru Shukracharya is cautioning him about many aspects of life here. First and foremost is the spiritual dimension, where he is pointing the shishya’s attention towards Bhagavan.
This is the noblest purpose of a Guru, who alone can show you The Supreme Lord.
Hari Om!
Then Shukra is warning about the consequences Bali and Asuras will have to face.
And finally the economics of money management to improve and sustain good will, harmony among relations, your own well-being and contribution to society too.
“How will you live if all your wealth is gone? So think before you act” is the essence of his advice to Bali.
Dear Devotee,
Sometimes a ‘NO’ in the very beginning can save you from a series of miseries caused by a ‘YES’, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.28 – 8.19.37)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.38 – 8.19.43)
Shukracharya continues, “You may be puzzled about breaking your promise as AsathyaVadam is most sordid, right? Let me explain how you can determine what is Truth and what is not. Listen carefully about what applies to common people. The Mantras in the Vedas are the most important reference for ascertaining Truth. To speak concisely, anything uttered with AUM is Truth and all others are untruth”.
Here Shukra gives a metaphor to define Truth. Body is like a tree and Truth is like its flowers and fruits. If the tree does not exist, its flowers and fruits can’t exist too. Similarly if your body doesn’t exist truth has not existence at all. Body is rooted in ‘Asathyam’ and hence ‘Sathyam’ has relevance only with ‘Asathyam’.
So, at any cost save your body; because without body, there is no word or promise to keep.
No Shruthi will be offended if you speak Asathyam to protect your life.
Also, as you chant AUM to donate something to another person, that sacrifice actually makes you incomplete. You lose wealth with AUM and hence become incomplete.
Hari Om!
When you say ‘No’ it preserves your wealth.
If you say, “I don’t have anything, I am in misery” it will invite wealth from others. But if you make it a habit, it will defame you.
So use your wisdom to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ according to the situation.
And do not worry about not keeping your word as there are certain situations where false promises are appreciated. For example, to woo women, in entertainment, in praising a bride and groom, to get food while starving, to escape from death, to protect noble men and cows and to save some one from death etc.
Yajnavalkya states, when a person of a high order is sentenced to death, the witness must even say lies to save him from death.
Shruthi and Smrithi also state, absolute Sathyam and absolute Asathyam are not adequate for worldly life. You need to adopt both according to Time and Place.
Let’s see how Bali will respond to his Acharya’s advice.
Note : Shukra as Acharya gives all possible suggestions to protect the interest of his shishya.
Hari Om!
Here we can see an advice to common people to live a practical life. No one can live an all ‘YES’ or all ‘NO’ life.
When to say ‘No’ without affecting the quality of life or deteriorating values is described here.
There can be conflict while observing Dharma. The most important reference for us whenever we have doubts about Dharma is Shruthi or the Vedas.
Shukra is making Bali aware of all consequences of his action.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
How do we know whether we are Right or Wrong?
Usually people take impulsive actions and regret later.
Spontaneity and impulsiveness are entirely different.
While spontaneity comes from an intuitive mind, impulsiveness comes from a restless and feverish mind.
It’s difficult to define right and wrong, but it is much easier to analyse if something is good or bad.
If you are selfless and centred and do things with a noble purpose you can hardly make any mistake.
Even if you make a mistake it will turn out to be good ultimately.
And remember the situations where lies are allowed, so that you don’t get cheated too. Right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.19.38 – 8.19.43)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.20.1 – 8.20.13)
Mahabali sat silently for a while in contemplation as his Guru Shukra concluded.
Then he made up his mind and replied, “I agree, the Grihastha must adhere to the Dharma what sustains Artha, Kama, Yashassu and upajeevanam. But please tell me, if I refuse to grant what I promised to a Brahmana, will that preserve my fame? I will be a cheat born in the most famous lineage of Prahlada. Mother Earth can hold anyone other than the untruthful. Even poverty or hell do not scare me as the defame due to untruthfulness.
Whatever you acquire in this world will remain here as you leave your body here. Even granting all your possessions can not harm you, as the blessings from auspicious people only can help in the life beyond.
Famous warriors prefer to embrace death in the war field as their glory shines ever after. Giving all wealth to a Maha Brahmana and preserving my good will is what I prefer now.
Even if he is Vishnu who has come to rob from me, I take it as a boon as HE is the ONE sought by all sages and Rishis.
Hari Om!
And while I observe Dharma, in case HE does Adharmic act upon me, it further adds to my glory. So by all means I must grant my promise and donate three feet of land to him as I promised.
If its Vishnu who has come as Vamana then HE will not bind an innocent donor like me and thus invite defame to himself. On the contrary, if HE binds me HE will glorify me more to retain his Grace. If I refuse what I promised, HE can easily capture me and that will invite ill fame, loss of wealth and death too. Smaller danger is better than a bigger danger, right? And if its not Vishnu, he will drop dead in the battle with me”.
Note : See, this is the most beautiful aspect of our philosophy. Even when your Guru says something, you have the freedom to introspect and decide what suits you. This is the uniqueness of Oriental schools of thought.
Its amazing to watch the train of logical thoughts Mahabali expresses here. He is very much rational in reaching the conclusion or decision by examining all aspects of the problem in hand.
What will be the response from his Guru Shukra? Lets see soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is very much like a Yes/No or True/False analogy in a computer program’s flow chart, right?
If a particular condition exists take this option otherwise take the other option and so on.
It gives immense clarity to your thinking and saves a lot of time and energy from over thinking and vicious cycles of repeated thinking.
Whenever we are stuck in a problem and try to reach a decision how do we exercise our thinking process?
Learn from Mahabali, you can even take a ‘paper and pen’ method to write down your running thoughts to reach a productive outcome.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.20.14 – 8.20.34)
As Mahabali was determined to grant what he promised to Vamana, Shukracharya cursed him for disobeying his instruction.
This reminds us that GuruVakya must be observed keenly. Through Easwara Sankalpa Bhagavan Vishnu HIMSELF who acts through all beings, prompted Shukra to curse him.
Shukra said, “as you arrogantly disobeyed me, you will be immediately dethroned from fame”.
This could not deter Bali from his commitment. He enthroned Vamana and worshipping HIM, donated Bhoomi as promised.
His wife Queen Vindhyavali assisted him and they sprinkled their heads with the holy water that washed the Lotus Feet of Lord Vamana.
All heavenly beings showered flowers on MahaBali, praising his noble and virtuous act. They sang to hail his glory on doing such a selfless act though he was aware of its consequences.
No one else can do it, for sure.
As they all looked, Vamana started to grow up bigger and bigger filling the whole universe.
Hari Om!
All manifest and un-manifest were seen contained in the Lord.
We have no words to capture the ‘Viswa Roopa Darshanam’ and request the readers to please read it yourselves.
With His first step, Bhoomi was covered, ‘Virad Shareeram’ covered all skies, arms enveloped all directions.
His second step covered Swargam and all worlds beyond it.
For His third step, there was nothing left for MahaBali to offer.
Note : Bhagavatham is showing us the nobility and determination of MahaBali in maintaining his glorious and virtuous life. His sacrifice is so commendable and very difficult to imitate.
But let me ask you a question, “when Bhagavan comes with a begging bowl, can we hold anything back for ourselves? We will give everything because it’s all HIS only, right?
What will Bali do next, for the third step? Let’s see soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Bhagavan is beyond all our logical and rational calculations, right?
Let’s think the ultimate, yet our thoughts can not reach there.
Surrender has the true relevance when even our maximum effort can reach no where and our ego accepts its ultimate failure.
Its then that our life turns magical…
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.20.14 – 8.20.34)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.21.1 – 8.21.25)
Srimad Bhagavatham describes the ‘Sree Vamana Viswa Roopam’ here.
With the Virad Shareeram extending beyond Swargam and reaching Sathya Lokam, all heavenly beings worshipped HIS Lotus Feet.
Lord Brahma washed HIS Feet with water and that heavenly stream started to flow as Holy Ganga.
Bhagavan again adopted the short physique of Boy Vamana.
Asuras were bewildered, telling each other how their Swami Maha Bali was cheated. They rushed to protect Bali and capture Bhagavan, who were stopped and attacked by Vishnu Parshadas.
Maha Bali remembered the curse of Shukra and guessed what was going on, so he called back his army, “Come back, listen to me, don’t fight! This is not our time. We can’t defeat the Lord. HE was favouring us so far adding to our glory and denying to the Devas, but now HE is favouring the Devas and denying to us. Everything depends on Time and no one can overrule it. So let’s wait patiently till our time comes again.
Hari Om!
You have enjoyed winning the Devas many times and now its their turn to enjoy. Success and failure are decided by Time. So, bear with your defeat and wait patiently for our chosen time”.
Asuras retreated in obedience to his order.
Note : We can see the wisdom of Maha Bali as a leader here. He is cautious to protect his army and cajole them giving the right guidance even at the time of defeat and withdrawal from battle.
Through these slokas we come across profound wisdom of life too.
Opposite values are complementary in life. There is light and darkness as day and night in the world. Similarly there are happy moments and unhappy moments in life. True wisdom is maintaining peace in all situations with a balanced mind.
There is nothing great in seeking happiness at all times, being peaceful come what may is what truly matters.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever thought what kind of a program is fed into our young kids’ minds these days?
They are inspired to be successful all the time, but they are seldom prepared to face failures.
Those who can not accept failure as an inevitable part of life are actually vulnerable in life.
The lessons from failures are building a strong foundation for a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Pain and suffering deepen your roots and actually help in expanding your branches to bear more fruits, if taken in the right sense.
We should also have the wisdom to take action and wait patiently as time demands.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.21.1 – 8.21.25)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.21.26 – 8.21.34)
It was Garuda’s turn next as the Bird King knew Bhagavan’s will and thus tied Maha Bali with ‘Varuna Pasham’.
What was Bhagavan’s will? Bali had pride in his ownership over land and all other possessions. Last pride was about his own body and even that pride must vanish to become eligible for the Grace or Bhagavad Kripa. In order to spread Bali’s glory all over the world, Bhagavan wanted to thrash him further.
Garuda did this to Bali, as Abhimanam is the root cause of Adhogathi.
All worlds roared as Bhagavan captivated Maha Bali.
Bali’s glow appeared to be less now, still his intellect was unshaken and he remained elegant and in good poise.
Bhagavan demanded, “Hey Bali, you had promised three feet to ME, I have taken two feet covering all that you had. Where can I place my third foot now?
Wherever the Sun’s rays and Moon’s light and clouds can reach, was yours so far and I have taken all of it now.
Hari Om!
If you can’t show me where I can place my third foot, you are breaking your promise and thus be prepared to dwell in Hell”.
Note : When there are miseries in life, we must look at them as manure for our own growth. A life with all ‘goody goody’ events will be very much shallow. Pain brings in depth and we gain a lot from the lessons we learned from it.
MahaBali is showing an excellent example of how to accept failure with elegance and integrity. Bhagavad Kripa is very much difficult to understand at times. Usually we take only happiness as good luck. We may not realize the blessings in disguise when unhappy events appear in life.
Bhagavatham reminds us, when Bhagavan gives lashes, it’s ultimately for the best only, well beyond our wildest imaginations.
Dear Devotee,
When everything belongs to you is offered to Bhagavan, what is there to remain as yours?You become HIS only!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.21.26 – 8.21.34)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.1 – 8.22.11)
This chapter shows how Maha Bali was purified by removing all elements of ego and Bhagavan elevated him to Suthalam.
We can see that Bhagavan played many tricks to divert him from Truth and even humiliated him, yet he remained unshaken. Great men show wisdom and valor in all challenging situations.
Maha Bali spoke to Bhagavan, “Hey Bhagavan, my word is never in vain. YOU have come as Vamana and demanded three feet and then at the time of measuring YOU grew up as Viswa Roopi. Wasn’t it falsehood? Still I will prove that my word was not false promise.
I surrender my head for the third step and that is more than all the wealth I had. Please place YOUR third foot on my head and be compassionate not to label me as deceitful.
It is said, at any cost save your body. But I believe in saving my integrity rather than the perishable body which can drop dead any moment. More than death, I am scared about ill fame.
YOU have punished me like no father, mother or friend can ever do. It’s for my benefit only.
Hari Om!
Parents punish children for some selfish motive usually, but Bhagavan punishes for your ultimate glory only.
We Asuras were proud with all wealth and possessions and Aiswaryam made us unimaginably
arrogant too. Now YOU have withdrawn its root cause and uplifted our minds. YOU are our true Guru who has come in disguise as an enemy.
Devas are connected to YOU through devotion and we Asuras are connected through enmity.
And we get equally blessed as Devas.
Bhagavan stealing your Aiswaryam is a great boon as that elevates your consciousness before death steals it.
I can understand, its my Pithamaha Bhaktha Prahlada who made it possible for me as I am fortunate to be born in his lineage”.
Note : Maha Bali first points out that Bhagavan was pretending and changed HIS form and then further accused him. Still Bali graciously kept his promise. We can see his ‘thought train’ getting wiser as he understands the real meaning of surrender before Bhagavan.
Hari Om!
Devotion is connecting through a pleasant and joyful mode. Enmity is also connecting, though through an unpleasant and agitating mode.
So, what truly matters is getting connected to the Lord through whatever means. Only indifference keeps you disconnected from HIM. So, you can use any emotion or feeling to reach HIM and you must use all of them as time is less and no one knows when it all will be over.
Then we see how one great ancestor can bless all generations to come. It’s a legacy that continues through generations in the lineage.
Dear Devotee,
Who or what you are going to be remembered for? What are the core values that you hold close to your heart?
What is your influence in the coming generations in your family and around you in society?
Let us be guardian angels to each other and uplift our minds together. Don’t you think so?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.1 – 8.22.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.12 – 8.22.17)
Sree Shuka describes now, the arrival of Prahlada as a glowing full moon sets in the sky.
Maha Bali saw his splendid ‘Pithamaha’, but unable to prostrate before him, offered Pranam with bowing head. Seeing Bhaktha Prahlada, his heart filled with regret for the remorse shown towards Bhagavan, face drooped with shame and eyes welled up with sadness.
Prahlada prostrated ‘Danda Namaskaram’ with overwhelming joy before Bhagavan.
Prahlada spoke with utmost reverence, “Hey Bhagavan, YOU have not disrobed Bali of any wealth. YOU have only withdrawn what YOU had granted. It’s like a father grabbing the sweets he gave to a son, when the same sweets become sickening for him. That’s true fatherly love and care. Bali would have fallen with the pride of Aiswaryam, so most mercifully YOU took it back.
Even an Atma Jnani cannot resist the challenge imposed by Aiswaryam, and who can know the Self with such temptations around? It’s very rare.
Hari Om!
Prostrating before my Bhagavan, who dwells in every heart knowing everything and yet remaining ‘Nirvikara’ ”.
Note : We can see the sudden change in Bali as he saw his forefather before him. Only a devotee can kindle devotion in another person. It’s like lighting your diya from another lit diya.
Prahlada states the importance of giving first priority to Atma Jnana at any cost.
What a beautiful example is given here to explain granting and withdrawing Aiswaryam.
Whatever Bhagavan gives is for ultimate growth of the devotee.
There is only blessing in life for a devotee. Whatever seems to be a curse is actually a blessing in disguise.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The ONE who knows everything knows what is best for you.
Life is a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant events and it’s all needed to take you to your highest potential.
Rather than wanting happiness always, accept all situations with a balanced mind.
A devotee is the favourite of Bhagavan and he is always protected.
So just be and relax!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.12 – 8.22.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.18 – 8.22.20)
BrahmaDeva was about to speak to Bhagavan when He saw Bali’s wife Vindhyavali already started addressing HIM.
Immediately BrahmaDeva allowed her to speak.
Vindhyavali was scared to see her husband MahaBali tied up with ‘Varuna Pasham’.
With bowing head she prayed to Bhagavan Vamana Moorthi, “Hey Maheswara, YOU have created the three worlds as part of YOUR Leela.
Ignorant people think they are the owners and take pride in it. These shameless people are deluded and in actuality what can they surrender before YOU? Do they own anything first of all? Then what can they offer in surrender?”.
Hinting at her husband Bali, she continued, it was utter foolishness and arrogance to claim that “I can give whatever you want! Once you ask me, you needn’t approach anyone else.
Its stupidity, to ask for mere three feet of land to the one who own three worlds”.
Hari Om!
Now its another blunder to offer his head for the third step, and claim that he has delivered his promise, as if he is the owner of his body!
Even this body is YOUR creation only, then how can he make a claim on it?
So, I pray for this man who has no wisdom or shame and please be merciful with him, Oh Bhagavan!”.
Note : It is such a precious jewel of wisdom that we get here.
The definition of Surrender cannot be more precise than this!
Who can take pride in surrender when you own nothing?
Did you create this body first of all? Then what to say about all that you see around, which were here before you were born and after you are gone?
This delusion that you possess people and objects leads to attachment and entanglement.
Misery ends when you let go of ownership. Freedom dawns when you stop owning and claiming.
Vindhyavali presents the ultimate wisdom in a few words.
Hari Om!
Moreover, Lord Brahma displays reverence to the wife of an Asura and its very much noticeable right?
Vindhyavali expresses her opinion very strongly in a commendable manner, typical of the woman in our culture!
