Thursday, May 30, 2024
Contents
Introduction
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The eighth skanda is known as Lord's shoulders. In this skanda, the elephant king's salvation, the churning of the milky ocean, the story of emperor Bali, the story of Vamana and the fish avatar and such delectables are covered.
Like the elephant king entering the lake, one is entering the lake of bondage. This skanda gives the antidote to it.
When one insults the devotees, he will be born as a retard and an animal in the next life. The elephant king's story highlights that a fault done against paramatma may be forgiven, but not gurus.
The churning of the milky ocean means the seeker of salvation churns the mind with spirituality and extracts the elixir of life. Everyone should introspect deeply about past experiences in an effort to attain liberation.
The only way to be immortal is by sacrificing. Emperor Bali's sacrificial gift to the Lord in Vamana avatar was praised in the three lokas. The greatness of sacrifice was proved in the story of Emperor Bali
Salvation of Elephant King
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The wheel of time has been turning. Along with time, jivas are marching. With changes in time, there have been changes in the jivas. The body has been changing. The interests, circumstances, culture, and mind are following suit. Whatever is born and changing, is sure to die one day.
Time won't wait for anyone. In the whirlpool of time many kingdoms have disappeared. Kingdoms rose like waves and fell. Even though many kings came and disappeared like waves, we are cognisant of them. This is what knowledge and intelligence is all about. This is no ordinary knowledge. It is transcendental knowledge because there is no duality in it. The one who acquires this knowledge is being freed from bondage. Everyone is trying to achieve that as they must.
Bhishma told Dharma Raja chanting the Lord's name was the primary means for liberation. Those singing praises of the Lord would surmount all sorrow. But this should not be confined to time only. One has to praise the Lord regardless of time or space.
Those whiling away time see death only. Others conquered time and attained salvation. The past is the past, never to be regained.
If we don't make proper use of time, lord of death, Yama will be the sole refuge. If we bide away time, time will make us wither.
"I waste time and now doth time wastes me" said Shakespeare.
Everyone should be a victor in the struggle with time and death and attain immortality. This is what the elephant king's story is about. It has a beautiful message about salvation that applies to everyone.
Sri Suka described the period of three manus. He said in the period of fourth manu, God appeared as Sri Hari and rescued the elephant king. Pareekshit wanted to know the story. Suka Brahma started the narration.
There was a mountain called Trikoota that was thousands of feet tall. It was beautiful with three peaks that shone like gold, silver and iron. Ensconced in the mountains was a garden called Rutumanta and a lake.
There lived an elephant king called Gajendra. He was mighty and unopposed. One day Gajendra, followed by his wives and calves came to Rutumanta. As they were tired, they entered the lake for a dip. Gajendra was rolling in the water and frolicking with female elephants and elephant calves.
All of a sudden a crocodile caught hold of Gajendra's foot. Gajendra struggled to free himself from the crocodile's grip. But it was not possible for him. He was weakening with every minute passing by.
Human body is like a Trikoota. Koota means a group or a house. It symbolizes the three bodies: gross, causal and subtle. As the Gajendra roamed in the Trikoota, jiva will be carrying out different functions with the three bodies: with gross body karma is performed; with subtle body desires and thoughts will be experienced; with causal body tamas (indolence) and rebirth are experienced.
Gross body is experienced in a wakeful state only. In dream sleep subtle body is experienced. In deep sleep the causal body is experienced. Everyone experiences these three states and garners knowledge. Similarly a jiva called Gajendra is roaming in the body called Trikoota to experience the three states of existence.
In Kaivalya Upanishad, Brahma Deva told Aswalayana maharshi"Jiva is frolicking in the gross, causal and subtle bodies. From him this strange universe emanated".
In Trikoota, Gajendra, out of thirst, entered the lake along with his elephant wives. Similarly men in search of happiness enter into a family way of life with their wives.
Trikoota was ten yojanas high. Human body has ten organs of cognisance. Trikoota had three peaks of gold, silver and iron. We experience three gunas: sattva (peace), rajas (activity), tamas (indolence) with our bodies.
Gajendra entered a garden called Rutumanta which means a place to meditate and arrive at the truth. That is the world. Even though it is impermanent, jivas can attain the permanent paramatma in this world. With a mirror called the world, one has to see the Lord's resplendence. After all, the Lord created this universe.
"All the visible universe is the manifestation of paramatma. He created it with maya" said Sanatsu Jaateeya in Maha Bharata.
Gajendra was thirsty while roaming in the garden called Rutumanta. In a garden called the world, every jiva is thirsty. Some are thirsty for wealth, some for power, some for fame and so on. Everyone has a thirst for something.
So far in this world people tormented by thirst have lived and most of them are unhappy. Many are still thirsty. God only knows whose thirst has been quenched.
Jivas have been trying to imbibe the elixir for permanent happiness. Despite trying, the results are different. They are tired of trying and full of sorrow.
Gajendra entered the lake. Some enter politics, some into acting, some into ashrams and homes. They all are disappointed. No one is at peace.
Gajendra put his foot in the lake. Jivas set foot in bondage. One can say an ascetic has no bondage. Even so, there is no escape from the sorrow of bondage because it is in the mind. For as long as the mind is there, bondage will be there.
Maitrayan Upanishad said"Mind creates bondage. Hence one should keep it pure".
Gajendra entered the lake to quench his thirst. Jivas enter bondage to get rid of sorrow and embrace happiness. Like Gajendra roaming happily with his elephant wives and calves, jivas frolic with family and friends. But Gajendra was caught by a crocodile.
In the lake there was a crocodile. In bondage there is time. Like Gajendra caught by the crocodile in the lake, a man will be caught by time. Gajendra's strength didn't match that of the crocodile in water. Those in the family way and not celebate are weak. The crocodile caught Gajendra after he entered the lake. A jiva can face death at any time.
Gajendra tried to come out of the water. The crocodile was relentlessly drawing him into the water. With each second ticking by, Gajendra was losing strength. At the same time, the crocodile was gaining strength. As jiva's strength wanes, the lord of death Yama's strength will be ascendant.
Gajendra fought with the crocodile for a thousand years. It means for countless time. Jiva has been fighting with death from time immemorial. It is an unending saga.
The crocodile was dragging Gajendra deep into the water. His wives decided to leave the water and watch it from the bank. This is symbolic of how friends and family leave one on the throes of death. While the Gajendra was frolicking in the water, they enjoyed themselves. But once he landed in trouble, everyone left.
Garbha Upanishad said"In the past I performed all kinds of karma for others. Now I am a loner and in sorrow. Those who benefited from me have left".
It applies to all of us. The situation comes face to face. For whose sake a man has performed all kinds of karma, at the throes of death, they will all leave him alone.
Everyone shares happy moments. But sorrow is personal. Hence one should not commit sin that causes sorrow. One should perform the karma that engenders happiness.
Jivas behave contrary to it. Sin causes sorrow. Good karma gives happiness. Everyone aspires to do things that give happiness. For that to happen one should never commit sin. That they don't want to do.
Similarly no one wants the sorrow from sin. But they keep doing sinful acts. How is it possible to remain happy forever by not giving up sin?
Scripture says men don't want sorrow which is the result of sin but don't give up sin. Gajendra's family severed their bonds with him and left. Gajendra thought"Who can save me? I am stuck with this crocodile. Who can rescue me?"
The thoughtful people get ideas. When one doesn't do anything only death will befriend him. Gajendra, weak in body, thought god only can help him. At difficult times jiva realizes there is a god to rescue him. Hence scripture says the sorrow by which god is realized is better than comforts that make one forget about the god.
After trying and failing, jiva not knowing what to do will seek refuge in the god. Gajendra did the same thing. Realizing there was no one but god to help him, he turned his mind towards the Lord.
Gajendra recalled his past lives. He started reciting the slokas he recited in previous life. He realized that God is the vital force of all jivas who would be inert otherwise.
"God, at one time the creation is manifest from you. At another time, creation devolves into you. You are the supreme being and almighty" prayed Gajendra. He decided to pray to Lord Vishnu.
"Like an actor doing his roles, the god plays different roles. He is a mystery to even Devas and rishis. Hence how will an ordinary being like me know him? All I know is to seek refuge in him" thought Gajendra.
"I am saluting the parameswara who is almighty, formless yet present in all forms; performs mysterious acts" thought Gajendra.
This way the Gajendra prayed to Sri Hari. Death is frightening and unavoidable. It can arrive at any time. It is the time the curtain falls on all of one's activities.
When the curtain falls all the actors stop acting. So one should do all acts, sing all songs before that. At the throes of death it is not possible to pray to god. When the body is able, senses are active, mind and intellect are intact, one should pray to paramatma.
Gajendra had the memory of previous births unlike us. That's why he was able to pray to Lord Hari when at the throes of death. What about us? Are we that fortunate?
