|| Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||
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ज ा तेने
यतोऽ यािदतरत ाथ िभ ः दा य आिदकवये मु
राट्
य ूरयः ।
तेजोवा रमृ दां यथा िविनमयो य ि सग ऽमृषा धा ा
ेन सदा िनर
कुहकं स ं परं धीमिह ॥ १॥
This Mangalacharna or verse of prayer composed by Lord Veda Vyasa is the essence of the whole Srimad Bhagavatam. It is a summarization of entire Srimad Bhagavata. The brief meaning is as follows: The Lord Narayana is Param as he is supreme, full of good attributes, independent, bright, full of knowledge, bliss, has created the Universe that includes several forms of himself, all living beings & non-living things, sustains it, destroys it, regulates it, bestows both Ignorance & knowledge to confine to birth & death and liberate to provide moksha. As he is not a juggler, nor a cheat to create an illusionary universe and has no blemishes, he is Satyam or the Truth. Though He has no benefit to himself, He creates & sustains the universe for the benefit of other living beings and has all the knowledge required for the same. At the beginning of creation, He gave birth to the first being, four-faced Brahma and bestowed him with the knowledge for the creation. Also, only of his blessings, one gets knowledge.
Dhimahi, our meditation to such Lord Narayana, who is Satyam and Param. The mangalacharna by Lord Veda Vyasa quoted above is very auspicious and particularly for recitation in his own words. Hence, it is very essential to know this by heart with the understanding of its meaning. The Lord has written this for shreyas or benefit of the people who are studying Srimad Bhagavata. This axiom of Satyam-Param-Dhimahi is his expression of generosity. This is the highest knowledge of meditation which the Lord is teaching by hand holding the devotees. He is clearly telling the right process of meditation is to meditate on his attributes. By doing so, he would bless such attributes to the Jiva or being to their individual capacity. The thoughtless process of meditation is not what the Lord is looking from his dear devotees. As there is no difference between the attributes of the Lord and his name, Lord Veda Vyasa has listed a thousand names or attributes in Vishnusahasranama. However, for a common man to understand the meanings of the names and meditate the attributes could be difficult. So, all along in Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Veda Vyasa has embedded the attributes as the essence in stories and narrated that in an elaborate way. Like a dear grandmother of a three years old telling stories to imbibe moral in the child, Lord Veda Vyasa has done so in Srimad Bhagavatam. Also, one would receive an immeasurable amount of benefits by repeating and doing anusandhana of these verses of prayers.
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After understanding the various principles in the philosophy, drawing essence and implementing it by practising in our day to day activities of life is to make anusandhana. This is to bring about a qualitative change in our behaviour so that the Lord is pleased with us. We understood that Lord Veda Vyasa wants us as his devotees to meditate on his attributes. However, a question arises that why Lord has said that we will meditate. Though he has the attribute of Satya Sankalpa or would happen as he thinks. There would be no obstruction or any impediment to Lord Veda Vyasa. In fact, the Mangalacharana or the above Prayer of Meditation on attributes of Lord has been offered for the following reasons:
Out of his generosity to his devotees
Has set an example of a process to start any auspicious activity
So that his devotees complete the task successfully
To remove obstacles of devotees who are exposed to the influence of Kali and faces impediments
The practice of Vedas and Vedanta and the knowledge in it is very difficult. It requires severe austerity and dedicated time from early morning hours to late in the evening, all days of the year and throughout life. Also, this was supported by the Kingdoms for their prosperity in earlier days. However for all women, for all Varna and those who do not practice study of Vedas and common man, particularly for people of Kali Yuga, Lord Veda Vyasa composed Srimad Bhagavatam that has the same Knowledge as in Vedas and Vedanta. Hence, for the benefit and fruit of moksha to all such people.
One may wonder, why & how Lord Veda Vyasa would meditate or is he just saying so that his devotees could meditate. In fact, the Lord is Satya and Svaramana. As Lord Veda Vyasa, he would be always meditating, he would be meditating on his form or the feature of Sriman Narayana. He will ensure all that has been told in Srimad Bhagavatam and for sure bless all his devotees who pray & practice.
For devotees, mangalacharna has to be offered to Lord Veda Vyasa who has propounded Srimad Bhagavatam. To his Narasimha Roopa for the destruction of obstacles. To the Goddess Lakshmi, God Brahma, God Vayu through whom he influences. To Sri Sukacharya, the form of God Shiva who narrated first to Parakshit Raja. Also to all the Rishis and Gurus through whose blessings Srimad Bhagavatam has reached the individual.
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The meaning of mangalacharna sloka is told both as brief and also as elaborated because the fruit is very sweet! Hence, we need to repeatedly relook from the various standpoints and keep investigating. Let’s try to look in a little elaborate form: Param Dhimahi, The Param here is referred to Lord Sriman Narayana, as he is bhakta vatsala or all devotees are dear to him. Hence, for devotees, he becomes dear. He is sarvaesta devata or favorite of all and he is the main subject of Srimad Bhagavatam. He is the protector and sustains all that he has created. Also, he is the objective of achievement for all Jiva as he liberates from the confinement of this cycle of death and birth by providing moksha. The Sruti and Smriti which are eternal are also telling the same. By saying Dhimahi as in Vedic language, Lord has indicated that the content of Srimad Bhagavatam is an explanation of Gayatri mantra or contains all that is in Vedas. Hence, our meditation to such Lord Narayana who is Param or Supreme. The other part of the Mangalacharna or the verse of prayer is only singing the Glory of Sriman Narayana. Janmadi includes Creation, Sustenance, Destruction, Regulation, providing Knowledge, Ignorance, Bandha or Confinement and Moksha or Liberation. Asya or including, starting from Goddess Lakshmi, God Brahma to the smallest life say a blade of Grass or living Cell including from Kali the Lord of evil to the smallest life of evil i.e. all chetana or having conscious life and from largest substance like Sky to a smallest molecule or an atom which are not having life.
Yatha, from whom the Creation and so on happens. Anvayat, being in accordance with Sruthi and Smiriti. Lord is telling that Sriman Narayana is only the Creator, Supreme and only has Lordship as being told in Vedas too. Itarthascha, from any direction one views, the human has been able to utilize the material or substance available and process it. Also, he is not been able to convert material or substance to life. It is the Lord who has created the whole Universe and also given life. Artheshu abignaha, He has the knowledge and the skills required. Like a good Carpenter or a Smith having all the necessary knowledge and skills to convert to good furniture or ornaments, so too the Lord has all the knowledge and skills for Creation, Sustenance and so on. He is sarvagna or all knowing. Swarat, Though Goddess Lakshmi, Brahma, Vayu, Rudra are all jnani or knowledgeable but are dependent. Even when nothing existed, he existed. Only the Lord is Independent and swaprakashika or self-glowing and rest are dependent on him. As Swarat, he is the Lord for himself. Tene Brahma hrudyaya adi kavaye, Lord Purushottama from whose navel sprang Akshara or indestructible Goddess Lakshmi in the form of Lotus and gave birth to first kshara or destructible life, God Brahma. He was initiated into Vedas and with blessings of knowledge required for creation. Hence, God Brahma is adikavi or the first to sing Vedas among kshara Jivis or destructible beings. So it is the Lord who is Sarvagna or all-knowing and only out of his blessings one would get knowledge including God Brahma. 9 OF 92
Muhyanti yat Surayaha, The Lord is apramaya or immeasurable. God Brahma creates all subsequent beings including God Garuda, Sesha, Rudra, Indra and to the smallest life and non-beings including the fourteen lokas or world and his Lordship. However, even to past God Brahma, present and future, it is the Lord who initiates and blesses the knowledge and his Lordship. Hence the Lord is all knowing, independent and immeasurable. If the Lord does the Creation, Sustenance or protection and so on, with a certain expectation, then it proves to be that he is incomplete without doing so. However, he is Poorna or Complete by himself and hence these activities of Creation is Mrusha or of no use. If he does without objective, then it proves to be foolish. Is he really foolish? Tejovarimrudam yata vinimayo, from the processing of Fire, Water, and Soil, an earthen Pot is made by a potter. In the same way, three types of creations are taken up by the Lord. That is Ishwara Srishti or appearance of Lord & Goddess, Jiva Srishti or providing a body to life and Jada Sristi, the creation of all substance not having the life. Ishwara Srishti involves the appearance of Lord & Goddess and creation of several forms of himself. As he himself is a luminous or bright & shining, he becomes several of the luminous body. He does so, by lighting several flames from one flame. Like the Potter makes earthen Pots, so too the Lord creates mahat-tattva, ahamkara tattva and all non-living Substance including Fire, Water, and Soil made of three Gunas and being in several forms of himself enters these non-living substance and is called Jada Sristi. Also, he remains outside of this in various forms. The Sun as an image reflects in water and appears as if several reflected image. So too, several forms of Pratibimba or reflected images appear in both invisible
and visible Jiva as a medium of reflection and Lord being Bimba or image like the Sun. This reflection of Lord on Jiva is called Jiva Srishti. There was nothing except Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess desired to see several Roopa or forms of Lord to meditate and see his Vaibava or majesty. Lord having the attribute of bhaktadeena or accepting the wish, created all that is required to form the Brahmanda or the entire universe. The beings or Jivas starting from God Brahma to life in a blade of grass, were in the form of seed just sprouted having its own characteristic including to express itself to its fullest. There are three types of jivas. One being uttama or best who would accomplish Bliss in Vaikunta. The second types are madyama or mediocre and would swing between happiness and sorrow. The third type is adhama or worst who would accomplish Hell! However, the Lord being impartial allows each one to do sadhana and accomplish their goals. Hence, the Lord gives freedom to do sadhana to accomplishment as per their desire. He is neither biased nor Hard or Cruel. To do so, the Lord expressing his attribute of extreme generosity and like a good gardener sowed, watered, created all environment as required for the seed to grow to its fullest. While it is of no use from the standpoint of the Lord, the entire process of creation, Sustenance and so on is the characteristic of Lord and is his nature and is useful to Goddess Lakshmi, God Brahma till the smallest life, say a blade of grass.
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Also, it is not that the Lord without doing the above three creations would not be able to satisfy the Jivas or those who relay or take refuge in him. Which questions his Knowledge & Independence! Lord Veda Vyasa has answered that by doing various creations he has no use. Nor it is foolish to always have expectation behind every activity. The Lord accepting Goddess request creates several forms of himself to show his Majesty. He is full of generosity and does the creation for the benefit of his devotees. Also, it is in his nature to carry out Creation, Sustenance, and Protection and so on. Damna svena sada nirasta kuhakam, He is not a juggler, nor a cheat to create an illusionary universe. There are several theories on existence including the theory of illusion or by accident. However, we experience the entire existence with several predictive happenings comprehendible to individual ability and cannot be treated as an illusion or happening by an accident. Also, there are several un-predicative happenings beyond human comprehension. It is impossible, even for a highly learned scientist or scholar to comprehend the existence. Hence, The Lord, is only Supreme & Independent and rest are all dependent on Him. Satyam, The Lord has the attribute of Satyam as his creation, sustenance and so on is real. Also, Satyam because he is Supreme, full of Bliss and Knowledge.
Hence, evaluating from the script of the verse, Vedas and Logical arguments, it is conclusive that Lord Sriman Narayana is the Creator. He is all knowing & full of knowledge. He is Eternal. He is the Guru to even the Guru of the Universe, God Brahma. Without his blessings, even the so-called learned will not get knowledge. Without any expectations and only for the benefit of others he has created the entire Universe. He is not a Juggler nor deceit, sorrowless, having unsurpassed - bliss, knowledge, full of attributes and complete. We shall worship such Sriman Narayana by hearing, thoughts, profound and repeated meditation. || Hari Om ||
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02 The Subject, Eligibility and Fruit Regarding The Subject, Eligibility, and Fruit of studying Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Veda Vyasa says, धमः ो वे ं वा
तकैतवोऽ परमो िनम राणां सतां वम व
ु िशवदं ताप यो ूलनम् ।
ीम ागवते महामुिनकृते िकं वा परै री रः स ो
व
तेऽ कृितिभः शु ूषुिभ
णात् ॥
Srimad Bhagavatam contains the complete knowledge of Dharma which holds one from falling down, purifies and puts on to the path leading to The Lord. This path seeks continued practice of honouring, worshipping, admiring & praising The Lord without any jealousy or expectation nor being deceptive. While being on the path, removes all sorts of difficulties, bestows prosperity, makes one sajjana or virtuous and solidify bhakti or devotion. Hence, Srimad Bhagavatam composed by The Lord Veda Vyasa himself is great and guarantees to reveal The Lord who is always present in the Lotus of heart of all the individuals. Here, Lord Veda Vyasa continuing the mangalacharana or the verse of prayer reemphasizes the Subject of Srimad Bhagavatam, indicates the eligibility or quality required and the fruit of studying Srimad Bhagavatam. Also, the relation between these three is told here:
In this Srimad Bhagavatam, without any deceit and being honest one has to follow the Supreme Dharma of nishkama karma or action of propitiating Lord without any expectation is affirmed. Also, while appeasing the Lord not being envious or Jealousy through the study this Srimad Bhagavatam which is authentic and auspicious removes Tapatraya or all types of difficulties of the Virtuous. Srimad Bhagavatam composed by Sarvagnya or All-Knowing Lord Veda Vyasa is the King of all Puranas. Study of this would blossom the Lotus of Heart occupied by the Lord at the earliest. However, for those who study and do anusandhana or practice Srimad Bhagavatam including service to Guru would be blessed with aproksha jnana or the sight of the Indweller immediately. To summarize, Lord Veda Vyasa has indicated the following in this verse: ¡
The main subject being the accomplishment of Lord and
¡
The intermediate subject being following Dharma. 15 OF 92
·
The eligibility being virtuous without Jealousy and having no expectations
·
Fruit being the sight of the Indweller, Lord Himself.
