Thursday, April 25, 2024
Contents
Introduction
TopThe third skanda is like Lord's thigh. When we sit, thighs are important. This skanda sets the course for a Bhagavata reader.
This skanda eminently describes the association with ascetics. The conversation between Uddhava and Maitreya paints the picture of Lord's kindness. Kapila's words to his mother Devahuti are time immemorial. The events happening at the time of birth and death are described. Also the importance of devotion is emphasized
Diti succumbed to carnal pleasure and conceived an asura called Hiranyaksha. In contrast Devahuti conquered her lust and delivered the ascetic Kapila. These two characters show the difference between selfishness and lack of it.
Pareekshit requested Sri Suka to convey the conversation between Vidura and Maitreya. Sri Suka started the discourse by saying a few words about Vidura. The Lord Sri Krishna went to Kaurava court as a messenger of Pandavas. There Duryodhana arranged a lavish dinner. But the Lord preferred to dine with Vidura at his house even though he never invited the Lord. The Lord considered Vidura's humble abode as his own.
Dhrutarashtra favored his children over Pandavas by violating dharma. He tried to kill Pandavas by setting their abode on fire. Selfishness and greed will make a person perform evil deeds. He watched in pleasure as his son Dussasana tried to disrobe Pandavas' wife Draupadi. As she cried like a deer caught in the jaws of a tiger, Dhrutarashtra did not intervene. A sinner basks in the sinful acts. He won't perform good deeds even when opportunity presents itself. An unrestrained sinner redoubles in performing sinful acts. The noble people develop patience with persistence.
Vidura told Dhrutarashtra in Maha Bharata "For evil people violence is the strength. Patience is the strength of noble people"
By cheating in the game of dice, Dhrutarashtra sent Pandavas to forest. After fulfilling the conditions, when Pandavas wanted their share of the kingdom, he flatly refused. An immoral person traverses an immoral path. He won't like to take the main street. Like a patient who refuses good medicine, a sinner rejects good counsel.
Pandavas sent Sri Krishna as the messenger to Kaurava court. The Lord gave sound advice. But the Kauravas rejected the Lord's pleadings.
The Lord's words pleased Bhishma but for the sinners among the Kauravas including Dhrutarashtra his words didn't impress them.
When one rejects the Lord's words, the Lord will reject his home. A home rejected by the Lord is no home but a cemetary. Everyone will stay away from that home. No one will seek to dine in such a place.
A home where Kesava is not revered, is unfit to visit. One should not accept even a lavish dinner there.
Even though Kauravas arranged a lavish dinner for Sri Krishna, he rejected it and went to Vidura's house unnvited. This shows the magnanimous persona of Vidura.
Vidura means one with good attributes. Sulabha was his wife. They were staunch devotees of the Lord. Vidura and Sulabha led a spiritual life. They praised the Lord all the time and focused their minds on the Lord. They ate sparingly when they were hungry. A glutton invites disease. When one conquers his sense of taste, the taste for paramatma will grow.
Vidura came to know that Sri Krishna would visit Kaurava court as a messenger of Pandavas. His joy was boundless. Whoever longs to meet paramatma, his mind will be eager and expectant. He will be noble and purified when the wish comes true.
The common people love to visit a friend who cooks a tasty meal and arrive at his doorstep hours in advance. When there is a new picture released in the town, they make every effort to watch it. Some people will do anything to be wanderlust. They want novelty in their senses. But the same kind of enthusiasm can't be found when it comes to the Lord. They make several excuses for not visiting a temple or performing a pooja.
Vidura felt the Lord was visiting Hastinapura for his sake. He thought meeting himself was more important to the Lord than visiting Kaurava court. An ardent devotee should be confident about his faith. He should strongly believe that the Lord will visit him one day.
Those who can't meet the Lord, concentrate their mind and intellect on the Lord in deep meditation. To please his devotees, the Lord will walk to their homes. When devotees because of old age or disease can't visit the temples, the Lord is brought to their homes in many temple towns (called "utsava vigraha"). There is no end to the love of the Lord for his devotees.
Sulabha and Vidura offer whatever they eat first to the Lord. When we offer whatever we consume with persistence and perseverance, the Lord will definitely appear one day and accept the offering in person. Lord Panduranga was known to have visited his staunch devotee Namadeva and accepted his offering in recent times.
"Dear, will Vasudeva accept our offering?" asked Sulabha. To which Vidura said "Sulabha, the Lord favors his devotees. He is sure to visit our home. But we are indigent. We don't have the means to honor the Lord. Duryodhana will serve exotic dinner to the Lord. What can the Lord be served in our poor home except fruits and vegetables? So I think it is best if the Lord dines in Kaurava palace."
"What can we give to the Lord who is providing sustenance to the whole world? We can only offer our devotion. We will do namaskara and wash his feet" said Sulabha.
The Lord arrived at Hastinapura. The truce he proposed was rejected by the Kauravas. Lord said he wouldn't dine with non-believers. He came to Vidura's house uninvited. He blessed the couple and ate the banana peels Sulabha gave him in error. The Sulabha-Vidura couple ate the banana fruit as a holy offering.
We have to offer food to the Lord first and later consume it. The Lord will grace such devotees by visiting them one day. Such people will be free from conceit and will remain pure in their hearts.
Padma Purana said "After washing the feet of the Lord, spraying the wash water with holy basil on the offering to the Lord, and then consuming it is equivalent to performing a million yagnas".
Sulabha and Vidura after eating the offering became pure in heart and free from sorrow. They not only could end the sorrow, they were in a position to help others tide over their sorrow. But the recipient should be ready to receive such munificence.
With a deep understanding of the Pandavas, Sanjaya approached Dhrutarashtra. He explained Dharma Raja's uprightness and Duryodhana's evil plans. He left for that day saying he would have more to say the next day. Sanjaya's words disturbed Dhrutarashtra and made him lose sleep. He sent for Vidura. After arriving, Vidura shared his wisdom with Dhrutarashtra.
Gems in the Ocean of Bharata
TopThe epic Bharata is called the fifth veda. There are three shining gems in it. The first one is the discourse of Sanat-Sujata in Udyoga parva. The second one is the Bhagavad Gita in the Bhishma parva. And the third one is the Vishnu Sahasra Nama in Anusaasanika parva. Adi Sankara wrote commentary for all of these.
The immoral Dhrutarashtra couldn't understand dharma. So Vidura gave him wisdom in simpler terms.
Dhrutarashtra said "Vidura, Sanjaya after meeting with Dharma Raja came to me. He said tomorrow he would tell me what Dharma Raja said to him. I am worried about what he will say. My body is losing strength. I am very depressed"
"I am unable to sleep. My body is ill. I am losing optimism. You know all about dharma. Please enlighten me so that I can rest in peace" said Dhrutarashtra. Vidura told him the reasons for sleeplessness.
"A helpless poor man bullied by a wealthy man, one who lost all of his wealth, one with lust, and a thief can't sleep well. You are not one of them, are you?"
Sinners won't be able to sleep at night. Their sins will be haunting them. Can a sinner who can't sleep at night, meditate? Sins torment the sinner during meditation also. That's why people aspiring for Lord's grace should avoid sin. Only people with good character can receive the Lord's grace.
Vidura understood Dhrutarashtra's sorrow. The king was being tormented by the memories of torture meted to Pandavas.
"O King, Pandavas survived the torture you have put them through. The best thing to do is to give them the kingdom. Bheema is looking for revenge. Your palace is replete with sin. The most auspicious Lord is with Pandavas. Please listen to me and give up the kingdom for Pandavas" said Vidura.
"O King, overcome the love you have for your sons. Is one who sends you to hell a son? One who brings infamy to your dynasty can't be your son. Your sons are like enemies living by your side" said Vidura.
There are four types of sons. The first one does service. The second type is an enemy. The third type is indebted. And the fourth one is neutral. In the previous life when we served someone, he would be reborn as a son in this life to clear the indebtedness. The serving type son brings comfort to the parents.
The second type of son is an enemy. The enemy in the previous life would be reborn as a son in this life. He brings sorrow to the parents. He will be antagonistic to parents and perform immoral acts. He rejoices when parents suffer. He will misuse wealth and bring infamy to the family. His behavior is detestable. If the parents are theists, he will be an atheist. He will reject whatever his parents suggest.
The third type of son is because of indebtedness. When in previous life one didn't clear the debt, the lender would be born as a son in this life to recover his loan. He will be a burden to the parents by collecting compound interest.
The third type of son is neutral. When parents are in trouble, he refuses to act. The parents in a previous life could have hurt someone with their neutral stance. He would be born to them in this life. He doesn't care for his parents' well being. He will lavishly provide gifts to his wife, but not to his mother. Even when he earns handsomely, he won't show any gratitude to his parents."
"O King, think wisely. Please give up the bias against Pandavas and the affection for your sons. Duryodhana resents the Lord. Because of him your mind is getting polluted. Your dynasty is reeling under infamy. Part with the detestable Duryodhana" said Vidura.