Gajendra said Lord shows his peaceful form to devotees, an angry form to evil people and equanimous form to householders.
Lord was amicable to Prahlada, angry toward Hiranyakasipu at the same time. In his peaceful form Lord blesses the devotee and in his angry form he will punish the wicked. In the equanimous form he will establish dharma and reveal the purpose of his avatar.
Gajendra made salutations to the Lord who is resident in all bodies, presides over all, a witness, ultimate being, one who is the sole support of prakruti (nature), infinite.
"Salutation to the Lord who is the cause of everything, one without a cause, a great cause at the same time. Salutaion to the patron of vedas, the form of liberation, the refuge of ascetics."
"Salutations to one who created the universe, is manifest as the universe, is devoid of universe within, knows the universe, is the Self of all, is the one without birth or death".
"Salutations to the Lord perceived by yogis who annihilate their karma and merge their minds and intellect with him."
One who is full of pride won't realize the auspicious attributes of the Lord. When everyone and everything leaves him then he will realize that the Lord is his only companion.
Gajendra totally surrendered himself to the Lord. At the throes of death everyone surrenders to the Lord, if they remember how. How many people can pray to the Lord like Gajendra? At the time of death not everyone can pray. It is only possible to a few noble ones. Hence one should be prepared.
Gajendra's prayer was heard in Vaikuntha. The complete surrender of the devotee will definitely reach the Lord. The Lord decided to rescue Gajendra. So he left everything, including Lakshmi Devi, and started running towards Gajendra. Everyone in Vaikuntha was dismayed.
To rescue his devotee the Lord started without telling anyone. Lakshmi Devi ran behind him. Behind her ran Garuda, the eagle. It was followed by bow, conch and Sudarshana disc. Behind all of them was Narada. Lakshmi Devi wanted to know where the Lord was headed but didn't have the courage to ask him.
Sri Hari arrived at Rutumanta. Gajendra saluted the Lord in complete surrender. The Lord killed the crocodile with his Sudarshana disc. Devas showered flowers upon them and praised the Lord. Lord will rescue all who surrendered to him such as Gajendra. Since the paramatma is the one to seek refuge, everyone should surrender to him. Sudarshana means auspicious meeting. Gajendra met the Lord and the Lord met Gajendra. The meeting, thus, ends the delusion of worldly matters.
The History of The Crocodile and The Elephant
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The dead crocodile appeared as a gandharva. Earlier there was a gandharva called Hoohoo. He was playing with women in the lake. At that time Devala rishi was taking a bath in the same lake.
Hoohoo was making fun of the rishi. At one stage to impress the women he pulled the feet of the rishi. The enraged rishi cursed him to be born as a crocodile.
Some people insult ascetics so as to impress others. Such people will be born as crocodiles. One who insults mahatmas will get ignoble births. One who respects the elders will be worshiped by all. Whereas one who insults elders will be relegated to ignominious birth.
Manu smriti said"Saluting the guru, one who performs service daily to elders will have longevity, knowledge, fame and strength".
Repenting his mistake, the gandharva sought forgiveness from the rishi. The kind rishi told him that when Gajendra attained liberation, the gandharva would be released from the curse. The sorrow experienced by tormenting one will be relieved by bringing happiness to another. As Sri Hari destroyed the crocodile, the gandharva released from the curse appeared.
Suka maharshi then described the history of Gajendra. In an earlier life, Gajendra was a king in Pandya dynasty by the name of Indradyumna. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He used to be content with penance and meditation. One day sage Agastya came with his disciples to visit him. The king was in meditation and didn't notice them. They were not invited. Nor did he stand up.
Agastya rishi was angry. He cursed"Having insulted ascetics, this wretched one will be a retard like an elephant and born as a Gajendra". Agastya rishi left and Indradyumna was born as Gajendra.
One who insults devotees will be retarded in future births. He will be born as an animal. The faults done to paramatma might be forgiven, but not the faults towards guru.
One who errs with Brahma Deva could be saved by Lord Vishnu. And the one erring with Lord Vishnu could be rescued by Lord Siva. A guru can save one erring with Lord Siva. But who can save one erring with guru?
Indradyumna came to know about the curse and considered it as parameswara's wish. He spent the rest of his life in Lord Hari's service. That's why as Gajendra he was able to recall Lord's prayer.
Reconciliation Between Devas and Asuras
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In the period of sixth manu, Lord Vishnu was born as Ajita. With the churning of the milky ocean elixir of life was extracted and given to Devas. He carried the weight of the mountain Mandara in the form of a tortoise.
King Pareekshit asked Suka Brahma"Mahatma, why did Lord Vishnu churn the milky ocean? Why did he support Mandara mountain? Why was he born as a tortoise? What were the objects that originated from the milky ocean? Please tell me".
Once Durvasa rishi came across Indra. With love and blessings, the rishi gave a garland of flowers to Indra. But Indra was egotistical.
One should accept the objects given by mahatmas as holy. They should be considered the same as god given gifts.
Indra threw the garland on his elephant's trunk. The elephant stampeded the garland as it fell on the ground. Durvasa was upset and cursed Indra to become a pauper.
When the rich, proud because of their wealth, insult mahatmas they will become paupers. As soon as Indra became a pauper, his kingdom too lost its glory.
Indra could be at fault with pride. But being ascetics, was it fair for rishis to curse them? Shouldn't the rishis not have rage?
Ascetics have the responsibility to set the society in the right course. They must not have selfishness. Nor rage. A father chiding a son can't be cruel. It is actually kindness in the garb of anger.
"I must be cruel, only to be kind" wrote Shakespeare in Hamlet.
Being paupers, suras approached Brahma Deva for help. They then all went to Lord Vishnu.
They prayed"Lord, you don't have karma. You are an embodiment of truth. You are all pervading, primeval god, Self, disembodied, beyond logic, not graspable by mind or speech. You are the almighty. Salutation to you."
Insulting a mahatma means insulting the Lord residing in him. To obtain the grace of Lord Vishnu, one has to serve the mahatmas who are an embodiment of the Lord. Through them one obtains the grace of the Lord. After serving the Lord, when one serves the rest the Lord will be satisfied and grants the wish.
Devas meditated on the Lord by thinking"If a tree is watered in the root, it will nourish the branches and leaves. Similarly by pleasing the Lord, one can please all".
The Lord appeared by answering their prayer.
"Lord, some use wood to generate fire. Some extract milk from cows. Farmers grow food from the earth. Pundits attain you with their intellect. Just as thirsty elephants are relieved when they find the river Ganga, we are very happy to see you. Please grant us what we are seeking at your lotus feet" said Brahma Deva.
"Brahma Deva, please listen to my words that augur good things for you. Until Devas become rich, they should mingle with asuras who are blessed by their guru Sukracharya. Truce is inevitable. There is no scope for another thought on this" said the Lord.
"Devas, when necessary, to achieve the ultimate goal one has to make truce with the enemy. After achieving the goal the enmity can return such as between a snake and a mouse."
"You should imbibe the elixir of life. That should be your first objective. You need to drop herbs into the milky ocean. Then using Mandara mountain, with the help of serpent Vasuki, you have to churn the milky ocean. You will get my help. By this auspicious act you will receive good results. Asuras will be in sorrow."
"The tasks done with intellect can't be carried out by anger. Don't be afraid of the kalakoota poison emanating from the act of churning the milky ocean. Also don't stop the churning after seeing a few desirable objects take birth in the ocean. Be far from desires and don't be angry" said Sri Hari.
Devas approached the asura king Bali. Seeing Devas were reluctant to fight, asuras attempted to kill them. The son of Virochana, emperor Bali, dissuaded them. Bali was convinced by Indra's speech. Asuras also agreed. There was a temporary friendship between Devas and asuras. Preparations started to extract the elixir of life.
In the milky ocean of heart, to create the elixir called peace, the mutually opposing thoughts should be removed. When love-hate thoughts subside, the heart will be filled with happiness.
Devas and asuras uprooted the Mandara mountain in an effort to carry it to the the milky ocean shore. The mountain was so heavy even the might of Bali and Indra was not enough. A number of Devas and asuras died while moving the mountain.
In the struggle for existence, seeking liberation is not for all. Several weak ones will drop out. Only a few able ones last.
When the Devas and asuras were suffering with injuries and decapitation, the Lord felt sympathy and cured them with his maya.
One who is seeking liberation should not stop trying despite obstacles. The Lord will help them to overcome the obstacles by offering support and removing sorrow.
Lord carried the mountain with his hand and placed it on Garuda. He then flew towards the milky ocean shore regaling the Devas and asuras.
The difficult tasks of devotees will be completed by the Lord with so much ease. He considers his devotees' duties as his own. He carries their weight. Not only that he will rejoice with them. The seekers of liberation have to work hard at the beginning. As soon as the Lord is satisfied their hardship will end. By Lord's grace all tasks will be completed.