Lord Veda Vyasa has started this verse by the word Dharma. So let’s understand it. Dharma is the manner one needs to live as defined in Shastra. These are intense and most of the practices have disappeared from the Society. A simple examples could be starting a work by offering prayers to Lord, acceptance of his Lordship, Faith in him, Speaking Truth, Non Violence, being conscious that he is the prime mover, acceptance or being satisfied with whatever he has given or the intensity of same being aparigraha or nonpossession, and hence submission of all deeds to Lord. In our earlier book, Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam, Redemption from Sins, we had seen the meaning
of
the
Kannada
Poem,
Siri
Ramana
Tava
Charana
of Jagannatha dasaru that listed common man’s activities which pushes one to the hell and taught how to seek refuge in Lord. If one doesn’t follow in those manner, he would fall to hell. In other words, following such manner would hold one falling down to Hell and hence is called Dharma. As Dharma, the mother Earth also hold us from falling. So too the God Sesha on whose hood is the mother Earth like a small pebble of sand. God Sesha has been held by Vayu. Lord and Goddess hold all of these in their Kurma roopa or form of Tortoise. Hence, understanding that Lord who holds one falling is Dharma. To do so, we need a crystal clear or clean mind. The mind that is devoid of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya or Arishadvargas. The cleansing of mind from Arishadvargas would happen
by following the Dharma. Hence, the following of this Dharma would blossom the Lotus of heart and reveal the Lord.
धम एव हतो ह त
ा म नह
धम र ित रि तः | ो मा नो धम हतोऽवधीत् ||
The above verse of Mahabharata having the popular line of Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha comes out clearly that one who protects Dharma is protected by Dharma. After having understood the Subject of Srimad Bhagavatam briefly, Lord Veda Vyasa has told the eligibility as only for Sajjana or Virtuous. All along in Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Veda Vyasa has described exhaustively the attributes of Sajjana or Virtuous. However, here he has said िनम राणां सतां Nirmatsaraanam satam and before telling the outcome or fruit of studying Srimad Bhagavatam. Clearly indicating that only the Sajjana or Virtuous who is Nirmatsaraanam or one who is not having Jealousy nor Greed nor being wicked or Hostile would be eligible for Srimad Bhagavatam. Hence while studying Srimad Bhagavatam one should understand Bhagavata dharma and practice by implementing in the day to day life. Hindu scriptures attach the highest importance to the eligibility. However, we see in our current day times, various mantras or practices being followed without considering the eligibility and initiations. As Lord has defined the path to each and every one and has indicated the eligibility, we are bound by that and is an attribute of Virtuous.
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The other few attributes of the Virtuous being Titiksha or having Patience and endure the ragging of samsara or the grind of life. Else, we are prone to doing more mistakes and sin. As is a vicious cycle in nature. Also, the prayers to the Lord doesn’t yield results as per our wishes. This is because we are not aware of the intensity of Sins which we might have committed over births. We are seeing several examples of the attribute of Patience like with that of Prahlada or with that of Pandavas in this Srimad Bhagavatam. The other being Karunikaha or merciful or compassionate. One could be resolute with patience, not react to any adverse situations and becomes stony-hearted, the same is not being accepted as virtuous. Hence suggests being compassionate. Suhruda or good-hearted, friendly and intimate. One should always wish the good of all virtuous. ajatashatruvaha or should not have any enemy who is virtuous. Also, in other words having enmity towards Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya or Arishadvargas. Shantha or serene or calm or being peaceful when one trumps over Arishadvargas. Sadhu bhushanaha or wearing the ornaments of Saints like having Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya and always doing good deeds. sarva Sanga viverjita or disassociation with all those who have an attachment with materialistic happenings and the most important Guru Bhakti that is the key for being virtuous. Lord Veda Vyasa has indicated Srimad Bhagavatam in this verse. So let’s understand why so?
1.
Sri means wealth or abundance or rich and hence elevates one higher. This wealth could be in terms of money or Gold or Land or Vehicle, or Knowledge or conduct or practice of Dharma or one who has done the best dharma. As a Shrothru or student, studying Bhagavata is ramania or delightful. Since it gives happiness. Even without understanding if one keeps reading or hearing the verses of Bhagavata he would experience Happiness. There is no other Purana as delightful or abundance in happiness as Bhagavata and hence is Srimad.
2.
The Katha Shravana or hearing stories and even repeated hearing of the stories in Bhagavata is delightful. It is rich in taste or abundant in flavor. We have heard in Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam, how Parakshid Raja left food and water to hear Bhagavata Katha day and night for seven days full of happiness. Hence is Srimad or rich in taste.
3.
Bhagavatam
starts
with
Janmadhyasya
Yatha
which
is
the
Janmadyadhikarnam of Brahma Sutra. Also, Bhagavata is filled with the meaning of Vedas and Vedanta for Scholar. Hence it is Srimad or abundance of Knowledge. 4.
Of immeasurable Knowledge & Happiness, Lord Veda Vyasa, having recuperated Vedas, compiled them into four sections, narrated Brahma Sutra, Puranas and Mahabharata having Bhagavad Gita & Vishnu Sahasrnama pretended as if he missed something important and then wrote Bhagavata. Hence, indicating that all knowledge in Vedas, Vedanta, Seventeen Purana and Mahabharata has to be converted to Bhakti as in Bhagavata. Hence is Srimad or abundance of Bhakti.
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5.
Bhagavata means holy or divine or sacred and has in abundance. Hence Srimad.
6.
So too the Bhagavata Dharma. Hence Srimad.
7.
All that we heard about the Glory or Mahtmyam of Bhagavata including Jnana, Bhakti & Vairagya regaining their youth or how Dundukari lost his ghost-hood or how Gokarna was received by Lord himself. Those are the richness of Srimad Bhagavata.
For our anusandhana or to understand the principles of philosophy in this verse, draw essence and implement it by practicing in our day to day activities of life, the prayer goes thus: Srimad Bhagavatam has the complete knowledge of Dharma and holds one from falling down, purifies and puts on to the path leading to The Lord. I pray to Lord for his blessings to walk on this path surpassed with divineness and practice of honouring, worshipping, admiring & praising him. Also, for the destruction of my ugly behaviours like jealousy, expectations, deceptions showing-up from time to time. I beg to Lord to remove all sorts of difficulties, bestow prosperity, make me virtuous and solidify bhakti or devotion. This Srimad Bhagavatam composed by The Lord of asceticism, Shri Veda Vyasa himself is great and hereby continue to pray to the Indweller no different from him to engulf my heart in a remarkable way and reveal himself in a magnificent way.
As we practice or do anustana, all our acts tend towards the Lord. In all what we see, we will be able to appreciate the Glory of the Lord. In all what we hear, will be the names of the Lord and song of his attributes. Whatever one reads becomes an indoctrination in Lord. िनगमक
तरोगिलतं फलं शुकमुखादमृ त वसंयुतम् ।
िपबत भागवतं रसमालयं मु रहो रिसका भु िव भावुका ॥ Hey, Virtuous & Warm-hearted ones, Lord Vishnu's bhaktas, you are having a taste for spiritual experience. In a tree called Vedas which is kalpavruksha or a wish-fulfilling, the tastiest fruit has been borne. Like the tastiest fruit is bitten by Suka or Parrot and the saliva of parrot further increases the taste. So too, Srimad Bhagavatam narrated by me Suka is elaborated literature of Vedas is like the juice of fruit from the tree of Vedas and easy to relish. All of you enjoy and relish the Juice as also being done by the Virtuous of the higher world till they get moksha. Here, Lord Veda Vyasa himself has to applaud Srimad Bhagavatam out of his love towards mumukshu’s or ones desirous of Moksha so that they are motivated to take-up Srimad Bhagavatam immediately. || Hari Om ||
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03 The Spiritual Gathering at Naimisharanya Long-time back, before the start of Kali Yuga, a Satra
or
a
spiritual
gathering
was
organized under the leadership Saunaka
of
Sri
Rishi
in
Naimisaranya. As suggested by God Brahma thousands of Rishis were living there. In fact, once all Rishis went to God Brahma and sought the best place on earth to do Penance. God Brahma made a ring or a rim of the wheel in his mind and released towards the earth and told the rishis that the place where this wheel would fall, that would be the best holy place for doing Penance. Rishis through their divine sight followed the wheel. The wheel fell in Naimashyaranya and is called chakratheerta. All Rishis took the initiation for the performance of Yagna or sacrifice of both substance and that of Jnana. They were extremely wise and were very kindhearted.
Bhagavata
dharma
was
very
close
to
their
heart
and were concerned on the dawn of dark Kali Yuga. While Sri Saunaka Rishi was the organizer, Sri Sutacharya was Puranika or the narrator. This was the time when Kauravas and Pandavas were heading towards war in Kurukshetra.
Balarama the elder brother of Lord Krishna, did not participate in the war. He happens to reach Naimisaranya and sees the gathering. Being surprised to see Suta as Puranika narrating stories of long Penance to Rishis, Balarama enacting the divine play kills Suta Puranika for not following Varna dharma. However, Sri Shaunaka Rishi sings the greatness of Sri Sutacharya, appreciates his scholarship and his birth as the son of Lord Veda Vyasa and requests God Balarama to revive and give re-birth. He says that Lord Veda Vyasa himself had initiated Sri Sutacharya into spiritual practice and killing him is equivalent to a Brahmahatya dosha or sin of killing a Brahmin. God Balarama accepts the same, gives re-birth to Sutacharya and carries out the remedy. The Varna Dharma is very important and has to be followed by all Sajjanas or Virtioushas to the best of their ability. Also, God Balarama being non-other than God Ananta Sesha is very dear to Lord is in very high order and same as that of God Garuda and God Rudra. Here, God Sesha himself has come out clearly clarifying that Varna Dharma has its limits and cannot surpass the devotion and closeness to the Lord. नैिमषे िनिमष े े ऋषयः शौनकादयः । स ं
गाय लोकाय सह सममासत ||
Lord Veda Vyasa endorsing the holiness of Naimisaranya says Naimishye Nimisha Kshetra. The Naimisaranya is very dear to Gods and is present there in a significant way. Also, the gathering lasted for over a Thousand Year. Akhyana or stories of long Penance were narrated. The objective was to accomplish Swarga, the place where the Lord is absorbed in his bliss or Vaikunta. 23 OF 92
One may wonder, while the Lord Veda Vyasa himself has just said in the second verse of Manglacharna that by studying Srimad Bhagavatam, the Lord would reveal in the Lotus of Heart immediately. However, Sri Shaunaka and his fellow rishis took the path of over a thousand years. Also, Lord Veda Vyasa in his various Puranas has indicated that the death in Prayaga or Kashi or dip in holy rivers like Ganga or Gomati would get Moksha. Lord Veda Vyasa catering to the wide spectrum of people has included the interpretative message. Also, the subject is very secretive and exclusive in nature. Available to very few. Hence, he has used coded language to disperse knowledge or illusion or blend of this. Let’s start decoding this to arrive at the axiom. While it is true that taking a dip in holy rivers, leaving the body in holy places or study of Srimad Bhagavatam would give moksha. But also we will encounter stories in this Srimad Bhagavatam, the story of Jada Bharata, a great Vairagi who had to endure births for Moksha. The story of Druva and Prahalad accomplishing spiritual height of Moksha as a small child. While Dhruva encounters his Guru Narada Rishi at the age of five and receives initiation or upadesha, Prahlada encounters his Guru Narada Rishi being in the womb of his mother Kayadhu and receives initiation. However, Parikshit Raja encounters his Guru, Sri Sukacharya on the last seventh day of his life before he joins the Lotus feet of Lord.
Hence, a mind towards the Lord, Sadana or Spiritual Practice, an encounter of Guru, continued Sadana, Aproksha Jnana and subsequent Moksha are exclusive and highly restricted. In fact, it spans over several births. Leaving the body in Holy places of Prayaga or Kashi or taking a holy dip in rivers like Ganga or Gomati and study of Srimad Bhagavatam is the Prasada or the mercy of Lord. In Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam, The Pain of Bhakti and the Vow of Narada Rishi, we hear from Narada Rishi that it is worthless to do vratas or ceremony with a vow, or go on pilgrimages, or Yoga, or homa, the Fire ceremony or rigorous reading of scripture. However, doing the same vrata, or pilgrimage or Yoga, or homa or reading scripture with Bhakti will liberate from the cycle of death & birth. Hence, the only worthwhile is seeking the Mercy of Lord or his Prasada and is in plenty at his Lotus Feet. The kindest and most generous Lord is eagerly looking forward to pouring his mercy like he did to Kuchela, with a torn dress. Made him Sudhama, having in abundance for just three fists of beaten rice. But the rice filed with Love or brimming with devotion. It is worthy of noting that Sri Shaunaka and his fellow rishis are of very high order. They are very dear to the Lord. They carried out the Spiritual gathering for over thousand years to ensure that the seventeen Puranas, Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and its essence is percolated to every nook and corner of this Spiritual Land of Jambudweepa . Even in the smallest of a small village, one would have some idea of these scriptures. Hence, they are ensuring its relevance to this 25 OF 92
date as we write and read. In fact, we are indebted to them and are duty bound to pay our respects.