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever wondered who you are?
When you say “I” what are the components that constitutes it?
Let’s examine the Seven Layers of Existence we all have.
First of all, it’s our gross, physical body.
Second it’s the breath that keeps the body alive.
Third layer is our mind.
Fourth is the intellect.
Fifth is the memory.
Sixth is the Ego, or the limited identity we think we own.
And, Seventh layer is none other than The Self or Atma!
Hari Om!
Realize, when we think we are something, we own something and we do something, we are operating at the Sixth layer of Ego.
When we transcend that layer, we dissolve into Universal Consciousness.
Interesting, right? You are not what you think you are, but much beyond!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.18 – 8.22.20)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.21 – 8.22.32)
Lord Brahma prayed, “Hey DevaDeva, Hey Jaganmaya, YOU have taken all that he had. Now kindly release him. He deserves it. Please be compassionate with him”.
Brahma hinted that even a small leaf or little water offered with devotion pleases Bhagavan, why not Bali who offered everything including his body, be punished further?
Bali is entitled for liberation, according to Lord Brahma.
Sree Bhagavan spoke, “Hey Brahma, whoever I bless, first of all I take away their Aiswaryam. Because ‘Aiswaryamadamathan’ (the one who gets intoxicated with wealth) will become arrogant and offend the world and ME too. When his wealth is snatched away, he becomes humble and prayerful.
When you get a human birth, you should be humble and devoid of arrogance because it is very rare to get it. The one whose mind dwells on me alone is unshaken and never craves for any
Aiswaryam. Such devotees like Prahlada and Dhruva are blessed with Aiswaryam.
Hari Om!
Bali has transcended MY ‘Maya’ as he is still unwavering even when I have taken all that belonged to him. So, I will bless him with the utmost in life”.
Bhagavan describes all the challenges Bali faced so far, “he lost all his wealth. He was dropped out from Indra’s seat. Insulted by enemies adding to his injury. Was tied up and abandoned by all dears. Suffered from great pain. Shukracharya cursed him. I gave fake advice on Dharma. Still nothing could divert his mind from Sathyam. He is ready to offer his body and head to place my third Foot.
I am going to grant the ultimate place for him, which even Devas can not imagine! He will become Devendra in Savarni Manwanthara and till then he will be in Suthalam, created by Viswakarma. My glance is always protecting Suthalam and so it will be free from all mental and physical discomforts and displeasures”.
Note : Bhagavan replies to Lord Brahma how HE has taken MahaBali into consideration.
Whenever there are severe challenges in life, some may curse God asking why it happened to them.
This part of Bhagavatham describes the true valour and grace of the devotee.
Hari Om!
A devotee is the dearest to Bhagavan and whatever good or bad happens is ultimately good for the devotee.
Dear Devotee,
You are a precious jewel in this world. The very fact that you are reading this commentary on Bhagavatham is a proof of it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.21 – 8.22.32)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.33 – 8.22.36)
Bhagavan turned to Bali now and spoke most compassionately, “Hey King, you are at par with Devendra, do not worry, I will grant you Indra’s position too. Now go to Suthalam with your people and reign as King there. It will be glorious for you. No one will oppose you, not even Indra. Those who dare so, will have to face MY Sudarshana Chakram.
I MYSELF will protect you and your people and all your wealth. I will guard your gateway and you will see ME present there every moment.
What is good about it?
All the Asurik traits you may develop through your association with other Asuras and like minded people will vanish instantly as you constantly have MY Darshan”.
Note : Bhagavan is giving such an assurance to HIS devotee here.
See, the Lord HIMSELF is going to guard HIS devotee.
Is it a boon for Bali only?
No, we all devotees can feel HIS Presence every moment in our lives.
Hari Om!
If we don’t feel it, it is just because we don’t have enough faith and surrender.
What a guarantee MahaBali got now!
Dear Devotee,
We are getting a truly precious knowledge point here.
When we see Bhagavan constantly, no one else in this world can affect us negatively.
In other words, if we have constant remembrance of the Lord, our minds can never get polluted by the world.
Bhagavan is eager to watch over us, we need to give HIM a chance, that’s all.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.22.33 – 8.22.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.1 – 8.23.8)
Sree Suka concluded MahaBali’s story saying that Prahlada and Bali set off for Suthalam while Indra went to Swargam.
Maha Bali’s eyes welled up with gratitude, “Bhagavan, I was not even offering a proper Namaskaram, still YOU have granted all blessings abundantly on me. How graceful must be a surrendered Namaskaram at YOUR Lotus Feet!”.
Bhagavan freed Bali from ‘Varuna Pasham’ and let him go to Suthalam. Indra was happy as he was granted Swargam again.
Prahlada, the one constantly filled with deep devotion happily glanced at Bali.
He praised Bhagavan, “Even Brahma or Siva or Sree Devi could not get this great fortune as we got now, that YOU are guarding us. It’s none of our merit, but YOUR Grace only. It’s YOUR compassion only.
Bhagavan, YOU have no favourites, still YOU are fond of sincere devotees only. YOU will grant all their wishes. This is mysterious though”.
Hari Om!
Note : We can see that ultimately everything turns out to be good for all when the Divine Will takes manifestation. All are happy now. And that’s how Bhagavan grants wishes.
Let’s see what’s HIS plan for Bali next.
Dear Devotee,
We have heard that Bhagavan would not take anyone’s side. Then what is so special with HIS devotees?
Think about it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.1 – 8.23.8)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.9 – 8.23.10)
Sree Bhagavan blessed Prahlada, “Dear one, may Glory be with you. Go to Suthalam to join Maha Bali and stay blessed with your people.
You will see ME holding the mighty ‘gada’ all the time at your gateway. You will have MY ‘Swaroopa Darshanam’ always and that ultimate joy will erase your ‘karma bandham’ completely”.
Note : This is the ultimate way to liberation. Bhagavan watching over the dear devotee every moment!
You are protected by HIM.
What more do you need in life?
Dear Devotee,
Whatever you constantly see or hear, is actually influencing you consciously or unconsciously.
Your circle of influence (the five people with whom you have maximum regular interaction) determines your success and failure.
When you want to meet a goal in life, check your circle of influence too.
Hari Om!
Your sub conscious mind filled with positivity will take you to the greatest heights in life.
The constant remembrance of the Lord is the ultimate way to liberation.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.9 – 8.23.10)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.11 – 8.23.31)
Sree Shuka Muni now describes how Prahlada and MahaBali did ‘Pradakshinam’ for Bhagavan and set off for ‘Suthalam’, the higher plane gifted to them by the Lord.
Then Bhagavan directed Shukra Acharya to conclude his shishya’s Yagam with all rituals.
Shukra replied in all compliance, “Hey Bhagavan, all imperfections in any Yagam get vanished with YOUR Nama Sankeerthanam. Here what more we can dream of, every thing gets most auspicious by YOUR Darshan! Still we will obey what YOU advised”.
While Shukra concluded the Yagam, Lord Vamana was adorned as ‘Yuva Raja’. Then Indra escorted Bhagavan in a ‘Vahanam’ drawn by Devas, to Swargam and got enthroned once again most gracefully.
Thus the most sacred story of Sree Vamana Avatharam concludes here.
‘Phala Shruthi’ says how auspicious it is to listen to ‘Vamana Avatharam’ and praise Lord Vamana’s glory.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham has gifted a precious pearl of Wisdom through Vamana Avatharam to the devotees. Bhagavan will go to any extend to protect HIS devotees.
The amazing thing to note is, both Indra and Maha Bali were blessed. There is no difference for Bhagavan as we can see here.
All long prevailing enmities among Devas and Asuras ended by HIS intervention.
Only Bhagavan can please all alike!
Dear Devotee,
It is high time we tell people, MahaBali was not punished by Bhagavan and sent to Pathalam, but he was uplifted to a higher plane of Suthalam and rightly honoured and protected by Lord Vamana.
This story of great value must reach everyone!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.23.11 – 8.23.31)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.1 – 8.24.6)
The twenty fourth and last chapter of Eighth Canto starts now with the story of Lord Matsya’s Avatharam.
King Pareekshith wished to hear this story too as he was amazed by the Vamana Avatharam of Bhagavan Sree Hari.
The very first Avatharam of Bhagavan as a Matsya may seem to be ridiculous for many as they may wonder, why Bhagavan chose such a ‘lower form’ first of all?
Every incarnation of the Lord has definite purposes and carries the power to eradicate the darkness of ignorance.
Sage Sootha narrated the same old story (by Sree Shuka to King Pareekshith) to Shaunakas as follows.
Sree Shuka stated the common purpose of all Avatharams as, Bhagavan takes many forms to save the cows, Brahmanas, Devas, Sadhus, Dharma, Artha, and Veda Karmas.
As wind is free from all pleasant and unpleasant fragrances though it carries it all alike, Bhagavan is detached from all forms that seem to be attached with HIM.
Hari Om!
HE adopts whatever serves the specific purpose for the specific time, that’s all.
Note : Bhagavatham has just completed the story of Vamana who displayed a tiny form that grew up exponentially into the sky in a fraction of time.
Now Matsya Avatharam is another similar, marvelous story describing how HE grew up incrementally in various water bodies.
We can also see that no species is lower or higher for Bhagavan as HE alone is within all living forms.
And most importantly nothing can limit HIM, though our minds try a lot through our concepts.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
What we understand from these stories is, wonderment is a way to ‘no mind’.
Holding onto limited concepts can not help us.
Realizing that Truth is much bigger than the limited frames we use to capture it in, is true wisdom.
Even the story of first Avatharam appears much later in the thread of stories in Bhagavatham! Isn’t it confusing and at the same time breaking patterns of story telling?
Let’s see what Lord Matsya is going to teach us very soon.
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.7 – 8.24.30)
Sree Shuka narrated Matsya Avathara story briefly, “Naimithika Pralaya is the phase of Lord Brahma’s sleep, when all the worlds submerged under water. As Brahmadeva was seeping into sleep, four Vedas were about to leave His face. Suddenly an Asura called Hayagreeva captivated them. Then Lord SreeHari manifested as a huge fish, killed the asura and regained the Vedas”.
Another story is about a king Sathyavratha Rajarshi who took intense penance consuming only water. With that penance, he took rebirth as Sradhadeva Manu in the next lifetime.
One day while doing JalaTharpanam in Krithamala river, Sathyavratha got a magnificent fish in his hands. As he was about to drop it back in the water, the fish begged, “oh compassionate king! please do not leave me here in the midst of predators in this river”.
Little did the king know that it was Bhagavan in disguise who came to bless him.
Most mercifully, the king took the fish in his kamandalu and reached ashram.
Hari Om!
Next morning, he saw that the fish had overgrown the kamandalu and it requested him to drop it into a bigger vessel. Astonishingly it kept growing bigger and he put it into a lake.
This drama continued with bigger and bigger lakes and water bodies until they reached the ocean.
There also the gigantic fish pleaded to king for protection and this time Sathyavratha enquired , “actually who are you, mesmerizing us like this? We have never seen or heard such a wonder before. You are exponentially growing and filling all lakes instantly! You must be none other than Bhagavan who dwells in ‘Karana Jalam’. Please be kind and enlighten me why YOU took this peculiar form of a fish”.
Note : Bhagavatham is a treasure house of mesmerizing stories with most precious jewels of wisdom. Human mind has a tendency to capture and possess objects and people. Once we possess something, the charm is gone and mind yearns for more and the drama is endless. T
he entire world is not sufficient to quench the thirst of human mind that chases mirages of desires.
Hari Om!
Wonder is end of mind as mind freezes in astonishment. Only Bhagavan can endlessly give wonders and keep Himself beyond the grasp and possession of our mind.
Truth is beyond mind; Infinity is beyond mind and anything that can be grasped by the mind becomes finite.
So, wisdom is understanding the limitations of human mind and thus realization of Self happens.
Dear Devotee,
Have you ever wondered about the dramas of human mind?
If not, please start observing it and its more entertaining than any movie!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.7 – 8.24.30)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.31 – 8.24.45)
Sree Shuka continued the Matsya Avathara story.
Bhagavan replied to King Sathyavratha very fondly, “Hey mighty king, listen to ME. Seven days from today, all the three worlds will submerge under sea. I will send a huge ship to you, collect all kinds of seeds and herbs and embark and join the Saptha Rishis on board. It will be dark as there will be no Sun, yet the Thejus from the Rishis will illuminate your path.
Your ship will be trembling in mighty storms, still you can tie it to my horn with the gigantic Sarpam Vasuki safely. I will carry you all in the sea, until the Pralayam subsides at the end of Brahma’s night. When you travel with ME, you can ask questions reverently about ME! Then you will be blessed to know the Paramartha Thatwam in your heart”.
Saying thus, Lord Matsya disappeared.
King Sathyavratha waited for the predicted day and he saw the rising sea engulfing all worlds. He saw the huge vessel with Saptharshis and joined them on board. Saptharshis encouraged him speaking hopefully about overcoming this great challenge by meditating upon the Lord.
Hari Om!
Thus King meditated and Lord Matsya appeared as a gigantic golden fish sizing one million yojanas and with one horn. Sathyavratha tied the ship to the horn with Vasuki as he was instructed earlier and praised HIS Glory.
Note : Bhagavan is very fond of His devotees who surrender at His Lotus Feet with undivided minds. Besides, HE enjoys with His pastimes or Leela, this time it was playing in the ‘Pralaya Jalam’ with His dear devotee.
There are many precious knowledge points here to remind us about the ‘Samsara Sagaram’.
Scriptures like Bhagavatham present transcendental wisdom in the form of wonderful stories adding ‘chamatkar’ to the narration.
We saw that the tiny fish had grown into an ocean size fish already and now Bhagavan appears for protecting the world and its species as a gigantic Matsya!
Snake Vasuki participated in ‘Palazhi Mathanam’ as the rope and now serves to tie the ark to Matsya too.
We will see more about this interesting Avathar soon.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We had seen the exponential growth of Vamana and the incremental growth of Matsya too in Bhagavatham.Don’t you think its showing two types of blossoming of human potentials?
We have seen unknown people shooting to fame with one single book, film, song, medal and so on. Its usually seen in the field of arts and literary works.
We have also seen people incrementally growing to fame and power, right?For instance, a cricket player in the town is playing for state and then gets admission in National team and then plays an international game!
Bhagavatham is not leaving any aspect of human blossoming untouched, right?
Enlightenment can also be sudden or gradual, according to Spiritual Masters!How are you progressing now?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.31 – 8.24.45)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.46 – 8.24.53)
King Sathyavratha praised Sree Bhagavan for transcending the ocean of ‘Samsara’ with the upcoming eight slokas.
“Hey Bhagavan, it is utter ignorance to mistake the Self as the body and thus experience ‘Punyam and Papam’ and all miseries of the world. It is such a rare fortune to get total surrender at YOUR Lotus Feet and thus experience unending Bliss. Only YOU can save us from this ocean of misery and despair.
There is no Mukthi(liberation) without Vairagyam(dispassion) and Vairagyam gets strong only with YOUR ‘Pada Seva’. So please grant us the wisdom to serve YOUR Holy Feet, Bhagavan!
People do not know the true Self and hence race after worldly, sensory pleasures and end up in miseries. They do things seeking happiness but they get only unhappiness as its fruit. This can end only with the longing for seeking YOU, so please bless us for it!
Please be our Parama Guru who will destroy the seeds of Karma Vasana in our hearts.
No Yajna or Dana can purify the heart like true surrender can, as gold or silver can not be refined by washing with water.
Hari Om!
They must be purified by fire. Surrender at YOUR Holy Feet is like the fire that destroys all stains of karma in our hearts.
So please bless us mercifully to have this passion of devotion for YOU!
And kindly be our ParamaGuru!
A blind can not guide another blind, only Bhagavan can guide us with eternal wisdom of Atma Thatwam! Knowing THAT, we become THAT!”
If this is true, why people do not seek Bhagavan?
Sathyavrathan explains, it is merely because of ignorance!
He continues, “Bhagavan transforms HIS shishya as Atmaswaroopa, still unwise people are not aware of YOU residing in their hearts. What a delusion!
I pray to YOU for Jnana Upadesham, please bless me”.
Note : The Pralayam (may be an illusionary one) where all seas engulf earth came as an indication for cautioning the devotee. You must realize the temporary nature of worldly life and understand how brief human life span is, to become truly dispassionate! Then only you will be able to ‘let go’ of insignificant things that grant sensory gratification.
Hari Om!
For a sincere seeker, Guru showers blessings of Atma Jnanam through various means, to become dispassionate and thus liberation itself.
A seeker goes through various spiritual experiences that gradually advance him/her in the path to Mukthi.
Its all HIS Grace only!
Dear Devotee,
It says, when the shishya is ready for Wisdom, Guru appears!
All Sadhana and other practices are steps for this preparation only.
You can not claim liberation because of your Sadhana.
Though you get liberation only when you are prepared, it’s purely Grace that makes it happen!