Churning Milky Ocean
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Garuda placed the mountain Mandara near the milky ocean. Devas and asuras, using the Mandara as the staff, decided to churn the milky ocean. They needed a rope to move the churning staff back and forth. So they prayed to the serpent lord Vasuki who appeared and volunteered for the job.
Sri Hari held Vasuki's head. Devas stood behind him. But the asuras were not happy. They thought Devas chose an easy way out and thought holding the tail was too demeaning. So they rejected cooperation and walked out.
Sri Hari conceded and held the tail of Vasuki. Devas followed him.
During auspicious ceremonies the proud people cause obstacles. During marriage ceremonies some feel that they have been overlooked or insulted. In temple activities some people feel they have not been recognized or honored properly. To assist a good act is noble. If one can't be noble, then he should at least not cause obstacles. Whoever creates obstacles to an auspicious act is an asura.
The asuras enveloped by tamas (indolence) guna offered their co-operation when Devas with sattva (peaceful) guna agreed to hold the tail of Vasuki. Finally the churning of the milky ocean began.
As the churning progressed, without support, the heavy Mandara was sinking. Watching this, they all were disappointed.
The almighty Lord donned a tortoise form and held the Mandara on his back. Thus Mandara was propped up without sinking. The elated Devas and asuras continued their churning.
Lord with his powers granted strength to them. He caused drowsiness in Vasuki so that it won't feel the pain. From Vasuki's head streams of fire emanated. Some Devas were scorched by the fire. As they were all suffering, the Lord made the rain to give them relief.
Despite trying hard, the elixir of life did not materialize. Then the Lord took the lead. With renewed vigor they tried. Great poison called haalahala emanated from the ocean. Frightened by it, everyone ran to Kailasa and sought Lord Siva's help.
They all prayed"Lord Siva, you help those who seek refuge in you. You create, sustain and devolve the creation. From you the scripture came. Your escapades are not understood by all".
Lord Maheswara decided to imbibe the poison and remove their sorrow. He then took the widespread poison into his palms and drank it. Because of that his neck shone in blue color.
Lord Vishnu was elated by the great sacrificial act Lord Siva. Brahma Deva, Lord Vishnu and Indra praised Lord Siva. As Lord Siva was drinking the poison, tiny drops fell on the ground giving raise to scorpions; poisonous snakes, plants and insects.
The obstacle was overcome with Lord Siva's sacrifice. Devas and asuras resumed the churning. Matters of the world are poisonous. Listening to Lord's tales transforms the poison into elixir. When jivas addicted to poisonous worldly activities take part in listening to Lord's tales, the poison won't affect them. That's why gopikas, who are Lord Krishna's devotees, by singing about Lord's escapades removed their sin, and the fire of love.
Elixir of Life
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The Devas and asuras resumed the churning of the milky ocean. The first one to emanate from the ocean was a cow called"surabhi". They gave the cow to rishis.
This was considered a holy offering. One should first offer whatever he gets to others before enjoying it himself. Accordingly, the first object had been offered to the rishis.
For the rishis performing yagnas, cow's milk and its products are invaluable. When Surabhi was offered to rishis they were elated as it would help them perform yagnas for the benefit of the world.
Then came from the milky ocean a horse white as moon's light called"ucchaisrava". Indra wanted it but asuras wanted it as well. The Lord dissuaded Indra from getting it. So asuras took it.
Ucchaisrava means one with great fame. Asuras wanted ucchaisrava. The thirst for fame is very troubling. The ones thirsting for fame can't imbibe the elixir of life. Hence the seekers of liberation should be attentive about fame where there is no win situation. They should control the mind. That's why when Indra wanted the horse, the Lord dissuaded him. One with pure intellect can control his senses.
Seekers of liberation at first are like good people. As time passes, they develop a liking for fame. One stuck in the fangs of a demon of fame, destroys society. He overrides gurus and spreads lies. He fritters away his life and experiences sorrow. Fame is not something to be obtained by wishing. One has to live to experience it.
Later on an elephant called"airavrata" took birth in the milky ocean. It was given to Indra. The asuras were unhappy. Airavrata became Indra's vehicle.
Elephants can hold small objects or uproot tall trees with their trunks. One needs a subtle vision to see the paramatma manifested from atoms to the gross universe. The elephant is symbolic of such subtle vision. Only people blessed with subtle vision can drink the elixir of life.
The next thing to emanate from the milky ocean was a diamond called"Koustubha". Sri Hari took it. Then came a tree called "Parijata" which is a divine tree.
Sri Suka praised Pareekshit thus "King, you make your subjects happy by fulfilling their wishes and satisfying them. Likewise, this divine tree fulfills the wishes of one approaching it."
Then came apsaras. Following them came Lakshi Devi with a splendorous aura. Everyone was swooned by her. Her beauty was indescribable.
To bathe her Indra ordered a diamond studded throne. Devas' wives brought holy water. The goddess of earth gave red dye. Cows gave dairy products. Rishis recited mantras. Gandharvas sang. Dancers partook in the celebration. Clouds reverberated with sounds from various musical instruments.
The god of the ocean gave her silk robes. Varuna gave garlands. Viswakarma gave fancy ornaments. Saraswati Devi gave a diamond studded chain. Lord Brahma gave a lotus. Snakes gave ear rings. Everyone was obedient to the goddess of wealth.
Lakshmi Devi, the embodiment of all good attributes, was wondering who would consort with her. She selected Lord Vishnu after ruling out rishis like Durvasa who were easy to offend; Devas who conquered anger but not lust; followers of dharma like Parasurama who were not kind.
"He has no old age or death. He has no wives to compete with me. He is magnificent by wearing sandalwood perfume and always handsome in his abode. There won't be arguments because he is kind and generous. He won't lie or go after other women. He is stable and worshiped in all lokas. He conquered the six vices and is a protector of ascetics" thought Lakshmi Devi.
Sri Hari kept her in his chest.
Sri Hari was the most suited for the Lakshmi Devi. When she approached him, he switched his gaze. Similarly when he approached her, she responded to him.
Sri Hari without Lakshmi Devi is inauspicious. One who attains Sri Hari also receives her wealth. When there is wealth but not Sri Hari's blessing, then one is incomplete. Wealth might come easily but not spiritual practice.
Everyone was happy to see the pairing of Lakshmi Devi and Narayana. But asuras were unhappy. The ones in sorrow for not having wealth are asuras. Devas are those who don't covet wealth. The immortals are those who don't worry either way.
The churning resumed. A damsel called"Varuni" emerged and the asuras took her. Then a great and wonderful being came out of the ocean. He was Dhanvantari. He was born out of Lord Vishnu's grace. He was the progenitor of the Ayurveda. He came with a golden vessel that was taken by asuras. The nonplussed Devas approached Sri Hari for his help.
Sri Hari consoled the Devas. It was better to show wisdom than might with asuras.
The elixir of life was obtained by asuras from Dhanvantari. Soon infighting broke among them as they all competed to drink it all by themselves. Lord thought the bickering asuras were neither fortunate nor qualified to imbibe the elixir.
Asuras were able to obtain the elixir but could not imbibe it. Some people are rich but don't have comforts. Those who can't enjoy their assets are unfortunate.
Those who think the one that is meant for all as theirs are asuras. A fool who thinks"me first" will not have happiness or fame.
The ones aspiring for supremacy will meet with sorrow. Asuras were fighting among themselves. Consequently they lost it. When siblings and others fight among themselves over inheritance everyone loses. The lawyers will benefit from it.
To grab the elixir for the sake of Devas, Lord Narayana donned a beautiful vamp's form called"Mohini".
As the asuras watched Mohini, they swooned.
Distribution of Elixir of Life
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Mohini approached the asuras who were squabbling with one another over the elixir. Asuras were head over heels on seeing her. They approached her saying"What a beauty? What a sweetness".
"O lotus eyed beauty, who are you? Where did you come from? To whom do you belong? Our hearts are skipping beats on seeing you" said asuras.
A beautiful person won't cause sorrow but lusting for her may cause grief. Lust is within. By lusting for Mohini, asuras wouldn't get immortality.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is in one's mind. When the world looks lustrous it is because of one's lust. Lust won't affect whoever is knowledgeable. Seekers of liberation should be conscious of that.
Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad said"Conversing with women, reminiscing about friendship with a woman in the past, curiosity to listen to the conversation among women, ogling at them are not recommended".
Asuras were not tired of praising Mohini. Their praises were like a river in flood.
"Devi, even suras can't get you. What beautiful eyebrows. We are unable to think of anyone else. What a generous man the creator is. To satisfy our minds, he created you" said asuras.
"Damsel, we are fighting with one another over an object. We are not that knowledgeable. Please bring us auspiciousness" said asuras.