त एकदा तु मुनयः ात त ताशनाः। स ृ तं सूतमासीनं प
ु रदमा ताः॥
One day having completed all the daily Yagna of fire with substance early in the morning, all the Rishis arrived for Jnana Yagna. They welcomed Sri Sutachary, offered him arghya and padya paid respects, honor & gratitude. Sri Saunaka Rishi, who on behalf of all rishis praised him for having arrived as bright Sun and says this: Oh! Stainless Sutacharya, you are well versed in all eighteen Puranas; Ithihasa or History including Mahabharata & Ramayana; Pancharatra. You have done an in-depth study of a Dharma Shastras. Also, you keep narrating these to the learned and wise.
यािन वेदिवदां े ो भगवान् बादरायणः । अ े च मुनयः सूत परावरिवदो िवदु ः ॥ You are well aware of the one who is propounded and explained only by Vedas, The Lord, The Para Tattva and the qualities or the nature of prakrtipurusha or Nature and Lord. Your understanding is consistent with that of all great Rishis and Saints. With the blessings of Lord Veda Vyasa, you have understood the essence and secrets or decoded meaning in these scriptures. Like a very good teacher teaching to an affectionate student to ensure that he does not forget, so too Lord Veda Vyasa himself has taught you.
त त ा साऽऽयु
न् भवता यि िनि तम् ।
पुंसामे का तः ेय
ः शंिसतुमहिस ॥
So, kindly tell us, of all Shastra or indoctrinations of beliefs, which is the one that gives a special benefit to the human in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga? And which is easily accomplishable?
ायेणा
ायुषः स
कलाव
न् युगे जनाः ।
म ाः सुम मतयो म भा ा ह्युप ु ताः ॥ With a forethought of our lives in Kali Yuga and being deeply concerned on us, Sri Saunaka Rishi says, the people of Kali Yuga would be short-lived and take birth to die early. They would be very slow, slow-moving, dull, indecisive, non-meritorious and very unlucky. They would suffer from various untoward happenings. Not just that, there are a lot of Shastra to be studied and Dharma to adhere. This would be endless for those people and would get bogged down. Sri Sutacharya, as you have critically evaluated and compiled the essence of all Shastra, please tell us the most important and easiest one. The one that could be implemented by those people of Kali Yuga easily.
सूत जानािस भ ं ते भगवान् सा तां पितः । दे व
ां वसु देव
जातो य
िचकीषया ॥ 27 OF 92
त ः शु ू षमाणानामह य
ानुविणतुम् ।
ावतारो भू तानां ेमाय च भवाय च ॥
Benevolent Sri Sutacharya, The most auspicious one who protects us all the time and for whom we are very dear, please tell us about him, Lord Sri Krishna. And why is that he took birth in Vasudeva and Devaki? What was his purpose? Please tell that to us. The foremost feature of Lord Sri Krishna and the stories of his various appearance on this earth is extremely beneficial to the people and would blossom the Lotus of heart which is made of devotion. Please tell us his stories.
आप ः संसृितं घोरां य ाम िववशो गृणन् । ततः स ो िवमु को वा भगवत शु
ेत यि भे ित पु
यं भयम् ॥ ोके
कमणः ।
कामो न णुया शः किलमलापहम् ॥
In this very scary cycle of death and birth, uttering Lord Sriman Narayana’s name would retrieve even from the most horrific situation. Even the horror is horrified by his name. Please tell us his story. Even the saints from whose blessings, the ordinary would get purified, take refuge of the Lotus feet of Lord, tell us the stories of him. The Lord who has the highest fame, worthy of being praised, carries out his divine play. The glory of his divine fame would purify the Soul, who would not be desirous to hear? We have the highest
faith in him, please tell us his extraordinary fame. Hearing which the pollutants of Kali disappear.
अथा
ािह हरे ध म वतारकथाः शुभाः ।
लीला िवदधतः
ैरमी र
वयं तु न िवतृ ाम उ म य ृ
तां रस ानां
ादु
ा मायया ॥
ोकिव मे । ादु पदे पदे ॥
कृतवान् िकल वीयािण सह रामे ण केशवः । अितम ािन भगवान् गूढः कपटमानुषः ॥ Lord assumes various Roopa like Matsya, Kurma and Varaha including that of Mohini that caused illusion to all Daitya or evil, please tell us those stories. Hearing those stories, those of who is known as divine verse and having immeasurable valor is fantastic and overwhelming. The powerfully and mysteriously fascinating feelings towards Lord is always afresh and anew on every step. How couldn't a devotee surrender himself to that divine ecstasy? Lord Sri Krishna has taken birth on this earth to Devaki and Vasudeva. Along with Balarama, he appeared as another human to most people on the earth and carried out deeds surpassing that of a human. Please tell his story, Sri Sutacharya.
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किलमागतमा ाय े ेऽ
न् वै
वे वयम् ।
आसीना दीघस ेण कथायां स णा हरे ः ॥ Noticing the dawn of Kali Yuga, we have taken up a vow to conduct this spiritual gathering in this Holy Vaishnava Kshetra for a very long period. Till we accomplish moksha. We are very eager and have a long period of time to hear the stories of the Lord. We assume that your coincidence of arrival is as if you have been sent by Lord. Sri Sutacharya, please detail and tell us elaborately.
ूिह योगे रे कृ
े
े धमवमिण ।
ां का ामधु नोपेते धमः कं शरणं गतः ॥ Also, the Lord of Yoga, Sri Krishna protected Dharma and Brahmana. After his disappearance from this earth, in whom is Dharma taking refuge? With this Sri Saunaka Rishi concludes seeking the above six questions like Shat Prashnopanishad.
To summarize, the six questions are as below: 1. What is the essence of all Shastras or Indoctrination? 2. Which is the fastest and easiest way to please the Indweller? 3. Please narrate the Stories of Sri Krishna! 4. What are the stories describing the extraordinary fame of Lord? 5. Please narrate the stories on various forms of Lord including that of Sri Krishna! 6. After the disappearance of Lord Sri Krishna, in whom did Dharma takes refuge. With this, we complete a part of "The substory of Naimishya" First Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1. We could do so only with the grace of Gurus including Sri Raghavendra and all his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada. Let's pray for their continued blessings. || Hari Om ||
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04 Sri Sutacharya’s Mangalacharna Lord Veda Vyasa calling Sri Sutacharya as Romaharshana says, इित स ितपू
सं
ो िव ाणां रौमहषिणः ।
वच ेषां व
ुमुपच मे ॥
Having heard the six questions from Sri Shaunaka Rishi, Romaharshana experienced goosebumps with a sudden surge of emotions. He describes the questions as स
सं
ो, Sumpreshna Sumhrusta, indicating the questions
were very good as it led to the narration of Mahapurana of Srimad Bhagavatam. Also, the way questions were asked was also very good. Sri Shaunaka Rishi had asked the questions filled with devotion and high respect to Sri Sutacharya as it was regarding the Lord. Also, with the concern for the people of Kali Yuga. Hence, Sri Sutacharya experienced goosebumps. Since he had to narrate the stories of Lord’s lordship and his attributes. The service of Lord’s devotees and their accomplishments of Lord’s Lotus feet had to be narrated. Lord Veda Vyasa says ितपू
, Sri Sutacharya replied with equal respect as Sri Shaunaka
Rishi had during questioning. With a keen desire to give out his best, filled with devotion offered mangalacharna or the verses of prayer before taking up the question. Sri Sutacharya had studied under both Lord Veda Vyasa and Sri Shuka muni. Hence, Sri Sutacharya offers prayer to both the Gurus. Also, he offers prayers to Lakshmi Devi, Mukya Prana, and Sarasvati Devi. Their blessings had bestowed the Siddhi of Tattva Jnana of Srimad Bhagavatam:
यं
ज मनुपेतमपेतकृ ं ै पायनो िवरहकातर आजु हाव ।
पु े ित त यतया तरवोऽिभनेदु ं सवभू त दयं मुिनमानतोऽ
।।
As if feeling loss and loneliness, Lord Veda Vyasa calls Shuka, “My Son”. But Sri Shukacharya who has the attribute of Vairagya or dispassion, even to his body, walked ahead to become Sanyasi without any reply. Being no different from God Rudra who is obliged to The Lord for being responsible to influence the minds in all living being, answered filled with bhakti or devotion to The Lord by swaying of trees. Salutations to Vairagya Shiromani, Sri Shukacharya. Sri Sutacharya with this verse has set forth to describe the greatness of Sri Shukacharya and the glory of Srimad Bhagavatam. Lord Veda Vyasa in the second verse of Mangalacharna, धमः ो
त or Dharma Projita, in this Srimad Bhagavatam
has affirmed that without any deceit and being honest one has to follow the Supreme Dharma of nishkama karma or action without any expectation or desire and propitiate Lord. Consistent with that Lord Veda Vyasa has composed Srimad Bhagavatam and has initiated Sri Shukacharya. The best of Vaishnava and an incarnation of Rudra, “Sri Shukacharya understanding the various principles of the philosophy, drawing the essence and implementing it in every step of his life does the anusandhana. Anusandhana of Srimad Bhagavatam has a high influence on him. Has brought about a qualitative 33 OF 92
change. Change of doing nishkama karma and following all Bhagavata dharma. He even forgoes desire towards his own body. Hence, he decides to take-up Sanyasa ashrama. However being an incarnation of God Rudra and as सवभू त दयं in the minds of all living, he is obliged to The Lord for the responsibility to influence the minds answered by swaying of the tree. This is the Glory of Srimad Bhagavatam and the accomplishment of Sri Shukacharya. The important aspect for us is to understand is the extent of Vairagya or dispassion we develop towards worldly happenings and materialistic happiness, to that extent Bhakti and Jnana start showing up. As Sri Shukacharya had achieved the pinnacle of Vairagya, the level of avadhoota, so too was his devotion towards the Lord.
यः
ानुभावम खल ुितसारमेकम ा दीपमितिततीषतां तमोऽ म्
संसा रणां क णयाह पुराणगु ं तं
ाससूनुमुपयािम गु ं मुनीनाम् ।।
This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required for surpassing the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to Sri Shukacharya for his continued blessings.
Here, Sri Sutacharya has called the Lord
ा नुभाव or All by Himself. The
capacity or ability to conduct all happenings is not dependent. One may wonder on the consistency of this in the verse! And may also conclude that by studying Srimad Bhagavatam, the explanation of Vedas or Vedas directly
one could accomplish Lord. No, says Sri Sutachary here. Not with Veda nor with Srimad Bhagavatam. As the Lord is not dependent on Vedas nor Srimad Bhagavatam. In our day to day life, we come across several experiences. We come across atheists saying there is no God. Some believe that all happenings are by individual efforts and the creation is accidental or with a big bang. Some say all happenings and the creation is an Illusion and some say that the Lord helps only to those who help themselves. Or he would help all those who take the right path. And many blends of these. Hence, each of us suffer from one or the other illusion. This is the cause of dissatisfaction in individuals. So, let’s see how Sri Sutacharya explains. There are stories of several hata yogis. Thousands of efforts of hata yoga will not help in understanding the Lord. Nor any amount of studies would! The Lord Adhokshaja is not vivid and being invisible is his attribute. He is not rudimentary nor Mechanical. Such Lord is being explained in this Srimad Bhagavatam. The study of Srimad Bhagavatam would help in developing Jnana, Bhakti and Vairagya to propitiate Lord. Thus leading to his anugraha or blessings of Prasada. On his blessings, the same Vedas or Srimad Bhagavatam would lead to his Lotus feet by shearing the cycle of death and birth. The Lord is Independent and not dependent on Vedas or Srimad Bhagavatam. Hence, here, Sri Sutacharya repeats salutations to Sri Shukacharya in the second verse also. He does out of extreme Bhakti. Also, Sri Shukacharya would play a double role. A role as an incarnation of God Rudra. He is obliged 35 OF 92
to The Lord for being responsible to influence the minds helps the individual in understanding the basic verse and the essence in it. Also for having a role of parama Guru or Guru’s Guru by narrating for first time Srimad Bhagavatam in his physical form to Parikshit Raja. The subject of ignorance is psychological in nature. It works through emotions and is very thick layered. This has the capacity to lead to Hell. We have seen this in Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam, 08 Srimad Bhagavata, Redemption from Sins and the lyrics of Sri Ramana tava charna poem. This is the layer of “I”. I the doer. Also, the need for crossing this will not come to one’s mind. Though the untoward and obstructions stare every individual most of the time, rare is exhaustion to worldly happenings and short-lived materialistic happiness. Here, it is worth noting that though there are several Publications, Interpretations, and Translations of Srimad Bhagavatam, all does not take-up its study. It comes only with the merit accumulated over several births. The merit would prompt taking-up Srimad Bhagavatam. The sense or thought to cross over the cycle of death-birth is very rare. Hence, for those who have got that sense, this is अ ा दीप adyatma deepa or Spiritual Light, says Sri Sutacharya. A Spiritual Light given by Sri Shukacharya. Adyatma could be kshetra or body, or the Gods influencing each faculty in a body, or Soul or Lord. For us to understand about our body, Srimad Bhagavatam is required. For us to break the cycle of death & birth, first we need to understand the bandana or the one which confines. Else, steps to
liberate cannot be taken-up. While we require the body for Sadhana like study of Srimad Bhagavatam, but our body itself is confinement. As we need to leave this body, we need to understand its characteristics. In this body are sense organs and in them are our enemies. The enemy of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya or Arishadvargas. Also, the desire of Bhakti or to cross over from the cycle of death and birth is good Kama. Hence, we need to understand those who are helpful and those which are not. The one which we need to persuade and the one which we have to forego needs to be understood. There are also the Gods in the sense organs of the body persuading the helpful. Only by understanding them and worshipping them, we will be blessed. From those organs, we could do more good deeds. Also, the Lord as Chief Indweller of the body and the Indweller of the Gods responsible for each sensory organs is present. He is present in several forms. This is the Vaibava or Majesty that Goddess Lakshmi desires to see in the Lord as we discussed in Section 01, Mangalacharna. By understanding the majesty of the Lord in this body, we would be able to cross over the cycle of death and birth. All of this and more is what Bhagavatam describes in the form of stories. Hence Adyatmadeepa or the Spiritual Light that Sri Shukacharya has lit. The body is Jada or materialistic substance. If the Indweller, the Lord leaves the body, all Gods will follow. The body has to be disposed of in fire or in the earth. Srimad Bhagavatam of Sri Shukacharya talks about such deepa or light which is Prime. The essence of all Vedas is included in Srimad Bhagavatam which is secretive in nature and not available to all. Hence, Sri Sutacharya 37 OF 92
with bhakti has taken refuge in his Guru Sri Shukacharya and the Lord. Also, out of his kind generosity has called on us to take refuge in Paramaguru Sri Shukacharya and the Lord.