"O King, Dharma Raja has all the good qualities. He has an impeccable character. He is your well wisher. He will enhance the reputation of your dynasty. He has the qualification to rule the three lokas. He deserves your affection. He follows dharma. Even though you tortured him in various ways, he put up with it. Can a person struck with disease have happiness? When you are in the company of Duryodhaa, Dussasana, Sakuni and Karna, can you have peace?"
"O King, you shunned Pandavas who make you comfortable. Now you are losing sleep. Whoever listens to a woman or a child will sink like a boat made with stone. Please listen to me. To lose your well-wishers is akin to losing your fame" said Vidura.
Vidura's wisdom is found in the Udyoga parva of the epic Maha Bharata. In Bhagavata there was only a passing mention.
Vidura's Wisdom
Top
Vidura - 1st
A Pandit is one who has a pleasing voice, knows logic, can quote scripture where necessary, is wise, understands the context readily, helps those in need, refrains from bad deeds.
A fool is one who does not know scripture, builds castles in the air, acquires gold and valuables by immoral means, ignores his duties and carries out worldly matters to gain praise, is doubting always, delays the tasks that need to be performed on time, goes to someone's house uninvited, shows off his knowledge by answering without being asked, blames someone else for his sins.
One should not indulge in sumptuous dinner without company, travel alone, be awake when everyone is sleeping, think over important matters all by himself without consulting others.
There are two types of low lives: one is a householder without chores and the other is an ascetic who takes up several tasks. And there are two types that feel sorrow: a king who doesn't conquer all of his enemies and a scholar who left his home.
Thieves flourish because of our inattentiveness; doctors survive because of diseases and illness; prostitutes prosper because of immoral patrons; justices and lawyers make a living because of disputes; because of the ignorant scholars have a purpose.
The testimonials of one who is a drunkard, careless, mad, tired, wrathful, hungry, imperfect in doing tasks, greedy, afraid for his life, lustful are void.
One has to use intellect to understand the difference between real and ephemeral. One who uses common sense to determine what is real; refrains from luxuries; leads a balanced life (sama, dama, uparati, titeeksha, sraddha, samadhana, etc.); strives for salvation is in a position to control lust, anger and covetousness. One should conquer the five senses and refrain from lecherousness, rage, ego, jealousy, covetousness, desires. One should also stay away from addiction to prostitutes, alcohol, gambling, hunting animals, covetousness for others' wealth, garnering wealth that is more than necessary, speech that is laced with rage and hatred.
Vidura - 2nd
By befriending sinners one who has not sinned also will be punished. The fire from dry wood also burns the wet wood. So it is best to not befriend sinners.
The food one eats should be tasteful; digestible; healthful; consumed in a comfortable place.
One who brings joy to the world with his vision, mind, words, actions will be respected by all. One should not carry out works that can never be completed
Like a bee that sucks nectar from flowers without damaging them, the king should collect taxes from his subjects.
Vidura - 3rd
With light it is possible to see objects in darkness; with experience dharma is known; with transaction character is known; valor is known in a battle; steadfastness is known during trying times; friends and foes are known at the time of need.
By performing good deeds wealth is accumulated. With skill, wealth grows. With capability wealth is retained. With pride everything is lost.
To sleep well at night all the arrangements need to be made beforehand. To tide over the rainy season, effort should be made when the weather is good. To lead a comfortable life at old age, one has to work from a young age. To attain salvation one has to persist all of life.
Old age distorts the body. Greed removes courage. Death takes away life. Jealousy obscures acts that are conducive to dharma. Anger strips wealth. Service to low lives spoils character. Lust overpowers shame. Favoritism destroys everything.
Vidura - 4th
When one doesn't talk back to the people blaming him, the accusers burn in hell. He will also inherit the accuser's good karma.
A vehicle, even if small, can carry a huge load. Trees cannot do that. The noble ones can shoulder big responsibilities. Some may seem noble, but cannot do that.
Because of offspring beauty is diminished; strength wanes; knowledge shrinks; disease can occur; the anticipated result may not come; body will be under fire; enemies rejoice. So there is no need for sorrow.
Riches don't come to one who is constantly wavering, ignorant, controlled by the senses like ducks that don't gather around dry lakes.
Vidura - 5th
Vedas say men live to be hundred. Then why are we dying prematurely? The causes are: pride, talkativeness, sinful ways, hatred, selfishness, cheating.
When sinners scheme something and ask for one's opinion, he should not reject it outrate or condemn them as untrustworthy. One should make an excuse and leave their company.
One should not live with overconfidence after creating enmity with a powerful one.
Vidura - 6th
One with flaws berating his friends and relatives who are free from laws is like one who lacks sleep with a poisonous snake in his house.
One should not trust the unworthy. One should not trust too much the trustworthy. The fear emanating from too much trust will destroy him.
When elders are approaching, a youth's prana will exit; when the youth offers a namaskara to the elders, his prana will return.
Women are worthy of worship. They are cause for celebration. They are free from deadly sins. They light up the house. They are like the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. One should protect them.
Vidura - 7th
Even the wise words go waste when the audience won't grasp the meaning or won't act accordingly.
Modesty will erase unpopularity; valor will remove sin; patience will destroy hatred; following custom will remove bad character.
Put succinctly, dharma is not doing unto others what one doesn't want others to do unto him. Living according to one's whims is not dharma.
"O King, billionaires are living happily; millionaires are living comfortably. So leave greed for more wealth. There are several ways to live happily"
Vidura - 8th
Fire cannot be put out with wood. With river water an ocean can't be filled. The god of death, Yama, is not satisfied with merely a few sinners. A prostitute won't be satisfied with fewer men.
Like birds that abandon a tree devoid of fruit, the dead body is abandoned by friends and relatives. The fire will consume the corpse and the dead man's wealth will be enjoyed by others.
Jiva is like a river. The water in it is his good karma. The river originates in Brahma Deva. Valor is its banks. Kindness is its waves. The one who swims in it will be free from sins.
One clamoring for comfort can't gain knowledge. A scholar will have very little comfort. For comfort one has to give up knowledge. Vice-versa.
Thus, Vidura shared his wisdom with Dhrutarashtra. When will we know the result of a discourse? We will know it when the audience follows the advice. Dhrutarashtra's mind didn't transform with the wisdom of Vidura. Does it mean Vidura's wisdom is useless? Not at all. If a seed doesn't sprout, can we say rain is to blame? When one is dying with disease, should he not take medicine? One has a choice to accept or reject advice. Vidura's wisdom didn't apply to just the King. It was meant for everyone. The uncouth reject good advice and invite troubles.
Dhrutarashtra said "Vidura, you always have been teaching me. But as soon as I think of Duryodhana my mind turns away from your teachings. No one can change fate. Struggling against it is waste of time. Whatever may come, I won't leave Duryodhana".
After hearing about Vidura's advice, Duryodhana was enraged. He started abusing him.
"Vidura, you are impure in the heart. You are only a son of a maid. Your teaching is not welcome here. You are biting the feeding hand and helping the enemies", said Duryodhana and banished Vidura from his kingdom.
Vidura did not reply back to Duryodhana's abuse. He lived up to his teaching. Only when following our own advice to others, will it be adopted by others.
Vidura felt it was Lord Krishna's will that he part ways with Kauravas. That's why the Lord made him say those words to Dhrutarashtra.
Kauravas lost their chance to be saved with Vidura's parting. He left Hastinapura on a pilgrimage.
People out of their good fortune get the opportunity to serve a noble man. As soon as their fortune diminishes, they distance the noble man.
After driving away Vibheeshana, Ravana perished. By kicking out Vidura, Duryodhana lost his kingdom. God won't forgive those who insult the noble men. People receiving the counsel of the wise are being protected by the paramatma.
Meeting Of Vidura and Udhava
TopVidura went on a pilgrimage all by himself. He was roaming leading a simple life without frills. He spent most of his time in meditation. After visiting many holy sites, he arrived at Prabhasa. Like the fire born in the bamboo shoots that burns the whole forest, all of his relations perished in the Kurukshetra war. Hearing the news he was in sorrow. Then he went to the banks of river Saraswati.
Saraswati Devi is an embodiment of knowledge. Karma results in discomfort which results in sorrow. A heart in sorrow will be purified by knowledge. From Saraswati river banks Vidura went to the banks of River Yamuna. There he met Uddhava.
The meeting between devotees will be amazing. The fortunate ones meet devotees during pilgrimage. He hugged Udhava and was elated to see him. He asked Uddhava about Sri Krishna and his cohorts.
During pilgrimage one has to perform rites and stick to devout life. One should not mix up with business transactions. If by fortune one meets devotees, one has to listen to stories about the Lord narrated by them. One has to gain knowledge about the Lord and his cohorts.
Vidura enquired about Lord. On hearing the mention of the Lord, Uddhava became elated. He couldn't at first respond. Uddhava was a staunch Sri Krishna devotee right from his childhood.
Sri Suka said, "O King Pareekshit, right from his childhood Udhava focused his mind on the Lord. He even neglected his personal needs to be in communion with the Lord".
