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 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!
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:
Priyavratha was a true devotee right from his early childhood and served Sage Narada with great attention. Thus he attained Knowledge
Hari Om!
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.
We have seen ordinary people turning devotees earlier. Now it is a
Hari Om!
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…
(Bhagavatham 5.1.1 – 5.1.10)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.11 – 5.1.13)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.14 – 5.1.16)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.17 – 5.1.19)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
When we are caught up in the web of our own cravings and aversions,
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.20 – 5.1.28)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.29 – 5.1.35)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.1.36 – 5.1.41)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.2.1 – 5.2.17)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.2.18 – 5.2.23)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.3.1 – 5.3.5)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.3.6 – 5.3.21)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.4.1 – 5.4.7)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
When a leader lives his life as an example, many will follow his path. This is the nature of the world.
Hari Om!
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.
We may wonder why Bhagavan Himself goes to a teacher and accepts the words of learned people. Why He takes consent from them?
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.4.8 – 5.4.18)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
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”.
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.1 – 5.5.3)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
Realizing the problem with sensory pleasures, you will develop dispassion and Knowledge. That is the only way to liberation.
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.4 – 5.5.6)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.7 – 5.5.8)
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!
Hari Om!
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”.
Besides, you have to practise Sadhana regularly and observe Brahmacharyam.
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.9 – 5.5.13)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.14 – 5.5.15)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.5.16 – 5.5.35)
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!
Hari Om!
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!
As an unfaithful wife who would conspire to kill her husband, the deceitful mind will betray the seeker.
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.6.1 – 5.6.8)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.6.9 – 5.6.19)
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!
Hari Om!
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!
(Bhagavatham 5.7.1 – 5.7.14)
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!
Hari Om!
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!
(Bhagavatham 5.8.1 – 5.8.27)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.8.28 – 5.8.32)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.9.1 – 5.9.22)
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!
Hari Om!
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?
(Bhagavatham 5.10.1 – 5.10.15)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.10.16 – 5.10.26)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.11.1 – 5.11.17)
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!
Hari Om!
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!
(Bhagavatham 5.12.1 – 5.12.16)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.13.1 – 5.13.26)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.14.1 – 5.14.46)
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!
Hari Om!
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
Prasthavan, Niyutsa -> Vibhu
Vibhu, Rathi -> Pruthushenan
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.15.1 – 5.15.16)
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!
Hari Om!
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.
(Bhagavatham 5.16.1 – 5.16.30)
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!
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 t