Asuras are those stepping into the mire of caste. Such people are not capable of leading a happy life. Castes are foundations for crooked life. They cause impurity of mind and intellect.
Asuras gave the golden vessel consisting of elixir to Mohini and requested her to distribute it among them. Unfortunate ones hand over their things to others and experience sorrow.
Mohini said,"Sons of Kasyapa, you are capable and knowledgeable people. It won't be proper for you to lust over me. Like animals that seek new friendships, women like me seek new experiences. Pundits don't think such friendship as proper".
"Asuras, as per your wish I will distribute the elixir. I don't know maya. I won't let down. Whatever may be the outcome of my acts, you should abide by it. Otherwise I can't distribute the elixir" said Mohini.
Her voice was sweeter than elixir for the asuras. They agreed to her conditions.
They all took a bath and sat. Mohini arrived with the golden vessel containing the elixir. She thought"Asuras are egotistical. If they imbibe the elixir then there will be no end to their evil acts." So the Lord decided to give the elixir to Devas only.
God won't help cruel people and sinners. They can't gain immortality. Those who don't commit sins and lead a life of virtue, will receive the grace of the Lord to be immortal.
Mohini segregated Devas and asuras into separate rows. She was keeping the asuras in good humor and serving the elixir to Devas."I am serving the water on the top of the vessel to Devas and keeping the real elixir for you" said Mohini to the asuras who were more than happy to hear her sweet voice. Thinking they wouldn't receive her patronage, the asuras were watching the Devas imbibing the elixir.
A weakness won't feel the burden. With the lust for women, debauched men do what they command and later feel sorrow. The asura Rahu observed that Mohini was serving elixir to Devas. He realized that she was hoodwinking the asuras. So he transformed himself into a Deva and sat alongside them. The sun god, moon god found Rahu's trickery and informed Sri Hari.
Mohini served elixir to Rahu as well, as it was customary to serve whoever sat in the row. Some people want to know the birth details of new faces. Some think a new face is of different varna. Discriminating others this way is considered as a fault. The scripture says whoever discriminates a person sitting in a row will be cursed with a disease called"samgrahani".
Sri Hari poured the elixir for Rahu as well. But as soon as he tried to swallow it, Sri Hari decapitated his head. Because his head was soaked in the elixir, it was not destroyed. By the maya of Brahma Deva the head became a planet. The astrologers believe that during full moon and new moon, the planet Rahu leans towards Sun and Moon.
Rahu sat between Sun and Moon who are the deities of intellect and mind. Rahu sat between them, hindering their ability to receive the elixir. For the seekers of liberation, the obstacles to mind and intellect will come from bondage. Like Sri Hari decapitating Rahu, one should eliminate the obstacles to obtain immortality.
Maha Upanishad said"Meditate in the sky inside the chest, and control the mind with the disc of knowledge". After serving the elixir to all Devas, Mohini revealed her true identity. Sri Hari ascended Garuda and flew towards Vaikuntha. Even though Suras and Asuras worked hard equally to generate the elixir, why did the asuras not get the elixir?
In Vyasa Bharata it was stated "Even though space, time, cause, karma, mind and others are the same for Suras and Asuras, the Devas took refuge in the Lord thereby imbibing elixir."
Needless to say Asuras did not consider the Lord as their savior.
Fools can't see the ultimate fruit of their labor which is liberation. They strive very hard to please their wives and children and multiply their progeny. This is all like watering a plant on the leaves and branches, when the plant needs to be watered at the root to receive all the nutrition. Thus when the Lord is satisfied, everyone will feel happiness. People who don't understand this fact are stuck in the bondage resulting in sorrow.
The Battle Between Devas and Asuras
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The asuras were irate at the Devas for their trickery. They waged a war on them. Leading the asuras was emperor Bali and the Devas were led by Indra. The two sides looked like two oceans. They fought bitterly.
Bali was fighting with Indra. Kartikeya, the son of Lord Siva and Paravati Devi, was fighting with Tarakasura. Varuna dueled with Heti and the sun god was fighting with Praheti. The battle also raged between Kalanabhi versus Yama, Mayasura versus Viswakarma, Rahu versus moon god, Sukra versus Bruhaspati, Narakasura versus Sani.
Emperor Bali attacked Indra with bow and arrows. Several arrows were launched on Indra's vehicle Airavata, the horses and the mahout. Indra was able to deflect them all.
Emperor Bali started a great fire that was scorching the Devas. The Devas were in sorrow as they were unable to fight with the fire. So they prayed for Lord Hari.
When evil thoughts arise, a seeker of liberation has to be alert. It is better to pray to the Lord, when one is unable to manage a situation. Listening to Devas' prayers, Sri Hari was appeased.
As soon as the Lord willed to help the Devas all the maya disappeared. Like when one wakes up from a dream, all of Devas' troubles evaporated.
Sri Suka told Pareekshit"Prayer at Lord Hari's feet is the antidote for all dangers".
Indra launched his Vajra weapon. Bali's aircraft fell on the ground like a bird with injured wings. Watching this, Bali's friend, Jambhasura went after Indra who was able to destroy him with his Vajra.
Brahma Deva sent Narada to mediate between the two camps. Narada convinced them with his wisdom and pacified them. Devas and asuras returned to their abodes. Asuras went to mountain Asta where their wounds were healed by their guru Sukracharya.
Churning the Milky Ocean - Meta Physics
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The churning of the milky ocean is akin to a seeker's attempt to realize the self. People not able to grasp this think Vyasa maharshi was unable to do justice either to the asuras or to the readers who disapproved of Lord's handling of elixir.
Some question: How did an ocean of milk come about? Where were the cattle that filled up the ocean with their milk? Were there magical clouds that rained milk at that time? If so, why didn't the milk curdle? As we go on entertaining such doubts, we won't realize the message conveyed.
The Milky Ocean stands for everyone's mind. The sattva (calm) mind contemplates over the scripture. Every seeker should introspect and be immortal. One has to place the intellect called Mandara mountain in the mind. Then he should tie it with a rope that stands for egoism, called Vasuki, the serpent. In everyone's mind there are sura and asura attributes.
With asura gunas on one side and sura gunas on the other side, one should churn with egotism in meditation. At the beginning several signs of maturity appear. The sounds of a conch, a bell or a flute may be heard. One might be able to hear distant conversations and envision great scenery. But these have to be ignored in order for the enlightenment which is the elixir. The last vestiges of egotism in the form of past memories should not be allowed to influence the mind. As soon as the egotism is wiped out, the vestiges of memories in the mind vanish, the self will be realized. The happiness derived is akin to imbibing the elixir which makes one immortal. So the churning of the milky ocean sends the message, everyone should try to achieve immortality by applying the mind and intellect and rejecting egotism.
Lord Siva made the ultimate sacrifice by drinking the halahala poison. Lord Siva has three eyes. When he opens the third eye, everything before him is annihilated. In us, mortals, the third eye is the eye of knowledge. As soon as we open the knowledge eye, the illusion of the world disappears, ignorance is dispelled, the Lord appears giving us the experience that everything is nothing but the Lord. In this state the clouds of ignorance disperse.
Maya on Lord Vishnu
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When Lord Siva came to know about Lord Vishnu donning the form of the Mohini, he went along with his wife and retinue, to see Mohni. Lord Narayana invited Lord Siva.
Lord Siva said"Lord, you are the progenitor of all lokas, all pervading, almighty, vital force. You create, sustain and devolve the worlds".
The rishis renounce the world to seek refuge at Lord Vishnu's feet for salvation. Madhava is the Brahman, one without birth or death. Nor sorrow. The world is not different from him. Even though everything is because of him, he is different from the creation. He gives jivas, the fruit of their karma. Even though everyone is beseeching him for the karma's fruit, he is unaffected by karma.
He is the cause and effect. The multiplicity in one and non-duality in duality is his great maya. Like gold can't be seen apart from golden ornaments, the forms in cause and effect are not different. No one knows his real form and nature.
Discrimination is because of ignorance. The interaction among gunas creates discrimination. Like the Sun dispelling the darkness, ignorance is ending with the dawn of knowledge. The changeless, parts-less Sri Hari is the one that supports everything.
Lord Siva said"I along with Brahma and rishis like Mareechi don't know your real nature. What can be said about ordinary people?"
"Sri Hari, like air under the sky you are spread all over the world. In the past I saw your avataras such as Nrusimha. After hearing that you have tricked the asuras to distribute the elixir among the Devas, I came here to see your Mohini form. Please let me have the experience".
Sri Hari accepted Mahendra's request. He immediately disappeared. Lord Siva along with Parvati Devi was wondering where did Sri Hari go.