"O King, since he was five years old, Uddhava had been worshipping the Lord as he was playing with him. When his mother called out to eat, he wouldn't go. He found no taste in the food while meditating on the Lord" said Sri Suka.
People who can recognize a divine person at a young age are fortunate. Adolescent gopas treated Sri Krishna like their own and used to play with him. But Uddhava was aware that Sri Krishna was the Lord. When he used to be alone with Sri Krishna he would hold Lord's feet and ask "When will you grant me salvation, Mukunda? When will you bless me?"
When not playing with gopas, he would worship the lord to entertain himself. He would forget to eat. Some people go on fast to focus on the Lord. When one forgets about the food while chanting Lord's names, then it will be real fast. Uddhava used to do that.
When Vidura enquired about Sri Krishna, Uddhava's heart jumped with joy. He was speechless. His eyes watered. Tears ran down his face. Unable to respond, he didn't say a word. Vidura understood the devotion of Uddhava to the Lord.
After some moments, Uddhava recognized Vidura. Wiping his tears he started speaking.
"Vidura, this world is strange. Like the moon born in the milky ocean was not recognized by the fish in the ocean, Yadavas didn't recognize the divinity of Sri Krishna. Who can conquer maya? They thought of him as a superior but not as the savior of the world. How unfortunate!" said Uddhava.
"I heard them say Sri Krishna is their relative. He is a yadava. I also heard Sisupala's harsh words against Sri Krishna. It is impossible to overcome maya. Our Lord Sri Krishna, spread love among the gopas and gopikas with his amazing feats. He regaled with his comic acts. But they couldn't grasp his divine love. They roamed in pride. Seeing this, the Lord left Vrajapura. Gopikas cried like birds without shelter. The Lord loves all equally. When devotees don't feel it and respond to it, he will retract love from them" said Uddhava.
"Vidura, Lord Krishna revealed himself to the ones who don't do penance and who can never be satisfied. When they didn't grasp that, he retracted and disappeared"
"Vidura, the escapades of the Lord are not discernible by common folks. He is an ocean of love. He is the elixir personified."
"He said that out of fear for Kamsa, he couldn't serve his parents Devaki and Vasudeva. He sought their forgiveness. Do you see Vidura that the Lord's love is unbounded?"
"Vidura, after destroying Kamsa, Sri Krishna approached Ugrasena with folded hands like a servant and urged to take over the kingdom. On seeing the incident we were distraught."
"Vidura, the Lord gave salvation to Pootana who tried to feed him poison. How can I praise him? I am paying my obeisance to Pootana and other demons that were killed by none other than the Lord. In my view they are fortunate for having been killed by the Lord."
"Our Lord Sri Krishna performed his miracles in the Vrajapura for eleven years. At one time he would cry like an ordinary lad. Yet at other times he would be happy with a smile. With the beautiful rendition of flute, he regaled the entire world."
"Vidura, the Lord mingled with the ordinary people like one among them. Very few people knew about his divinity. The end of people under maya has come. The Lord who protects the devotees arriving at his feet, decided to kill yadavas who walked in pride. He approached the banks of Sarswati. He sat under a tree and ordered me to go to Badarika ashram"
"Vidura, I understood what the Lord meant. So I stayed at the lotus feet of the Lord instead of going to Badarika ashram."
"Vidura, the Lord was leaning on an aswatha tree while sitting. He placed his right leg on the left thigh. He looked content. He appeared with dark skin; his eyes were peaceful; he had four hands; he wore silk robes. I was blessed to see the Lord's avatar".
"Vidura, at that time Vyasa's friend Maitreya rishi came. He offered namaskara to Lord. With jubilation he stood respectfully near the Lord. The Lord made small talk that is jovial and timeless."
The Lord said, "Uddhava, you persevered several lives to reach me. In this life you succeeded. This will be your last birth. My grace is fully upon you."
"Vidura, on hearing the Lord's sweet assurance, I was speechless. Then I prayed to the Lord."
"Lord, the ones whose heart is at your lotus feet can obtain everything they need. I don't need anything except serving at your feet" said Uddhava.
"Vidura, I asked Lord one boon. I told him if he thought I was qualified, he could give a discourse to me on the dharma of Bhagavata. The lotus eyed Lord granted my wish. Reflecting on it, I was on my way to Badarika ashram as Lord commanded me. On the way, I stopped at this holy site where Lord set his feet."
"Vidura, I am living with mixed feelings. Lord's appearance gave me bliss. At the same time, parting with him brought me grief. Mahatma, I am headed to Badarika ashram that is Lord's favorite" said Uddhava.
Vidura felt very sad upon hearing the end of Sri Krishna's avatar. He thought because of his misfortune he could not see or hear the discourse of the Lord.
"Mahatma, you are a blessed soul. Paramatma's benevolence has rained on you. You are the devotee of the Lord. I am your servant. Please kindly share the knowledge offered to you by the Lord" said Vidura.
"Vidura, you are no ordinary devotee. There is no one on the earth with higher devotion than you. Because the Lord remembered you, you are blessed." said Uddhava.
"Mahatma, what are you saying? Did the Lord think of me? Is this sinner still remembered by the Lord?" said Vidura in grief.
"Vidura, there is nothing special about devotees thinking about the Lord. Whereas, it is no ordinary matter when the Lord thinks about a devotee. As he was ending his avatar, Lord thought about you. Maitreya rishi arrived when the Lord was giving his discourse. He commanded Maitreya to share the knowledge he gave with you. You better hurry and find Maitreya to receive the knowledge" said Uddhava and left for Badarika ashram the next morning.
Paramatma is an ocean of love. He is accessible through love only. The actions carried out for him, won't go to waste. Vidura's devotion paid off. Paramatma thought about him. He used Maitreya like a tool to give salvation to Vidura. Even though Vidura offered banana peels to the Lord, at the end of the avatar Lord remembered him. Lord yields to devotion.
"O King Pareekshit, Vidura heard from Uddhava that the Lord remembered him on his way to Vaikuntha. Vidura after parting company with Uddhava reminisced over it and felt disturbed"
Sri Suka said: Lord thought "Uddhava is no less than me. He won't be perturbed by the senses. Worldly matters can't shake him. Let him stay in this world to spread devotion and knowledge to people forever".
Vidura's Meeting With Maitreya
TopVidura with a clean conscience met Maitreya maharshi on the banks of river Ganga. After pleasantries he asked:
"Mahatma, for pleasure people are performing karma. But through karma they are unable to attain bliss. Sorrow is not getting mitigated. How are the jivas in this world differentiated by their behavior and karma? The Lord had donned several forms to perpetuate this creation. Please enlighten me" said Vidura.
Maitreya said "Vidura, you are revered for receiving the grace of Sri Krishna. You asked an excellent question that is applicable to all life forms. This will make your fame last forever. You are the favorite disciple of Sri Krishna. On his way to Vaikuntha the Lord had directed me to enlighten you. Your birth secret itself is marvelous".
"In the past life you were actually the lord of death -- Yama. Because of a curse by a maharshi, you are born in this life as the son of a maid" said Maitreya.
Once thieves raided the palace of a king and ran away with valuables. The security guards chased them. As the guards were gaining on them, without recourse, the thieves entered the ashram of Mandavya maharshi and threw away the valuables they stole. The guards arrived at the ashram and suspected the maharshi stole the valuables. They imprisoned him and brought him to the king.
After concluding that the maharshi was the thief, the king ordered him to be put to death. No matter how many tries the guards made, they couldn't kill him. Who can punish a noble man? The king realized his mistake. He fell on the feet of Mandavya maharshi and sought forgiveness. The maharshi agreed to forgive the king but not the god of death. "Why did you punish me for a crime I have not committed?" said the maharshi to the lord of death.
The lord of death was frightened. He said "When you were a child, you tortured insects".
The maharshi said "When an adolescent commits a sin, then he should be given a nightmare as punishment. But you punished me when I was awake. I curse you to be born as a son of a maid". Thus Yama was born as the Vidura.
Mandavya maharshi was noble. That's why he could curse even the lord of death who harvests the sinners. Truth is very potent. Anyone should stand in respect in front of noble men. "What is my sin?" asked the maharshi boldly.
Maitreya began answering Vidura's question. He mentioned the creation and how the non-dual paramatma created a world of duality.
Paramatma is non dual. Using maya he created the world. The five basic elements in subtle form, the three gunas, the five elements in gross form, the senses were employed to create gross forms and bodies. Then Maitreya talked about cause-effect and that the primary objective of man is to overcome maya and discover paramatma.
Those surrendering on the feet of the Lord receive peace of mind. Lord's feet are sacred even for the sacred Ganga. People who surrender at the lotus feet of the Lord would be revered. Because of I-mine feelings the ignorant are stuck in ego and bondage. They are unable to discern the paramatma who manifested in everything.
Yogis control the wavering mind and try to attain paramatma. This is not an ordinary task. Devotees surrendering at the lotus feet of the Lord overcome the delusion. Then Maitreya talked about Lord's grace.