So, prepare yourself and surrender in full faith and let go of all efforts!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.46 – 8.24.53)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.54 – 8.24.61)
Sree Suka continued, “Bhagavan Matsya Moorthi advised the Supreme Thatwam as answer to the King’s prayer. This is called Matsya Puranam, which details Jnanam, Bhakthi and Karmam as well. It cleared all doubts and duality in his mind as he listened to Bhagavan along with the SpathaRishis. Sree Hari annihilated Hayagreeva Asura, regained and returned all Vedas to Brahma who woke up from the sleep during Pralayam”.
Sathyavratha was enlightened and attained ‘Shastra Jnanam’, thus blessed to be born as son of Surya, a Manu called as Shradhadevan and Vaivaswathan in his next lifetime.
Bhagavatham says, those who listen to this ‘Matsya Avathara Charitham’ daily will get all blessings in this life and reach Bhagavan’s abode thereafter.
Sree Shuka concludes the eighth canto now and surrenders before the Matsya form of Bhagavan Sree Hari, who gifted the Vedas back to Lord Brahma from Hayagreeva.
Hari Om!
Note : We are concluding the Eighth Canto of Sreemad Bhagavatham now. This was a treasure house of magical stories that unfolded magnificent wisdom before us.
They taught us how to manage adverse situations in life, how to blossom into our full potentials, how to turn each problem into opportunities and how to see life as a play of the Lord!
Dear Devotee,
There is more to life than we can perceive through our senses.
Bhagavatham is taking us on an adventure ride and soon we will start the Ninth canto with Blessings from our Guru Parampara.
Please recall all stories and keep learning!
Every moment is an opportunity to learn, let go and move on!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 8.24.54 – 8.24.61)
Hari Om!
Canto 9
Introduction to Ninth Canto
We are entering into the Ninth Canto now.
We had seen that the parts of Bhagavatham are named Sarga, Visarga, Sthanam, Poshanam, Utayah, Manvantara, Isha-anukatha, Nirodha, Mukti and Ashraya.
As we discussed in the Second Canto, Sage Ved Vyasji was not writing Bhagavatham in random. Everything is well analysed, systematically planned and there is a wonderful syllabus followed in this Holy Text. However that syllabus is not something that we see in school text books. School books may not have any connection in sequence from one chapter to the next chapter. But here there is a sequence, there is a connectivity and more than that, it is slowly, gradually taking the mind into the higher realm of consciousness through experience.
What Ved Vyasji wanted to convey is that, we human beings are the highly evolved beings in Earth. What is the next possible evolution? Human life could be the last in evolution. So what is next? The next evolution is called Transformation.
Hari Om!
To know about Transformation we should study Bhagavatham where Ved Vyasji is scientifically proving how we can transform into the higher dimensions of existence.
Now let’s understand, everything evolved from energy and our Rishis called it as a pure conscious energy “Brahmam”. “Prajnanam Brahmam”!. Much later as Einstein explained about energy, universal energy and conservation of energy principles world became more aware of it. But remember, our Rishis were proving or they were experiencing the conscious energy through which everything is perceived and experienced since ages. Even the energy spoke about by Einstein is experienced by consciousness. Without consciousness there is no experience at all. You can’t even talk about anything in this universe. So we all evolve from Pure Conscious energy, evolved into the body. To evolve into the body the consciousness needs a mind. Through the mind alone we can evolve, for that the mind needs experiences. Experience has to be experienced through the sense organs.
So from the consciousness the mind manifests, in the mind we have likes, dislikes and ego, and to fulfil those likes, desires and expectations we need sense organs. Hence to experience the life, we have reached up to the human life or we can say human body.
Hari Om!
Now knowingly or unknowingly we got lost in our minds. Consequently, we have very strong ego, strong likes and dislikes, our selfishness, our sentiments, emotions, our frustrations, depression, worries, tensions, anxieties, jealousy and what not? The Mind is full of all kinds of disturbing and frustrating thoughts. We want to be happy for the time but these thoughts are not permitting us to keep quite and gain a calm and quiet mind. So this unsteady mind, this flickering, distracting, disturbing mind always irritates our temper and affects our peace of mind and our relationships with others and ultimately we are all getting exhausted.
We feel that our life has not reached anywhere. There is no feeling of satisfaction, fulfilment, contentment! We can say it is a big vacuum mind. Now if we observe others, not many are happy about their own existence and happy with what they have. Everyone is still expecting that there is something yet to be achieved. Some thing to be gained and something to be experienced. But what is that? We don’t know! So we are all always looking and searching in this world how better we can make ourselves happy.
However the great Rishis discovered this trick of the mind, as they have realised that searching in this world won’t make the mind content.
Hari Om!
If you want a happy mind that too steady mind or a strong mind, you have to realise that you must move from your unsteadiness to steadiness–“SamaChithatha – Samabudhi“ So you have to train your mind to be a balance mind.
A balanced mind is one that which can involve in all activities, which can accept favourable experiences and which can overcome the unfavourable experiences too. Also, it can bring out the best from each individual into the world. Such people’s communication, their support, their guidance are incomparable, you can say. They do the best and they bring out the best! So how to achieve that state of mind? To achieve that, one has to practise some kind of Sadhanas. These Sadhanas are practices meant for making the mind steady, strong, balanced and then you can say you feel such a calm within, very peaceful within!
In order to help us to reach that higher dimension of transformation, in Third canto of Bhagavatham, Ved Vyasji spoke about the “My”ness, how the mind holding onto this word. Whatever gives comfort and happiness we say that is mine!
However, when you look into the Myness – “MY- NESS”, we can see that what ever it is holding is, just an imagination because the Mind cannot hold anything.
Hari Om!
Because, whatever we are holding is not under the control of the mind. And now the mind is holding something which can’t be controlled by the mind. This, we have to educate our own mind that, You can’t hold on to anything in mind. Now whatever is there, let it be there. Accept it. Understand it. Never say, ‘this is mine’! You will have hundred and one problems because of this possessiveness. If you are holding on some one and if that person is no more, you will be totally shattered, because you lost some one.
You look at your own mind. Can the mind hold some one? Can you stop death? Can you stop somebody’s going out or moving away from you? Can you stop this natures calamity? Can you stop whatever is happening in this world? This Virus attack, economical problem, can you stop ageing? So you have no control over it. If we don’t have the control why can’t we just accept the truth as it is …so if death comes, as you accept birth, accept death too. If loss comes, as you accept gain, accept loss too. But don’t just accept blindly. Accept, Learn and Overcome.
You go ahead.. Don’t get stuck there…Don’t get lost…so this is what Sage Vyasa explained through Third Canto.
How can we understand mind and grow from mind to higher and higher dimensions of our existence?
Hari Om!
Means, how we can move from mind to the Divine? The mind is related to the world, divine is related to the spirit or the consciousness. So let us move from mind to Divine. When it comes to the Fourth Canto, there the I-ness..Me…I, earlier it is about the possessions now it is the positions. Through the stories of Daksha, Dhruva’s father, Uthanapada and so many characters are there. They are holding the I …I-ness.
This is identifying as we are human being, man, woman, position, power etc. But if you penetrate and go deep and look into yourself, this is I. “I” is a manifested thought from the consciousness that has woken up early in the morning and it will disappear in the night. And “I” is neither man nor woman because it is a thought and thought is nothing but energy. Energy does not have a particular form then how can you say this is a man or woman. So, every thing is an identification. Identifying with the body thinking that I am a man, identifying with a job I will say I am a professional or this and that, identifying with wealth I am rich or I am poor. So everything is identification.
Actually ‘I’ is nothing but a pure thought, conscious thought and it is an energy. So we have to educate our mind that “you are a reflection of higher consciousness”. You are just a ripple in the ocean of consciousness. You are not merely a human body.
Hari Om!
You are not this and that limited by your imaginations. These are all just identified imaginations. For instance, people suffering from Alzheimer’s do not identify their body, then they don’t think they are human, they don’t think they are husband and wife, they don’t think they are professionals, this and that. So their behaviour is totally different. Even if you look at lunatics they don’t identify with particular things as they are in a different world. When we identify, then only the “I” becomes so and so. So we can’t avoid this identification but we have to educate ourselves how to identify, to detach and understand the truth. You are the part, or you can say you are just a spark of conscious energy.
In the Bhaktisastra, we say Dasoham, so here we have to understand “I am the part of the divine” or the Servant of The Lord and that is my existence. My purpose of life is to be with the Self and no going back till attaining or rejoining or we can say completely dissolving into that consciousness. So this is what is explained through the Fourth Canto.
Then comes Fifth Canto called “Sthanam”..How we should keep a balanced mind? How we can balance ourselves? This is explained through the stories of Jatabharatha etc. If you don’t keep that balance, your mind will carry all the negative thoughts, your frustrations, your depressions, your anger, agony, all kind of negativity; understand that, it is the hell you create for yourself.
Hari Om!
Now the question comes, how to avoid, or how to disconnect/detach all the negative thoughts whatever comes in the mind. Whenever it comes, again Vyasa taking to the higher level says that you have to do the Poshanam. Poshanam means cultivating. You have to educate or train the mind to ponder positive thoughts. Constantly we have to do the SADHANA. Association with the good people who gives us good thoughts, so when we are constantly in good association or communication with good people and people who always talks good things, then gradually and slowly our mind becomes all the good thoughts.
As much our mind collects the good thoughts, the positive thoughts that much it gets detached from the negative thoughts. Eventually that mind moves out from the negative into positive mind.
Now look at the people who needs the counseling. Why do people need counseling? They need counseling because they are not able to come out of their own weakness. Some kind of failure or bad things happen in their life. They are not up to their expectation; they are not able to push themselves to move on. They are lost somewhere and carry a constipated mind.
Hari Om!
They are not able to flush out the negativity themselves. Or they are not able to move out or rise above. This rising above is possible only when you inculcate positive thoughts in your mind.
How to inculcate positive thoughts, that is told in the Seventh Canto through the story of Prahlada. And earlier the Poshanam is explained through Ajamila, just like the character of Ajamila, now Prahlada comes here. What are the practices one should do? Prahlada says, in order to make ourself strong first we have to develop confidence with a very strict disciplined life. You have to develop and practice a disciplined life, by getting up at an early time and sleeping at an appropriate time, like that. Decide, I will do this much of chanting daily. So that consciousness becomes very positive and decision making ability improves and helps to develop the confidence.
Gradually your mind says, I can get up, I can do this, I can do that. So one day that mind will say I can overcome this. So, there are two things, one is our punctuality – this is called as KRITYANISHTA and then the SADHANA.
SADHANA means doing Japam for this much of time like Prahlada used to chant Narayana mantra for so many times.
Hari Om!
So when we practise this then the mind consciously and constantly get evolved into the mantra, then the consciousness very strongly gets associated with the positive thoughts, such positive mind cannot get lost in negative thoughts.
So you need Pranayama , you need Pranavopasana, you need japam, you need association with good people, SATSANG and so on. This helps the mind to develop confidence, strength, EKAGRATHA that means concentration and ability to move out. So that kind of person cannot get lost in any bad things happening in life.
Then comes the next stage in Eighth Canto – How is that person who developed the equanimity and the balance mind in this universe? There are so many characters like Ambareeksha and Yayati.
Initially they kept lost in various experiences in life. Later on through their regular practice and sadhana they could balance their life. So they completely surrendered themselves and they involved into their actions and they could enjoy whatever works they were supposed to do and they used to do and also not only they enjoyed, they helped others to enjoy the work.
So the progress is tremendous. So their involvement is so profound.
Hari Om!
Then they accepted all the good things and shared their good things to appreciate others too. Because they understood that whatever good things happened, is because of the support of others they never claimed ownership and they never took the result to their own credit. Then whatever bad things happened they never get perturbed, they never allowed their mind to get shattered.
They were so profound, strong as they accepted the unfavourable too as they accepted the favourable. And they faced that situation courageously, took their mind to positive thoughts and by diverting their mind or concentrating on the Highest with the mantra, they told themselves that these experiences are just a test dose for testing me how much I develop the immunity. So this very positive powerful thoughts helped them to over come all the crisis.
So one should know the mind is moving from lower level to the higher. Lower mind means TAMASIC mind. TAMASIC mind means the mind that is seeking happiness without any effort. The mind doesn’t want to do anything, so seeking easy happiness. When people seek easy happiness means an effortless happiness, there they don’t want to work. So that lazy happiness makes them very weak and sick. A weak, mentally weak person is always sick.
Hari Om!
So that is why our Rishis are saying, never keep mind idle. Never seek an easy life. Impossible becomes possible when we put effort. So all this impossible things we can make it truthful when we work sincerely. But people want very possible things generally. Possible things in the sense, easy to achieve things. When you look at the Hindu culture, you can see that the temples are constructed on top of the hill. Why ? People have to walk, people have to climb. Thus they are trained unconsciously or indirectly to achieve the impossible. Always keep an adventurous mind, never sit idle.
So we have to work hard like Mahabali. How he worked sincerely and he developed a world of his own! At the same time when we do the hard work we should know that world may not be favourable to us always. The world and the time always may not bevsuitable to us. For instance, when the virus came the time is not suitable to us.
The same way we may develop our own world but the time may not be suitable to us. Mahabali also lost his world but he never lost his mind because he moved from his TAMASIC Mind into RAJASIC Mind.
RAJASIC mind is always restless mind where the mind wont allow us to sit quiet. Mind always irritates and mind wants to do something.
Hari Om!
When you sit quietly mind can enter into sleep or it can force you to do something and thus it irritates you. Because it says that I am not comfortable, the discomfort makes us very weak.
So Vyasa proves, with SAMACHITATA one gets very strong, concentrated and able mind. Now the question comes when he developed this kind of mind then how can we?
In Ninth canto, we come to the topic of ‘Eashana Katha’, where we meet some really humanistic characters like Ambareesha, Yayati and so on. It implies, people with their own weaknesses, cravings and desires for materialistic gains, physical pleasures, ambitions and so on. Then how transformation is taking place in such so called ‘normal’ people who have no previous history of penance or monkhood etc? Here we see the relevance of ‘Sadhana, Satsang and Seva’.
Bhagavatham teaches that mental upliftment is possible for even ordinary people with a mundane background if they come in the Satsang of noble people and relentlessly practise some sort of Sadhana and dedicate their lives for a great purpose. Sanathana Dharma is for the true seeker to find Truth here and now, not for postponing it to any ‘after life’ abodes of heaven and hell.
Hari Om!
Anything scientific should give verifiable proof for the experiments conducted and it must be transferable too.
In that context, Sanathana Dharma is truly scientific to give the result it claims, to the experimenters who incessantly follow the principles of Sadhana, Seva and Satsang.
So, read on with Ninth chapter of Srimad Bhagavatham and stay blessed!
HariOm!
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.1 – 9.1.22)
Srimad Bhagavatham has come to its Ninth canto now. The twenty four chapters of Eighth Canto presented ‘Sadharmam’ or good Dharmam for purifying our hearts. The coming twenty four chapters of ninth canto will enchant us with passion for the Divine through stories.
Only pure hearts have longing for the Lord and His stories and eight canto has served this purpose before introducing ‘Eswara Katha’ to us. First thirteen chapters of ninth canto are about ‘Soorya Vamsam’ and the latter eleven chapters are about ‘Chandra Vamsam’.
Let us quickly go through these stories as we are all eagerly awaiting for ‘Dashama Skandam’, right?
Pareekshith was curious and enquired to Sree Shuka, “what happened to Sathyavratha who got Atma Jnanam from Lord Matsya? I heard that he was born as Vivaswatha Manu, please tell me more”.
Sree Shuka reminded him with what was told before that the world is composed of ‘Sree Vishnu’. Whatever seen as effect is always present in the cause.
Hari Om!
A lotus bud emerged from the naval of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma was born in it.
Brahma created Mareechi from His Sankalpa.
Kashyapa was born to Mareechi.
Kashyapa had a son Vivaswan from his wife Adithi, a daughter of Daksha.
Vivaswan and his wife Samjna had a son Sradhadevan.
Vivaswatha Manu and his wife Sradhadevi had ten sons.
Now there is an interesting story of Sudyumnan aka Ila devi who was born to Sradha devi before the ten sons were born to them.
Vivaswatha Manu conducted a Yagam for getting a child as Guru Vasishta presided over it.
While he wanted a son, his wife Sradha devi prayed for a daughter. Upon her request the Acharya placed his sankalpa for a girl child and thus a baby girl ‘Ila’ was born.
Manu was sadly surprised and asked Vasishta what led to the opposite outcome of his Yagam.
Hari Om!
Sage Vasishta through his Jnana Drishti came to know that it was the Sankalpa of the Acharya that got manifested. He transformed Ila devi into a handsome prince Sudyumnan and pleased the Manu.
Sudyumna became a famous king and lived with glory.
Note : The most noticeable knowledge point we get here is about ‘Sankalpam and Vikalpam’. The intention behind our action determines the outcome of the action.
The purpose of our action decides the quality and nature of its result.
Most of the people do not know the importance of keeping a noble Sankalpa for all our actions. They complain about the environment and people, blame others for their bitter experiences and seldom checks their own mental state with which they performed.
If you analyze your success and failure, you can see that your mind has played the vital role behind your action.
And you need a pure heart and sharp intellect for a successful life.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The power of your imagination is unbelievable.
When future is uncertain, why anticipate negative experiences when you have all the freedom of expecting positive experiences?
Your intense desires and fears can pass into reality. So why keep intense fears within your mind?