नारायणं नम ृ दे वी ं सर
ती ं
नरं चैव नरो मम् । ासं ततो जयमुदीरयेत् ॥
|| Hari Om ||
05 Dharma, Kama, Artha, Moksha through an eye of Bhakti Sri Sutacharya addressing Sri Shaunaka Rishi says that he was pleased with his question. As the question were out of bhakti and after a thorough investigation. Also, the questions and answers would bring auspiciousness to the world. He says, Krishna samprashnaha! Since questions are regarding the Lord, they are very special. Also, the answers are in your questions itself. The quest to know about the Lord and understand him in itself is very special. One should have a burning desire to know about Him. As much, as one struggles to push himself out for breath when pushed into the water. Also, the answers what I am going to give would please the Lord and would be dear to Him. Sri Sutacharya further says, स वै पुंसां परो धम यतो भ अहै तु
रधो जे ।
ितहता ययाऽऽ ा सं सीदित ॥
Of the essence of all Shastras, the one which gives special benefit is भ
रधो जे or Bhakti in Lord Adhokshaja. The Bhakti dharma is the manner
one needs to live as defined in Shastra. This is the Bull’s eye. The devotion in Lord is Param or Supreme. There are stories of those who have done great tapas. The severe austerity has also accomplished moksha. The stories of Hiranyakashipu or Hiranyaksha are glaring, though. The great Vishvamitra Rishi had to stumble before becoming Brahmarishi. So too, for Ravana or Kumbhakarna, the austerity did not guarantee success. Having done severe austerity, they had to face death. The death against which they had done 39 OF 92
austerity. However, there are no stories of failure doing Bhakti in Lord. It is a guaranteed success. Starting from God Brahma to a blade of Grass, all who have followed this path have succeeded. Also, in the future too. There is no history that a Bhakta or a devotee of Lord has failed without receiving blessings of Lord. So too, all such activities that increase bhakti are great! Easy to accomplish and is definitive. As we read this Srimad Bhagavatam, all of us have bhakti in Lord. We have not seen him though. Also, many of us would have experienced the emotions of bhakti in oneself or have encountered those who had experienced bhakti. The way one experience happiness or sadness, so too, we experience Bhakti. However, the question arises that the one whom we have not seen nor touched, how could we do Bhakti in Him? This is the capacity or the ability of the Lord Adhokshaja! Says Sri Sutacharya. Lord Adhokshaja has the attribute of having knowledge surpassing that acquired through senses. Aksha means Indria or sensory organs including eyes, Ja is having arisen from Indria and Adha is one who surpassed the knowledge that has come from Indria and hence Adhokshaja. While the Lord has not become an object of sight or touch. However, he is attracting us! Our mind is longing for him and getting fixed on him. It could be the longing of Prahlada or Sudhama or Vibhishana or Shabari or Kunti or Gopikas. Or it could be of Hiranyakashipu or Hiranyaksha or Ravana or Kumbhakarna. Or various blends and extent of those. This is possible only out of his mercy, kindness, and generosity.
Being focused on Bhakti, the Lord as an Indweller blesses a spark of bhakti. The bhakti, in turn, drives us to do dharma. With dharma, the mind gets little purified. In a little pure mind, Bhakti will brighten. This repeats with further dharma, Jnana and Vairagya, and purification of mind. But the first spark of Bhakti is the blessings of Lord Adhokshaja. The one who is not understandable by our sensory organs and who stands above the sensory organs. This is the Prasada or blessings of Lord! Sri Sutacharya says, अहैतु
ितहता or doing nishkama bhakti without
expectation. Bhakti with expectations are temporary lived as it is a trade-off. Also, expectations pollute bhakti. God Brahma worship's the Lord only for pleasing Him. His is pure bhakti. Being in materialistic life, doing continuous bhakti and without interruption, the Indweller, Lord Vasudeva will be pleased. The Jiva or being will become Prasanna or bright and pleasant. Also, doing bhakti in Lord will give Vairagya which in turn adds Jnana and more Vairagya. The cycle continues. Hence, of all Shastra or indoctrinations of beliefs the one which gives a special benefit to human beings in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga and easily accomplishable is Nishkama Bhakti to please the Lord.
धमः
नु ि तः पुंसां िव
ेनकथासु यः ।
नो ादये िद रितं म एव िह केवलम् ॥ Any practice, even spiritual! Which does not generate delight of hearing the glory of Lord is just a labor and of no use.
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The Lord Vishvaksena has his army in every nook and corner of the creation. He controls and commands. Below is the verse of Vishnu Sahasranama listing the Lord's name as Vishvaksena सवगः सव िव ानुिव वेदो वेदिवद
ेनो जनादनः ।
ो वेदा ो वेदिव
िवः ॥
So too, in Kshetra or body. The Lord along with Goddess Lakshmi being in the Lotus of Heart, has God Sun in the Eyes, God Moon in the Ears, God Vayu in the Nose, God Varuna in the Tongue, God Agni in the Mouth, God Indra in Hands, God Jayanta in Legs and so on. This way He has his army in the whole of body and controls. Or in other words, all those enemies viz. Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya should disappear or the Kali, Viprachitti, Narakasura, Kalanemi, Madhu-Kaitabha and all his evil associates are to be won over. Hence, all spiritual practice needs to aid the blossoming of bhakti and transcend into namasankeertana or singing the name of the Lord. Till such time one would not have the delight for hearing the glory of Lord in complete. Here, Sri Sutacharya is giving a yardstick. A yardstick to measure the usefulness of our Life to check for oneself! Currently, the most common practice in society is, one should follow Dharma to meet Kama or desire. From the Kama, one gets Artha or wealth. Wealth gives happiness or Indriya Preeti. This happiness could be through sense organs, maybe taste or sight or music, fragrance or touch or a mix of these.
This practice is driven by Corporates and Economists. Wherein, economic growth is achieved by increasing consumption. Consumption of product and services by individuals, families, and states. This would increase top line of corporates and businesses. By optimizing the cost and expenses of corporates and businesses, bottom line and profits are increased. However, Srimad Bhagavatam is telling that from the performance of Dharma, Bhakti would blossom. How to agree on this! For which Sri Sutacharya says,
धम काम
ापव ने
नाथ ऽथायोपक
ते |
य ीितलाभो जीवेत यावता |
जीव
ात िज ासोनाथ य ेह कमिभः ||
नाथ
धमका
ापव धमका
धम
कामो लाभाय िह
ृतः ||
or One needs to perform dharma to accomplish Moksha.
or wealth has to be used to do dharma. Artha is Wealth and that
could be the spouse, children, vehicles, gold, house, money, health, body, and so on. Then the question arises, if on the performance of dharma gives Moksha and also, the wealth has to be used for the performance of dharma, then how is wealth going to come? While the Kama, the desire is a consumable. For example food or a movie or a scenic beauty or perfumes or vehicle.
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Sri Sutacharya is telling काम
ने
य ीित. That is, desire for food should not
be for its flavor or happiness of tongue. One should not consume for the happiness of sense organs. कामो लाभाय िह
ृतः, one should consume as
minimum as required. In other words, one should consume the minimum for the performance of maximum Dharma and जीवेत यावता as much as required for living. The answer to the question of “how is wealth going to come?” is an important Bhagavata Dharma and has already been told in the second verse of mangalacharna or of this Srimad Bhagavatam i.e 02 The Subject, Eligibility, and Fruit of Srimad Bhagavatam. Quote “This path seeks continued practice of honoring, worshipping, admiring & praising The Lord without any jealousy or expectation nor being deceptive. While being on the path, removes all sorts of difficulties, bestows prosperity, makes one sajjana or virtuous and solidify bhakti or devotion”. Hence, the wealth or bestowing of prosperity is a blessing. Prasada of Lord. Pleasing the sense organs and the mind is not what we are born for! Says Sri Sutacharya. They would continue to keep seeking more and has no limit. Like the Popular Indian Advertisement, Yeh dil maange more!
Sri Sutacharya says जीव
ात िज ासोनाथ य ेह कमिभः. Which is doing any
sort of activity without an objective is of no use. Hence, Jignasa or deliberating on the fundamental basis of Tattva or arrive at Axiom for the purpose of life and the process to accomplish is being Smart! This siddhi or perfection is what one gets from the study of Srimad Bhagavata. This includes any spiritual ritual. If one does not have the desire to understand the Lord, then life is waste. Srimad Bhagavatam says cleansing of inner organs, mind, and conscience would lead to an increase in devotion towards the Lord. Hence, increases the desire to hear the stories describing the Glory of the Lord. Also increases Jnana and Vairagya in a run-up to Moksha. This could be accomplished only when done with an objective of Sriman Narayana Prityartham or for pleasing the Lord. These are the Life Teachings from Sri Sutacarya being received with the blessings of Hari, Vayu, and Gurus. || Hari Om ||
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06 Bhakti in Lord Tattva Sri Sutacharya having explained that Bhakti or the Light of Love in Lord is Prime has said that the first spark of Bhakti is kindled by the Lord Adhokshaja out of his extreme kindness & generosity. Bhakti, when done without expectations, pleases the Lord. Lord Vishvaksena, who is very dear towards his devotees will bless to trump over evil and accomplish Purushartha or object of human endeavor. To ensure that one does not get lost in his pursuit has explained the purposes of each Purushartha viz. Dharma, Kama, and Artha to accomplish Moksha. While, in the pursuit of Purshuartha, one should do Jignasa or thorough deliberation to arrive at Tattva or Axiom and the yardstick of measure being rati or one's happiness in hearing the stories on the Glory of the Lord. Also, all accomplishments will result only through the blessing or Prasada of Lord, says Sri Sutacharya. Sri Sutacharya says वद
त
िवद
ंय
ानम यम् ।
े ित परमा ेित भगवािनित श स ामा ं तु य उभा
ते ॥
ि त् सदस ािवशेषणम्।
ां भा ते सा ाद् भगवान् केवलः
ृतः॥
The Lord who is unchanged from past, present and in future has his form as knowledge and bliss. There is no one equivalent to him or surpassing Him. He has the complete knowledge for creation, sustenance, destruction,etc., of the universe. He is also well known as Brahman, Paramatma, Bhagavan. Hence, the Philosophers call him Tattva.
The Saints who have extreme faith and devotion in the Lord do the Jnana Yagna or Sacrifice of studying Srimad Bhagavatam with dispassion to worldly matters. This consolidates their knowledge of Lord and is able to see him in their Lotus of Heart. Here Sri Suthacharya calls the Lord as Tattva. Tattva or Axiom as he remains the same. From the immeasurable time that has past to the present and for an immeasurable time in future. Which is Anadi to Ananta! He is Axiom. That describes the Lord. From the immeasurable time back, the way lord was he would continue to be there for an immeasurable time in future too. There will be no changes nor Transformation or alteration in him. Hence, the question arises, in which form is he? The knowledge what we have about ourselves or relatives or friends or other species of plants and animals is, we are born very small, we grow and become older. When we are born, we have very little intelligence, knowledge, and sense. So too, our strength. However, we grow and pick up size, strength, knowledge and so on. We grow older, lose strength. Perhaps, get diseased before deceased. Also, we see that our body is made up with a frame of a skeleton, stuffed with flesh, embedded with nerves. Our veins and arteries carrying blood. And packed with skin. This is because, our body construction is from Prakriti and is gunatmaka composed of Satva Guna, Rajo Guna, and Thamo Guna as we understood in Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Mangalacharna:
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"Like the Potter makes earthen Pots, so too the Lord creates mahattattva, ahamkara tattva and all non-living Substance including Fire, Water, and Soil made of three Gunas and being in several forms of himself enters these non-living substance and is called Jada Sristi" So, is the body of the Lord same as ours? No, says Sri Suthacharya. The Lord is Tattva and has not changed since the past and would be the same in the future. The future that is Ananta or immeasurable. He is not made of Prakrit. The Prakriti does not remain the same and keeps changing. Including Soil, Water, Fire, Air, Either. There are changes in Sun & Moon too. This is because of the characteristic of Prakriti. As he is Tattva, he is not made of Prakriti. Then what is he made of? What is his form?