There emerged a beautiful garden full of trees that have red tinged young leaves. With several types of sweet smelling, colorful flowers it was splendid. In that garden there was a woman in see-through sari playing with a ball made of flowers. As she jumped to catch the ball, her bosoms swayed elegantly. Her fingers were delicate like young leaves. Her eyes looking in all directions for the ball, mesmerized the world. Lord Siva was flattened by her beautiful form and grace.
As she was walking, her cadence made the sari she was wearing fall off. Her hair was down as well. She was holding her hair with left hand and playing with the ball with the other hand. Lord Siva wanted to play with her. He was staring at her with concentration. She looked askance at him. He was swooned by her and he shamelessly held hair hair
Lord Siva's heart was stolen by her. The Lord, who was able to swallow poison, was mesmerized by her. He couldn't help but chase her. She disappeared behind the trees nakedly. Like a male elephant following a female elephant he pursued her.
His desire grew as big as a mountain and shame shrunk to the size of a seed. Somehow he was able to catch hold of her hair. Even though she was reluctant, he hugged her. She escaped from his clutches and ran.
They crossed rivers, mountains, forests. Even then she could not be held in his hands. With shrinking desire, he ran behind her. Destiny kept her ahead of him. Kailasa was in turmoil. The mirth was only an illusion. Lord Siva realized it was Sri Hari's maya. She appeared in front of him as Sri Hari.
"Paramesa, people caught in my maya can't escape it. It is possible to only great ones like you. Except you none can overcome my maya" said Sri Hari. Lord
Siva saluted him and returned to Kailasa with Parvati Devi and the retinue.
"Bhavani, you have seen the maya of the birth-less Sri Hari. Even though I am like him, I was swayed with lust. Can ordinary people withstand his maya?" said Lord Siva.
One who conquers cupid can conquer time. Consorting with women is not desirable for men. Similarly consorting with men is not good for women. Lust takes us toward the whirlpool of worldly matters. Intellect will be blunted. Grace will be lost. One should not be under the false pretense that he won the fight against desires. Lust and desire will trick any one at any time.
Can Lord Siva, who annihilated cupid, really fall for lust? If the Lord loses control of his senses, then seekers of liberation have to beware.
Lust is poisonous. Desires are impure. To be a victor over lust, one has to keep deep faith in the Lord and carry out meditation and penance. In this regard, one's efforts are measly when compared with Vasudeva's blessing.
When the mind is filled with lust, one should chant Lord's names. There is no place for cupid in the heart filled with the Lord. Like a canine that can't gain entry into a king's palace, in the heart dwelled by the Lord, lust can't make an entry. Will one who drank a cool aid, run after a mirage? Can lust move one who imbibes the elixir of reciting Lord's name? One who overcomes lust will attain liberation easily.
Bali's Victory
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Asuras were defeated by the Devas. Bali lost his life in his duel with Indra. But he was brought back to life by Sukracharya, the guru of asuras.
Sukra means celibacy. It also means the vital force in a man. Because of it the body took birth. It is the strength of the man. With loss of vital force man will be weak.
The loss of vital force is akin to death. The protection of the vital force is the meaning of life according to the scripture of Yoga. The men protecting their vital force will have a great aura. This is the greatness of celibacy which is either physical, mental or both. Protecting the body's vital force and not allowing the mind to wander in baser instincts has been the hallmark of celibacy. Celibacy will prevent strife in old age and death.
A person practicing celibacy should take care not to let bad thoughts enter his mind. It is not proper to chase away the bad thoughts by force. Celibates and bachelors should exercise caution and be on alert because a lot of energy is expended in doing so. One will be tired and become exasperated. All of this robs the mental energy and weakens the resolve to be celibate. The bad thoughts redouble every time one tries to get rid of them with force. No matter how many trials one makes, they will be there occupying the mind.
When thoughts that make one lust for objects torment, one has to inculcate the habit of disinterest. Then one should start analysis. Good thoughts should be brought to the surface. The greatness of celibacy should be reminisced. The difference between addiction to worldly pleasures and higher thoughts that promote celibacy should be discerned.
Upanishad asked"Where is the body filled with phlegm vis-a-vis the auspicious mind full of positive thoughts and good conduct?"
Hence when lust enters the body and tries to destroy the celibacy, one has to remind oneself of the body's actual state. Where is the beauty of the body in comparison with the beauty of the mind?
Body, made of blood, bones and flesh, is filled with excreta. It envelopes the ignorant with lust. One can proudly announce his bank balance, but not what is in one's body.
Bali shone with the power of Yoga by serving Sukracharya. He performed Viswajid yagna from which he gained a golden chariot, several horses like Uchaisrava (obtained in the churning of milky ocean) along with bow and arrows. His grandfather Prahlada gave him a garland that never withers away. Sukracharya gave a conch.
Bali saluted brahmins and Prahlada. He then went towards Amaravati to fight Devas along with his asura army. He blew the conch. Frightened by its sound, Devas ran away. Indra, too weak to defend against Bali, ran towards his guru Bruhaspati.
Indra approached Bruhaspati and expressed that he was too weak to fight with Bali. He asked for the reason why Bali had so much strength."Indra, the brahmins of Bhrugu dynasty gave their powerful aura to him" said Bruhaspati.
The ones receiving the grace of a guru will be strong. No one can defeat them. Conversely those who blame the gurus and cheat them will lose their aura. The ones receiving the guru's grace are fortunate.
"Those worshiping their gurus everyday will gain longevity, knowledge and aura" said Manu Smriti.
"Indra, no one but Sri Hari can defeat Bali at this time. Like mortals can't run away from Yama, the god of death, no one can stand in a battle with Bali. Hence give up heaven. After his era is over, you will be able to regain heaven" said Bruhaspati.
Indra wanted to know when the strength of Bali would wane.
"Right now Bali, by serving brahmins, gained his strength. When he insults brahmins, then along with his army he will perish" said Bruhaspati.
Among those who seek mahatmas, some will gain their grace and their strength will increase manifold. Over a period of time their egotism too grows. They think everything is because of them and forget their gurus. Some of them insult their guru and claim because of them, the guru attained fame. That will be the beginning of their fall from grace.
Following Bruhaspati's advice, Devas left heaven. Bali was enthroned as the King of heaven. The brahmins of Bhrugu dynasty conducted hundred horse sacrifices. Bali's fame spread across the world. Bali was satisfied that because of his gurus he attained everything.
Aditi and Kasyapa
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Indra and Devas left heaven. Their mother Aditi was in grief. Her husband Kasyapa came to her ashram that was dull and lackluster. Aditi saluted and worshiped her husband.
"Dear, did dharma face a challenge? Did noble people experience inauspiciousness?" asked Kasyapa, noticing that his wife had a long face.
The importance of dharma and inauspiciousness to noble people were emphasized in Kasyapa's inquiry. In his mind, these two only make up for the majority of grief. When dharma is flouted in his society, a man should be concerned. A man sitting on a tree's branch should not only see to it that the branch he was on is not cut, but also the tree's trunk should not be cut. One has to look past selfishness and see to it that dharma is upheld.
"Some men weave their sophistry till their own reason is entangled" said Johnson.
The dharma should not wane in a society. Because it will affect the man's progress. Hence Kasyapa asked"Did brahmins face inauspiciousness?". A brahmin is the one who is cultured and dedicated to the progress of the society. Such a person will be the bedrock of the community. A society that sidelines noble people won't prosper. Those fighting for progress face many obstacles. One should adopt good attributes to engender success in them and feel concerned when they come across failures.
"Dear, following one's own dharma as a householder will give the same fruit as the others following dharma. Are there any setbacks to dharma, acquisition of wealth and fulfilling the desire in your house?"
The householders are fortunate. They enjoy the same benefit as yogis, when they conduct themselves with dharma which is the foremost among the three vargas, the others being wealth and desire. A home is a means for conducting dharma. Aditi and Kasyapa worshiped the paramatma in their home. Hence their lives were graceful. Living with dharma gives auspiciousness and gives many positive results.
Maha Bharata said"Dharma will give the comfort of kingdom, acquisition of wealth and overall happiness. The opposite or lack of it only gives sorrow."
Kasyapa mentioned three things so far: progress of society, the welfare of noble people and prosperity at home. The first two when done properly will automatically give rise to prosperity. This is the primary duty of a householder. Knowing what is dharma and implementing in one's house is called the dharma of a householder.
Kanada maharshi said in Vaiseshika Darsana"Dharma is that which makes society progress and the individual prosperous".
Thus, when a householder is satisfied with dharma, it not only gives prosperity as expected, but also brings fortune unexpectedly in the form of a guest.
"Dear, when you were busy with household duties, did a guest arrive and leave without being served?" asked Kasyapa.
Scripture said God arrives in the form of a guest. So a householder should welcome a guest. When God wants to test our devotion, he will arrive at our doorstep as a guest. When a guest is insulted or ignored, that house will face inauspiciousness.