The basic literacy of human psychology is a must for everyone. Don’t you think so?
So, read Geetha and Bhagavatham for developing it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.1 – 9.1.22)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.23 – 9.1.33)
Sree Shuka continued with Sudyumna’s story, “Hey King, you are well aware that hunting is a demeritorious act for kings, still King Sudyumna set out on a horse with his allies one day.
He didn’t know that they had reached the forest in the valley of Meru mountain where Lord Siva and Sree Parvathi had chosen for their romantic Leela.
Little did he know that it was a spell bound place where all men would turn into women and he along with all his associates became beautiful damsels. Even his horse was not exempted. They all wandered aimlessly in the forest.
How did this mysterious phenomenon happen to the place?
Sree Shuka explained to Pareekshith, “Some Rishis, glowing with their intense penance came to meet Lord Siva one day in that place and they happened to see HIM being intimate with wife Devi Parvathi there. She became embarrassed and got up from the divine lap of Bhagavan.
The Rishis immediately left the place and went to Badari Ashram, where there is no place for ‘Kamam’.
Hari Om!
Lord Siva wanted to cajole Sree Parvathi and set up a restriction that any man who sets foot there will become a woman. It was well known and so men did not dare go there.
Now Sudyumna was clueless to know what to do next and so he and his fellow men wandered in the forest as beautiful women.
Note : Bhagavatham is a treasure house of magical, mesmerizing stories. We can pick valuable knowledge points even from such seemingly unreal narrations.
Though Ila Devi became Sudyumna by Sage Vasishta’s blessing, ultimately what was supposed to become her destiny had come, it was only a matter of time, right?
Though we try to change or postpone certain things, when the time is ripe enough, it happens in our lives. And however we crave for certain things, it takes its own time to manifest in our lives.
It takes such a ‘Viveka’ to know what we are supposed to act upon and what we have to let go of.
Bhagavatham grants us the discriminative power to distinguish both.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Acceptance is a simple word, however it takes a whole life to practise it. We human beings are usually in a constant urge to change people and situations around us.
This is such a funny world, where all except the seers play this drama of changing others.
If you are also caught in it, just ask one question to yourself, “why do I want to change this person? Is it for my own benefit or for a greater cause?”.
It will point your attention back to your self.
Nobility of purpose purifies all Karma!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.23 – 9.1.33)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.34 – 9.1.42)
Once Budha, son of Chandra happened to see female Sudyumna and he was enchanted by her beauty. She too was drawn by the handsome youth and they got wedded. They were blessed by a son Purooravass.
Sudyumna remembered his Guru Sage Vasishta and he appeared before him. Vasishta prayed to Lord Siva for Sudyumna compassionately and thus the spell was changed so that he would turn male and female in alternate months.
Sudyumna had three more sons called Ulkalan, Gayan and Vimalan.
Though Lord Siva blessed Sudyumna to rule over the kingdom, he was reluctant to go out of palace during his ‘female’ stage. Thus his people lost respect for him.
As Sudyumna became old, he handed over the kingdom to his son Purooravass and set off for penance, to a forest.
Note : We can note that Sudyumna had gone through really challenging times and his acceptance was exceptionally remarkable.
We can also see how Guru blesses the devotee irrespective of the situations in life.
Hari Om!
As Bhagavatham cautioned earlier in this chapter, hunting is a demeritorious entertainment for kings, who are supposed to protect all living beings and Sudyumna had to pay for it.
Dear Devotee,
Accept any situation with grace and move on with courage!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.1.34 – 9.1.42)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.2.1 – 9.2.36)
Sree Shuka narrated further, “As Sudyumna set off for forest, Vaivaswatha Manu started a penance of one hundred years on the banks of River Yamuna, aspiring a boon to get sons again. Thus Sree Hari blessed him with ten sons, the eldest one was Ikshaku”.
The other sons were Nrigan, Sharyati, Dishtan, Dhrishtan, Karushan, Narishyanthan, Prishadhran, Nabhagan and Kavi.
Prishadhran made a huge mistake of killing a cow while taking care of Guru’s cows.
In fact, he was taking utmost care for the cows spending sleepless nights.
Still, one night a beast entered the Goshala and caught a Kapila cow amidst the chaos of cows running here and there in great fear.
As Prishadhran heard the cry of the poor cow, he rushed to the place where he heard the sound and in the darkness of night killed the cow instead of the beast by mistake.
Hari Om!
As morning dawned, he saw the unbearable sight of the dead cow and Guru Vasishta cursed him, “you will become a Shudra, not even one in the lowest rank of Kshatriyas”.
With all respect he accepted the curse and started practicing intense penance all through his life, which ended as he willfully entered a wild fire much later. Thus, he united with Bhagavan through the merit of his penance and devotion.
Similarly, Kavi also had a devoted mind by birth and went to forest for penance till finally dissolving in Bhagavan.
Karusha had sons called ‘Karushas’ who observed Dharma and devotion and ruled over northern lands.
‘Dharshtas’ were born from Dhrishtan who became Brahmins. Nrigan had a son Sumathi, his son was BhutaJyothis, his son was Vasu and his son was Pratheekan.
In the lineage of Narishyanthan, Agniveshyan was born (as an ‘amsham’ of Agni), leading to the Brahmin vamsham of Agniveshyayanam.
Dishta’s son Nabhagan became a Vaishya through agriculture and growing cows.
Hari Om!
Maruthan was another king in that lineage who did a Yajna unparallel in the world so far. All the utensils and equipment used in that Yajna were made of gold. Indra was intoxicated with Soma Rasam in that celebration. Dakshina to priests were offered in plentitude. Food was served by Marudevas and the Yajna was supervised by Viswedevas.
Princess Idavida was the daughter of King Thrinabindu and she was married to Maharshi Vishravissu. Kubera was their son. Descendants of Thrinabindu were glorious too.
Note : Bhagavatham tells us how Varnasram is clearly defined here. A King must have the discriminating intellect and spontaneous decision-making power. Sharp intellect and sensory acuity are most essential for a warrior or a king in any adverse situation. Then only he becomes eligible to observe his duty as a king where Prishadhran failed.
We can realize that the curse of a Guru is a Blessing in Disguise! It is not by birth, but by skill of Karma that one becomes a Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or a Shudra.
As Prishadhra was disqualified thus while observing the most sacred job of protecting cows, he was reassigned as a Shudra who must follow instructions from above.
Hari Om!
What a brilliance of delegation of duties we can see here. On the other hand, Prishadhran took it to his heart and decided not to waste even a single minute of his precious time and immersed his heart in deep devotion.
Similarly we can see how the same lineage had Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Shudras not by birth, but by deeds. Interestingly Kubera was the son of a Princess and a Maharshi.
We have skipped many names here and you can find the detailed account in second chapter of Ninth canto.
Dear Devotee,
“Varnasramam” seems to be a much misunderstood concept that leads to lot of arguments these days.
Bhagavatham explains through these stories of family history how each individual in the same lineage adopts to respective roles!
It is challenging to fit one person in a suitable role and mentors like Sage Vasishta are needed, right?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.2.1 – 9.2.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.1 – 9.3.9)
This chapter starts with the story of King Sharyathi, a great scholar in Vedas and his beautiful daughter Sukanya.
Once they were both wandering in a forest with their aides and army men near Sage Chyavana’s hermitage.
Sukanya was enjoying with her friends roaming around some trees and happened to see a Valmeekam. There were something like two diamonds shining from the Valmeekam and she was too curious to find out what it could be. She took a thorn and pierced them and to her utmost horror, it started bleeding heavily.
In no time the King and his people felt bloated and stiff.
Sharyathi enquired to his people, “Did anyone cause any harm to Sage Chyavana? No doubt about it, as all are feeling sick now”.
Sukanya approached her father and confessed about how she harmed the Sage unintentionally.
King was horrified and took her to the Sage and pleaded for forgiveness.
Hari Om!
Sage Chyavana in return hinted about marrying the princess and Sharyathi very happily abided. Immediately the spell on the kings men vanished. They all returned to the palace leaving Sukanya with her aged husband Chyavana.
Note : It is amazing to see the sacredness attached to Raja Dharmam by our ancient rulers.
A king or a princess gave more importance to the welfare of their country men, keeping their personal comfort and wishes at a lower priority.
Another interesting knowledge point we see here is, their flexibility in adapting to any adverse situations in life.
The king had such empathy and intuitive intelligence to figure out what went wrong here.
He was also willing to give away his beautiful daughter to an ugly, old man to keep the people safe and happy.
The princess was immediately following the King’s order happily and accepted an old man as her husband and a forest as her home wholeheartedly.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Today we can see the youth demanding for their rights, no one seems to remind them about their responsibilities.
Probably, Bharatham was the only land where Kings lived Dharmik lives as examples for the society to follow.
Higher the ranks, harder the responsibilities!
We need rulers who give high value to the citizens and nation more than their own families !
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.1 – 9.3.9)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.10 – 9.3.17)
Sukanya’s life with Sage Chyavana was really challenging as he was extremely short-tempered. However she was intelligent and skillful in giving good care to him and managing household matters, eventually pleasing him.
As days passed by, Aswini Deva Vaidyas happened to visit them and Chyavana proposed to them for regaining his youth and charm. In turn he would offer them Soma Rasam in Yajnas, which was not a practice till then.
They agreed to this condition and led the old sage to a herbal potion-filled pond. When they dived back, all the three of them looked very young, handsome and to the shocking amazement of Sukanya they looked exactly the same.
Unable to distinguish her husband, she prayed to Aswini Devas themselves and they showed him to her.
They bid farewell to the happy couple and flied back to Swargam in their celestial plane.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham demonstrates how to face severe challenges in marital life with patience and resilience and turn it onto a wonderful marriage through Sukanya’s story.
And another interesting point is the win-win strategy between Chyavana and Aswinis!
Dear Devotee,
These days we can see young couples marry, based on charms and then the marriage turns into an ugly affair when love fades away.
Here we can see ugliness giving way to beauty and charms, thanks to patience and love of one partner in the marriage.
We must notice the virtues of the partner too, whether the sacrifice is worth it.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.10 – 9.3.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.18 – 9.3.26)
Non sooner, King Sharyathi approached Sage Chyavana for conducting a Yagam and he was surprised to see a young man with his daughter Sukanya. He mistook it as his daughter’s compromising character, got annoyed and scolded her bitterly when she offered Pranams to him.
He blamed her for neglecting her noble husband and choosing another man as her lover.
She happily explained what happened in their life and Sharyathi was delighted to see the miraculous rejuvenation of Sage Chyavana and blessed his righteous daughter.
Chyavana conducted Soma Yagam as Sharyathi wished, offering Somam to Aswinis too as he had promised. Indra was quite apprehensive about this new ritual against tradition and rushed to kill Chyavana with his weapon Vajram. Chyavana arrested Indra’s arm holding Vajram with his might.
Thus Devas had to agree finally and thus Aswinis also became stake holders in all Yajnas.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham examines various human emotions here. How opinions and assumptions keep changing!
Sharyathi displays his contempt for his daughter and the immediate correction and appreciation for her are amusing to observe!
Jealousy for others is a powerful negative emotion that can turn destructive any moment!
Indra’s jealousy teaches us that however great your social positions are, still you can yield to this lower emotion.
Another important point is, how our Kings treated even their own children with dispassion and unbiased governance which is unbelievable to our generation probably.
Now, when we think deeply, we can see that as Sage Chyavana promised to the Aswinis, a situation came in favor for its manifestation as Sharyathi approached him for conducting a Yajnam.
This is a deep secret hidden in this part of Bhagavatham which demonstrates the Law of Attraction and how to manifest your desires!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Have you checked the various emotions that you experience over a day?
You will notice that negative emotions like anger, jealousy, sadness etc are very powerful and may cause wildfires while positive emotions like joy, gratitude, hope, contentment etc are subtle like small sparks.
You need to experience a series of such positive moments every day consciously to create a fulfilling life.
So it is most essential to analyse, what do you want to really do regularly ?
What is its impact in your life?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.18 – 9.3.26)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.27 – 9.3.36)
As King Sharyathi’s daughter’s story concludes, Bhagavatham narrates his sons’ stories further. His sons were Uthanabarhis, Anarthan and Bhoorishenan.
Anarthan’s son Revathan built a township Kushasthali which is called Dwaraka now.
He had One hundred sons and the eldest was Kakudmi.
Kakudmi took his daughter Revathi to Lord Brahma to enquire who would be the most eligible husband for her. As there was a dance and musical concert gong on in Brahma Lokam, he had to wait for some time.
As it concluded, he prostrated before Brahma Deva and hinted about his wish.
Lord Brahma smiled and told him, “Whoever young men you had considered for a possible husband for your daughter have disappeared and not even their children or grand children are living now. Twenty seven chathuryugas are over by now.
So, please go back to Bhooloka, now Baladeva is born as an ‘Amsham’(part) from Lord Vishnu.
Hari Om!
Shree Bhagavan(as Lord Krishna) has reincarnated in Earth with Balaraman and please give your daughter to him in marriage”.
Thus King Kakudmi returned to Earth and found all his people hiding in various places under fear of Asuras.
Kakudmi conducted his daughter’s marriage to Baladeva and set off for Thapas in Badaryashramam, also called Narayanashram.
Note : This is an exemplary narration of multiverse and time travel which are yet to be explored by modern science.
A King always used to seek expert advice from Guru in our ancient times, whether it is governance of the country or family.
They never had any greed for power or money and when its time to drop it, they did it with utmost dispassion.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Sanathana Dharma is inexplicable and we can see many people questioning our stories.
While we keep distance from our Scriptures, many Western universities are busy conducting research on Indian Knowledge Systems and Scriptures, especially Bhagavad Gita.
Many American universities teach Samskrutham as part of their curriculum.
When our famous astronaut Sunitha Williams went to Space, she took Gita and Upanishads for motivating her in that most challenging life phase.
In Bharatham, many ignorant people question the relevance of these 5000 years old books!
High time to rethink!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.3.27 – 9.3.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.1 – 9.4.12)
Shree Shuka Maharshi now describes about Manu’s son Nabhagan and his youngest son Naabhaagan or Kavi and his son, a great devotee called Ambareeshan.
Kavi went for Brahmacharya ashramam for a long time. His elder brothers thought he wouldn’t return home and hence partitioned the ancestral property of country among themselves without keeping anything aside for him.
Very soon Kavi reached back his country and asked his brothers about his entitled property.
They replied that they have donated their father and thus would belong to him now.
Kavi approached his father Nabhagan and told so,
Then his father Nabhagan replied, “they must be joking, I am not an object to partition, you know.”
Still to suggest for his son’s livelihood as a means, Nabhagan advised Kavi to approach a group of Brahmins from the Angirass lineage who were conducting a “Dwadashaham” sathram in a nearby place.
Hari Om!
They were finding it difficult to recite some “Veda Sooktham” on the sixth day, so Kavi could help them as an expert in Vedas. On completion of the Sathram they would go to Swargam leaving all wealth and properties behind which Kavi can enjoy!
Kavi obeyed him and as his father said, received a lot of wealth on the concluding day of the Sathram. Immediately Rudran, as a dark skinned man appeared before Kavi and claimed that the wealth remained in the Yajna Bhoomi was his property.
When Kavi claimed that the Rishis gave it to him, Rudra instructed him to go and seek advice from his father.
Nabhagan told Kavi that not only the Yajna, but everything belongs to Rudra and hence Kavi returned to Sree Rudra and prostrated before Him, seeking forgiveness for his mistake.
Sree Rudra was pleased and replied, “Your father spoke Dharmam without partiality to his son and you spoke Sathyam without craving for money. Hence, I am giving the ultimate Brahma Jnanam to you, as you know the Mantram fully”.
And Sree Rudra, (the Sathya Valsala and Sarvaiswarya Paripoornan), disappeared granting all wealth in Yajna Bhoomi to Kavi for his livelihood.
Hari Om!
The blessing for listening to this story during morning and evening Sandhya would be great; he would become a scholar and knower of Mantras and will merge with Paramatma in the end with no more “cycle of life and death”.
Note : It is unimaginable to see the depth of wisdom our Rishis imbibed in Bhagavatham narratives.
We have not quoted the Veda Sookthas here, please read original Bhagavatham text for reference.
When we look at the philosophy and psychology lessons here, we are amazed to see how a wise father turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for his son.
Usually when a son is deprived of an ancestral property it ends up in heated arguments and legal issues, draining love and joy in relations.
Here the problem situation was used as a motivator to express acquired skills and knowledge to help others and gain glory and wealth eventually.
Every difficulty must be used for self-exploration, self-expression and becoming a better version of ourselves. When it is done through service to others and helping them to reach Swargam as in this story it is ultimate victory over the problem.
Hari Om!
When your words and actions are protecting Dharmam and Sathyam even when you are not noticed (as in the absence of Rudra here), the benefits return to you in thousand folds.
Dear Devotee,
“Your father spoke Dharmam without partiality to his son and you spoke Sathyam without craving for money. Hence, I am giving the ultimate Brahma Jnanam to you, as you know the Mantram fully”.
What a loaded statement we have seen here.
It reminds us of DhruthaRashtra who discarded Dharmam for his son and Duryodhana who craved for country and all untruthful wealths.