Sri Suthacharya is saying that the Lord is
ानम as Jnanam or his form is of
Knowledge. स ामा ं as sathamatram or sat being Stainless, th being Ananda and Matram being Body. Hence the Lord is of just Jnana and just Ananda. He has no blemishes. Also, he is अ य and is not without second or equivalent nor one can surpass His Knowledge and Happiness. While Lord’s form also has Legs, Trunk. Chest, Hands face and so on but is not made of Prakriti. As we eat, our body accumulates Soil, Water, and Fire and so on to grow. But not that of Lord’s. Lord form constitutes Jnana and Ananda, but not made of Prakriti. Hence Lord has a body with Legs, Trunk. Chest, Hands face and so on in a very beautiful form of Purusha. Better than any of his photos or pictures what we see and beyond human imagination. His form is of Jnana and Ananda. But not of Prakriti.
We too have experienced Knowledge and Happiness. The Knowledge of Astronomy, Science, Space, Nuclear Technology and so on. Also, simple knowledge like grow, prepare and eat food. Clothing, shelter, transport, etc. Are the Lord’s knowledge and happiness similar to ours? If so, then his knowledge and happiness too should encounter variations as in ours. Or over a longer period of time. But Sri Suthacharya is telling that he is Tattva. Not been changing for a long time. We could have knowledge of a particular book. Also, one can experience the same. So too, driving a vehicle or swimming. We could have experience of having such knowledge. Our knowledge is an object-oriented or the subject of the object. Further examples could be Sight of Scenic beauty or River, Mountains, etc. We will get those knowledge based on the object. However, if for the Lord, knowing is dependent on these objects, then his independence is a question. He becomes paratantra or dependent or slave of these objects. So too, Ananda. As we feel bliss because of external objects and if the Lord also feels so, then he becomes Paratantra. However, the Lord's Knowledge and Ananda is not Object or Subject Oriented. He has the Jnana and Ananda that only he could experience. Also, the form of Goddess Lakshmi and that of Gods is Jnana and Ananda. Hence, Sri Suthacharya says य
ानम यम् or Lord's form of Knowledge and
Ananda is second to none. Nor equivalent to any. No one could surpass his Knowledge and Ananda. Goddess Lakshmi serves at his feet at all times and 49 OF 92
keeps wondering on his attributes. So too are Gods. Even the best of being God Brahma has equivalents including the one who passed by in Mukta Vaikunta. Though Goddess has no equivalence Lord surpasses her manifold and she is dependent on him. This we already understood in Srimad Bhagavatam - Mangalacharna: Swarat, Though Goddess Lakshmi, Brahma, Vayu, Rudra are all Jnani or knowledgeable but are dependent. Even when nothing existed, he existed. Only the Lord is Independent and swaprakashika or self-glowing and rest are dependent on him. As Swarat, he is the Lord for himself. Hence, Sri Sutahacharya says य
ि त् or He is not even an iota like that of
other beings! Lord is not like what we see in this world. He is सदस ािवशेषणम् or He is distinctive & excellent! Though he is of Jnana & Ananda, he is not like us encountering death and birth even in Knowledge and Happiness. Hence, our Knowledge and Happiness is not an example of his knowledge and Ananda which is not with respect to any object or its subject. Appears to be unhinged! But not so. When there was nothing, he was there. He was with his form of Knowledge and Happiness and so too now. Hence, he created the objects which have subject matter too. From these object what the Lord created, we derive Knowledge and Ananda. And for Lord, since he already had the knowledge he created. That means not because of the Universe he got Knowledge. He had the knowledge and hence he created the Universe. All Knowledge including those of Goddess Lakshmi, Brahma, Rudra,
Indra, etc., several-several species, including even about a blade of Grass, Lord has Knowledge. This knowledge, he has before creation including the timelines. Hence, all that we see has been happening so. Hence, he is Independent on the subject, as the knowledge of the subject is the basis for the creation of the object. Including the act which is visible and reasons that is not visible. Nothing is surprising to Lord. Lord is not comparable to anything that we see in this earth. He is not Prakrata. This is consistent with what we understood in this Srimad Bhagavatam Mangalacharna: The Sun as an image reflects in water and appears as if several reflected image. So too, several forms of Pratibimba or reflected images appear in both invisible and visible Jiva as a medium of reflection and Lord being Bimba or image like the Sun. This reflection of Lord on Jiva is called Jiva Srishti. Starting from God Brahma to a blade of grass are all reflection of the Lord and are dependent for their creation. The Lord is only independent. During the Lord's incarnation as Krishna, He appeared as Vasudeva. He appeared bigger as Krishna to kill Putana, appeared bigger to eat butter and create an illusion as if he stole, having Lordship though. Also appeared as Udupi kadagolu Krishna, Gopala, Murlidhara, Giridhara, Kamsahara, Gopika Krishna, Rukmini Satyabhama Krishna, Parthasarathy, Arjuna-Krishna, and so on. There are several devotees worshipping His each of these form. However, Sri Sutacharya says He is Tattva. 51 OF 92
So a question may arise if worshipping Vasudeva Krishna as a baby is right or one needs to worship only his older form of Pandharpur Vithoba. In this Srimad Bhagavatam, Mangalacharna, we have noted the Ishwara Srishti as below: Tejovarimrudam yata vinimayo, from the processing of Fire, Water, and Soil, an earthen Pot is made by a potter. In the same way, three types of creations are taken up by the Lord. That is Ishwara Srishti or appearance of Lord & Goddess, Jiva Srishti or providing a body to life and Jada Sristi, the creation of all substance not having the life. Ishwara Srishti involves the appearance of Lord & Goddess and creation of several forms of himself. As he himself is a luminous or bright & shining, he becomes several of the luminous body. He does so, by lighting several flames from one flame. Lord being Tattva creates several forms of himself including Vasudeva, Butter Krishna, Udupi kadagolu Krishna, Gopala, Murlidhara, Giridhara, Kamsahara, Gopika Krishna, Rukmini Satyabhama Krishna, Parthasarathy, ArjunaKrishna, and so on at the beginning of creation and remains so till the Mahapralaya. Subsequently, remains being merged till the next creation. Hence, he and his forms are all Tattva and remains unchanged.
He is Tattva and should be understood by Jignasa or thorough deliberation, says Sri Sutacharya. However, Brahma Sutras are telling one to do Brahma Jignasa, Vedas are telling one should know about Atma who is param or Supreme and Puranas calling to hear the stories describing the glories of Bhagavan. Brahma is Full or Complete or Poorna. He is filled in the entire creation, also during all times. While as Atma we are in the body but controlled by supreme Atma who is in all beings, hence Paramatma. He is Sadguna Sampanna or complete with the Six Attributes of Aishwarya or Supremacy, Dhairya or Courage, Eshas or Fame, Sri or Wealth, Jnana or Knowledge and Vishesha Jnana or Special Knowledge. Hence, He is called Bhagavan. Hence, Sri Suthacharya is saying
ेित परमा ेित भगवािनित श
ते or Call him
as Brahma or Paramatma or Bhagavan, these words are all referred to the same Lord Tattva. Below is the summary of attributes and few parlances used: Brahma as Ananta desha Vyapta or Omnipresent; Ananta Kala Vyapta or
Eternal and Poorna or Independent. Paramatma being the Indweller of Jivatma regulates and is Supreme. Bhagavan is Ananta Kalyana Guna Poorna as he is full of attributes.
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In Dharma, Kama, Artha, Moksha through an eye of Bhakti, we studied the below:
जीव ात िज ासोनाथ य ेह कमिभः. Which is doing any sort of activity without an objective is of no use. Hence, Jignasa or deliberating on the fundamental basis of Tattva or arrive at Axiom for the purpose of life and the process to accomplish is being Smart! This siddhi or perfection is what one gets from the study of Srimad Bhagavata. He is not like what we see in this world and hence Jignasa needs to be done. He is special because he is not dependent on an object or its subject for knowledge. In fact, since he has the knowledge, an object gets created and the subject gets formed. All Good Acts or Bad Reasons are known to Him. Hence nothing surprises Him. And nothing is to be explored by Him, the Lord. In all that we do, the objective should be to acquire the knowledge of the Lord. By doing so, we would be pleasing him. Our Jignase or deliberations will strengthen knowledge. Also, the Lord will bless with his knowledge. With knowledge of Lord and knowing his glory, Bhakti in his lotus feet increases. As our Bhakti increases, the mind becomes Prasanna or Lucid. This Bhakti is definitive and would give result says Sri Suthacharya for the first question of Sri Shaunaka Rishi.
Sri Suthacharya continues to say, त प
धाना मुनयो ानवैरा यु ा िन चाs ानं भ
या ।
ा ुितगृहीतया ॥
Having great belief and trust in Lord Tattva, Rishis study the Bhagavata Shastra repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya. This would blossom the Bhakti or the Light of Love towards the Lord and the splendid Lotus-eyed Lord would manifest in their Heart. || Hari Om ||
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07 The Pursuit to hone Bhakti त प
धाना मु नयो ानवैरा यु ा िन चाs ानं भ
या ।
ा ुितगृहीतया ॥
Having great trust & belief in Lord Tattva, Rishis
study
the
Bhagavata
Shastra
repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya. This would blossom the Lotus of Heart, Bhakti and glow the Light of Love towards the Lord. They would see the splendid Lotus-eyed Lord in their Heart. Here Sri Suthacharya is telling त
धाना i.e.
one should have faith, trust & belief, like मु नयो or Saints. Through the study of Bhagavata Shastras or indoctrination, they gain ान or Knowledge and have high clarity that is firm and strong enough to trump over the Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Matsarya or Arishadvargas. Also, they develop enough dispassion or वैरा
and hence not fall
prey towards illusion caused by the materialistic world. They
ुितगृहीतया or
through repeated studies of Srimad Bhagavatam including reading and hearing, practice the indoctrinations. Also, यु
या and these saints practice the
indoctrinations of Srimad Bhagavatam through yukti or arguments and reasons. Therefore, their knowledge gets firmly founded.
In other words, Sri Suthacharya is saying that belief or faith in indoctrinations through superstition or being credulous would not yield even the initial results of accomplishing Jnana, Bhakti, and Vairagya. With repeated studies, arguments and reasoning the concepts of indoctrinations seeps into their minds and experience further increase in Jnana and Vairagya. Here, Sri Suthacharya is clearly telling that the study of Srimad Bhagavatam should not merely be limited to scholastic studies. Rather he says प
ा िन चाs ानं. One should accomplish
the glowing of Light of Love towards the Lord. He says that the Lotus of Heart in those saints will Blossom and in which they see आ नः, the Lord Pundarikaksha whose eyes are like a lotus petal. Here, Sri Suthacharya is describing that the Saints or the seekers practicing the subject of indoctrination of Srimad Bhagavatam is different from the subject. Also, they are doing so to propitiate the Lord. Sri Suthacharya continues to say, अतः पु नु ि त
ि ज े ा वणा मिवभागशः । धम
संिस
ह रतोषणम्॥
The best of Brahmins, Shaunaka Rishis, by following their respective Varna ashram dharma that also includes Shudra dharma, Vaishya dharma, Brahmana dharma, Kshatriya dharma, Chandala dharma, Purusha dharma, Sthree dharma, 57 OF 92
ashrama dharma that includes Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa etc., and propitiating the Lord, siddhi or perfection of gaining Bhagavat Preeti or Lord’s love is there.
त
ादे केन मनसा भगवान् सा तां पितः । ोत ः कीितत
ेयः पू
िन दा ॥
Hence, being focused and with a single objective, one should propitiate the Lord through Hearing His Glories, Singing His Attributes, Meditation, and Worship. Here Sri Suthacharya is saying, त
ादे , for these reasons, i.e. for following one’s
own Ashrama Dharma, Lord would be pleased. Hence, the mind will get cleansed and be blessed with a desire to hear the stories on the glories of Lord. Hearing the stories further strengthens Jnana Bhakti and Vairagya. Worshiping सा तां पितः or The Lord of Yadavas, Sri Krishna with higher Jnana, Bhakti and Vairagya through ोत ः or hearing the indoctrinations of Bhagavata, कीितत or Singing his glories and serene mind and पू
ेयः or meditation of his feature and attributes with
or worshipping as per ones Varna ashram dharma िन दा
or always without wasting any time. Also, one should worship with केन मनसा with full concentration and single objective of accomplishing Aproksha Janan or sight of Lord!
यदनु िछ
ाियनो यु कोिवदा
ाः कम
िनब नम् ।
को न कुयात् कथारितम् ॥
The thread of actions of life getting bunched up and tangled results in tight knots. These knots get tangled over several births with further knots. A
thoughtful and an introspective person with a sword called Meditation of Lord would shear these knots. Wouldn’t the wise love to hear such stories of Lord which help to meditate! Ascertains Sri Suthacharya.
यदनु
ाियनो That Lord whom we propitiate through hearing, singing and
meditating all three times of the day by tying our minds to him or practicing The Yoga of Mind.