Kasyapa said"When a guest leaves without drinking even water in a house, then it will be like a home infested by jackals".
Kasyapa was saying at the least a guest should be served water. What if the guest is not thirsty? He can't accept water just to please the host. The inner meaning is just as water gives relief to one's body, the behavior of the householder should give relief to the visitor.
"Dear, are your children safe? Your face is indicating that something is wrong" said Kasyapa.
After touching upon society, nobility and guests, Kasyapa was asking about his children. The higher dharma is putting others before one's interests. So we should adopt this. Wealth can be acquired by anyone. But accumulating dharma is possible to only a few. Those are the noble ones. How to accumulate dharma?
Honey bees after scouting around flowers and extracting their nectar, store it in a hive bit by bit. The honey in the hive will benefit the bees and others. Similarly the conduct of dharma will benefit not only one, but also everyone connected to him. Also a honey bee is careful not to tamper with the flowers it feeds on. Likewise, in a conduct of dharma one should not upset others. Such conduct will not give happiness.
Aditi replied,"Mahatma, brahmins, cows, dharma, people are all safe. I will not face any deficits by having you as my husband."
"Dear, your penance won't affect my dharma adversely. Asuras stole Devas' wealth and insulted them. They were thrown out of heaven. Indra and his wife are no longer rulers and are on the receiving end. Indra is roaming in forests after losing everything. His son Jayanta and others are walking in the forests alongside hunters' children. Amaravati is now the home of asuras. Devas are unable to defeat Bali who gained enormous strength because of Yoga. Mahatma, you grant auspiciousness and know dharma. Both Asuras and Devas are your children. Like you amputate an infected organ in the body, you must destroy the asuras. Parameswara is equanimous but gives preference to his devotees. Similarly, you must protect the Devas" said Aditi.
Kasyapa said"Dear, maya is hard to navigate. Because of maya world looks like a friendly place. One is in bondage unable to separate self from the body because of delusion. In reality, who is related to whom in this world?"
Kasyapa said"Dear, who is father? Who are sons? What is the power of bodies? How long will one hold on to his body? It's all the maya of Lord Vishnu. There is nothing permanent here".
Kasyapa's words didn't satisfy Aditi. Overcome by love of her children, she was unable to understand Kasyapa. Kasyapa sensed it.
"Dear, asuras are serving Sukracharya. They are adopting celibacy. Even god can't destroy them. You meditate for the Lord who will fulfill your wish either by his strength or wisdom. Devotion will never not yield positive results. Sri Hari will fulfill your wish. A while ago, Brahma Deva described a ritual called Payovrata. I performed this ritual and received the grace of Kesava. I will tell you about the ritual. Follow my directions and pray for Lord Vishnu. You will be without grief and all your wishes will come true" said Kasyapa.
Then Kasyapa described Payovrata that gives the cumulative results of all yagna, all rituals, all penance. Immediately Aditi began the ritual and performed it for twelve days. To receive good advice, one should be fortunate. Implementing it will give overall prosperity. Following good advice makes one successful.
"To accept good advice is but to increase one's ability" said Goeth.
Aditi started the ritual with utmost concentration. With intellect as the charioteer, mind as the reins, she controlled the senses like horses. Keeping paramatma in her heart and mind, she performed Payovrata.
Aditi and Achyuta
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Lord appeared before Aditi with four shoulders; wearing silk robes; and carrying conch, disk and mace. Aditi prostrated before the Lord. She was trembling with excitement and shed happy tears.
Aditi praised the Lord in many ways. Lord said"Mother of Devas, I understood your grief. Your sons are displaced and tormented by the enemies. You want them to regain the lost glory. Asuras now are hard to beat. Whoever is protected by those favored by God is impossible to defeat. I am pleased by the ritual you have performed. The worship done to me will never go to waste. When we can't beat the asuras with might, we have to use intellect to beat them. Mother, I will be born to you as a son. Please serve your husband who is as divine as the paramatma".
Aditi became pregnant. Nine months had passed. The Aditi-Kasyapa couple had been praying to the Lord everyday and were eagerly awaiting his birth. Their time passed slowly. Those who don't pine for the Lord can't see him. Just as concentration is required for knowledge, devotion is necessary to see the Lord. Day and night the couple prayed to the Lord who finally was born.
Vamana's History
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The Lord had unmatched beauty and aura around his face. Everyone was attracted to him. At the time of his birth, the nature was quiet; the water in the rivers flowed calmly; people's hearts were peaceful. The Devas were elated and celebrated the event with music and dance. They showered flowers on the Lord.
Aditi and Kasyapa were jubiliant. Within minutes after being born the Lord donned the form of a bachelor. He looked like a seven year old child.
Because of his transformation into a brahmin bachelor within minutes after being born, there were no descriptions of his childhood acts. Maharshis were heartened on seeing the child. Kasyapa performed astrological rituals for the child.
Astrological rituals enable a child to attain good conduct upon growing up. As soon as a son is born, the father has to see his face. At that time his debt to forefathers will be nullified.
After seeing the son, the father should bathe with his clothes.
When taking a bath, the father should jump into the river. Its significance is that in his dynasty a son is born. The splashing of water signifies that he will perform rituals to please the forefathers. With astrological rituals the negative effects of planets are neutralized. Then, the mother offers her bosom for the baby to suckle.
She will pray to the bosom"Please release the milk that will enhance the longevity, aura, fame, strength of my child".
In the thread ceremony, the sun god initiated the child with Gayatri mantra. Bruhaspati gave the sacred thread. Kasyapa gave a waist band. Goddess earth presented a hide of the black antelope. Aditi gave a loin cloth. Brahma Deva gave a hand held vessel. The seven rishis gave dry grass. Sarada Devi gave a rosary. Kubera gifted a begging bowl. Bhavani gave alms.
Vamana came to know that Emperor Bali was performing a horse sacrifice at Bhruguvatsa and offering unlimited gifts. Vamana went to Bhruguvatsa with other brahmins. He was shining like sun before the brahmins of Bhrugu dynasty.
As Vamana was walking, because of the weight of his generosity and abundance, the earth was bending. He approached Bali.
As he was approaching Bali, Vamana was conversing, discussing, reasoning with people and was smiling on the way. Holding kusa grass and holy rice in his right hand, Vamana blessed Bali.
Impressed by Vamana's blessing, Bali offered him a seat. He washed his feet and sprayed the wash water on his head.
Bali said"Mahatma, salutation to you. I am thinking you did great penance. By setting foot in my home, my forefathers were made happy. My dynasty was purified. My yagna has consummated. With your auspicious feet, the earth turned holy. You look as though you want to ask me something. Wish for whatever you want. Bless me by receiving alms from me".
Vamana said,"I am pleased to hear your offer. You are the grandson of the great Prahlada and a disciple of Sukracharya. Your speech resonates with truth and your heart follows dharma. Your words bring auspiciousness to your dynasty consisting of great people. There were no cowards in your family, and also in giving alms they never back step. So far none who sought your alms went empty handed. Your grandfather Prahlada is shining like the moon in the sky with his fame".
"King, your forefather Hiranyaksha faced no opposition as he roamed around the earth all by himself. Sri Hari came in Varaha avatar and killed him after much difficulty. His brother Hiranyakasipu wanted to take revenge on Sri Hari and went to Vaikuntha."
"He was carrying a trident and looked like god of death Yama. Lord Vishnnu entered his heart unable to face him."
"King, the son of Prahlada, your father, Virochana performed many sacrifices. Even though Devas asked for his longevity, he didn't shirk. You too are walking on their path. You chose dharma and became a role-model and a trail blazer."
"King, there isn't much to tell you about myself. You asked me to seek alms. I am a loner and a brahmin. Please give me three feet of land" said Vamana.
Bali was puzzled and said"Child, your request is laudable. Because you are an adolescent you don't have selfishness and don't know what to seek"
Bali said,"You praised me as a great donor. Yet you asked me for measly three feet of land. Don't you have to ascertain the capacity of a donor before asking? No one who took alms from me, went to another donor seeking alms. Hence ask for more".
Vamana said"King, all the favorite things in the world distract the senses. They are not to be desired. If I can't be happy with three feet of land, then the seven islands you can give me won't be satisfactory. A desirable object creates sorrow when one doesn't possess it. Hence desires are to be ended but not nurtured to be happy. One who is satisfied with what he has will be happy. One following his senses will never be content".
"King, I know that asking you, the ruler of all lokas, for a frivolous thing is not reasonable. But I am a brahmin and I asked what I needed. Wealth will sink a man. One needs sufficient wealth to meet his necessities. Being a celibate, I only need an umbrella, sacred thread or a vessel to hold water, but not palaces, gold and nubile women" said Vamana.