The untruthful, adharmik “father and son” pair led to Kurukshetra war!
This narration of Nabhagan and his son Kavi teaches us how to observe Dharmam and Sathyam in our lives to achieve excellence in life through serving others with your acquired knowledge sincerely!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.1 – 9.4.12)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.12 – 9.4.28)
In continuation with Naabhaaga’s history, Shree Shuka now started with his son Ambareeshan’s life story.
King Pareekshith was too curious to know how the unstoppable, fierce curse of a Brahmana was futile in hurting this Rajarshi.
Shree Shuka replied, “Ambareeshan was most fortunate because only with the blessings of so many fruitful or purposeful life times that one gets blessed with Virakthi or detachment that he attained.
He was in the midst of abundance, wealth, all luxuries that usually surround an emperor. Yet he had the wisdom to perceive it all as transient and had the least craving for it.
Thus he had ultimate devotion for Bhagavan and served Sadhus and devotees with utmost love and care.
He engaged constantly in keeping his mind ‘sin free’, and focused his mind only on the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan in meditation.
He used his speech for praising the Glory of Bhagavan who took many Avatharams to bless the world. He used his hands to serve temples and their accessories. He engaged his ears for listening to the narratives of the Lord.
Hari Om!
His eyes were glued to Bhagavan’s idols and temples. His body had constant presence with other devotees. His nostrils were engaged in enjoying the fragrance of Shree Thulasi leaves. His tongue tasted the Nivedyam offered to Bhagavan only. His legs walked to places of worship and his head bent in Namaskaram before Bhagavan. He wore garlands and sandal paste that adorned Bhagavan only. His life was constantly in Sathsangam with devotees and ruled his country in an astonishing manner. Only most fortunate people will get such a blessed life.
King Ambareeshan conducted many Aswamedha Yagas in exemplary ways on the banks facing holy Saraswathy river and the rituals were supervised by great sages Vasishtan, Asithan, Gauthaman and so on. Audience looked celestial and everyone immersed in blissful Bhajana craving for nothing else, not even Swargam! For devotees, singing the glory of Bhagavan gives ultimate joy and they need nothing else!
One may wonder, how can a king with such deep devotion rule over the country efficiently? Bhagavatham says, Bhagavan Shree Hari granted his Chakram to Ambareesha, and thus he could effortlessly rule and manage his duties as a King too.
True devotees always get total protection from Bhagavan!
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham describes how devotees engage their sensory organs, mind and body in service of the Lord and still live a life of excellence in worldly duties too. Many people doubt that a devotional life would lack in worldly terms. In actuality, the devotion within makes the interactions and transactions in the world easier and effortless.
Let us see how it proves true, very soon!
Dear Devotee,
Many of us fail to see that here is a higher intelligence of love and joy that waits for us to turn towards it!
Those who have turned themselves towards this Sun are no longer afraid of any shadows of sorrow or fear!
Ask any true devotee who have felt this presence, they are not willing to trade it off for heaps of gold!
Sadhana, Seva and Sathsangam are means to keep us intact in this presence.Enjoy!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.12 – 9.4.28)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.29 – 9.4.41)
How did Shree Hari’s Sudarshana Chakram save King Ambareeshan?
It’s an interesting story!
Ambareeshan along with his devotee wife commenced a one year Dwadashi Vrutham for worshipping Bhagavan Shree Krishna.
On Dashami day, he would have only one meal during day time, on Ekadashi it would be total upavasam with no meals and on Dwadashi, again it would be one meal during day time. Thus on three consecutive days, he wouldn’t have supper.
This ritual continued for one year and on the concluding Dwadashi day, after the ritualistic bath in River Kalindi he entered Madhu Vanam and worshipped Shree Hari.
It was a grand religious festival, offering abundantly to priests and Brahmanas.
When it was time for the King to take ‘Parana’ (consuming food as token to end the Vrutham), Sage Durvassavu (incarnation of none other than Sree Rudra) visited them.
Hari Om!
Ambareeshan welcomed him with utmost respect and invited him for ‘Bhiksha’ at their place. Maharshi accepted his request and went to take holy bath in River Yamuna.
Ambareeshan kept waiting for his chief guest, but the Sage didn’t turn up.
It was time for Parana and the King was in dismay, how could he take it before the Maharshi? And neither he could afford to miss the Parana, in case the sage comes too late.
So he sought for an advice from his priests and they directed him to take some water for Parana as a token and as it can not be considered as food, it would not be a disrespectful gesture towards the Sage too!
Ambareeshan followed their suggestion, took Parana and chanting the Lord’s names, waited for Sage Durvassavu to return.
Note : We can see our age old tradition of honoring guests in our country in this chapter of Bhagavatham. Our Kings were like servants when they hosted holy men.
It was not a cake walk to rule over a country and it meant lot of responsibilities too.
Hari Om!
King and his wife had to perform equally well in religious and ritualistic duties.
In our holy land of Bharatham, it says “Athithi Devo Bhava”!
An Athithi is the one who comes in without prior notice.
Welcoming an “Athithi“ as a divine person at home was their prime duty and responsibility. Treating such demanding Athithis with utmost honour requires lot of skills, creative thinking and ideas and a well refined personality too.
Dear Devotee,
Interacting with demanding people is a sure way of upgrading yourself into a new version if you consciously deal with them.
Don’t you think so?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.29 – 9.4.41)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.42 – 9.4.71)
Sage Durvassavu observed all rituals and returned from River Yamuna while King Ambareeshan greeted him with utmost respect.
Nevertheless, the Sage knew through his Mananam that Ambareeshan had done his parana already and he fumed with anger. He verbally assaulted the King for not offering him before his parana and decided to punish him.
Loosening his ‘Jada’ hair and beating it on the floor, he created a demon woman “Krithya” to kill Ambareeshan.
However, the King stood unshaken and as Krithya ran to him vehemently, Shree Hari’s Sudarshana Chakram burnt her down.
Durvassavu got frightened and started running for shelter as he saw this horrific scene and the Chakram flew towards him.
He couldn’t escape from the Chakram wherever he went and hence approached Lord Brahma and Lord Siva, but it had no use at all.
They both told him it was impossible for them to rescue him from Shree Hari’s Chakram.
Hari Om!
He had no way other than seeking help from Shree Hari Himself and pleaded, “Bhagavan, I made a huge mistake in fighting with YOUR devotee Ambareeshan. Chanting Your Namam can save even the worst sinner, so can’t Your Darshanam save me, who has surrendered before You?”.
Shree Bhagavan rejected his plea, “Hey Dwija, I have no free will when it comes to my devotees. They are ruling my heart and I am charmed by their Bhakthi. The devotees who are solely focused on Me alone, are dearer to me than My Self or my constant companion Lakshmi Devi. What to say about people who try to destroy my devotees?”.
For Bhagavan, saving Durvassavu is like denying justice to Ambareeshan, so HE refused the Sage’s request.
Bhagavan stated cutting it short, “My devotees are My heart and I am their heart. They know nothing other than Me and I know nothing other than them. So seek forgiveness from Ambareeshan directly, only he can save you.
Anyone who misuses his Shakthi on my devotee will have to face the same Shakthi working against him”.
Hari Om!
Bhagavan hinted that Thapas and Upasana can help Brahmanas only when they are humble. If they use it against noble people, it will only hurt them back.
Note : This is a direct narrative for the devotee’s glory and it is melting hearts to experience the love Bhagavan pours on His purest devotees. HE states clearly, how fortunate are HIS devotees.
Dear Devotee,
Devotion is the highest feeling anyone can ever experience in life.
When all other inferior feelings and emotions like anger, jealousy, fear etc are vanishing only we can experience devotion.
It says, a drop of tear in devotion is so precious that even Devas yearn to experience it.
Bhakthi is not a joking matter as some perceive it; it’s a blessing bestowed on the most fortunate!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.4.42 – 9.4.71)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.5.1 – 9.5.27)
Shree Shuka narrates how Sage Durvassavu ran back to King Ambareeshan and fell at his feet seeking protection from Sudarshana Chakram.
Ambareeshan was embarrassed and nervous seeing the great Sage falling at his feet asking for pardon.
Immediately he prayed to Bhagavan who came in the form of Sudarshana Chakram, “Bhagavan, YOU are destroying the evil people and protecting the noble people. YOU are eliminating the darkness of ignorance with YOUR shining glory and granting the light of Jnana Prakasham”.
Whenever Bhagavan sends HIS Chakram to enemies, it annihilates them all in the battle.
Ambareeshan kept praying, “Please save this Brahmana to save my family and lineage from ‘Dushkeerthi’. Please bless me not to be a reason for the sage to suffer”.
Still the Chakram was not withdrawing!
Hari Om!
Hence the King prayed decisively like an oath, “if I have offered Danam in ‘Sath Patram’, if I have conducted Yagnas according to Vedas, if I have observed my ‘Varnashramas’, if our family had always considered Brahmanas as divine, let all those Punya help this Sage to get complete relief. If Bhagavan is pleased in me, let it liberate this Brahmana”.
This ultimate prayer reached its goal and Sudarshana Chakram disappeared leaving all in peace.
Durvassavu was utmost pleased with Ambareeshan, astonished that he dropped all punya for him. So praised him highly, “you have saved the one who acted against you. It shows that Shree Narayana’s devotees see no one as their enemies and wish only the best for all.
When Bhagavan is taking care of them every moment, they can do anything and drop anything for the welfare of others.
For HIS devotee, is there anything impossible or difficult to achieve?”.
Till this time, Ambareeshan was waiting for Durvassavu’s return for one year, without taking any food but water. Now he offered delicious food to Maharshi.
Again and again the sage praised him and asked him to take food too.
Hari Om!
Durvassavu blessed Ambareeshan that the celestial women will be singing his glory forever and left for Brahma Lokam.
There he described all these experiences as the audience was noble; it says, we must not talk about the glory of Bhagavan and HIS devotees to argumentative listeners.
Thus Sage Durvassavu was instrumental in spreading the glory of this great devotee Ambareeshan.
After the meeting with Durvassavu, Ambareeshan completed his parana by eating the left over food by the sage. He realized that all this was Bhagavad Leela and had no pride in it.
In due time, he handed over his country to sons and left for penance in forest. With utmost devotion in Shree Vasudevan, the glorious king spent his latter phase of life and got liberated eventually.
Whoever listens to this Ambareesha Charitham and praises its glory will turn into a true devotee!
Hari Om!
Note : We can learn a lot from this narrative; as we have already seen, it’s a wonderful masterpiece of proof for the devotees’ powerfulness. Nothing can perish the true devotee as Bhagavan takes utmost care of them all through their lives.
Then we can see the devotee’s kind heart that blesses all alike. The best example of righteous living is shown here by Ambareeshan’s prayer from the heart which will be answered undoubtedly.
Giving Danam to right people only, is a specific example. You should not give alms to wrong people who can misuse it.
Observing Yajnas and Varnashramas righteously in a disciplined way is another merit.
Honouring the Brahmanas means honouring the Knowledge and that is most essential in human life.
We also know that Sage Durvassavu was actually being an instrument for glorifying the Bhakthi in a noble king. We shouldn’t mistake it for any shortcoming from the Seer.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
What you listen to regularly, program your brain neurons. When you praise it, your neurons get wired with more emphasis.
So check, what do you listen to, daily?
How does it impact your mind?
Is it worth it?
Our body needs nutritional food for growth, similarly our mind needs nourishing information or wisdom for a growth mind set.
Don’t you think so?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.5.1 – 9.5.27)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.1 – 9.6.11)
Shree Shuka narrates the Manu dynasties in chronological order in this chapter.
Ambareeshan had three sons Viroopan, Kethuman, Shambhu and the description goes so on. We are taking some prominent narratives and studying them now.
Manu had a son Ikshaku who had one hundred sons, of which Vikukshi, Nimi and Dandakan were most noble.
Once Ikshaku asked Vikukshi to bring some pure meat for “Ashtaka Shradham” for the Pitrus(departed elders) without any delay.
He obeyed instantly and went for hunting; due to the excessive effort, he got tired and hungry. So he ate a rabbit’s meat and forgot that it was supposed to serve for the Shradham.
When he offered the meat to his father Ikshaku, their Guru Vasishta rejected it saying that it was ‘left over’ meat and not suitable for the Karmam.
King Ikshaku became furious and expelled his son for violating the rules of ‘Shastram”.
Hari Om!
Later under the guidance of his Guru Sage Vasishta, Ikshaku became a Yogi, contemplated on the Lord, and upon acquiring Virakthi, dissolved in ParaBrahmam.
As his father expired, Vikukshi now also called Shashadan, came back to the country and ruled well. He conducted many Yagyas to worship Lord Sri Hari.
Note : Bhagavatham is a treasure house of beautiful narratives as we know. Ikshaku demonstrates the unbiased approach of a King or leader; how the King rules impartially over everyone in the country and not even their own children are spared from lawfulness!
A mistake was a mistake whoever committed it and invited deserving punishment and corrective action too.
We can see such just rulers many times in Bhagavatham.
It’s amazing to see how the sons follow the instructions from the King, wait patiently and when it is needed, they are ready to render kingly service too!
For them, living in the palace and outside didn’t make much difference; it’s unbelievable in our times, though!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This is an age where free will, freedom of speech and freedom of expression are misunderstood and misleading our young generations all over the world.
A baby sapling needs protection from grazing cattle, and hence it is shielded by a wired wall.
The same plantlet when grown up into a huge tree can be used to tie many cows with ropes.
Parents must have clarity in giving proper freedom at appropriate age to their children and this disciplined way of grooming transforms them into their best versions in life!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.1 – 9.6.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.12 – 9.6.19)
Vikukshi had a son Puramjayan, who was also known as Indravahan and Kakusthan through his heroic actions.
Shree Shuka continues those stories, “Once there was a very destructive battle between Devas and Asuras and the Asuras defeated the Devas. So Devas approached Puramjayan for help.
He put one condition that Indra must become his vehicle, which was not agreeable for Indra. However, by the word of Lord Sri Hari finally he gave consent.
Thus began the great war between Devas and Asuras led by Puramjayan seated on the ‘Indra bull” on its fleshy neck which is called Kakustham.
It was a fierce battle with mighty weapons by both armies.
Finally, the King won over Asuras and they all ran for life to Pathalam.
As winning over Asura Puram, the name ‘Puram Jayan’ was entitled on him.
Obviously the names ‘Indra Vahan’ and ‘Kakusthan’ also became popular as per their relevance in battle.
Hari Om!
Note : One important point we noticed here, Indra though reluctant initially agreed to the terms and conditions of Puramjayan for a greater cause. He didn’t allow his personal ego or shyness take over the greater purpose.
Its fascinating to see how you acquire adjective names according to your heroic endeavors.
Dear Devotee,
Remember all your heroic actions in your life.
What are your strongest areas and achievements?
Think of good adjectives like courageous, inspiring, daring, powerful and so on.
Now see what is most suitable to describe you.
Interesting?
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.12 – 9.6.19)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.20 – 9.6.37)
We get a glance of the lineage of King Puramjayan now, of which we will narrate a few interesting stories here.
A King Kuvalayashwakan earned a title Dhundhumaran because he and his 21000 sons killed an Asura Dhundhu for pleasing a sage Uthanga Maharshi. His three sons only could survive in this fierce battle.
Another King Yuvanashwan had 100 wives, still he was childless. So they all went to seek blessings from the Rishis. They made him conduct a Yagam for pleasing Indra.
Late night, Yuvanashwan went in search of water in the Yaga Shala and by mistake drank the ‘Mantra Jalam’ which was consecrated for getting child and kept aside for the King’s wife.
What to do? It was sheer destiny and in due time a baby boy came from the right side of his belly. Baby started crying for mother’s milk and the priests became sad.
Then Indra said “Mam Dhatha”, meaning “I shall give” and he touched the baby’s mouth with his pointer finger. Thus he got the name Mandhathavu.
Hari Om!
Yuvanashwan was not harmed in child birth owing to blessings from priests and Devas.
Later he went to the forest and lived there till Mukthi.
Mandhathavu was an exemplary ruler, even Ravana like Asuras were afraid of him. Hence he was also named as ‘Thrasadhasyu’ by Indra.
He was aware of ‘Atma Thathwam’ and still he ruled as a perfect administrator worshipping Shree Vishnu as ‘Sarvatmakan’.
‘Sarvatmaka Thathwam’ is explained further here.
Dravyam or the material to worship, Mantram that associate Dravyam with Devathas, the excerpt of Vedas that mention what karma to perform for it, Vishnu the one who grants the result of Yajna, the Yajamana who conducts the Yajnam, the Brahmins who does the rituals, the Karma that produces the special result, the place where it is conducted and the most appropriate time for the Yajnam; all this and beyond are the Sthoola and Sookshma swaroopas of Shree Hari only and worshipped as the Supreme One in all.
Mandhathavu ruled over all the lands where Sun rises and sets.
Hari Om!
Note : The most important knowledge point we can see here is about Sarvatmaka Thathwam, the all-pervading Supreme Oneness or Advaitham. A devotee who can see the Leela of Bhagavan in everything remains centered irrespective of changing situations.
Dear Devotee,
Modern Science says that there is no matter, but energy only.