"Vidura, I will share the knowledge I gained from my guru about Lord's grace as much as my intellect allows. This way I can cleanse myself for using my tongue to talk about things other than the Lord" said Maitreya.
Maitreya was a noble soul. He had the good fortune to listen about the grace and grandeur of the Lord in front of a guru. Lord's fame is indescribable. The guru describing such fame was noble. Only fortunate ones can remember the words of such a guru.
The spreading of guru's knowledge among the ignorant is a noble act. The gift of knowledge is unparalleled. In Bhagavad Gita the Lord said people who spread knowledge about him are his favorites.
Just as water flows from higher ground to lower, knowledge won't last in the egoistic people and will remain stable in the hearts of noble men. Maitreya's humble words show the beauty of his heart. To cleanse his body and mind of flaws, he said, he was going to give discourse about the Lord's grace.
Just as the body is cleansed with water, the talk about things unrelated to the Lord can be purified by praising the Lord. Those who talk incessantly on things unrelated to the Lord are not blessed. Devotees should not use harsh words. If by mistake they did use harsh words, they should chant Lord's names. Thus, they have to cleanse their talk as paramount duty. When we recite Lord Hari's names, the tongue won't indulge in bad talk. Just as water can't wet a lotus leaf, devotees of the Lord are free from sin.
"Vidura, praising Lord's grace should be the primary purpose of speech".
"Vidura just as praising the Lord is the primary purpose of the speech, listening to Lord's praise is the primary purpose of hearing".
"Mahatma, there are no gunas or attributes in the Lord. How did he acquire the gunas and karma in avataras? How did the Lord create this world? Some say it is his play and others say it is to show his escapades. Children play as that is natural to them. How can the Lord, ever satisfied, indulge in play?" said Vidura.
"Jiva is an embodiment of knowledge. How can a pure jiva be ignorant? When paramatma is all pervading, why do some people feel sad? Why are some people in grief? O omniscient rishi, my ignorance is perturbing my mind. Please clear my doubts" said Vidura. Maitreya said bondage is not real.
"Vidura, in dream, say, someone is decapitated. During the dream, that person will think of it as real. When he is awake he will realize it is all false. In a similar vein, jiva thinks bondage is real"
"In dream sleep the images are perceived as different from us. In reality, the mind is the seer and the seen. The mind can't be different from the one experiencing the dream"
Kaivalya Upanishad said "Jiva is experiencing happiness and sorrow in the dreams with his self-created maya world".
For the duration of the dream it will be real. After waking up both the dream and the events in the dream are discerned as unreal. Similarly one who conquers maya realizes that the world without maya doesn't exist. Bondage is due to the mind.
"Vidura, moon light reflects from water. When the water is in motion, we perceive the reflection of the moon as shaking. We then think the moon itself is shaking even though that is not true. Similarly in a pure jiva there are no sorrow and desire."
"The shaking is in the reflection only but not in the moon. Similarly sorrow and desire are because of maya and not due to the pure self."
"There is only one moon in the sky. Whereas there are multiple reflections of it in the bodies of water. Even though the Lord is non-dual he is seen in multiple bodies as differentiated."
Atmabindu Upanishad says "The multiplicity of jivas gives the impression that each of them has its own self. In fact, they all share the same self, just as there is only one moon with multiple reflections in bodies of water".
Jiva should get rid of such ignorance. With devotion it is possible to overcome ignorance. By praying to Sri Krishna, the eternal witness of everything, like a person in deep sleep is devoid of sorrow, one will live in bliss.
Vidura, satisfied with Maitreya's discourse said "Mahatma, your eminent discourse cut my doubts like a sword. I realized that the Lord is independent and we are dependent on him. Any doubts in this regard are unworthy"
"O great sage, I learnt the world without maya is void. By serving at your feet, I will experience it. Because of the association with devotees like yourself, the desire to see Sri Krishna accentuates. The bondage will disappear. Mahatma, with your discourse you made me blissful. Please tell me about the various forms of the Lord. Please tell me how to receive the grace of the Lord and how to satisfy him" said Vidura.
The Birth of The Creator
Top"Vidura, I am giving a discourse on the most sacred Bhagavata Purana. To dispel the ignorance of people experiencing ephemeral happiness and grief, this Bhagavata was told. It was told by Sankarshana to Sanatkumara. Sanatkumara told this to Saankhyayana maharshi. Saankhyayana maharshi told it to my guru Parasara maharshi. I was told by my guru. Because you are very attentive and receptive, I am telling you" said Maitreya.
Lord Narayana, after sleeping in cosmic waters for thousands of yugas, desired to create and extended his vision to subtle bodies. The subtle bodies were arranged like petals of a lotus flower. It made the water shine like the sun. Lord Vishnu entered the lotus. Then the four-faced Brahma came out of the lotus. He was self-created
Nothing was seen by Brahma seated on the lotus. He moved his head in all directions and still saw nothing. He did not understand who he was nor did he know anything about the lotus.
Brahma Deva thought "Who am I sitting on this lotus? How could this lotus float without support? There has to be something to support it." Then he entered the root of the lotus. He found himself surrounded by cosmic water. Eventually he reached Lord Narayana's knavel. Then he waited. This took several hundreds of years. He returned to the top of the lotus and did penance for a hundred years. The Lord appeared in his prayer. Brahma Deva saw the Lord in his heart.
When Brahma Deva opened his eyes the Lord was nowhere to be seen. As he closed his eyes and started penance, the Lord reappeared. Bliss should come from within but not from an external cause.
Pancha Brahma Upanishad said "In the lotus of the heart there is sky. That is the form of Siva. That is sat-chit-ananda. People seeking salvation should search for it."
Brahma Deva saw the Lord resting in cosmic water on the coils of a serpent called Adi Seshu whose thousand hoods covered him like an umbrella. The gems on the Lord's crown shone like thousand suns dispelling darkness.
Brahma Deva saw the lotus on Lord's knavel, cosmic waters, winds and sky and nothing else. With an intent to create, he praised the Lord.
"O Lord, I was able to see you after hundreds of years of penance. Whatever I see is not apart from you. You are non-dual. You transcend the creation. I surrender to you".
"O auspicious one, your staunch devotees imbibe the perfume from your lotus feet brought by the wind of vedas. People surrendering at your feet are not afraid of the grief resulting from wealth, house and relatives. Those who can't praise your names that bring auspiciousness and remove sorrow are unfortunate by getting caught in the whirlwind of worldly matters."
"O supreme, you favor your devotees. You appear in the form worshipped by them and offer them boons."
"O Lord, you are within all the five basic elements. You are the one and only relative to the entire world. You are mean to those who hate you and kind to your devotees. Even though you are most sought of by the Devas, you don't fulfill all of their desires."
"O Lord, you are the Self. You are the paramatma. You offer refuge to all. You don avataras. Please grant me the power to create based on the earlier creation. Protect me so that I won't get attached to the creation. When I recite vedas at the time of creation please ensure that there are no mistakes. O Kind Lord, please think about me. Please give me the opportunity to listen to your pleasing voice" said Brahma Deva.
Thus praising the Lord, Brahma Deva fell silent. After pooja we should remain silent for some time. It is not correct to jump into worldly matters soon after pooja. Then only the fruit of the pooja can be obtained.
Lord Madhusoodana was propitiated. He commanded Brahma Deva to begin creation.
"O embodiment of Veda, get over your grief. Do penance once more. Thereby you will see my grace. You will see me in everything of your creation. Not only that, all of your creation within me will be visible to you" said the Lord.
Those who see the Lord in all beings, like the fire hidden all over the wood, will renounce their desires.
"O Brahma Deva, despite creating various jivas, I will protect you from getting enamored by them. I am your cause. Keep your mind focused on me and you will succeed in creation" said the Lord.
Lord said "Brahma Deva, in the embodied beings I am the self. In the most cherished object the most wanted and purest form is myself. Because of me, physical body looks appealing. Hence love me alone".
Thus Lord Narayana blessed Brahma Deva and disappeared. Later Brahma Deva began the creation process.
At first Brahma Deva created lethargy. Later he created desire and hatred. They enamored him. So he became dissatisfied. Then he did penance and created four sons Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanaatana and Sanatkumaara. He commanded them to carry on creation. But they were not interested as they were ascetics.
Brahma Deva was enraged. The rage caused a child to be born from his eyebrows. He was called Rudra. Brahma Deva commanded Rudra to carry on with creation.
Rudra created a world where the rudras born started destroying the creation. This perplexed Brahma Deva. He said "Rudra, because rudras are destructive, the creation is topsy turvy. Don't do it again. Do penance and do a creation that is auspicious."
Rudra went to the forest to do penance. Obsessed with creation, Brahma Deva conceived ten children called: Mareechi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulastva, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrugu, Vasishta, Daksha and Narada.
From Brahma Deva's four faces the four vedas originated. Indra and other Devas emanated from his body. Even then he was not satisfied. He thought the Lord did not favor him. As he was thinking he divided into two.