कम
िनब नम् – The attraction of materialistic world is making us do more
and more Karma or Actions by tying down to samsara or the cycle of death and birth. We encounter difficulties on a continuous basis and have to put up a fight! A fight against obstructions that we encounter to complete a Job. Or issues of a relationship involving self-entitlement or I am Good and the other is bad or oneupmanship! Parents need to manage the relationship with Children. So too, the children. The relation between colleagues, fellow residents, co-travelers, etc. Maybe regulatory issues like license, Taxes, Certificate, etc. Maybe a vehicle or transport breaks down! An accident or untoward! Sometimes, out of the bad mood and so on.
With all materialistic activities, there are Issues. Why! Because of our karma or actions. All karma or actions are attached to Sins. Let’s take a look at a simple example and a basic requirement of having staple food like rice or wheat. To grow this, land needs to be plowed by the farmer. This not only involves disturbing all the habitation in the field including grass, weed, earthworms, insects, etc. but also hurts the mother earth. Then these 59 OF 92
crops are chopped alive. This way, the rice or wheat keeps accruing action of sins. When we prepare and eat the food, the sins get transferred to us. Hence, many a time it could so occur that even if we are not involved, suddenly situation arises and we get sucked into.
In fact, the actions or Sins have high potent. We should analyze all such difficulties that we encounter. Most of the times, we overrule with a sense of entitlement and bulldoze ahead with enthusiasm. This keeps us dark without understanding the reasons for difficulties or its potential in the future. As the saying goes, the devil is in detail. A sense of entitlement or enthusiasm keeps us blind from seeing and avoiding such a devil. These actions or Sins gets bunched-up, entangled, and gets knotted. Maybe it would be blunt, but all of us suffering from one or the other disease is an effect of such Karma entangled, knotted and thriving in the body. The root cause for all our sorrows is the deed or act that we have done previously or previous life. Every being having Ananta karma or the Actions are tightly wrapped over the soul. This has been in the form of tangle or knots. These knots have in turn knotted. Hence we have moved far away from the characteristic of our Soul or the Truth. This gives us a sense of a distorted “I”. The “I” which we claim better than he or I have trumped them. Hence, we would never be able to unknot. Even understanding itself is difficult to let alone unknot. Many of us go to astrologers seeking remedies. Such remedies lead to more actions or sins rather than unknot the existing.
Sri Suthacharya is telling that all those कोिवदा or learned by यदनु
ाियनो propitiating the Lord through hearing, singing and
meditation on the attributes and glory of the Lord at all times of the day tie up their minds to him or practise The Yoga of Mind which has the capacity to िछ
or sheer these knots and tangle that has wrapped our Soul.
शु ूषोः
धान
वासुदेवकथारितः।
ा ह े वया िव ाः पु
तीथिनषेवणात् ॥
Sri Suthacharya addressing िव ाः, The Brahmins, Shaunaka and his fellow Rishis says, While propitiating the Lord through hearing, singing and meditating, one will be blessed with पु This would yield
तीथिनषेवणात् or pilgrimage to holy places and dip in holy rivers. ा ह ेवया or service of Saints and Gurus who are close to
the Lord. When pilgrimage and service of saints are done with
धान
or Trust
and Belief, शु ूषोः or Crave and eagerness to hear Lord’s Stories would increase. As the mind gets Prasanna or lucid, वासुदेवकथारितः or there would be pleasure in hearing the stories of
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Lord Vasudeva who is brilliantly glowing brightly in a crystal clear mind. Lord Vasudeva for whom the creation of Universe that includes several forms of himself, all living beings & non-living things, sustenance, distraction, regulation, bestowing of both Ignorance & knowledge to confine to birth & death and liberation to provide moksha is a Lila or Sport. तां
कथाः कृ
ः थो
ः पु
वणकीतनः ।
भ ािण िवधुनोित सु त् सताम् ॥
The most attractive, Lord Krishna in his dark skin like the color of monsoon cloud, standing in
ः थो, the Lotus of Heart like a सु त्, friend. A dear friend for the
सताम् or virtuous waiting with great patience as if he has nothing else to do except for
भ ािण िवधुनोित, destroying all our Sins that cause inauspiciousness
and ready to pour his mercy. He is waiting for us to वणकीतनः, hear and sing his Glory. So that he could pour पु
, the mercy, and high merit.
Like he did to Kuchela, with a torn dress and made him Sudhama, having in abundance for just three fists of beaten rice. The rice filed with Love, brimming with devotion through hearing and singing the Glory of Lord.
So too, he came as if he is at the beck and call of Prahlada! Also, in a form only dedicated to him! न
ाये भ े षु िन ं भागवतसेवया ।
भगव ु म
ोके भ
भवित नैि की ॥
By serving Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavatas regularly and taking its refuge, all inauspicious will get destroyed. Also, Lotus of the heart filled with nectar called devotion towards the all auspicious and most popular Lord Sri Krishna will flow constantly, Says Sri Suthacharya. Knowledge of Lord comes by argument and reasoning. Illusion should be avoided by shunning Credulity and Superstition. The Knowledge of Lord brings Trust & Belief. The Trust and Belief in the Lord lead towards following of Varna ashram Dharma and gain Bhagavat Preeti or Lord’s love. Also makes the mind lucid with a desire to hear, sing and meditate the stories on Lord's glory with his attributes arise. By worshipping Lord Sri Krishna this way, he starts shearing the layers of action with the sin of knots and tangles wrapped around the soul. Also, would be blessed to take-up Pilgrimage, dip in Holy Rivers and subsequently the service of Saints and Gurus. When done with full of Trust and Belief leads to वासुदेवकथारितः or the pleasure in hearing Lord Vasudeva's stories and subsequently a continuous flow of Bhakti! || Hari Om ||
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08 The Influence of Arishadvarga and Gunas for Bhakti
न ाये भ े षु िन ं भागवतसे वया । भगव ु म ोके भ भवित नै ि की ॥ By serving Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavatas regularly and taking its refuge, all inauspicious will get destroyed. Also, Lotus of the heart filled with nectar called devotion towards the all auspicious and most popular Lord, Sri Krishna will flow constantly. Detailing the process to hone Bhakti, Sri Suthacharya says, As the desire in the stories of Lord Increases, िन ं भागवतसे वया or our daily service towards Bhagavatas and Srimad Bhagavatam will start manifesting. This results in भ
भवित or bhakti in भगव ु म
the one who has most special fame, The Lord. Hence, न
ोके or
ाये भ े षु,
destruction of all possible ( ाये ) sins or inauspiciousness is achieved.
As the destruction of all sins cannot be achieved in the human form on earth having linga sharira. This is even after Aparoksha Jnana or Sight of the Lord. Sins would be there and hence sorrow too. But not like that of ordinary, very less though! Only after the destruction of linga sharira all sins will get destroyed and would be devoid of sorrow. The linga sharira bhanga will happen after dipping in Viraja Nadi. Hence, Sri Suthacharya is telling probably all sins have been destroyed.
However, भवित नैि की or one’s devotion becomes consistent. Even during most difficult times too, one would have devotion. तदा रज
मोभावाः कामलोभादय ये ।
चेत एतैरनािव ं
थतं स े सीदित ॥
The Arishadvarga having the influence of Rajo Guna and Thamo Guna will start disappearing and the mind will be stainlessly concentrated with Satvika Guna. The Basic Constituent, Prakriti and its Guna. In this Srimad Bhagavatam, Mangalacharna, understanding Jada Sristi we noted the following: Tejovarimrudam yata vinimayo, from the processing of Fire, Water, and Soil, an earthen Pot is made by a potter. Like the Potter makes earthen Pots, so too the Lord creates mahattattva, ahamkara tattva and all non-living Substance including Fire, Water, and Soil made of three Gunas and being in several forms of himself enters these non-living substance and is called Jada Sristi. For a better understanding and to have clarity, we shall take the help of slokas from Bhagavad Gita:
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स ं रज िनब
म इित गुणाः कृितस महाबाहो दे हे दे िहनम
वाः । यम् || BG 14-5 i.e. Bhagavad Gita, 14th
Adhyaya, 5th Sloka|| त स ं िनमल ा काशकमनामयम् । सु खस े न ब ाित ानस े न चानघ ॥ BG 14-6॥ रजो रागा कं िव
तृ
ास समु वम् ।
ति ब ाित कौ ेय कमस े न दे िहनम् ॥ BG 14-7॥ तम मादाल
ानजं िव िन ािभ
मोहनं सवदे िहनाम् । ि ब ाित भारत ॥ BG 14-8॥
The Prakriti constitutes Jada or non-living substance with three Gunas of viz. Satvika, Rajasika, and Thamasika. They would bind over the Jiva or being tightly who is not destructible. The Chaitanya or living Prakriti, Goddess Mahalakshmi will take three forms of Goddess Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Durgadevi who are responsible for Satvika, Rajasik and Tamasic Guna respectively during the creation. Of this, Satvika Guna influenced by Goddess Sridevi is stainless and the reason for acquiring knowledge, curing the defects of diseased and binds the being to the Lord and Gods through a desire for Happiness and Knowledge. Rajasika Guna influenced by Goddess Bhudevi is the reason for entertainment and would bind the being with action. The action to satisfy the desire. The desire for objects or subject or issues.
The reason for Ignorance or wrongful knowledge is Thamasika Guna influenced by Goddess Durgadevi. This causes negligence, dissolution, laziness, and sleepiness. The extreme of this is expressed in Lord of Kali and his evil associates. Indrias, the Product of Prakriti. कृतेगुणस ू ढाः स तानकृ
िवदो म ा ृ
े गुणकमसु । िव िवचालये त् || BG 3-29 i.e. Bhagavad Gita,
3rd Adhyaya, 29th Sloka|| Lord Sri Krishna says to Arjuna that the Indrias or Sensory Organs generated from Prakriti are engrossed and stuck with actions. Hence, the knowledgeable ones who knows this should not mislead the others. The sensory organs include the Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, and Skin. Also, manas or mind and buddhi or intellect. Indrias and the Influence of Gunas. रज
म ािभभूय स ं भवित भारत ।
रजः स ं तम ैव तमः स ं रज
था ॥ BG 14-10॥
Under the control of the Lord, when Satvika Guna increase in a being the Rajasik and Tamasic Guna comes under its control. Similarly, Rajasika Guna increase in a being the Satvika and Thamasika Guna 67 OF 92
comes under its control. While Thamasika Guna increase in a being the Satvika and Rajasika Guna comes under its control. The influencing Goddess takes the lead and the rest two would ignore. सव ारे षु दे हेऽ
काश उपजायते ।
ानं यदा तदा िव ाि वृ ं स िम ु त ॥ BG 14-11॥ लोभः वृ ि रार रज
ः कमणामशमः
ेतािन जाय े िववृ े भरतषभ ॥ BG 14-12॥
अ काशोऽ वृि तम
ृ हा ।
मादो मोह एव च ।
े तािन जाय े िववृ े कु न न ॥ BG 14-13॥
When all the sensory organs are glowing with knowledge and happiness than Satvika Guna would be dominant. If stinginess, hard works without any result, engaging in satisfying the sensory organs, confusion and restlessness mean the dominance of Rajasika Guna. Dullness, laziness, forgetfulness and indiscriminate behavior towards good deeds mean the dominance of Tamasic Guna. ऊ
ग
जघ गुणवृि
स
था म े ित
था अधो ग
राजसाः । तामसाः ॥ BG 14-18॥
Those of Satvika Guna, with the power of Knowledge accomplished by Prasada or blessing of Lord, go to the higher worlds of Jana Loka and beyond. Those of Rajasika Guna, satisfying the desire of sensory organs will move in the middle worlds of Heaven and Earth. The ones with Thamasika Guna filled with ignorance and carrying out bad deeds go to the lower worlds of Hell and beyond.