Our eyes and ears create perceptions only, which we take as reality.
The external world is experientable just because of the electric pulses in our brain.
What an ignorance to get caught up in this ‘Maya’ of duality when there is only ONE in and as everything??
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.20 – 9.6.37)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.38 – 9.6.55)
Mandhathavu and his wife Bindumathi had three sons and fifty daughters. All his daughters married Saurabhi. It’s an interesting and enlightening narrative.
Saurabhi had ‘Yogasidhi’ and he used it to breathe and live under the waters of River Yamuna to stay away from lust prone people, wanting to do penance sincerely. He did intense penance under water.
There was a Fish king and his school living near him in the river. Saurabhi happened to see the king fish mating and it triggered his passion too.
He decided to approach King Mandhathavu and requested him to give a daughter in marriage to him. Seeing his deformed figure, the king requested the sage to go to the palace where the princesses were dwelling and marry the girl who would choose him.
Saurabhi could guess why the king said so and turned himself into a handsome youth whom even celestial damsels would wish to marry.
When he entered the princesses’ chamber, all the fifty girls wanted to marry him and they even started a commotion about it.
Hari Om!
Saurabhi married all of them and pleased them with utmost comfort in such luxury, all manifested through the fruit of his intense penance done so far.
His magnanimous life made even king Mandhathavu become humble, comparing to his possessions.
Though Saurabhi entered Grihastha ashram with a good intention to overcome his craving for married life, he became more and more entangled in it.
It was like trying to subside fire with drops of ghee pouring onto it. The more he enjoyed, the more he craved and there seemed no end to his lust.
One day, as he was sitting calm for some time, it occurred to him, how he lost his penance by seeing the fishes mating in the river. Though such introspection is difficult for a lustful person, Saurabhi’s past penance brought back his purity of mind once again.
He regretted that, though he tried to avoid lustful people, he got trapped by lustful fish and lost all the merit of his intense penance.
He reaffirmed in his mind what all one must observe, to seek salvation through perfection in penance.
Hari Om!
The man who pursues liberation through penance must keep distance from women and lustful people and never engage their senses in such pleasures.
He must stay alone and focus mind completely on God and even if he wants a company, it must be with devotees who serve Bhagavan only.
He lamented further, “I married fifty girls and I divided myself into fifty men to enjoy with all of them. Then I had one hundred sons in each of them and thus propagated myself as five thousand men through my sons. I mistook the Supreme Truth as ultimate sensory pleasure and it became stronger with my lack of introspection”.
He became dispassionate once again and didn’t waste any more time and set off for penance once again. His devoted wives too followed him to the forest.
Living a life of great penance, they all united with Bhagavan ultimately at the end of their lives.
Note : Bhagavatham cautions us, how alert we must be, while following a spiritual life.
We can also see that it was a calm moment in silence that brought back the sharpness of intellect in Saurabhi.
Hari Om!
When we are continuously engaged in sensual pleasures we forget our real purpose in life.
Any vehicle needs a service off the road. Our minds also need a vacation to pause and restart again with true wisdom.
Dear Devotee,
There is a sure shot question to gain clarity in any situation.
Once you have a goal in life, whenever you take an important decision ask yourself this question, “Am I going away from my goal or am I going towards my goal with this decision?”
You will get clarity immediately!
Whatever thoughts bombard in your mind, take wise decisions and bold actions only, because your life is very precious!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.6.38 – 9.6.55)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.7.1 – 9.7.7)
Shree Shuka continues with the narratives of the progeny of Mandhathavu and Sathya Vrathan who was also called Thrishanku now.
Guru Vasishtan happened to curse Sathya Vrathan and hence he became a ‘Chandala’.
He got exemption from this curse by Sage Vishwamitran and entered Swargam with his physical body. Devas became furious and pushed him downwards.
Then Vishwamitran was about to create another Swargam for Thrishanku; Devas had no choice but to place Thrishanku as a Nakshatram permanently in Akasham.
Thrishanku had a son Harishchandran; Sage Vishwamitran made him conduct Rajasooya Yagam and acquired all his wealth. His Kula Guru Vasishtan was apprehensive about it and cursed Vishwamitran to become a stork. He in turn cursed Vasishta to become a ‘bakam’.
These two birds kept fighting fiercely for a very long time!
Note : It is surprising and interesting to see the dramas played by enlightened masters and celestial beings.
Hari Om!
Bhagavatham portrays life in its totality, leaving no stones unturned.
It’s not about living a ‘goody goody’ life, but a dynamic life with all valour and enthusiasm!
Dear Devotee,
Our Scriptures have always insisted on living life with passion, dispassion and compassion!
All these stories aim to ignite a spark in our consciousness to face life with courage, determination and perseverance!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.7.1 – 9.7.7)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.7.8 – 9.7.26)
King Harishchandra’s story continues.
He was sad that he didn’t have any children, so as Sage Narada advised, started praying to Varuna Deva.
He would have been so distressed that he made a thoughtless promise to Varuna.
He promised to offer his own son as sacrifice when he would be born.
Varuna blessed and Harishchandra got a son and named him as Rohithan.
Immediately Varuna appeared before him and asked for the child; Harishchandra requested to wait for some more days.
This repeated many times, Varuna would come and demand for the child and the King would say some excuse to postpone it.
Finally, Rohithan came to know about his father’s vow to sacrifice him and hence escaped into a forest.
Varuna became agitated and cursed Harishchandra with ‘Mahodaram’ disease.
Hari Om!
Knowing this, Rohithan wanted to go back to his father but Indra obstructed him and advised him to go on pilgrimages to acquire Divine Grace to protect his life.
Indra continued this for five years and in the sixth year Rohithan returned to his father with a man Shunashefan.
Harishchandran conducted a Yagam offering him and Varuna freed him from his chronic disease. Indra gifted a golden chariot to Harishchandra.
(Shree Shuka confirmed to Parikshith that Shunashefan was not killed in the Yagam and would narrate his glorious story later).
Sage Vishwamitra took away all the wealth from Harishchandra, still he and his wife remained truthful.
This pleased Vishwamitra and he blessed Harishchandra with imperishable knowledge of the Self.
Harishchandra followed the path and with intense meditation, attained liberation.
Bhagavatham describes the meditation he followed in detail and says, words cannot explain the indescribable state of Being he attained as a ‘Jeevan Muktha’.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham is teaching us the ways to overcome dark days in our lives. We can see that Lord Indra advised Rohithan to do pilgrimages and acquire Divine Grace.
We can also notice that a Guru like Vishwamitra intends to bless only with the highest wealth of wisdom, when he takes away materialistic wealth.
Dear Devotee,
You need pure wisdom to know when to take action, when to wait for action and when to drop the intention for action totally.
Bhagavatham points to many case studies about this intrinsic ‘Art of Decision Making’ through these narratives.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.7.8 – 9.7.26)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.8.1 – 9.8.30)
Shri Shuka continues with King Sagara’s story now. Sagara was born in Rohithan’s lineage as Bahuka’s son.
Bahuka had to flee from his country with his wife as enemies attacked his kingdom.
As he got old and died in the forest, his pregnant wife wanted to die with him; but a sage Ourwan prevented her from dying.
Her husband’s other wives poisoned her food, nevertheless the baby was born well. He became a very glorious king called Sagaran.
As per sage Ourwa’s instructions, Sagaran attacked many enemies and instead of killing them punished them by deforming and uglifying them. Further he conducted many Ashwamedha Yagas and worshipped Shree Hari.
Sagaran had two wives Sumathi and Keshini. Sumathi had sixty thousand sons; King Sagaran sent them all for finding the Ashwam(horse) which got lost while wandering freely as part of a custom before Yagam.
Hari Om!
These sixty thousand men went on search aggressively everywhere on earth. As they could not locate the horse anywhere, they drilled down upto Pathalam and it says, that’s how the seas and oceans formed on earth.
As they entered Rasathalam, they saw the horse standing where Kapila Muni was meditating. Shouting fiercely, they rushed to kill Kapila Muni, and He opened His eyes and looked at them.
The moment His gaze fell on them, they were all charred to death instantly.
Bhagavatham says, Kapila Muni was incarnation of Shree Hari and the originator of Samkhya Yogam. He is beyond all negative emotions, it was not His anger that burnt them to death, but the consequence of dishonoring Him brought in ill fate for themselves.
Keshini’s son Asamanchasan wanted to free himself from worldly bondages, so behaved inappropriately to invite wrath from his father and others.
He would even throw children playing on the streets into ‘Sarayu’ river for no reason.
Hari Om!
Sagaran expelled him from the kingdom for hurting his countrymen.
Then Asamanchasan brought all children back with his ‘Yoga Prabhavam’ surprising the people of Ayodhya. Then he went away happily and Sagaran regretted over this punishment.
However, Asamanchasan’s son Amshuman was eager to obey his grandfather Sagaran and went in search of the Ashwam.
Amshuman found the Ashwam near the ashes of Sagara’s sons and went ahead to prostrate before Sage Kapila with utmost reverence.
Shree Shuka says, Amshuman’s Sthuthi pleased Kapila Muni and HE blessed him, “Hey Dear, you can take your grand father’s Ashwam. Your elders will get ‘Sath Gathi’ with the holy water of Ganga and nothing else can save them”.
Amshuman expressed his gratitude and returned with the Ashwam to his grand father King Sagaran to conclude the Yagam well.
Later, Sagaran handed over the responsibility of the Kingdom to his grandson Amshuman. As directed by his Guru Ourwan, Sagaran set himself free from all attachments and attained Parama Padam.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham is giving a deeper insight about human psychology here, by portraying the attitude difference of Sagara’s sons and his grandson as they approached Kapila Muni.
The sure way of connecting well with strangers is a respectful gesture to begin with!
Bhagavatham narratives are full of problem-solving techniques.
If there is a problem, there is a sure way of solving it too. Transforming problems into challenges and opportunities is what a success mindset is all about; Bhagavatham describes many case studies for our learning.
And it seems Ayodhya had witnessed many chilling events, even in those times, and always cheered again!
Dear Devotee,
The way you Communicate can make or break your life.
So, watch your verbal and more than that non-verbal communication whenever you deal with people.
Bhagavatham is teaching the Art of Communication!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.8.1 – 9.8.30)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.1 – 9.9.9)
Ninth chapter of ninth canto describes about the kings in the lineage of Amshuman upto Khatwangan and how Bhageerathan invited Holy River Ganga to Earth.
Shree Shuka narrated, “Sagaran handed over his kingdom to Amshuman who also observed penance for a long time to bring Ganga to Earth; he also couldn’t succeed in it and provide Mukthi to his ancestors. Then his son Dileepan tried hard in vain. Afterwards his son Bhageerathan took intense penance for a long time.
Gangadevi was pleased and appeared before Bhageerathan, ready to grant his wish.
Bhageerathan prayed, “Mother, please come to Bhoolokam for liberating my ancestor fathers”.
Gangadevi cautioned him, “Who can sustain me as I fall onto Earth so fast? Unless someone captures my fall, I will pierce Earth and enter Pathalam.
Moreover, I have another concern. I don’t intend to come to Earth as there are many sinners who will wash away their sins in my holy waters. Where will I get rid of its stain? Tell me!”.
Hari Om!
Bhageeratha replied, “There are Sadhus, noble people who can purify the entire world through their presence will take holy bath in your holy waters and nullify all those ill effects.
No need to doubt their power as Lord Shree Hari, the remover of sins dwell in them.
He continues, “Lord Shree Rudran will sustain your force, HE is the Lord interwoven into the whole world as threads of cloth are interwoven along its length and breadth. HE can sustain you”.
Saying thus and seeking permission from Ganga Devi, Bhageerathan went to do a penance to please Lord Shivan. Very soon the Lord gave consent to the request of Bhageerathan.
Thus, out of compassion for the inhabitants of Earth and for HIS own delight Lord Shivan sustained the falling Ganga waters on His head.
Note : The first striking knowledge point is the commitment of Sagara’s children and grand children passed through generation by generation for achieving a common goal. Usually people drop their commitment for convenience. Many fail to convey the importance of achieving a big task, to their children and grandchildren.
Hari Om!
Bhageerathan took up this great responsibility instead of getting discouraged by the futile efforts of his father and grandfather. This mindset needs such self-discipline and self-motivation to go on tirelessly and stop only when you have successfully achieved your goal.
Further we can see profound wisdom in the dialogue between Ganga and Bhageerathan.
Ganga represents eternal, liberating Jnanam and no common man can grasp such profound
Knowledge directly. Only an elevated or enlightened master can sustain it and impart it to other worldly beings.
A Maha Guru conveys the spiritual wisdom that leads us to Mukthi slowly and gradually as best as we can grasp.
Another mind blowing knowledge point is, whenever our minds get polluted with Dussangam or the company of negative minds, we can nullify its effect with Satsangam or the company of great, noble people.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
As Grihasthas we need to transfer responsibilities at various levels to our younger generations.They must understand the common goal of the family hierarchy through generations and must be willing to take up responsibility when their turn comes.
In many business families we can see this tradition; in other greater responsibilities like serving nation or society also it must be continued through generations.
It says, we are the average of the five people with whom we interact regularly and intensely. So, any Dussangam must be replaced by Sathsangam if at all we want to improve the quality of our lives.
Probably Kumbha Melas where lakhs of Sadhus take holy dip in Ganga may be relieving Her from the sins dumped by commoners bathing in Her holy waters !
This is symbolic of the impact of Sathsangam over Dussangam.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.1 – 9.9.9)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.10 – 9.9.15)
Bhagavatham says, the great Rajarshi Bhageerathan led Holy Ganga, the pure, divine river to the place where his ancestors were lying lifeless as ashes.
Bhageerathan rode on a chariot at the high speed of Vayu and Ganga Devi kept flowing behind him, purifying all the places as they pass by.
As Ganga water was flowing over the ashes of the sons of Sagaran, the moment the divine water touched them, they attained Swargam!
Even mortal remains in the form of ashes attain Swargam by the Grace of Ganga water, what more to say about people who serve Ganga with single focused devotion and penance?
Ganga emerges from the abode at the Holy Feet of Shree Hari, the most auspicious Lord of all creation, no surprise that she is powerful enough to liberate the sons of Sagaran!
No need to doubt whether the Holy Feet of Bhagavan Shree Hari is so powerful to purify this majestic river born from His abode.
Hari Om!
Because the Glory of His Feet is unbelievably phenomenal, as countless sages who have such pure minds meditate upon them. These sages have no “I”ness or “My”ness about their bodies or anything they possess.
Such noble minds constantly remember the Holy Feet of Bhagavan and no one can even guess the miraculous power of Ganga Devi, who originate from those Lotus Feet of Bhagavan.
Note : Our homeland Bharatham is well known as ‘Yoga Bhoomi’ compared to other lands known as ‘Bhoga Bhoomi’ where materialistic pleasure and comfort are given utmost importance and even some places can be called as ‘Roga Bhoomi’ where poverty and sickness take dominance.
In a Yoga Bhoomi every aspect of life connects one to the Supreme Lord and dissolves the individual self into the infinity and eternity of consciousness.
Whether it’s an art form or production of textiles or construction of houses or manufacturing of utensils, the traditional artisans or craftspeople live a life of penance and they work like worshipping Bhagavan. They used to preserve and transfer the craftsmanship through generations.
Hari Om!
After living a fulfilling life, they complete the life’s journey as offering at the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan. The younger generations observe the final rites of the departed elder with devotion and commitment as a token of gratitude.
The banks of River Ganga have been witnessing this final farewell over millenniums. She witnesses the Ganga Arathi along with the funeral pyre, with same dispassion.
We know that life originated in water and Sanathana Dharma revers water in all religious rituals throughout our lives. The immersion of funeral pyre ashes in Ganga Devi’s holy water, while Surya Devan is witnessing it with a warm smile is a heart melting experience for the dear ones who conclude the final rites.
What more can they offer for the beloved parent or elder for attaining Atma Shanthi?
Hari Om!
Dear
Devotee,
We have heard that Ganga water is pure, through our Scriptures.
It is interesting to know that many researchers conducted scientific tests and verified that Ganga water gets its purity from Bacteriophages, the virus that infect and eliminate bacteria due to their bactericidal ability.
Our Bharatham is a land of mysteries and miracles, a true Yoga Bhoomi where the purest river on Earth flows!
Everyone must have Ganga Darshan at least once in their life time!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.10 – 9.9.15)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.16 – 9.9.40)
Bhagavatham now proceeds with the description of Bhageeratha’s dynasty and lineage which includes Shrutha, Naabha, SindhuDweepan, Ayuthayuss, Rithuparnan (a friend of Nalan), Sarvakaman, Sudasan and Saudasan (husband of Madayanthi) in the hierarchy.
Saudasan was also called Mithrasahan and Kalmashapadan. His bad Karma made him childless and further Vasishta’s curse turned him into a Rakshasa, a man eater.
Pareekshith was curious to know how a nobleman like Saudasa had to face such an ill fate.
Shree Shuka narrates that story now.
One day Saudasan went for hunting and killed a Rakshasa while leaving his brother alive. This brother Rakshasa decided to take revenge on Saudasan and entered his palace in disguise as a cook.