From the two halves a man and a woman originated. The man was Swayambhuva Manu and the woman was Sataroopa.
Swayambhuva Manu and Sataroopa had five children. Among them Priyavrata and Uttanapada were sons; Akooti, Devahooti and Prasooti were daughters.
Akooti was married to a rishi called Ruchi; Devahuti married Kardama and Prasooti was given to Daksha. From them the creation grew manifold.
Varaha Avatar
TopAddressing Brahma Deva, Swayambhuva Manu said "Father, you gave us birth. You sustain us. You are dear to us. We are your children. Please tell us how we should serve you".
Brahma Deva said, "Son, may auspiciousness come to you. Conceive good progeny. Rule the land as per dharma. Please the devas with yagna. Keep people happy".
Manu said "O father, the domicile for me and the people in the form of earth is immersed in cosmic waters. If you can make it come out, then I will definitely carry out your orders."
Brahma Deva did not know how to retrieve the earth submerged in cosmic waters. As he was brooding over it, a child in the form of a boar came out of his nostrils. Soon the child grew to the size of an elephant. Brahma Deva was mystified. The boar grew to the size of a mountain and made a sound that reverberated all over the world. Then the boar entered the cosmic waters.
As the boar entered, the cosmic water split into two. The god of the cosmic water was frightened and prayed "Deva, please protect me". The boar swimming in the cosmic waters arrived at Rasatala. There he saw the earth. Then he lifted the earth with his tusks.
As he was bringing the earth, a demon called Hiranyaksha attacked him. Like a lion killing an elephant, Varaha, in the form of a boar, destroyed Hiranyaksha. Brahma Deva, recognizing the boar as the Lord, praised him with mantras.
"O Lord in the form of yagna and veda, prostrations to you. Your fame is amazing. All the vedas are in your hair follicles. The grammar is in your skin. Your hair has fire. In your eyes there is the ghee to pour in the yagna fire. In your trunk there are utensils used for yagna. In your eyes there are utensils used to store soma. Your mastication is the fire rising from the pit during yagna. Your body parts are in the forms of various yagnas. You give us knowledge. You take care of your devotees. Your grace is indescribable and unlimited. Salutations to you" said Brahma Deva and rishis.
Sri Suka told Pareekshit: Vidura asked Maitreya "Maharshi, why did the battle between the Lord and Hiranyaksha happen? Who is Hiranyaksha? Why did Varaha kill him? Plese elaborate on this".
Varaha is an auspicious name. Vara means exalted. Aham means day. So Varaha means an auspicious day. That implies the day on which enlightenment takes place. As knowledge like Varaha manifested, the ignorance like Hiranyaksha was destroyed just as when sun rises darkness is dispelled.
Maitreya said "Vidura, you asked an excellent question. This topic is like amrit that overpowers death. Dhruva who learnt about the Lord Vishnu's miracles, eventually went to Vishnu Loka. The subject of your question was discussed by Brahma Deva and other Devas. I overheard it".
Diti's Conception
TopKasyapa, the son of maharshi Mareechi, had two wives: Diti and Aditi. Aditi had children but not Diti. Diti wanted children. Diti means duality which raises many desires. Aditi means non-dual. Aditi's children were of good character. Aditi experienced all forms as her own.
One evening Kasyapa was performing a yagna to propitiate Lord Vishnu. At that moment Diti had a desire to have children. She was feverish with lust. She was being tortured by cupid Manmatha's arrows. Dressing up herself she tried to woo her husband.
Kasyapa was in meditation. Diti approached her husband with romantic thoughts and said "O famous one, like a mad elephant that attacks a plantain tree, Manmatha is tormenting me with his arrows. I am in grief after watching Aditi enjoying with her children. Please remove my sorrow by making me pregnant. A woman who begets a child like you, will be worshipped by everyone".
"O holy one, the husband of a chaste wife is reborn as the son. Like a lamp that lights another, even if it has a single wick, will shine as two lamps. Mahatma, one with lotus-like eyes, please fulfill my desires. The prayers made in front of a Mahatma won't go waste. Please grant me the gift of motherhood" said Diti.
Kasyapa understood the torment Manmatha had unleashed in Diti. He said "Dear, I will definitely fulfill your wish. It is the dharma of a husband to satisfy his wife. A wife is chaste by assisting her husband following dharma. Her needs are of paramount importance to the husband. Because of you my fame redoubled. I can't forget the good that has come to me because of you. It is the dharma of a couple to beget children. Even though I can't bear and deliver a child, I have the capability to impregnate you."
"Dear, it is my dharma to satisfy you. When you deliver a child and feel happy, I too am rejoiced. If you get fame because of your children, I too will be happy. However, if you become unpopular, I will feel sorrow. If people blame you, I experience grief. So please listen to me. You have to wait for some time. This is evening with the sun setting in the west" said Kasyapa.
"Dear, this is not an auspicious time to mate. Iswara with his retinue will be traveling in the sky. It is a sin to mate at this time. Please heed my word. Wait for a few hours. I will then fulfill your desire" said Kasyapa.
Evening is ideal for pooja. At that time both the sun and the moon won't be bright. While the sun will be setting, the moon will be rising. Moon is the god for mind and sun is the god for intellect. So both mind and intellect will be on low key in the evening. At that time lust will be tormenting the mind and intellect. Hence it is necessary to get Lord's help.Pooja should be done. It will drive away the darkness both in and out. By praising the Lord with like-minded people the mind and intellect have to be controlled.
These days pooja is done rarely. Hence spiritual progress is not being attained. People shut off doors and watch TV or go to movies and share fictitious stories about their happiness and sorrow. In the name of mental peace, they are being subjected to mental disorders.
We should be pure in the evening when the sun is setting. People who perform puja at that time will be praised.
Sankha smriti said "Eating, mating and sleeping should be refrained when the sun is setting".
On hearing Kasyapa's objections, Diti was sad. Her face turned gloomy.
"Dear, as Sankara will be observing the jivas as he passes by, at this moment it is better to be on his good side rather than making him unhappy. People who disrespect Eswara will get bad results. Some people make fun of him by saying he is roaming like a ghost."
Cemetery is his domicile. Begging is his occupation. To indicate that our bodies will end up as ash, he wears ash all over the body.
"Dear, the ignorant people think this body is permanent. They think the body is the self. They wear valuable ornaments to decorate their bodies that will one day turn into corpses and be eaten by wolves. They wear perfume too. This body needs to be controlled rather than cajoled" said Kasyapa.
Here mating is not prohibited. But mating at all times is prohibited. Maharshi Vatsyayana wrote about mating. If mating is prohibited why would Maharshi write it? Mankind will prosper when the insights of rishis, who looked inward within themselves for answers, are followed.
Vatsayana wrote "At the three junctions of morning, afternoon and evening, man and woman should not mate". People who follow the preachings of maharshis will be fortunate.
At the time of marriage lust is interlaced with dharma. A father will advice the groom thus:
"O groom, after the marriage you must share dharma, wealth and lust with the bride". Here not just wealth and lust have been mentioned. Without dharma they won't bear good results. Therefore, in pleasure seeking dharma should not be ignored.
The Lord said in Bhagavad Gita's Vignana Yoga "I am the lust in beings who follow dharma". So lust that is devoid of dharma will give bad results.
Kasyapa's advice was rejected by Diti. A wayward mind can't grasp dharma. A mind in motion can't absorb scripture. Diti behaved like a prostitute without heeding to her husband's words. She was shameless and decided to mate even though it was forbidden by the scripture. Kaspya had no choice but to acquiesce to her.
Later Kasyapa performed ablutions and recited Gayatri Devi's name. Diti came and stood nearby in shame.
Diti feeling remorseful said "Brahmarshi, I did a violation against the lord of beings and cattle. I rejected your advice. I am afraid the irate Rudra will spoil my pregnancy. Even the unkind people show kindness towards women. Siva is an embodiment of love. I am wholeheartedly praying to him seeking forgiveness."
"Diti, with lust you went wayward and dragged me into trouble with you. Because of your fault, you are going to conceive two demons" said Kasyapa. People who mate like animals will conceive demonic children. On hearing the words of Kasyapa, Diti felt grief.
"Diti, your two children kill the innocent people. They will imprison women. The will anger noble people. Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Nrusimha will annihilate your two sons" said Kasyapa. Diti was happy that her sons would be killed by none other than the Lord. With a dual mind self-introspection leading to truth will result in happiness.
"Diti, because of your fault, you have experienced sorrow. With remorse you became enlightened. Thereby you prayed to me, Sri Hari and Sankara. Because of your good deed, your son's son will become a great devotee and role model for others. He will be well known all over. He will be called Prahlada. He will be a noble person. He will conquer senses. Like the moon spreading cool light, he will alleviate the sorrow in the world" said Kasyapa. On hearing that her sons would be killed by Sri Hari and her grandchild would be a great devotee, Diti was satisfied. Soon she became pregnant.