"King, you come from a bloodline of kings who made sacrifices. Even though I lack wealth, I am not covetous. You are generous. Satisfaction begets contentment. Covetousness promotes selfishness. Greed is fearful. Even as one turns old, greed won't leave him. Covetousness makes one turn to sinful behavior. A mendicant has to ask for something he needs--not for accumulating" said Vamana.
Covetousness destroys peace. Everyone's tree of mind has branches of covetousness that are hard to cut. For this reason no one is at peace with what they have.
Vamana said"King, the overly greedy can be given the seven islands that make up the earth's land. But they can't be satisfied. The hearts that are satisfied are content and peaceful. A peaceful person is worshiped by all. One who is stuck in the whirlpool of greed becomes luckless. Determined to see the far edges of greed, he loses his life."
"King, one who is satisfied gets all the comforts. An unsatisfied soul is like water dousing the fire. Knowing that you are a king, it will be unreasonable for me to put my greed first. If you can grant me three feet of land, that will be enough for me" said Vamana.
Bali was pleased. He started to give the alms by holding a water filled vessel. But Sukracharya knew the secret behind Vamana's request.
Sukracharya said"King, you are mistaken. Please think calmly. He is not a brahmin bachelor. He is a trickster. He is none but Vishnu. You, without thinking of pros and cons, agreed to offer him alms. This looks like a ploy to destroy the asura dynasty. He will take away the kingdom and give it to suras. You didn't realize the secret behind him seeking three feet of land. He can occupy the three lokas with three feet. Then how will you live? What about those who depend on you?"
"He will occupy the earth with one foot and heaven with the second foot. Then where can he put his third foot? Your vow to grant him three feet will be unmet. Because of that you will land in hell. Such alms are not approved by scripture. By living only one can enjoy life with wealth and dharma" said Sukracharya.
Bali said,"Guru Deva, I gave my word. If I don't give him alms, I will be violating dharma and attain infamy. I will let my forefathers down. Isn't lying a sin?".
"King, there is a remedy for that. Please listen carefully. On this topic Rig veda commented. Follow it and save yourself" said Sukracharya.
"King, without copper additive gold won't shine. Without a lie, truth can't be appreciated. For the tree of the body, truth is the fruit. Body is not the truth. Truth prevails over all time. Without the body, truth can't be experienced. Hence for the everlasting truth, the impermanent body is necessary" said Sukracharya.
"When we cut the base of a tree, the tree will perish. Similarly when a lie doesn't exist, truth will have no existence. At the same time a liar needs to be punished. Even though he is alive, for all practical purposes he is dead. Hence in unavoidable circumstances, it is alright to lie" said Sukracharya.
"King, when wooing women, arranging marriages; for prana, for wealth; when molested; while protecting cows and brahmins telling lies is permitted. One won't accrue sin at those times" said Sukracharya.
Bali was displeased with his Guru's words and thought they wouldn't apply to him. His heart didn't let him lie.
Bali thought"If the one seeking alms is known as Vishnu, then the approach would have been different. First he was perceived as a child. Now it is apparent that he is Vishnu. What else do I need? What more is needed than offering everything to the Lord?"
One should see Lord Krishna in a mendicant. In our custom, rich women after giving alms salute the mendicant.
"What else is needed when Lord Vishnu himself comes begging?" thought Bali.
Scripture said"A mendicant comes to not only seek something but to give a discourse".
"In the previous life as I was a miser, I am born as a beggar. If you don't give me alms, you can imagine how your next birth turns out" thinks a mendicant.
Hence giving alms is an incomparable ritual. We earn money by performing sinful acts. Donating it will cleanse us of the sins. Just as the body is purified, by giving alms to the needy one's wealth will be cleansed.
"Guru Deva, when I agreed to give him alms, the matter was closed. The donor will be more famous than the mendicant in this circumstance. This donation will make my fame last forever. In the nether world I will be immortal. Hence I can't lie. No matter which way the scales tip, I will not take back my word" said Bali.
"By donating, if the earth is destroyed; my life is lost; my varna is annihilated so be it. The one seeking the alms can be Vishnu, Siva, Brahma or anyone. I can't take back my word. Guru Deva, this body is impermanent. So is power. Everyone is born alone and dies alone. Several kings ruled this earth in the past. But their fame is no longer there. Kings like Sibi have fame for as long as the earth is there. The donors are fortunate. They are worthy of emulation and worship" said Bali.
"Guru Deva, I gave my word to this brahmin boy. Being the grandson of the great Prahlada, how can I lie? Is there greater sin than lying? The goddess of earth said she can bear all but liars. I am not afraid of hell, poverty, sorrow, displacement, death as much as lying" said Bali.
Everyone is afraid of death. But for Bali lying is much to be feared. One who is afraid of sin, can't perform sinful acts. These days almost all people lie. A liar can't be an embodiment of anything. He will live in the quagmire of lies and feel sorrow. Lies affect the mind and heart adversely. They obstruct meditation and relaxation. One should never do acts that cause anguish. Commonly people lie and gain temporary success. Over a period of time, such people experience grief. They may claim victory. But they have actually failed from a dharma point of view.
Bali said"Guru Deva, the exalted Vishnu, being afraid of me, came in the form of a brahmin child. If he violates dharma by torturing me, I won't return in kind. It is better to die than take back my word".
This is the quality of the valorous. A coward dies every minute. But the valorous one experiences death only once. Those who practice what they preach as dharma, because of their strong faith, achieve name and fame.
"Self trust is the essence of heroism" said Emerson.
"Even if mountain Meru topples, earth is pulverized I will give alms". Sukracharya was upset that Bali ignored his advice. "Guru Deva, why do you worry? If he is Vishnu then in reality victory is ours" said Bali.
"Guru Deva, the hands that touched Lakshmi Devi will be below mine when he receives my alms. Is there a greater fame than that? Are kingdoms permanent? Even if they are, our lives aren't permanent. Let sorrow and bondage come. Let wealth and prana leave. I can't alter the words I spoke. I can't take back my word" said Bali.
Sukracharya was enraged and cursed Bali that his entire wealth would be wiped out.
Bali was feckless even though his Guru cursed and a danger to his life stood before him. He got ready to give the alms. The conqueror of the land, the enjoyer of luxuries is not as valorous as one who doesn't lose his smile and boldness under desperation. People who are calm in the face of calamity are the real valorous.
In the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana it was said"The eager people, however weak they may be, won't regret even in the face of defeat".
Vamana's Cosmic Form
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Bali's wife Vindhyavali brought a golden vessel containing water and poured it on Vamana's feet. Bali was excited to wash his feet. He then sprinkled the holy water on his head.
At that time the world reverberated with the sound of musical instruments. Devas and Gandharvas showered flowers on Bali. Kinneras and Kimpurushas praised Bali. Everyone appreciated Bali, who was determined to give alms despite knowing the mendicant was partial to Devas.
When Bali was washing Lord's feet, Sukracharya entered the spout of the vessel, preventing the flow of water. Vamana noticed it pricked into the spout with a blade of dry grass. As a result Sukracharya became one-eyed.
Whoever is dear to the Lord, will be one-eyed. One-eyed means non-dualistic vision. The two eyes stand for duality which promotes discrimination. After realizing paramtma, one should not see duality like Sukracharya. One has to see the entirety as pervaded by Vishnu. This is non-dualistic thinking and experience.
Vamana started growing. He was occupying the land, sky and all directions. On top of his head there were several lokas like Rasatala. Under his feet lay the earth. In his body air circulated, birds chirped and mountains became visible. The three lokas were present in him. In his belly the seven oceans were seen. Vamana kept on growing.
Trivikrama occupied the entire universe. With one foot he occupied the earth. With his body he enveloped all the space. With his shoulders he occupied the directions. With his second foot he occupied the sky. There was no room to keep the third foot.
Trivikrama returned to his normal form and said"King, you gave me three feet of land. I have only received two feet of earth. Where should I place my third foot?"
"This Vamana isn't a brahmin. He came here to help Devas and do injustice to asuras. He is none but Vishnu. He cheated our king" shouted Bali's followers.
They lunged at Vamana with their weapons.
Vishnu's followers obstructed their attack. They were hurting and wounding the asuras. Bali saw his followers being hurt by Devas. He reminisced Sukracharya's curse. He dissuaded his followers and said"Please listen to me and give up the battle. Time is not favorable to us. It is in fact adversarial. Until now time was favorable to us and unfavorable to Devas. It has now been reversed. No one can oppose time. When god favors us, we will be able to defeat the Devas. Be patient".
Those who are aware of their limits lead pure lives. Others will violate dharma. People knowing their boundaries won't face difficulties. The god of the ocean won't cross his boundaries.
In the Ayodhya Kanda of Ramayana it was said"The master of all rivers, ocean god, won't cross the shore".
As per Bali's command, asuras entered Patala loka. Garuda, following Vamana's order, tied up Bali. Trivikram asked Bali for a place to claim his third foot.