One day, Sage Vasishta happened to dine there and this Rakshasa served him with cooked human flesh. Knowing this, the Sage cursed the King to become a Rakshasa too.
On second thought, knowing that the King is innocent, Vasishta reduced
Hari Om!
the ‘curse period’ to twelve years.
Saudasan was about to curse Guru back, but his wife stopped him. The water which he held in his hands for cursing had turned highly toxic and he had to drop it on his own feet for discarding its ill effect on others. Thus, his feet turned dark and was called ‘Kalmashapadan’ henceforth. As he followed his wife’s suggestion as a friend, he was also called ‘Mithrasahan’.
His ill fate landed him into ‘Anapatyata’ (childlessness) too. How this befell on him?
As he was wandering hungrily in the forest as a Rakshasa, he happened to catch a Brahmana, eager to eat him up, while the Brahmana couple were ready to mate for giving birth to a child. The lamenting Brahmana wife kept begging for her husband’s life, she reminded him that he was a king in reality though now under curse. She pleaded for mercy from the king, nevertheless Saudasa ate him like a tiger eats a cow.
Deprived of getting a child and widowed by the ruthless Rakshasa, the Brahmani cursed him that he will die the moment he tries to mate similarly. Then she ended her life in fire along with her husband’s bones.
Hari Om!
After twelve years, Saudasa became free from curse and went back to his wife Madayanthi. She reminded him of the Brahmani’s curse and thus he had to live in celibacy.
Later he requested Sage Vasishta to give a child through his wife and he agreed.
Interestingly, Madayanthi did not deliver the child even after seven years. So Vasishta stroked her pregnant belly with a stone and thus the child was born, thereby called as Ashmakan.
Ashmakan had a son Moolakan, who was protected by women when Parashu Rama was destroying all Kshatriyas. Thus, he gained the name ‘Narikavachan’ too. He was called Moolakan because he was preserving the ‘Kshatriya Kulam’ while it was being destroyed.
Note : We see a dramatic portrayal of life with all its intricacies here.
Karma and Karmaphalam are applicable to all beings alike. Simply speaking, whatever good you do will come back to you and whatever bad you do will come back to you as well.
Its mind blowing to see Sage Vasishta cursing the king and then later protecting his progeny as well.
Hari Om!
Probably it all started because Saudasan was compassionate with his enemy’s brother!
He seems to forget his Dharma as a Kshatriya in dealing with enemies. That brought ill fate into his life. He also did not take sufficient care while appointing the cook in his palace and before serving to his Guru too.
A king can not afford to make such grave mistakes in decision making and probably he is not eligible to give birth to the next heir to the throne as well! The next prince must be born from a wise father for the welfare of the country!
There is deep meaning in each narrative in Bhagavatham, which imparts hurtful truth at times to the seekers.
In Neuro Linguistic Programming, it says, when something happens for the first time it is an incidence; when it happens for the second time it is a coincidence and when it happens for the third time, it is a pattern.
We can see that Saudasa’s first mistake was leaving his enemy alive. Second mistake was allowing his entry as a cook into his palace without the proper vigilance a King must have and the third one was eating the Brahmana. This Karma pattern led him into huge troubles in life.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
One thoughtless action can lead to endless struggle in life.
How to take good decisions in life?
Take a moment to introspect,
“Am I acting based on my Dharma?
What are the possible consequences of this action?
How will it affect me individually as a person or my responsibility in society?”.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.16 – 9.9.40)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.41 – 9.9.49)
Narrative continues, Moolakan’s son was Dasharathan, his son was Idavidan, his son was Viswasahan and his son was Khatwangan who became an emperor.
Khatwangan was unbeatable by his enemies, so the Devas requested him to join them for defeating the Asuras. So he went for the battle and killed the Asuras.
Highly pleased Devas told him to ask for any boon.
He replied, ‘Tell me, how long I will live, then I will receive the boon”.
They told him, his life will last for one more Muhoortham only.
Immediately the king returned to his palace in the plane gifted by the Devas. He set his mind on Bhagavan Parameswara.
The next five shlokas describe how Khatwangan set his mind completely on Bhagavan.
“I worship the ‘Brahmana Kulam’, worshipped by my family, which is dearer to me than my own Pranas, children, this earth, country, my wife or even ‘paramapurushartham’.
Hari Om!
Even in my childhood, even in difficult times, my mind never walked the path of Adharma.
I have seen only Bhagavan in everything and nothing else.
Indra and other Devas who reign all the three worlds asked me to woo any boon and I didn’t because I have only Bhagavan in my mind. I want only Bhagavan’s Grace and nothing else, so I need nothing more.
Why do people aspire pleasures like Swargam?
Even Devas can not subside their senses and intellect and thus they are unaware of Bhagavan who reside in their hearts as their most beloved. What to say about others?
I let go of all my attachments to this delusion of world, created by Bhagavan and surrender myself to HIM”.
Bhagavan with His utmost love towards His devotees, attracted Khatwangan’s intellect and hence made it possible for him to focus on Bhagavan. This strong affinity towards Bhagavan cut down the veil of oneness with the body and he attained ‘Paramatma Bhavam’.
What was that experience like?
Hari Om!
That which is called Parabrahmam by Vedas, That which seems to be empty, That which is glorified by devotees as Vasudeva, Khatwangan became ONE with That. Thus, he became Paramatma himself when he dropped his gross body.
Note : This part of Bhagavatham shows how to live a purposeful life and die a graceful death.
Khatwangan pursued excellence in whatever his did. He was a master warrior admired by Devas themselves. He had total passion in whatever he did, total dispassion to all materialistic gains and possessions and he could drop everything with utmost detachment.
You can see that when you are ignorant of Bhagavad Swaroopam, you desire for Swargam and that kind of pleasures.
Khatwangan with his exceptional detachment, could drop all relations and possessions and could focus on Bhagavan alone, at the time of death.
When his gross body dropped, there was nothing left as the mind had already united with Bhagavan.
Ninth chapter of ninth canto concludes here.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Unless and until the river merges with the ocean it’s sole purpose must be merging with the ocean ….
Only Grace can make it possible though!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.9.41 – 9.9.49)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.1 – 9.10.4)
Bhagavatham is taking us to the most auspicious Shree Rama Avatharam now.
Jai Shree Ram! Jai Seetha Ram!
Tenth chapter of Ninth canto describes Bhagavan Shree Hari incarnating as Lord Shree Ram in the lineage of Khadwangan.
Shree Shuka narrates it in two chapters…
Khadwangan had a son Deergha Bahu, his son was the Great Raghu, his son was Ajan and his son was Dasharathan.
Ravana and his Asura folks chastised the Devas for a long time and their prayers were heard by Bhagavan; HE took birth as the four sons of Dasharathan. They were Raman, Lakshmanan, Bharathan and Shathrughnan. The life stories of Shree Ramachandran, the husband of Seethadevi was inscribed by Sages like Valmiki. You might have heard it many times for sure.
Shukamuni prays to Bhagavan Shree Raman before telling His narratives.
Hari Om!
“May the One who went to forest for keeping His father’s promise, whose delicate feet had to walk the horrible tracks in the forest, whose grief of separation from Seetha was consoled by the monkey king Sugreeva (along with brother Lakshmana) when She was abducted by Ravana (when his sister Shoorpanakha was disfigured), whose twitching of eye brows gave way in the ocean and thus built Sethubandhan, that Shree Ramachandran may protect us”.
Note : We are deeply moved and highly delighted to start the most purifying story of Bhagavan in His Rama Avatharam. This one shloka is sufficient to convey the hardships Bhagavan was bearing with utmost serenity in all challenging situations in His life.
It shows that it is possible to live a difficult life with patience, endurance and take up all responsibilities as situation demands.
It also gives a glimpse of Shree Rama’s compassion towards all living beings and His openness to accept even a monkey’s company and solace.
We will further read through the auspicious ‘Rama Katha’ with utmost reverence.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
We are so fortunate that our Sanathana Dharmam with its great Scriptures shows us guiding light in any possible life situation that we may face!
Like we have Disaster Management classes in schools and institutions, our Gurus demonstrate what is acceptable and what to avoid!
Bhagavan comes to our level of understanding and teaches us with ‘first person’ account of disaster management and mind management while upholding Dharma for the benefit of all, in a greater context.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.1 – 9.10.4)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.5 – 9.10.10)
Bhagavatham continues the narrative of Bhagavan Shree Rama’s glory.
May that Ramabhadran save us, who killed Asuras like Mareechan who were obstructing Sage Viswamitra’s Yagas, that too unaided even by His brother Lakshmana.
May that supreme warrior Shree Ramachandran who broke the Shiva Chapam (Lord Shiva’s majestic bow, which needed three hundred men to carry it) in Seetha Swayamvaram, like an elephant breaks a sugar cane!
Thus HE married Seetha Devi, (the manifestation of Lakshmi Devi who resides in His heart) as His virtuous, beautiful and most matching divine consort!
On their way back from Mithilapuri to Ayodhya, He confronted Parasu Rama and shattered his explosive arrogance. Parasu Rama had destroyed Kshatriyas twenty one times (not three times as popularly known).
That Shree Ramachandran who strictly obeyed His father’s promise (to his wife) to protect its truthfulness and set off for forest with wife Seetha Devi like a hermit, may save us!
Hari Om!
May that Shree Ramachandran save us, who deformed Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha (for aiming to hurt Seetha Devi), who killed many Rakshasas and Mareechan who came disguised as a golden deer (as instructed by lustful Ravana with a plot to kidnap Seetha Devi).
Note : Bhagavatham gives us a brief account of the whole Ramayanam in these few shlokas. Bhagavan came as Shree Ramachandran to show the ultimate model of excellence as protector of Dharma!
HE displays His charisma as a great warrior by conquering Parasu Raman who destroyed the entire Kshatriya clan repeatedly twenty-one times. And HE obeys His father like a child would do, without questioning, though it was quite unfair obviously. He chose a dangerous forest life to observe His Dharma as a son.
Can we compare this sacrifice with the heinous acts of kings who killed their fathers and/or siblings for enthronement?
His love and care for His wife and how He protects Her are incomparable!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
A model of excellence inspires all minds, clarifies their doubts and uplifts their spirit with a new confidence from time to time.
Shree Rama is always shining at the pinnacle of Dharma as a guiding light for humanity.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.5 – 9.10.10)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.11 – 9.10.12)
Bhagavatham describes how the evil Asura king Ravana abducted Seetha devi, in this part.
When Shree Rama and Lakshmana were away from their Ashram, Ravana came and kidnapped her; Shree Rama lamented and wandered in the forest with Lakshmana. In fact HE was taking this role as an ordinary man consumed by grief due to women.
On the way HE met Jadayu who battled with Ravana for saving Seetha Devi. The huge bird was about to die, and as soon as he conveyed the news, he died. Bhagavan conducted the final rituals for Jadayu.
Then HE killed Kabandhan, the asura who tried to eat HIM.
Later HE met the Vanara King Sugreevan and killed Bali; then the Vanaras brought news about Seetha Devi. Shree Rama with all others reached the sea shore to battle with Ravana.
The Supreme Lord who is worshipped by Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma was really playing this role as He took incarnation as a human being.
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham tells the ‘Ramayana Katha’ for us in this holy month of Karkkadakom.
How versatile is the way Bhagavan shows role playing for us.
HE was not able to do the final rituals for His own father. And HE did it for this humble bird!
HE was doubtless to kill enemies and most compassionate to all species or creatures equally.
HE took help even from Vanaras, without any hesitation!
And HE was diplomatic and flexible in tying up with the Vanara Sena to rescue Seetha Devi from Ravana.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Usually we grieve over things that we have no control over and ignore or forget to act upon things that we have control over!
Look upon at Bhagavan Shree Rama!
HE could not even see HIS father Dasharathan when he died, however HE did the final rites for Jadayu with utmost love and respect!
Taking action on what is possible and letting go of what is impossible with a prayerful mind is an intelligent way to live, with more ease!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.11 – 9.10.12)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.13- 9.10.15)
Bhagavan Shree Raman observed Upavasam for three nights on sea shore waiting for Varuna’s consent to cross the sea to reach Lanka. As was no response from Varuna, the Lord of Ocean, Bhagavan became furious and looked fiercely at the sea, frightening all living beings like crocodiles under water. Samudram was so scared that it subsided all the sounds of waves and appeared before Shree Rama with prayerful offerings.
Varuna prayed, “Hey Bhagavan, YOU are all over the creation and we, deluded by YOUR Mayashakthi were ignorant and we know YOUR glory only now! YOU are the creator, savior and the destroyer of the world. Devas are born from YOUR Sathwa Gunam, Prajapathis from Rajas and Bhoothapathis from YOUR Thamas; all under YOU only and hence YOU are detached from everything!
Lord of the ocean continued, “Hey mighty Lord, please surpass the waters and move on as YOU wish! May YOU annihilate Ravana and regain YOUR Dharma Patni! My waters can not cause any hindrance to YOU, still please build a bridge as a lasting tribute to YOUR glory. Let the upcoming warriors see the impermeable Sethu and praise YOUR Glory ever!
Hari Om!
Note : Bhagavatham describes how polite Shree Rama was in dealing with everyone. At the same time, HIS kindness was not a sign of weakness. Those who disrespected HIS rightful demands, had to face the consequence soon!
Varuna acknowledged his ignorance and pleaded for forgiveness. Also he suggested that instead of emptying water for entry, a bridge would remain as a lasting memoir for ‘Shree Rama Vijayam’.
Bhagavan agreed readily, showing HIS openness towards suggestions from others.
Dear Devotee,
Bring out your valour and see how your opponents nod in agreement with you!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.13- 9.10.15)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.16- 9.10.23)
Bhagavatham describes how Lord Rama followed the suggestions from the Samudra Raja.
The Vanaras brought gigantic mountains with huge trees and dropped them into the sea to build a bridge to pave a walk way to Lanka. Vibheeshana showed them the route to Lanka. Shree Rama along with Sugreevan, Neelan and Hanuman and other great men entered the Lanka which was already set ablaze by Hanuman.
What followed, seemed like a herd of elephants thrashing in a lake as the Vanaras attacked Lanka. Some of them blocked places of entertainment while some others barged into storage houses of grains. Some destroyed lockers and some others jammed roads to homes and towns. They damaged all towers, buildings and tower tops and turned the entire Lanka upside down.
Ravana saw this devastating damage and sent all his men one by one and as they all fell down, sent his younger brother Kumbhakarna also to the battle field for the same fate. The seemingly indestructible Rakshasa army had to confront Shree Rama with Sugreevan, Lakshmanan, Hanuman, Gandhamadan, Neelan, Amgadan, Jambavan, Panasan and so on.
Hari Om!
As Ravana’s entire glory tarnished by kidnapping Seetha Devi, his army of elephants, chariots, horses and men had to fight the Vanaras who attacked them with trees, mountains, maces and arrows.
Ravana got bewildered seeing his army getting destroyed and hence sat in his Pushpaka Vimanam and attacked Shree Rama who was sitting in Indra’s chariot brought by Mathali.
His sharp arrows hurt Shree Rama.
Bhagavan spoke sharply to Ravana, “you heinous Rakshasa, when we both were away from our Ashram, you abducted my wife like a shameless dog. You will get the Karmaphalam for your terrible act and I am here for it only”.
Speaking thus, Shree Rama shot an arrow from His bow, which pierced Ravana’s heart and all his ten faces started bleeding. He fell down from his Vimanam amidst the huge cries from the battle field.
Note : Bhagavatham describes the legendary, ferocious ‘Rama Ravana yudham’ in these few shlokas.
It is commendable to see how Shree Rama coordinated it with the help of Vanaras and they all built the Sethu with trees, mountains etc.
Hari Om!
HE set an example for honoring all species and seeking help from anyone who would offer it.
Ravana though a mighty king who had such great warriors and palace and forts and weaponry had a stained consciousness which led him to defeat and death eventually.
Dear Devotee,
Your ultimate success depends on your purpose!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.16- 9.10.23)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.24- 9.10.45)
As the demon king Ravana fell dead in the war field, all the widows of Rakshasas following Mandodari ran to see their dead bodies, crying and yelling pitiably.
The Rakshasa women hugged their dead husbands beating their own chests in huge grief, loss and regret.
They lamented, “Ravana, hey lord who would make all mighty men cry, your death made all of us lifeless. Without you, who will protect us from enemies’ attack?
Hey fortunate one, you had countless women desiring for you, still you went after Seetha Devi, without knowing Her Grace! That alone caused your fall.
As the Rakshasa clan head, your heinous act caused this misery to all Rakshasas and their widows. Your body became feast for vultures and your soul fell into hell”.
Shree Shuka further mentions the cremation rituals conducted by Vibheeshana for his departed men as instructed by Shree Rama.
Hari Om!
Then Shree Rama met Seetha Devi sitting under the Shimshapa tree in Ashoka Vanika, She was lean with pain of separation from Her Lord.
Shree Rama felt compassionate for Devi whose face glowed as She saw Him. He let Her sit in Pushpaka Vimanam along with Lakshmana , Sugreeva, Hanuman and Vibheeshana and reached the palace in Ayodhya.
He blessed Vibheeshana to rule the Rakshasas in Lanka with a long life till the end of Kalpam.