The curse on Jaya-Vijaya by Sanaka
TopDiti was afraid that Devas would cause harm to the fetuses growing in her womb. So she was pregnant for a hundred years. As a result the world was being enveloped by darkness. The aura of Devas was getting diminished. Not knowing the reason, Devas approached Brahma Deva for help.
"Brahma Deva, you are all knowing. There is nothing you don't know. Because of Diti's pregnancy all of this world is remaining dark. Please help us" said Devas.
"Devas, my sons Sanaka et al, who are your predecessors, after renouncing worldly desires, went to Vaikuntha. Filled with joy, they went through the various gateways. At the seventh gateway there were two guards. As they were entering the seventh gateway, the guards blocked them" said Brahma Deva.
Sanka et al were naked because they gave up attachment to their bodies. People still attached to their bodies can't go to Lord's abode. Even though Sanaka et al were old, they looked like adolescents. Whose knowledge has matured, they act like children. Like children they don't express love-hate and will look innocent. As they are knowledgeable, they will remain humble.
Vaikuntha is Lord's abode. There ego, force, disrespect, and partiality shouldn't be expressed.
Vaikuntha means knowledge. Since Lord Narayana is an embodiment of knowledge, his abode is called Vaikuntha. At Vaikuntha display of ignorance is unwelcome. Ego and pompousness should be shed. When there is no discrimination by the Lord, there should be no discrimination while waiting to see him. Some temple priests discriminate among the devotees. Some devotees will be given flowers and others are ignored. The administrators running temples also partake in discrimination. Those who show discrimination in temples will be born as animals.
The following story is there in Ananda Ramayana. One day Rama and Lakshmana were walking. On the way they found a dog that was crying. Rama sent Lakshmana to find out the reason. Lakshmana approached the dog and asked the reason for crying. It showed a sanyasi and said he hit her.
Rama asked sanyasi why he hit the dog. Sanyasi said he felt so. Rama was disturbed because a sanyasi was one who severed his bonds with the world. Rama decided to punish him. He asked the dog what punishment should he give the sanyasi. The dog said that he be made a temple administrator.
Rama was mystified. He didn't understand why the dog, after being hit so badly by the sanyasi, was still kind to him. Rama asked the dog to clarify.
"Rama, you are omniscient. What is it that you don't know? In my previous life I was a temple administrator. Because of my faults, I am born as a dog and get beaten by all. Hence make that sanyasi a temple administrator" said the dog. So there shouldn't be bad behavior in temples. Everyone should be treated equally.
At the Vaikuntha gateway the guards blocked the sages from entering. They were disobedient to the paramatma. Those residing in temples and ashrams should be humble and obedient. They should show good behavior to the visitors. They should not be harsh. The visit to the holy site is because of good karma in the past life. People misusing the opportunity because of ego can't attain good birth. Impertinence leads to bad outcomes.
There should be equality in Vaikuntha where even Goddess Lakshmi would be ordinary. On earth everyone would be worshipping Lakshmi Devi. But in Vaikuntha she would humbly sit near the feet of the Lord Narayana. Lord's presence will inculcate humility and purity of mind.
Lord's serpent Adi Sesha and vehicle Garuda would fight outside Vaikuntha but remain as friends in Vaikuntha. There would be no discrimination in Vaikuntha. Sanaka et al were outraged by the behavior of the guards.
"Guards, you are incompetent. We will curse you to teach you a lesson. You will leave Vaikuntha and be born as lecherous beings with anger and covetousness."
The four sages who arrived at Vaikuntha can be interpreted as karma, devotion, yoga and knowledge. After crossing six gateways they were stopped at the seventh gate. The seventh gate is ego. Lust, anger, covetousness, desire, pride, jealousy are the six gateways. They were stopped at the seventh gate which stands for ego. Those who overcame all seven qualities, still clamor for fame. The guards Jaya-Vijaya, stand for craving for fame.
All the six qualities will spring even when ego is the only quality left, just as long as the root is in the ground, a plant will rise and grow.
Jaya-Vijaya were cursed for insulting the sages. Those who block the way of sadhus when visiting a temple will be born as demons. The curse given by devotees can't be erased even by the Lord. Jaya-Vijaya were frightened and fell on the feet of the sages begging forgiveness.
Jaya-Vijaya said "Sages, Saturn has entered into our lives. We received a dreadful curse. Please give us a way to come out of it. In whatever lives we will be born, please let us not lose the devotion to the Lord".
Even if life is full of sorrow, as long as we have devotion to the Lord we will be saved. If devotees lose in their lives, they will see progress in the afterlife. Experiencing difficulties won't mitigate them or put an end to them. On the contrary they multiply. When we recite the Lord's name the sorrow will be mitigated.
On hearing the commotion near the seventh gate, Lord Vishnu came to the gate. He saw the sages blocked by the Jaya-Vijaya.
Jaya-Vijaya stand for name and fame. When visiting the Lord fame and name block the way like a wall. Those who aspire for fame can't attain salvation. A devotee will be in illusion for as long as his fame is spreading. He will think none is superior to him. These mental states are Jaya-Vijaya. Like them when name and fame are cherished, they block realization of the Lord. Hence devotees should not aspire for name and fame.
Sanaka et al are noble. They conquered the seven bad qualities and crossed six gates. When they couldn't cross the seventh gate, Lord Vishnu himself arrived at the gate. The devotion to the Lord never goes to waste.
When the Lord makes an appearance, it's an exalted state. But if they could've gone past the seventh gate it would've been a far more exalted state. The appearance with gunas is desirable. Knowing the self without discrimination is far more desirable. For as long as ego persists there will be no stability of mind.
Lord came. He glanced at the rishis and guards kindly. The guards looked frightened.
Seeing the Lord the rishis went into meditation. He was wearing silk robes, garland of flowers, conch, mace, golden bracelet around his wrists, lotus in one hand. He placed one hand on the Garuda. His neck was adorned with Koustuba diamonds. His eyes were like lotuses. His lips were red. His smile was like a lily spreading warmth. His nails were adorned with red gems. He was the object of meditation. He was shining forth with his lustre. Seeing him the rishis went into deep meditation.
Sri Hari is not attainable by logicians but by devotees. The rishis were elated. They recited five slokas in praise of the lord.
Praising Lord Narayana
Top"Lord, even though you are resident in all jivas, you remain invisible to bad people. But you could not refrain from being gracious towards us. Because of your kindness, you appeared before us. Your son Brahma Deva told us about your grace. At that time, you entered us through ears."
Even though paramatma is supposed to be in all beings, he is not seen by the bad people like an owl that can't see in day time. Because of his grace, the Lord appears before us. To receive his grace, our hearts should be pure. For that we need knowledge. With lead in the ears, one can't listen to Lord's escapades.
"Lord, you appear before egoless, passionless devotees. People with ardent devotion can see paramatma. We realize that you are the creator. You bless your true devotees with bliss."
In the first sloka listening is shown prominently. In this sloka reciting Lord's name has been focused. Those reciting will be free from passion. As they renounce attachment to the body, they transcend ego and bondage. Without ego, true devotion will arise in the mind. Those with devotion are granted salvation by the Lord.
"Lord, your grace is supreme. It is worthy of praise. It is pure. Devotees who take refuge in your feet are able to attain bliss. Will they need the powerful Indra's job?"
After listening and recitation now meditation is emphasized. Just as food is cooked to be eaten, listening and recitation are about praising the Lord. Narada said in the Bhakti Sutra's that Lord would appear before those praising him. Experiencing Lord's grace is the objective of praising him. It fills the mind with good thoughts and grants the ability to see equanimously. This is the main objective of a jiva. People who long for seeing the Lord, don't want selfish desires to be fulfilled. They remain desire-less.
"Lord, let our minds be fixated on your feet. Let our thoughts turn into holy basil and rest on your feet. Let our ears listen to your avataras. This is enough for us. Even if we end up in hell, it is alright with us."
"Bees buzz around lotuses in search of nectar. Similarly our minds should praise the Lord by going around his feet. Bees ignore the thorns as they focus themselves on the nectar of flowers. Similarly we tried to ignore your guards and arrive at your presence. That may be a sin. We may get punished for it. But we did it to see you." Thus, Sanaka et al were praying to the Lord. They offered their senses and mind to paramatma.
Holy basil is not attractive. But when it is offered at Lord's feet it will shine forth. Similarly when one praises the Lord, he will attain resplendence like holy basil at Lord's feet. They will be endearing to all.
"Lord, you have very kindly appeared before us resulting in much happiness. People attached to worldly matters and senses can't see you. You are the paramatma. You gave an appearance before us. Our salutations to you."
In the fourth sloka, the rishis were talking about bodily senses, mind and intellect to be offered to paramatma. The resulting happiness has been mentioned in the fifth sloka.
The appearance of the Lord is like attaining salvation as it is the ultimate fruit of karma. The happiness derived from it is unlimited.
The mind wandering in worldly matters can't attain bliss. That's the reason some people don't derive happiness from self. The transcendental feeling can't be experienced by those subservient to their senses. Paramatma transcends speech and mind. Hence it is experiential knowledge that the rishis received.