The behavior of Indrias. To Arjuna’s question that though an individual doesn’t want to commit Sins, due to some pressure he does. Who motivates this? Lord Sri Krishna says, इ
य
े
य
ाथ राग े षौ
तयोन वशमाग े ौ
व थतौ ।
प रप
नौ ॥ BG 3-34॥
Each of the sensory organs has likes and dislikes. Hence, are associated with Kama or Desire, Krodha or Anger, Lobha or Greed, Moha or Attachment, Mada or Pride and Matsarya or Jealousy or Arishadvargas. These likes and dislikes are impediments to one’s progress and hence should not get subjugated to these organs. काम एष
ोध एष रजोगुणसमु वः ।
महाशनो महापा ा िव
ेनिमह वै रणम् ॥ BG 3-37॥
The one who instigates Sin is the evil Kalanemi through his power to create DESIRE. And so too KRODHA or RAGE. These two manifest from Rajasika Guna. No amount would satisfy the desire. The dissatisfaction would lead to Anger. These are the reasons for committing Sins. The desire is the cruelest enemy impending progress. Of all six Arishadvargas, Kama or Desire is the most powerful one as it is a cause for the other five viz. Anger, Greed, Attachment, Pride, and Jealousy. Hence, one should make all efforts to control desire. 69 OF 92
धूमेनाि यते वि यथादश मलेन च । यथो
ेनावृतो गभ
था तेनेदमावृतम् ॥ BG 3-38॥
Like a smoke covering the Fire, the dirt & impressions covering the mirror, Amniotic sac covering the baby in the womb, the desire has engulfed the whole of beings. Here, Lord Sri Krishna is saying that, like a smoke covering the Fire called Lord, the dirt with impressions covering the mirror called mind, Amniotic sac covering the baby in the womb-like being, the desire has engulfed the whole of beings. When the smoke engulfs the fire, the brightness of the fire cannot be seen. Similarly, the smoke called desire of the being obstructs the sight towards oneself and the All-knowing Lord Paramatma who glows brightly. When the dirt with impressions covers the mirror, the reflection of the image in the mirror is not clear. So too the mind. When the mind is exposed to the dirt and impressions of desire, it cannot reflect on oneself nor the indweller, the Lord clearly. As the baby in the Amniotic sac of a mother’s womb is incapable to do any of its activity. So too the being. Not be capable to carry out an activity of knowing oneself or the indweller, the Lord. Also is like a smoke covering the Fire called good beings, the dirt & impressions covering the mirror called mediocre, Amniotic sac covering the baby in the womb called evil beings is the Power of Desire. इ
यािण मनो बु
र
ािध ानमु
ते ।
एतैिवमोहय ेष ानमावृ
दे िहनम् ॥ BG 3-40॥
Through the Sensory Organs, Thoughts and Intellect, the desire will take a foothold in a being and starts regulating the knowledge to mislead. इ
यािण परा
मनस ु परा बु
ा र
ये
ः परं मनः ।
य बु े ः परत ु सः ॥ BG 3-42॥
Better than Body is Sensory Organs. Still better is Thoughts and more is Intellect. Supreme is the Indweller, The Lord. Similarly, the Gods responsible to influence the Sensory Organs and their King Indra is surpassed by Goddess Parvati responsible for understanding and she is surpassed by her husband God Rudra responsible to influence the mind. God Rudra is surpassed by Goddess Bharati and Saraswati who are responsible to influence Intellect. Bharati, residing in the abode of God Prasanna Hanuman, an incarnation of Vayu is Goddess of Bhakti. The Kshara or destructible Gods Vayu and Brahma, the best of beings has surpassed all Gods. The
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Akshara or indestructible Goddess Lakshmi responsible to influence Prakriti surpasses Gods Brahma and Vayu. The best of all is Lord Purushottama surpassing Kshara and Akshara. Actions for Next Steps Hence, Lord Sri Krishna asks Arjuna, त
ा िम
या
ादौ िनय
भरतषभ ।
पा ानं जिह े नं ानिव ाननाशनम् ॥ BG 3-41॥
Control the Thoughts and the Sensory Organs that are feeding the Thoughts. Gain knowledge and take up a deep study of Indoctrinations or Shastra to Destroy the Desire or Evil Kalanemi. एवं बु े ः परं बुद् ा सं
ा ानमा ना ।
जिह श ुं महाबाहो काम पं दु रासदम् ॥ BG 3-43॥
By understanding the Lord Paramatma through intellect and controlling the thoughts, Trump over the enemy called Desire or Evil Kalanemi. However, in this Srimad Bhagavatam, Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha through an eye of Bhakti we noted that: The quest to know about the Lord and understand him in itself is very special. One should have a burning Desire to know about Him. As
much, as one struggles to push himself out for breath when pushed into the water. Also, of the essence of all Shastras, the one which gives special benefit is भ
रधो जे or Bhakti in Lord
Adhokshaja.
The Bhakti dharma is the manner one needs to live as defined in Shastra. This is the Bull’s eye. In, Bhakti in Lord Tattva, we noted that: The Lord who is unchanged from past, present and in future has his form as knowledge and bliss. There is no one equivalent to him or surpassing Him. He has the complete knowledge for creation, sustenance, destruction, etc., of the universe. He is also well known as Brahman, Paramatma, Bhagavan. Hence, the Philosophers call him Tattva. In this Srimad Bhagavatam, The Pursuit to hone Bhakti, we noted: Having great trust & belief in Lord Tattva, Rishis study the Bhagavata Shastra repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya. This would blossom the Lotus of Heart, Bhakti and glow the Light of Love towards the Lord. They would see the Splendid Lotus-eyed Lord in their Heart. Hence, Sri Suthacharya is saying here, in this part of Srimad Bhagavatam that,
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By serving Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavatas regularly and taking its refuge, all inauspicious will get destroyed. Also, Lotus of the heart filled with nectar called devotion towards the all auspicious and most popular Lord Sri Krishna will flow constantly. Hence, the Arishadvarga having the influence of Rajo Guna and Thamo Guna will start disappearing and the mind will be stainlessly concentrated with Satvika Guna. It is important to remind ourself from this Srimad Bhagavatam, Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha through an eye of Bhakti of: Any practice, even spiritual! Which does not generate delight of hearing the glory of Lord is just a labor and of no use. The Lord Vishvaksena has his army in every nook and corner of the creation. He controls and commands.
|| Hari Om ||
09 The Axiom of Yoga Sri Sutacharya continuing the answer to Sri Saunaka and his fellow Rishis for their following two questions says, 1. What is the essence of all Shastras or Indoctrination? 2. Which is the fastest and easiest way to please indweller? Sri Sutacharya says, वासुदेवे भगवित भ
योगः योिजतः ।
जनय ाशु वैरा ं ानं च यदहै तुकम् ॥ Doing Bhakti Yoga in Lord Vasudeva will fill the Lotus of Heart with nectar called Bhakti. Also, yields Vairagya or abstinence from any indulgence, crystal clear and clean Knowledge. Lord is everywhere and having everyone within him as Vasu. Creation, Sustenance, Destruction, Regulation, and so on is a Sport to him. Hence, is called as Deva.
एवं स मनसो भगव भगव
िव ानं मु
योगतः । स
जायते ॥
These way doing Bhakti Yoga, the mind will become lucid having no other companion except the Lord and experiences the knowledge of Sri Bhagavata Tattva or Philosophy naturally. Sri Sutacharya is calling us, the people of Kali Yuga to do Bhakti Yoga. The Bhakti Yoga which is the essence of all Shastras or Indoctrination and being the fastest and easiest way to please the indweller. What is this Yoga!
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The Meaning of Yoga & Yoga Day The word Yoga has various meaning like getting together is Yoga. Like two or more horses or Bulls are tied by a harness to plough or cart and to control is also Yoga. Joining of two or more rivers or rail junction is also called Yoga. Even synchronization is called Yoga. The Synchronization of Steps for a march-past or movement of a body for dance could be called Yoga. However, the International Day of Yoga celebrated on 21st of June every year calls as Physical, Mental and Spiritual Practices originated from India. The Physical and Philosophical Practices is Karma Yoga In
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga, The
Yoga
Sutra
of
Patanjali
says "Yoga is the suppression of the activities of the mind" (1.2). As per Vaisesika Sutra "Pleasure and suffering arise as a result of the drawing together of the sense organs, the mind, and objects. When that does not happen because the mind is in the self, there is no pleasure or suffering for one who is embodied. That is yoga" (5.2.15-16). In both cases, Ekagrata or Sharpening of Focus is called for. Sri Patanjali Yoga Sutra has Ashtanga which includes kriya or activity of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. There are specific procedures like Hatha-yoga or Mantra-yoga, or Laya-yoga and are related to Physical and Philosophical practices of Yoga. Hence, one could also apply these to Spiritual Practises, says Sri Patanjali.
We have seen that our Sensory organs have likes and dislikes. This has an influence on our mental equilibrium. In our lives, we come across opposites. Happiness and Sorrow, Win and Loose, Profit and Loss, Good and Bad, Pass and Fail, Day and Night are some opposites. Seeing these opposites in a balanced way is also called yoga. In life the oppositions are normal. Could we say we want only Day and not Night! If one wants the only comfort without knowing what is discomfort that becomes normal. Is it possible! Only when one experiences discomfort, he will enjoy the comfort. Going into depression or being high by hook or crook is not good. Hence, one should be of balanced mind accepting both. Including, Death and Birth. That is a Yoga. The yoga prescribed in Bhagavad Gita by Lord Sri Krishna and calling for Sthita Pragnya, like a silent observer. All difficulties of Life are for the reason of I and mine! If one removes this, prejudice starts falling and balance will come automatically. The thought that what should have not happened did happen is an Illusion. In fact, whatever should happen is happening. However, all these Yogas are Physical and Philosophical in nature and calling for Equilibrium in Mind or balancing Mind, Body, and Soul through Karma or Action as Karma Yoga. Regarding Yama and Niyama involving non-Violence, Truthfulness, Cleanliness, non-possession, etc. is the minimum requirement of Dharma as a societal and individual discipline. We noted in this Srimad Bhagavatam, The Subject, Eligibility, and Fruit, elaborating on धमः ो
तकैतवोऽ Sloka, that
Dharma is the manner one needs to live as defined in Shastra. These are intense and most of the practices have disappeared from the Society. Asana 77 OF 92
is about sitting cross-legged on a floor with a straight back. Hence, Pranayama is the point from where practice to Yoga Starts.
The Challenges of Karma Yoga In The Pursuit to hone Bhakti, Sri Sutacharya says, यदनु
ाियनो यु
ाः कम
िनब नम् । That is the thread of actions of
life including Karma Yoga are getting bunched up and tangled resulting in tight knots. These knots get tangled over several births with further knots. Also, we noted that all karma or actions are attached to Sins. And took a look at the example of having staple food like rice or wheat and the Sin associated with it. In the
Srimad
Bhagavata
Mahatmyam,
Lord's Grace on Gokarna and completion of Sapthaha by Sanatkumara, we noted the avarana or concealment of Jivatma or Soul including Jeevachadika, Paramachadika, Kama, Karma, linga deha, Prakriti and Bhagavat Icha. In the last section, the Influence of Arishadvarga and Gunas for Bhakti, We noted that each of the sensory organs has likes and dislikes which are made of Prakriti and having an influence of gunas. Hence, are associated with Kama or Desire, Krodha or Anger, Lobha or Greed, Moha or Attachment, Mada or Pride and Matsarya or Jealousy or Arishadvargas. These likes and dislikes are impediments to one’s progress and hence should not get subjugated to these organs.
The body and mind created of Prakriti have constituents of gunas viz. Satvika, Rajasika and Thamisika and are influenced by Arishadvargas. These are continuously changing with disease and decay. Though the Soul is Eternal, has avarnas covering the real nature of Soul controlled by the Supreme Soul or Lord Paramatma. The Lord has extended an immeasurable amount of Generosity and Kindness to Jiva or Being. Commensurating or matching-up the same with Karma or Kriya by nondestructible Goddess Lakshmi or the best of being, God Brahma is anything but after impossible and let alone a being or Jiva. Therefore, Yoga or Synchronization of changing body or mind with eternal but dependent Atma or the always constant and independent Lord Paramatma is not the Axiom. The Karma or Actions narrated by Sri Sutacharya in Bhakti Yoga 1.
One should do Bhakti in Lord Adhokshaja.
2.
One has to follow Bhakti dharma as defined in Shastra or nishkama bhakti i.e propitiating the Lord without expectations.
3.
Accomplish Purushartha or object of human endeavor. Which is to perform dharma to accomplish Moksha. Artha or wealth has to be used to do dharma. While the Kama, the desire is a consumable.
4.
Like Rishis having great belief and trust in Lord Tattva one should study the Bhagavata Shastra repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya.
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5.
One should do Jignasa or thorough argument, deliberation, and reasoning to gain knowledge and arrive at Tattva or Axiom. Illusion should be avoided by shunning Credulity and Superstition.
6.
One should propitiate the Lord through Hearing His Glories, Singing His Attributes, Meditation, and Worship with a meditative focus and a single objective.
7.
One should follow their respective Varnashrama dharma to gain Bhagavat Preeti or Lord’s love.
8.
One should not subjugate themselves to Sense organs and be balanced minded.
9.
One should do the pilgrimage to holy places and take a dip in holy rivers with Trust and Belief.
10.
One should do service of Saints and Gurus who are close to the Lord with Trust and Belief.
11.
One should develop a Prasanna or Lucid mind, Crave and eagerness to hear Lord’s Stories.
Hence the questions arise if these actions of Karma are not associated with Sins!
The Karma or Actions Associated for Bhakt Sri Sutacharya explaining the attributes of Lord says, यदनु िछ
ाियनो यु कोिवदा
ाः कम
िनब नम् ।
को न कुयात् कथारितम् ॥
The thread of Actions or Karma would shear by the Lord for those who are doing Meditation of Lord by hearing his Stories or doing Bhakti. For the question of Why so only in Bhakti! Sri Suthacharya says, तां
कथाः कृ
ः थो
ः पु
वणकीतनः ।
भ ािण िवधुनोित सु त् सताम् ॥
Because Lord Krishna is eagerly waiting in the Lotus of Heart like a dear friend to destroys all our Sins that cause inauspiciousness and is ready to pour his mercy or Prasada to his devotees propitiating him. The Axiom of Yoga एवं स मनसो भगव भगव
िव ानं मु
योगतः । स
जायते ॥
Hence, Sri Sutacharya says, भगव
योगतः or The Axiom of Yoga is Bhakti.
As, एवं स मनसो, the mind which is not coming under the influence of Rajasika and Thamaska Guna, that will get engrossed in Vishnu Bhakti. As the mind becomes lucid or Prasanna because of Nischala or Pure Bhakti, on individual capacity, he could contemplate on the attributes and the Glory of Lord. Doing so, Bhakti will ripen and hence मु
स
the attachment with
Indriyas will fall. Hence, the Bhakti would further ripen to transform the mind 81 OF 92
into meditative Stage. The meditation of Lord, his attributes and Glory. This would result with The Knowledge of भगव
or Lord, The Indweller and िव ानं or the
Special knowledge of Aproksha Jnana or the sight of Lord and Bliss.