Thus Bhagavan concluded His vow imposed by His father’s promise.
Bhagavatham describes His journey in Pushpakam glorified by Brahma, Indra and Devas.
Bhagavan was in a hurry to meet His brother Bharatha who was residing in Nandi Gramam like a hermit while ruling Ayodhya. He had decided that he will not enter Ayodhya without Shree Rama.
As soon as the news of Shree Rama’s arrival reached, he set off to welcome them with all country men, carrying His holy sandals on head.
The grand procession was a celebration with Brahmans chanting Vedas, and people singing songs with golden flags, chariots and horses.
Hari Om!
All kinds of citizens joined the procession to welcome Shree Rama.
Bharatha placed the sandals in front of Shree Rama, fell on His holy feet with melted heart and teary eyes. The Lord hugged Bharatha with such love and compassion for a long time, His tears of love washing His dear brother’s head.
They prostrated before the Brahmanas and elders while the citizens prostrated before Shree Rama. Ayodhya people danced in merriment showering flowers everywhere and throwing their shawls up and catching them.
Bhagavatham now describes the entry of Shree Rama into Ayodhya as Bharatha was holding His sandals, Sugreeva and Vibheeshana were holding ‘alavattoms’ (big, circular fans usually used in festivals) and Hanuman was holding Venkottakuda (white royal umbrella). Shathrughna held the avanazhi (container for arrows) and bow, Seetha Devi held theertha patram of holy water, Angada held the sword, and Jambavan held the golden paricha (shield).
Bhagavan Shree Rama was shining like the full moon with Guru and Shukra planets on the sky as He was flying in Pushpakam. Thus Bhagavan Shree Rama entered Ayodhya city which was celebrating His arrival as a festival.
Hari Om!
Note : The biggest lesson we get here is the miserable statement from the widows of Rakshasas. Ravana forgot that he was the ruler of a kingdom and the entire folks in Lanka depended on him for safety and well-being. How could he forget his duty towards his land and people?
The adharmic Rakshasa was in war against Lord Rama who followed Dharma meticulously and no wonder he lost all siblings, children, relatives and everything he possessed! His lust and cravings led him to a pitiable death and eternal shame.
Shree Rama observed His Dharma towards all worldly duties and with an equanimous mind He returned to a glorious kingdom waiting eagerly for His return.
Dear Devotee,
True celebration happens with a committed and dutiful life only.
Short term pleasures are mostly doorways to hell.
Make Sathyam and Dharmam your first priorities while having an intelligent vigil on what’s happening around you!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.24- 9.10.45)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.46- 9.10.56)
Bhagavan Shree Rama entered the royal palace to the greatest delight of mother Kousalya, Kaikeyi, Sumitra, Gurus, their wives and peers, friends and siblings. They received blessings from all elders. Seetha devi and Lakshmana followed Him similarly, receiving blessings from all. Mother Kousalya became rejuvenated from her grief and lifelessness.
Kula Guru Vasishta arranged all ceremonies for Shree Rama’s coronation, bathing Him in holy water from four seas and holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna.
Lord Rama looked glowing in His new silk robes, flower garlands and ornaments along with His brothers and Seetha Devi.
Bharatha had prostrated before Shree Rama and pleaded; hence He had given consent to accept and rule over the kingdom. He looked after his people like His own children and they loved Him like their own father.
During His governing period, Dharmam was completely protected. Dharmam is usually compared to a cow who had all four legs in Krutha Yugam, and in Thretha Yugam, one leg would be damaged. It implies that in society, three fourth Dharmam and one fourth Adharmam would prevail.
Hari Om!
However, while Shree Rama was ruling, though it was Thretha Yugam, Dharmam was whole by His Grace.
It was a time when all forests, rivers, mountains, islands, seas and rains showered all blessings in abundance over the people. There was no fear, sickness, old age diseases, worry, fatigue and fear of death for anyone.
Bhagavan observed the vow that He would have only one wife and He lived a life of purity, sincerely observing all traditions and customs. Seetha Devi lived as a wife of excellence expressing divine love, humility, discipline, obedience, glorious character, sharp intelligence and a modest nature. She used to do all needful things even without being told, adding to the delight of Shree Rama exceptionally.
Note : Bhagavatham displays ideal characters as models of excellence here. There was no ruler better than Shree Rama. There was no husband better than Shree Rama. There was no wife better than Seetha Devi. There was no time better than this….
Bhagavatham concludes the tenth chapter of Ninth Canto here.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The head of a nation, state, town, village and family is responsible for the well-being of what they govern.
Shree Rama was embodiment of purity and Dharma and His Rama Rajyam is the ultimate Hope for humanity to survive!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.10.46- 9.10.56)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.1- 9.11.7)
Eleventh chapter of Ninth canto of Bhagavatham describes how Shree Rama along with His brothers conducted Yagas for the welfare of all.
Bhagavan in His human birth, observed all rituals and customs like ordinary humans would perform. So, He took counsel from Acharyas and conducted Yagas, in fact, thereby worshipping Himself. He was demonstrating to the world that it is the duty and responsibility of the King to perform Yagnas.
The supreme Lord donated the entire land to Brahmanas and Acharyas to their utmost delight. Now Shree Rama and Seetha Devi had nothing in their possession, other than the clothes and ornaments they were wearing at that moment.
Highly pleased Brahmanas returned it all to Shree Rama and praised HIM, “Hey Bhagavan, YOU have entered our hearts and illuminated it, erasing the darkness of ignorance. YOU have granted everything through this Jnanam!”.
Namaskaram to Shree Ramachandra, whose Lotus Feet is worshipped by noble Brahmanas!
Hari Om!
Note : As we read this part of Bhagavatham, we realize that it is no wonder, such a Rama Rajyam is possible, when it was ruled by Lord Rama!
Brahmanas expressed that the Knowledge of the Self is the ultimate wealth and craving for nothing else, is the true sign of Knowledge!
And craving for Atma Jnanam is the only way to liberation!
Dear Devotee,
This is an era of emerging Knowledge to live wisely! All over the world, people have started realizing that life is not just a rat race.
Spiritual awakening is the true journey of each and every human being.‘Human doings’ are transforming into human beings!
Rama Rajyam is possible when there is purity in heart, clarity in mind and sincerity in action! As Bhagavatham says, even in Thretha Yuga, Dharma was wholesome and complete because of Shree Rama!
Invoke that Shree Rama in your heart and you are closer to Rama Rajyam!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.1- 9.11.7)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.8- 9.11.11)
Shree Ramchandran was ruling His kingdom with utmost care and one day He wanted to know what the people of Ayodhya were speaking about Him.
Thus He roamed around in disguise in a night and happened to hear a man abusing his wife.
He was saying, “I am not the one to accept you or let you stay in my home since you had entered another man’s house and broke your ‘pathivrathyam’; I am not like the womanizer Rama who accepted Seetha again”.
It is typical of some people to hurt others with such harsh speech. It is impossible to convince them of truth too as it is not in their nature!
Though this is how the world moves, Shree Ramachandra as a king was scared of such scandals and thus decided to leave Seetha Devi and thus She entered Sage Valmiki’s Asharam.
Here, Shree Rama was demonstrating as a great King that, one should be scared of scandals and stay away from them. It says, if women are corrupted or polluted, the world gets damaged.
Hari Om!
Thus, Shree Rama displayed that the ruling king must sacrifice even the innocent wife for a greater cause!
Then pregnant Seetha Devi gave birth to twin sons Kushan and Luvan whose ceremonial ‘Jatha Karmas’ were done by Sage Valmiki.
Note : Bhagavatham is giving a shock to the reader here. Even the noblest Shree Rama had to face such heinous verbal attacks from a commoner and it forced Him to take the most painful, hard decision, knowing how innocent and pure Seetha Devi was.
Definitely corrupted women are the most dangerous attackers to culture and humanity for the simple reason that they carry the lineage in their wombs and they raise them! It is hence unimaginable to think of the subsequent evil possible to ruin humanity!
Here the King had to play the role of an excellent, undisputable model to look upon, though various sectors could blame Shree Rama for eras to come in future, for discarding His innocent wife.
The rules of Dharma observed by the ‘Maryada Purushothaman’ Shree Ramachandran was taking a big toll on Himself more than anyone else, a fact less considered by the critics though.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
The sacrifice by Shree Rama is eternally unparallel…
It can not appear even in the wildest dreams of today’s rulers who are selfish to the core and have no thought of their country or people.
He has set an example for entire humanity to learn how to overcome unsettling emotions and move on with suitable action, upholding your Dharma!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.8- 9.11.11)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.12- 9.11.17)
Bhagavatham continues Shree Rama’s brothers’ story now.
Lakshmanan had two sons Angadan and Chitrakethu, Bharathan had two sons Thakshan and Pushkalan while Shatrughnan had two sons Subahu and Shruthasenan.
Bharathan conducted ‘Dig Vijayam’ killing crores of Gandharvas and offered all their wealth to King Rama. Shatrughnan killed Lavanan, son of a Rakshasa Madhu and built a great palace Mathura in his land.
Meanwhile Seetha Devi, separated from Her husband was living in Sage Valmiki’s Ashramam until She gave birth to two sons. Then She entrusted them with the Sage and vanished beneath Mother Earth, meditating upon Shree Rama’s Holy Feet.
Innocent Seetha Devi being deserted and later entering Mother Earth was none other than ‘Easwara Avathara Leela’, what else to say?
As Shree Rama heard about it, though He is Easwara with all Gunas, He couldn’t help tears of love outflowing as He remembered the Divine qualities of Seetha Devi, however He tried to overcome it through introspection.
Hari Om!
Why Easwara Himself was displaying these human traits of sadness and emotions?
Bhagavatham says, HE is conveying to commoners, how such emotions from worldly relations can affect even Gods!
Note : Bhagavatham is teaching us, how challenging life can become sometimes!
Sanathana Dharmam introduces Easwara through Bhagavan’s Avatharams, most profoundly like Shree Rama and Shree Krishna to teach us how to navigate through life wisely.
Bhagavad Geetha chapter 4, shloka 7 says
“yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham”
Whenever there is a decline in Dharmam, Bhagavan manifests to uphold Dharmam.
Shree Rama as embodiment of Dharma, played various roles in life to teach the Dharmik ways of living to the humanity. He had also shown how to overcome weakening emotions and pursue duties and responsibilities with excellence and fulfillment.
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
This Geetha shloka can be easily understood by even children through a simple example.
We know that mobile networks have repeaters to sustain the signal strength.
Same with electricity transmission too.
Whenever there is a decline in signal strength, a repeater/amplifier will uphold its strength.
Similarly, whenever there is decline in Dharma, Bhagavan takes charge to uphold it through an Avatharam!
Whenever we speak up or take action against Adharma, it is Bhagavan working through us!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.12- 9.11.17)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.18- 9.11.23)
Bhagavatham says, after Seetha Devi vanished into Mother Earth, Shree Ramachandra lived for thirteen thousand more years, observing Brahmacharyam and conducting Agnihotram regularly.
Afterwards, He offered His Lotus Feet into devotees’ hearts and attained His ‘Jyothi Swaroopam’.
Bhagavatham states, those who remember the Holy Feet of Shree Ramachandra who traversed ‘bare foot’ in the forest for protecting the world, can never have any miseries of the world thereafter.
Many poets praise His glorious acts of ‘Sethu Bandhanam’ and killing Ravana and his folks with the help of Vanaras, however, those who introspect about His ‘Mahima’ would have no wonder about it!
The Supreme Lord who took Avatharam for protecting Dharma and the world, appear to taking help from even Vanaras was in fact blessing them! The all knowing, all skillful Lord never needed any support from anyone in reality, still appeared so!
Those who praise or hear the Rama Namam get purified from all sins.
Hari Om!
His glory is still upheld all over the worlds and sang by Rishis like Markandeya in royal palaces.
Shree Shuka said, “I surrender before the Lotus Feet of Shree Ramachandra, which are worshipped by even Indra, Kubera and so on. The people of Ayodhya who could lovingly touch Him, see Him, live together or follow Him, they all attained the eternal abode that Yogis attain.
A man who does not hurt others, as he listens to Shree Rama Charithram regularly, becomes free from the cycle of ‘punyam and papam’ and hence cycle of lifetimes too. Hey Raja, you have heard it many times now and thus you are most fortunate”.
Note : Bhagavatham shows the unwavering commitment of King Shree Rama in upholding Dharma for the benefit of the world, keeping aside all His personal wishes.
Those who regularly listens to His stories would naturally develop such Dharmik mind set in all their endeavors.
Such an impactful, Divine Presence could magically shift anyone who came near Him.
Hari Om!
We much understand, it is not what we speak or act, but the consciousness in which we function makes all the difference.
Shree Rama remains eternally as the Maryada Purushothama for all generations to come on Earth.
Dear Devotee,
This is a time when we can hardly find role models in society.
Probably that’s why the great visionary Sage Ved Vyasa stated in Geetha (chapter 16, verse 24) that you must turn to Shastram to develop power of discrimination.
The narrative of Shree Rama stands as a clear example to follow too.
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.18- 9.11.23)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.24- 9.11.36)
King Pareekshith became more curious to know about Lord Shree Rama’s stories.
He enquired, “How did Shree Ramabhadran and His brothers interacted among themselves?
How did the country men behave with Him?”.
Shree Shuka Muni replied, “Shree Rama upon His enthronement delegated His brothers for conquering all over the world, which they followed vigorously. King Rama facilitated meetings with His people by travelling daily in the city. Thus, He could validate their well-being directly.
Whenever He entered the city, all citizens joined together to decorate all places in abundance and aromatic fragrances. Shree Rama was utmost delighted to watch His people celebrate so.
They would assemble wherever He went and prayed for the protection of Mother Earth. They felt such longing for Him and showered flowers on Him as He moved on.
Shree Ramachandran along with His wife Seetha Devi ruled over the land and enjoyed all royal luxuries in utmost Dharma.
Hari Om!
With this short note, we are concluding the narration of Shree Rama’s Divine Leelas here.
Note : Bhagavatham is describing the ideal Raja Dharma here. A King must ensure safety, security, comfort and well-being for all citizens. He must have first-hand information on what’s going on around him. Whatever luxury he enjoys, must be in accordance with Dharma only.
Dear Devotee,
We have a rich tradition, we believed and lived in abundance based on ethics.
Its high time we practise Dharma in acquiring Artha and satisfying Dharmik Kama and thus focus on Moksha, which also means a mind free from desires!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.11.24- 9.11.36)
Hari Om!
(Bhagavatham 9.12.1- 9.12.15)
Shree Shuka now describes the ongoing dynasty of Shree Rama’s son Kusha in detail.
Kusha had a son Athithi, who had a son Nishadan, who had Nabhan, who had Pundarikan, who had Kshemadhanwav in order as lineage.
And it followed like Devaneekan, Aneehan, Pariyatran, Balasthalan, Vajranabhan(who was from Surya), Khaganan, Vidhruthi, Hiranyanabhan who was Jaimini’s shishya and mastered Yoga.
Hirayanabhan taught Yoga to Sage Yajnavalkyan who was born and brought up in Kosala. That Yoga was capable in destroying ignorance and attaining Atma Sakshatkaram.
Hiranyanabhan had a son Pushyan and the lineage continued as Dhruvasandhi, Sudarshan, Agnivarnan, Sheeghran and Maru. Maru had transcended death through Yoga and still now dwelling in Kalapa Gramam. At the end of Kali Yugam as Surya Vamsham perishes, he will enrich it through his children and grand children again.
Maru had a son Prasushruthan, and it continued as Sandhi, Amarshanan, Mahaswan, Viswasahwan, Prasenajith, Thakshakan, Bruhadbalan.
Hari Om!
Shree Shuka tells King Pareekshith that Bruhadbalan was killed by his father Abhimanyu.
They were all kings born in Ikshaku Vamsham.
Now Shree Shuka is predicting about the upcoming generations too.
Bruhadbalan’s son will be Bruhadranan, then it will continue as Urukriyan, Valsavrudhan, Prathivyoman, Bhanu, Divakaran (who will become DevaSena leader), Sahadevan, Bruhadaswan(a mighty man), Bhanuman, Pratheekashwan, Supratheekan, Mardevan, Sunakshatran, Pushkaran, Antharikshan, Suthapas, Amithrajith, Bruhadrajan, Barhis, Kruthanjayan Rananjayan, Sanjayan, Shakyan, Shudhodan, Lamgalan, Prasenajith, Kshudrakan, Runakan, Surathan.
Suratha’s son will be Sumithran, all these kings will be born in Bruhadbala gothram and the dynasty will sustain till Sumithran.
At the end of Kaliyugam this dynasty will perish.
Note : Our primary interest here, is in understanding how the human race and lineage sustain through generations. At the end of an era, even the most majestic dynasty will vanish. It’s a matter of time only.
Then again it will flourish as per Nature’s will. Its all life in action!
Hari Om!
Dear Devotee,
Hundred years from now, none of us will be here!
And hundred years before, none of us were here!
Only Seers can scan through time and see what happened in past and what will happen in future!
This reminds us of Bhagavad Geetha chapter 4, shlokas 1 to 6!
HariOm!
(Bhagavatham 9.12.1- 9.12.15)