Jaya-Vijaya by blocking the rishis showed their rudeness. Hence they needed to be born as demons. Sanaka et al were enraged at the Vaikuntha's seventh gate. That's why Lord came out with his consort Lakshmi Devi to greet them and deny entry into his inner abode.
Any fault made in the temples will turn into a sin. One should not discriminate inside temples. There should be no anger, loud talk or hatred. The temple property should not be stolen. Temples exist for devotees. So any faults towards the devotees should not be there. Paramatma can forgive faults towards him. But he won't tolerate disrespect shown to his devotees. Only devotees can forgive the fault doers. Everyone should show good behavior inside temples.
Satisfied with the prayer of Sanaka et al Lord Vishnu said "Rishis, my guards Jaya-Vijaya didn't follow my orders and rejected your entry. Rejecting you is the same as rejecting me. Hence the punishment you gave suits them. I consider the mistake made by them as my own. When servants make mistakes, it is akin to the master making mistakes. Just as a disease can strike the skin and disfigure one, servants destroy the good name of the master with their mistakes.
"O rishis, because of your ardent devotion, my fame has spread. The opponent to you is my opponent. Because of your worship at my feet, the dust from my feet has attained purity and in turn made those seeking refuge in my feet, pure."
"My guards erred with you. After going through your curse, please let them return to my abode" said the Lord.
Sanaka et al said "Lord, you are the ruler of all. You preside over the world. You are omnipotent. We are not understanding the part about showing kindness toward you. We punished your guards. If it is not reasonable, we agree with whatever punishment you give them. Even if you restore their esteem we won't disagree. We acted too soon. Please punish us for it. We will obey your command."
"These two guards will be born as demons immediately. Soon they will return to my abode" said the Lord. Praising the Lord, the rishis left Vaikuntha.
Lord said "Guards, be bold and move on. Let auspiciousness grace you. I can over-turn the curse given by the rishis. But it is not dharma. Without my command nothing will happen."
Lord said "Earlier when I was asleep in yoga, Lakshmi Devi went outside Vaikuntha. When she tried to re-enter you denied her entry. Enraged, she cursed you. The curse placed on you by the rishis is no different from it. You will be angry at me and reach my abode after getting released from the curse."
Brahma Deva said "Devas, Jaya-Vijaya entered Diti's womb and with Kasyapa's power they were growing. As their aura is increasing yours is waning. This is as per the Lord's wish. There is no need to worry. Paramatma will save you."
Birth of Hiranyaksha-Hiranyakasipu
TopFollowing her husband's wish Diti delivered the children after holding them in the womb for a hundred years. She gave birth to two sons. The elder of the two was named Hiranyakasipu and the younger one was named Hiranyakshu. There were several bad omens when they were born."
Earth quaked, mountains shook, wind was howling, oceans were rising. Without clouds there was thunder in the sky. Wolves were crying. Owls were hooting. Dogs were barking.
Donkeys in herds were kicking the earth. Without a cause trees were falling. With the birth of the two demons, nature was disturbed. Everyone in the path of bad people will have to suffer.
The children's bodies were as hard as stones. Harinyakasipu is symbolic of ego. Hiranyaksha is symbolic of selfishness. Ego and selfishness grow over time.
The children grew up. They were committing several bad deeds. Ascetics were tortured, yagnas were trampled upon. No one could fight with them. Hiranya means gold. Akshi means eye. So Hiranyaksha means someone whose sight is on gold. There is no end to greed. There is no satisfaction for the greedy. In Valmiki Ramayana it was said, even as age advances, greed won't be shed.
Hiranyaksha went after Varuna Deva. Varuna Deva told him only Sri Hari could fight with him.
At that time the earth was submerged in the ocean. Swayambhavu Manu went to Brahma Deva and told him that earth was burdened with the arrival of evil people causing the earth to be submerged, and that he had no place to live. Brahma Deva prayed for Lord Narayana's help. The Lord arrived in the avatara of a boar called Varaha. He grew to the size of a mountain and entered the ocean with a loud noise. He found the earth and lifted her up with his tusks. Hiranyaksha came after him saying "Who is that Hari? Where is that coward?". Narada informed him about Lord's whereabouts. He approached the Lord and started abusing him.
Hiranyaksha's Showdown With Sri Hari
TopHiranyaksha said to Sri Hari: "How did this wild animal enter the water? Low life, pig leave aside the earth. When we were living in Rasatala, Brahma Deva gave us the earth. You can't escape from me. You killed many asuras with subterfuge. You fool, I will kill you with my mace in revenge."
Varaha placed the earth on the ocean surface and prevented it from sinking with his maya. He replied back to Hiranyaksha.
"Sinner, it is true that I am a wild animal. I came to destroy you. How can anyone fight with you? Show me your valor. Take revenge and make your asura brothers happy" said the Lord.
Hiranyaksha was enraged. He threw a mace at the Lord. The Lord threw his mace at the asura. The two fought, hurting each other. Brahma Deva and other suras watched the battle. Sri Hari was showing his prowess without killing Hiranyaksha.
Brahma Deva said "Lord, this asura grew powerful by receiving boons from me. Now he has become egoistic. He is torturing brahmins and cows. He is matchless and a thorn in everyone's foot. He is full of pride. He deserves to die. You are procrastinating. Jostling with him is like playing with a poisonous snake."
"Achyuta, being a protector of devotees, please kill this evil asura. Sun is setting. Soon asuras will be very strong. Please make Devas victorious" said Brahma Deva.
In the evening, asuras will be very powerful. That's why devotees perform pooja at that time. Bad thoughts should not arise in the evening. One has to purify oneself. The bad thoughts engender bad acts at night. With meditation and pooja the demonic thoughts should be put to an end. Those remaining pure in the evening, will attain fame.
After hearing Brahma Deva, Sri Hari smiled and accepted his advice. He decided to kill Hiranyaksha.
Devotees like Brahma Deva make wishes that bring auspiciousness to the entire world. They don't have selfishness. Nor are they covetous or deceitful. They seek equality. That's why the Lord heeds to their prayers. The Lord not only listens to one's prayer, but also considers his way of life.
At one time the Lord's mace fell on the ground. Hiranyaksha gave him the opportunity to lift it without hurting the Lord. Thus he acted as if he respected the Lord. With this kind of behavior he tried to enrage the Lord.
The Lord praised the battle etiquette of Hiranyaksha. He then invoked Sudharshana disc and wore it on his hand.
Hiranyaksha became angry and threw the mace at the Lord. It was deflected by the Lord. He was left standing without weapons. "Asura, you are egging to defeat me. Pick up the weapon and fight with me" said the Lord.
Hiranyaksha picked up his mace that fell on the ground. He then threw it at the Lord. Like an eagle that catches its prey, Lord caught the mace. As he tried to return it, the proud asura rejected the offer. He then held a fiery trident and threw at the Lord. With Sudharshana the Lord destroyed the trident. The enraged asura hit Varaha on his chest and disappeared. Varaha was not perturbed. As the asura tried to use maya in various ways, the Lord annihilated all of them with Sudharshana.
As all of his efforts were wasted, the asura started hitting the Lord with his first. Varaha hit the asura on his temples. The asura fell unconscious. His eyeballs came out. Like a tree that is felled by a storm, the asura fell on the ground and died.
Brahma Deva and others watching the battle, felt that the asura was fortunate to die in the hands of the Lord. The devotees longing to meet the Lord felt the asura was lucky to be touched by the Lord and dying in his hands.
With the demise of Hiranyaksha all the Devas rejoiced. They praised the Lord in various ways.
Suta was telling Sounaka et al in the Naimisa forest: "Vidura, I listened from my guru how Varaha Moorthy destroyed the asura. I told you that story" said Maitreya. Upon request from Vidura, Maitreye started telling how Swayambhuva Manu's progeny multiplied.
Swayambhuva Manu had two sons named Priyavrata and Uttanapada. He also had three daughters: Aakruti, Devahuti and Prasooti. Aakruti was married to Ruchi, Devahuti was married to Kardama and Prasooti married Daksha. Maitreya told Vidura how the Kardama Prajapati nurtured the creation through Devahuti.
Kardama Story
TopBindu Sarovara was a holy site on the banks of river Saraswati. It was beautiful with trees and creepers. Birds came and sang there. Trees were full of sweet fruits. The sound of bees buzzing around flowers reverberated. Chakora and Chakravaka birds sang melodiously. Peacocks with their exquisite feathers danced, overshadowing the apsaras. Nightingales feasted on mango trees and sang overshadowing gandharvas.
Kardama Prajaapati performed penance for ten thousand years at Bindu Sarovara. He was ordered by Brahma Deva to create jivas and in that process he started doing penance. When Lord appeared he prostrated before him.
"Lord, with your appearance my eyes are purified. With penance done for eons, yogis can see your feet. Your appearance will drive away all calamities. I salute you again and again" said Kardama.
"To cross the ocean of bondage, your lotus feet have been the magical ship. Such holy feet are being sought by ordinary people for cheap desires. You are still granting them. These desires will be fulfilled in hell also" said Kardama.