Aspects of Bhakti Yoga We have seen Sri Sutacharya saying that one should propitiate the Lord by studying the Bhagavata Shastra repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya. Do Jignasa or thorough argument, deliberation, and reasoning to gain knowledge and arrive at Tattva or Axiom. By shunning Credulity and Superstition for avoiding illusion, one should propitiate the Lord through Hearing His Glories, Singing His Attributes, Meditation, and Worship with meditative focus and a single objective. Whatever that takes the mind’s space the most, the same would come oftenly to our thoughts and seen by the inner eye. The most loved would occupy the most! The fragmented mind space would be a distraction. Hence, one should do Pooja or worship an Idol of Lord. While Idol itself is not the Lord or God. But inside the idol is the Lord or his divinity. Lord has legs thighs, waist, trunk, hands and face as beautiful Purusha. When one is able to see the Lord from the inner eye is called "Dharana". At the beginning this would be intermittent. But with regular practice, the naistaki or continuous sight of Lord for a longer period of time is achieved and this is called "Dhyana". If one is able to see Lord at any time as he wishes is called "Samadhi". While the other procedures of Yoga say this is possible only through Hata Yoga or Mantra Yoga or Laya Yoga, in Bhakti Yoga, this is Sahaja Yoga or Natural.
While studying indoctrination or singing the Glory of Lord, one will experience the concentration or focus. Regular study of indoctrination will awaken the Kundalini. Hence swadhyaya or sankeertana is important. The mind will attune with the subject of Lord and the object of his feature. Kundalini awakens gradually without having any impact on Physical body ending with Aparoksha Jnana in Bhakti Yoga. Sri Sutacharya initiating Bhakti Yoga to accomplish Aparoksha Jnana says, िभ ते दय ीय े चा
े सवसंशयाः । कमािण
एवाऽ नी रे ॥
As the Indweller reveals himself in the Lotus of Heart, the thread of actions tied and entangled with the soul will break and all the doubts will disappear. एवाऽ नी रे , with the sight of the Lord who is brilliant and is the cause for the brightness of Moon and Sun, full of Knowledge and bliss in the Lotus of Heart, िभ ते breaks the
or knot tying दय or Linga deha.
However, our current experience says that Sun is too bright to see with the naked eyes. How is it possible to see the Lord in the lotus of Heart? We have been contemplating about the sensory organs, their nature and their susceptibility to disease and decay. Also, what happens to Jiva or being after losing the physical body? The Shastra is saying that there are two minds. One which is made of nature or the exterior and the other with Swaroopa or in Jivatma. Similarly, eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, nose for smelling, tongue for taste and skin for touch. All Sensory organs that are seen exterior, the same is in swaroopa or Jivatma including cause for thought and intellect. The 83 OF 92
ones that are exterior are prone to get the disease. However, those in Jivatma is not destructible. The exterior sensory organs are the cause of samsara or death and birth. As these exterior sensory organs are made of Prakriti having guna of Sattvika, Rajasik and Tamasik and reason for Arishadvarga. These external sensory organs are tied to दय or Linga deha or Knot. As the cracks appear, ीय े चा
with
कमािण or the Sins will
disappear. There are three types of Sins. 1. Sanchita Karma or the sins accumulated over several births. This will completely disappear at the sight of the Lord. 2. Prarabdha Karma or part of the Sanchita karma to be experienced in the current life. As Sanchita Karma would be daunting or impossible to bear by a Jiva, the Lord out of extreme kindness would assign only part. This will not disappear but would have a very little impact after the sight of the Lord. 3. Hence, Agami Karma or the sin which Jiva is yet to experience. This will drastically get reduced after aparoksha jnana and would have no impact on the individual’s life. े सवसंशयाः, all the doubts including the relationship with the Lord or Gods, or the Creation itself, Or about oneself, that an individual would have, will disappear and will have a crystal clear Knowledge. Hence, would be able to see the Brilliant Lord with the divine sight of Jivatma.
अतो वै कवयो िन ं भ वासुदेवे भगवित कुव
ं परमया मुदा ा
सादनीम्॥
Hence, the wise will worship the Lord Vasudeva daily with great Love and Joy and accomplish Tranquility or Divine Happiness.
कवय or the Rishis, including Adikavi or Brahma, Paramakavi or Rudra, Indra and so on, after extensive study of indoctrination, distilling the essence and being convinced that अत, this Bhakti Yoga is the वै essence of all indoctrination, easy, definitive and axiom. Hence, without any doubt nor being
scared, परमया मुदा or
practice भ
brimming
with
divine
happiness
ं Bhakti Yoga in भगवित or the indweller, Lord Vasudeva. For
whom creation, regulation, bestowing ignorance, knowledge, confinement, and Moksha is a Sport. िन ं कुव
or Doing so daily अ
सादनीम् they
accomplish Tranquility. Sri Sutacharya explaining how Such Bhakti is got, says, स ं रज
म इित कृतेगुणाः तैयु
थ ादये ह रिव र हरे ित स
ः परः पु ष एक इहा
ध े।
ाः े यां िस त खलु स तनौ नृणां
ुः ॥
Having created Jada or non-living substance from the nature with Satvika or Rajasika or Thamasika characteristics and entering the same, the Lord would take three forms of Brahma, Hari, and Hara to carry out Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction respectively. However, with his form of Hari accepting the Satvika Guna, he would bestow Shreyas or special benefit to the beings.
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In this Srimad Bhagavatam, Mangalacharna, we noted: Tejovarimrudam yata vinimayo, from the processing of Fire, Water, and Soil, an earthen Pot is made by a potter. Like the Potter makes earthen Pots, so too the Lord creates mahattattva, ahamkara tattva and all non-living Substance including Fire, Water, and Soil made of three Gunas and being in several forms of himself enters these non-living substance and is called Jada Sristi. In The Influence of Arishadvarga and Gunas for Bhakti The Prakriti constitutes Jada or non-living substance with three Gunas of viz. Satvika, Rajasika, and Thamasika and is a nonliving substance or raw material to create the Universe. With this prakriti, the Lord creates the entire universe. परः पु ष – He is Supreme and above the Prakriti. Prakriti cannot influence him. In fact, the Prikriti is under his control. He accepts this and enters these substances during the initial phase of creation. थ ादये – From Satvika, he sustains, Rajasika, he creates and Thamasika, He destroys. Having accepted these three Gunas. He accepts three Roopa or forms. From Satvika he accepts the form of ह र, Hari. From Rajasika, he accepts the form of िव र , Brahma and from Thamasika he accepts the form of हरor Maheshwara. This is during the initial phase of creation and before the birth of God Brahma and Maheshwara. When God Brahma and Maheshwara takes birth, Lord with his form of Brahma enters God Brahma as his indweller. And so too in Maheshwara. Hence, Lord regulates these three Gunas.
Being Hari or Vishnu Satvika Guna. Being the indweller of God Brahma with his form as Brahma regulates Rajasika and being the indweller of Maheshwara he regulates Thamisika Guna being above Goddesses Sridevi, Bhoodevai, and Durgadevi respectively influence these Gunas. However, े यां िस त खलु स तनौ नृणां
ुः Lord Hari accepting the Satvika
Guna would be the cause for the Shreyas or special benefit to human beings. With this, the question arises that though the Lord Purushottama like a potter carries out Jada Srishti which has these three Gunas, has it under his control, then why is it that Sativika Guna is the cause for Bhakti! Sri Sutacharya says, पािथवाद् दा णो धूम तमस ु रज
ादि
ात् स ं यद्
यीमयः दशनम् ॥
Like in a Fire Sacrifice, Smoke is better than the wood and much better is Fire. Because, though the wood is constituted of earth substance and has fire in it, only when ignited would consume the substance of sacrifices like ghee or rice. While the smoke would carry the substance of sacrifice, it is the Fire that carries the radiance. So too, Rajasika Guna is better than Thamisika Guna and much better is Satvika Guna.
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भे िजरे मु नयोऽथा े भगव मधो जम् । स ं िवशु ं
े माय क
े येऽनु तािनह ॥
In the earlier yugas, the Saints and Great Yogis would worship the Lord Adhokshaja who regulates Satvika Guna for their Special benefit of Moksha. Even now, their followers continue with that tradition. With the analogy of Fire Sacrifice and the citing the established Traditions of earlier yugas of Dwapara, Treta and Satya, Sri Sutacharya says Satvika Guna regulated by Lord Hari is the cause for Special benefit or Bhakti Yoga. To understand as to what the cause of Satvika Guna are or how to increase, let’s take look at few verses from 17th adhyaya of Srimad Bhagavad Gita:
आयु ःस बलारो सुख ीितिववधनाः । र
ाः ि
ाः थरा
ा आहाराः सा
कि याः ॥BG
(Bhagavad
Gita)
17
(Adhyaya) - 8 Verse॥ The food that is easy, comfortable to eat, full of flavor and increasing the desire to eat more often and has the Juice or the substance to increasing the length of life, virtue, physical strength, wellness, comfort, love and so on is a Satvik food.
अफलाकाि िभय ो िविध य
ोयइ
मे वेित मनः समाधाय स सा
ते । कः ॥ BG 17- 11॥
The yagna or sacrifice as specified in Shastras done with a sense of duty and without any expectation is Satvika Yagna.
दे वि जगु
ा पूजनं शौचमाजवम् ।
चयमिहंसा च शारीरं तप उ अनु े गकरं वा ा ाया
ं स ं ि यिहतं च यत् ।
सनं चैव वा यं तप उ
मनः सादः सौ भावसंशु
ते ॥ BG 17 - 14॥
ं मौनमा िविन हः ।
र ेत पो मानसमु
या परया त ं तप अफलाकाि िभयु
ते ॥ BG 17 - 15॥
ैः सा
ते ॥ BG 17 - 16॥
िवधं नरै ः । कं प रच ते ॥ BG 17 - 17॥
दात िमित य ानं दीयतेऽनुपका रणे । दे शे काले च पा े च त ानं सा
कं
ृतम् ॥ BG 17 - 20॥
Worshiping the Lord, Gods, Brahmin Priests, Guru and the Knowledgeable; Keeping the Body and Mind Clean, being straight forward, maintaining celibacy and not hurting others is called Tapas or Asceticism. Not getting restless, being pleasant to the Virtuous and daily Study of Shastras is called Vangmaya Tapas of Asceticism of Speech. Being Tranquil, Sober, Silent, directing the mind towards the Lord and Stainless is called Asceticism of Mind. Doing these Austerities without any desire or 89 OF 92
expectations, having Trust and Belief is Satvika. So too, donation or philanthropy without any desire or expectations is Satvika. In this Srimad Bhagavatam, The Spiritual Gathering of Naimisharanya, Sri Saunaka Rishi had asked the below question: त त ा साऽऽयु
न् भवता यि िनि तम् ।
पुंसामे का तः ेय
ः शंिसतुमहिस ॥
So, kindly tell us, of all Shastra or indoctrinations of beliefs, which is the one that gives a special benefit to the human in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga? And which is easily accomplishable? Hence, Sri Sutacharya has answered that doing Bhakti Yoga is the essence of all indoctrination and Satvika Guna regulated by Lord Hari is the cause for Special benefit or Bhakti Yoga. अशा द
िविहतं घोरं त
ाह ारसंयु
े ये तपो जनाः ।
ाः कामरागबला
ताः ॥ BG 17 - 5॥
कषय ः शरीर थं भू त ाममचेतसः । मां चैवा ःशरीर थं ता
ासुरिन यान् ॥ BG 17 - 6॥
Sinners and walking on the path of Evil are: 1. Those who practice opposite to the Vedic Indoctrinations like witchcraft or black magic. 2. Undermining the Indweller, the Lord and various Gods influencing to propitiate the Lord and carry out intense austerity or 3. Those who deceive themselves by coming under the pressure of disease or desire and pray with expectations.
Consistent to this, Sri Sutacharya says, मुमु वो घोर पान् िह ा भू तपतीनथ । नारायणकलाः शा ा भज रज
नसूयवः ॥
मः कृतयः समशीला भज
िपतृ भूत जेशादीन् ि यै य जे
वै । वः ॥
Mumukshu or those who wish to break the cycle of death and birth, without blaming anyone nor seeing fault in others, or practice the evil witchcraft full of Rajasika and Thamasika guna would worship only Lord Sriman Narayana for whom Satvika Guna is dear. They will get rid of arishadvarga and accomplish divine peace and happiness. However, those with रज
मः or Rajasika and Thamisaka Guna would work to
accumulate unnecessary ि यै य जे
वः Wealth and Richness. Also, with the
greed of having children, wealth or materialistic happiness would worship the spirit of forefathers or Ghosts or Gods by undermining the Lordship of Sriman Narayana. || Hari Om || The above from Srimad Bhagavatam, that has been read, heard, understood and written by me is only of my limit. This little has been possible only because of the blessings of Guru Sri Raghavendra and all his philosophical associates including Sri Sukacharya. Hence, I submit to them in who resides, Mukya Prana and in whom resides various forms of Lord including Srinivasa, Lakshmi Narasimha and Veda Vyasa who are not different.
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Keraya neeranu kerege chelli, Like pouring back the water from the lake, Varava padedavarante kaaniro, Be seen as blessed. Hariya karunadolaada bhagyava, The accomplishments happening due to Lord Hari's grace, Hari samarpane maadi badukiro, Credit back to Lord Hari.
Surya Argya
Sri Purandara Vithala raayana Charana kamalava nambi badukiro. Live to have trust in the Lotus feet of Lord Sri Purandara Vithala.
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||