Bali said,"Paramesa, please don't consider my word as a lie. I am going to fulfill my word".
Bali said"Deva, my word won't be untrue. You keep your third foot on my head" and bowed with devotion before Lord Vishnu.
"You are the well wisher of asuras. We are arrogant and egotistical. We can't attain salvation. You crushed our ego. In the past many asuras by hating you and developing enmity with you were able to attain the same state as yogis. You tied me up. This is all your grace and my fortune. My grandfather, Prahlada, surrendered to you and attained superior after life. You are the one to be sought. What is the good in remaining in bondage? The relationships in the world imprison us. Your grace is what makes your devotees attain salvation along with dharma, wealth and desires. The worldly bonds are meaningless" said Bali.
"Deva, relatives like thieves are stealing the wealth of life. Children like lenders are stealing hard work. Wives are imprisoning in sorrowful bondage. Wealth will be lost in a second. Bodies are like bubbles. People who exploit for their ends can't be trusted. So is longevity. Realizing all these my grandfather, Prahlada, sought refuge at your feet and became great. Keeping such feet on my head is my fortune" said Bali.
Then his grandfather Prahlada, with a face like a full moon, appeared.
Bali, still tied up, saluted Prahlada by bowing his head with a tearful face. Prahlada prostrated before the Lord.
"Lord, you made Bali the Indra. Now you are taking it back. Wealth generates desires that are obstacles to liberation. Thus you confiscated everything Bali owned. This is the most graceful thing you have done to Bali" said Prahlada. Brahma Deva praised Sri Hari.
Bali's wife saluted Sri Hari and said"Lord, this world is your playground. Men are ignorant by claiming the action and the result as their own. As a result they face sorrow. How can they satisfy you? Your grace alone can save such souls".
"Lord, you have made Bali accomplished. One who receives your patronage can't be punished. Hence please untie Bali" said Brahma Deva.
Bali Receiving Lord's Grace
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Lord told Brahma Deva"Mahatma, men with pride because of their power and wealth, ignore me as well. Hence wealth is the root cause of all sorrow. When I want to help a soul, I take away all of his wealth".
"Jivas, who are endowed with everything, receive my grace if they are not egotistical. Balis is the greatest among them. Even though he lost all he owned, he didn't leave the path of rectitude. He didn't listen to his detractors. Hence I am being kind to him. I am giving him ascendance to a higher power. In the Savarni Manu's period Bali will become Indra. Until then he will be safe in Sutala which is in my loka. My Sudarshana disc will protect him. I will also be closer to him" said the Lord.
"Talam" means upper part. Sutala means that which is the greatest. It is free from dangers and safe as per the Lord. It is nothing but salvation. There Sudarshana would be protecting. That means it gives non-dualistic, sattva experience. In this state, paramatma is not different from the jiva. Hence he would be near him.
Bali saluted the Lord and went to Sutala. Prahlada followed him obeying Lord's order.
Sri Hari told Sukracharya"If there are any shortcomings in the yagna your able disciple and my ardent devotee conducted, please spread the word around the world".
"Where there is inequality, the kind vision of brahmins will remove it" said the Lord.
Sukracharya asked Sri Hari,"Lord, you give the fruit of karma to all. How can your devotees have inequality?"
"Any faults in the mantra or its recitation will be evened out with chanting your name" said Sukracharya.
Destiny is all powerful. Karma is like a whirlpool. No matter how hard jivas try, because of the senses, the mind rolls in faults. At those times, one should sing praises of the Lord. Just as water removes the mud from feet, Lord's praise will remove the impurities in the mind.
Surkracharya with Lord's grace completed the yagna. Lord had given the Devas the lokas Bali ruled.
Fish Avatar
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As King Pareekshit desired Suka Brahma was narrating to him the Matsya avatar of the Lord. This was related to Sounaka and rishis by Soota.
Lord dons avataras to protect cattle, brahmins, Devas, ascetics, vedas and dharma. No matter which form he dons, the related faults in guna won't afflict him.
Suka Brahma was saying even though the Lord was born among the jivas who have differences in status and gunas, the Lord is free from gunas.
The Naimittika calamity struck. As a result earth was inundated with water. At the end of the day, Brahma Deva slept. The vedas dropped out of his mouth as he slept. A demon called Hayagriva stole the vedas. The Lord donned the matsya avatar with the name Saphari. He recovered the vedas from Hayagreeva and gave them back to Brahma Deva.
A calamity is when jiva experiences immeasurable pain such as when dying. During a calamity the jiva should be alert. One has to change his behavior when the situation is adversarial.
"To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first," said Shakespeare.
When a situation turns ugly one has to shed rajas (activity) and tamas (indolence), enhance his sattva (calmness) and chant Lord's name to spend time peacefully.
During cataclysm Brahma Deva slept. As a result, mother Veda slipped out of his mouth. When the situation turns tables, whoever relaxes under maya, and neglects to pray to the Lord, will lose vedas.
Brahma Deva expressed his inability and sought refuge in Lord who donned Matsya avatar by the name of Saphari. He recovered the vedas from the asura Hayagreeva and gave them to Brahma deva. When we lose knowledge and embrace ignorance in some circumstance, we should pray to the Lord upon realization like Brahma Deva. This is the only way to return to normalcy.
A king called Satyavrata did great penance without ingesting anything but water. One day Satyavrata went to the river Krutamala for his morning ablutions. He found a fish in his palms. He dropped the fish along with water back into the river.
Saphari said"King, the bigger fish in this river are trying to eat me. Afraid of them, I came to you. You sent me back to the river".
Saphari's words stirred up sympathy in Satyavrata. He put the fish in his handheld vessel and went back to his ashram. After one night, Saphari grew to the size of the vessel. The king put Saphari in a large pot. Saphari filled the entire pot. When it asked for more space, the king put Saphari in a lake. Saphari grew larger than the lake. Then the king put it in the ocean.
As Satyavrata was putting Saphari in the ocean, it said"King, in this ocean there are dangerous crocodiles. They will kill me. Why are you sacrificing me this way?"
Satyavrata was mystified and revealed that Saphari was not an ordinary fish but a trickstar in the form of fish that grew manifold and occupied a great space. He surmised that it must be Sri Hara. He prostrated before Saphari saying"O great Lord, the protector of devotees, you came to rescue me in the form of a Matsya".
Sri Hari was happy with Satyavrata's devotion and said"Seven days from now, all the three lokas will meet with calamity and get flooded. At that time, a boat will come to you. You load it with all the herbs and seeds and sit amongst the seven rishis. You will be able to navigate the calamity. As the boat moves with wind, attach the serpent Vasuki to my fin. I will pull the boat".
Satyavrata prayed to the Lord as the cataclysmic day was approaching. The oceans flooded the land. Entire world was covered by water. The boat arrived. The herbs and seeds were loaded into the boat. Maharshis told Satyavrata to keep chanting Lord's names.
Lord entered the ocean in the form of a golden fish with a fin. Satyvrata attached the serpent Vasuki to the fin as the Lord had instructed him. Then he kept meditating on the Lord. He praised Lord's grace. Sri Hari gave him knowledge about him. Satyavrata attained liberation.
Satyavrata is none other than the one who leads a chaste life. He was doing ablutions in the river Krutamala. The endless good acts stand for Krutamala. The ablutions mean the sacrifice of one while performing benevolent acts.
"Noble deeds that are concealed are most esteemed" said Pascal.
One who sacrifices himself while performing karma is dear to the Lord. That is the fish that entered the palms of Satyavrata who dropped the fish with water into the river. While performing good deeds, one should not give up devotion. The fish did not want him to drop it into the water. Similarly we should not leave devotion in the endless stream of worldly matters.
Satyavrata placed the fish in his handheld vessel. That means devotion was confined to the body only. Devotion should expand but not contract. Next it grew from the mind that is symbolized by the pot to the intellect symbolized as a lake. The devotion one has spreads from his body to others for larger good. It then attains unlimited growth and spreads over the entire world. This is what the ocean symbolizes.
When entering the ocean, the fish told him about the cataclysm seven days hence. This is the seventh step in yoga which is meditation. Since meditation means an end to worldly thoughts, just as everything is flooded during cataclysm, the illusion of the mind will cease and in the meditative state it will merge in the infinite bliss.
Sandilya Upanishad said"When desires cease, the mind subsides leading upto the severance of worldly bonds"
The meditative state that is free from perturbation leads to samadhi. It is possible for meditation to break. Then one collects the good thoughts like herbs and seeds, joins the company of noble people, sits in a boat called meditation, and travels in bliss. Like the wind that moves the boat, influenced by memories from the past, meditation can go awry. The ego in the subtle form is responsible. In those difficult times, one should surrender the ego called Vasuki to the Lord called the fin so that the boat of meditation will keep going. From then on Lord's mercy will steer our lives.
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