Like pearls exchanged for berries, those who are taking refuge in the Lord are asking for boons to satisfy their desires. The comforts gained have to end one day. They are the same as hell and engender sorrow. When the Lord can grant salvation, wasting the boon on ephemeral things is foolish" said Kardama.
Trisikhi Brahmana Upanishad says "The yogi who understands the creation shines like fire without wood with a focused mind".
"Lord, I used to hate devotees who seek ephemeral pleasures. Then I became greedy. I want to be married to a woman like Lakshmi Devi who can grant all I wish for. For that I took refuge at your lotus feet" said Kardama.
All men are indebted. One who can't overcome debts will find it difficult to transcend gunas. To come out of the debts to Deva, rishi and forefathers marriage is the right way. The people who are married, yet detached from the worldly things, obtain the same fruit as yogis who remain as bachelors. The lust that doesn't violate dharma will break the bonds but won't imprison.
For learned people marriage is like an ashram. The rites performed during a marriage ceremony have great meaning. The groom tells his intent for marriage to the bride's father before his relatives and friends. "For following dharma and good progeny I am marrying the bride with fire as the witness" says the groom. This is a vow taken during marriage.
Kardama Prajapati was seeking a wife to beget progeny and uphold dharma. So it was not for fulfilling his lust.
"Lord, your devotees without desires are getting freed from bondage. They are frolicking in the stories that praise your gunas. The dreadful wheel of time is unable to influence your courageous devotees. Even though we are in bondage seeking pleasures, we keep our minds focused on you. So I am saluting you again and again" said Kardama.
"Maharshi, the follower of dharma, rishi, Swayambhuva Manu is coming to see you with his wife Sataroopa. He will offer his daughter who is of good character, beauty to match yours in marriage to you. Then your long cherished desire will be fulfilled. With her you will have nine daughters. From your daughters, Mareechi and other rishis will beget male children. After renouncing your desires you will attain me. You will conquer your senses and turn kind-hearted. You will see me in everything. You won't discriminate. You are a man without sin and have impeccable lineage. That's why even I will be born as your son. I will be born to you and Devahuti to establish Sankhya philosophy" said Sri Hari before disappearing. Kardama was elated and worshipped the Lord in his mind.
Marriage of Kardama with Devahuti
TopSwayambhuva Manu along with wife Sataroop and daughter Devahuti came to Bindu Sarovara in a golden chariot for sightseeing. Manu saluted Kardama. Kardama blessed Manu.
Manu's wisdom was unparalleled. He was a great man. Yet he saluted at the feet of Kardama. This is the way our forefathers lived under sanatana dharma. One who ignores other thoughts and prostrates before yogis will attain good outcomes.
Egotistic people ignore gurus. Those people smiling in front of a guru, forget to salute them. When they see someone else saluting them, they too will do it. This won't engender good results.
When we meet a guru we should salute him before conversing. One who doesn't worship his guru is not approved of by Govinda.
Lord said "I reside in gurus. A guru should never be insulted. One should not be jealous toward him thinking he is an ordinary being. Guru is an embodiment of all Devas".
Manu accepted the hospitality of Kardama. Kardama said "O great King, you bring peace to the sadhus and put an end to others who don't follow dharma. Because of you this world is free from evil people. Please tell me the reason for your visit. I will accept it with straightforwardness."
Manu said, "Maharshi, Brahma Deva in an effort to protect vedas, gave birth to brahmins from his face. To protect all the people kshatriyas are created from his shoulders. When brahmins are protecting the kshatriyas with knowledge, kshatriyas are protecting brahmins with their might. Hence you give us intellect and we will protect you. Today I am fortunate to meet you. Evil people cannot meet you."
Only people of good character can meet noble people. Evil people can't because they think of everyone as evil. Hence a person should be of good character and perform rites. That's when he will receive the grace of guru. Otherwise, he will see faults in a guru like in a mirror.
Manu said "Maharshi, it is my fortune to meet you. Please listen to my proposal. I am begging you. Here is my daughter Devahuti who is the sister of Priyavrata and Uttanapada. She is of marriageable age, has excellent characters and qualities. She is waiting for the right person to marry. She learnt about your grace from Sage Narada. She knows how knowledgeable you are. She heard how handsome you are and desired you very much. She decided to accept you as her husband. I am handing her over to you obediently. She is the right match for you. She is like goddess Lakshmi Devi. She will obey you and serve you. She will see Sri Hari in you. So why delay?"
Kardama accepted the proposal. He said "O King, I will accept her. I will be with her until she is pregnant. After that I will, as per the command of Lord Vishnu, live in isolation like great yogis."
Marriage is not for pleasure. It has to be about dharma and progress. The institution of marriage is there to control the senses but not for letting them loose.
Like the spring season, one's youth is there. Every youth has romantic ideas. When a youth violently suppresses his romantic feelings, the outcome will be undesirable. Other youths will regulate their romantic feelings where necessary depending on circumstances.
Lust should not be controlled with force. People without control become weak and lack intellect. As a result they will turn into losers. Those who control their lust, and channel it in the proper way will attain happiness. To augur such a happy life, the institution of marriage has been established. Married people should follow dharma. Otherwise they will be like animals. Hindus consider the wife as a follower of dharma. She is not for fulfilling all of man's desires. Marriage is to put an end to lust rather than for increasing it. One has to overcome lust, by following dharma and observing rites. The romance done with dharma will make one memorable. If one loses dharma, lust will be his downfall.
After Ravana was slayed by Rama, his wife Mandodari cried "O King, when you could control your senses, you were able to conquer the three worlds. Now you became subservient to lust and invited your demise".
Manu conveyed to Devahuti, Kardama's condition for marriage. Devahuti accepted it. Kardama mentioned his renunciation at the time of marriage. Even then Devahuti wanted to marry him. She was elated that a great sage and self-realized man like Kardama would be her husband.
Dama means controlling senses. Kardama means the embodiment of Brahma who could control his senses. Devahuti means one who invites god.
Only a pure hearted person can invite god. To the one who controlled his senses, pure hearted one will be supportive. So the Kardama-Devahuta couple were made for each other.
Kardama married Devahuti. Manu cried as he handed over his daughter to Kardama forever. He left with Sataroopi with a grieving heart.
Married Life of Kardama-Devahuti
TopDevahuti immersed herself in the service of her husband. With her service Kardama was happy. "Like Paravati Devi serves Parameswara, Devahuti served Kardama" said Maitreya to Vidura.
Devahuti gave up lust, pompousness, hatred, greed, pride. She was respectful, patient, friendly, sweet with her husband as she served him.
Devahuti stood as an example about how to serve husband. Anyone can work hard. But not everyone can provide service. Work is done with the body. But service is done by understanding others' minds.
Some women struggle a lot with their husbands. They wash their clothes, clean their surroundings, cook tasty food, share responsibilities and duties and serve their physical needs. They mitigate the burden on their husbands' shoulders. But they can't grow their happiness. Both husband and wife live in grief. The wife will regret that no matter how hard she works, there is no happiness. Same is felt by the husband. We see in society many couples of this type.
Some wives insult their husbands before others; hate their friends and relations; won't invite guests by being covetous; lose patience and curse loudly when husband slips his tongue; act incongruously ignoring time and date; inattentive; forget events; lie to win in an argument. They complain that service done with the physical body is not satisfying their husbands. The service done with the body, results in fruits restricted to the body. One who understands the mind and serves sincerely will obtain superior results.
Devahuti was serving her husband without desires and considered his needs as hers. She was patient and without hatred. She didn't let greed and covetousness enter her mind. She was always respectful with her husband.
Once a couple came to visit Swamiji. He asked the husband "How is your health?" He replied respectfully "Somewhat better". Then his wife took over and gave a monologue for a few minutes. "What can we do when he won't eat his meal on time? He is a dumbass" she said.
Swamiji was thinking "Because he is a dumbass, he won't eat on time or everyone who doesn't eat on time is a dumbass?" The man replied "Even though my wife's words are harsh, she is pure at heart." Thus ended the conversation.
A pure heart is desirable. It is like a boon. If the speech is also sweet, what can happen? Its like gold with perfume. Having a pure heart is indeed a boon. It is a curse to not have endearing speech.
Maitreya was saying Devahuti satisfied her husband with an endearing speech. These good qualities aren't applicable to women only. Men should also have good qualities. Then only the partnership will yield good results.
While serving her husband Devahuti treated her husband like a god. She thought "My husband does great penance. I should also do the same". Then she started doing penance whenever she had free time. Over a period of time, her body weakened. The kind Kardama noticed her physical weakness and began to grieve.
Kardama said "Devahuti, your service is unparalleled and cherishable. You satisfied me a great deal with your service. Like a candle that melts while giving light, you are turning weak. Everyone is attached to their bodies. You detached yourself from your body and served me. You have become physically weak. My meditation has reached a peak. I am now able to grant boons. Please ask me for any boon. I will fulfill your wish and feel content".
Listening to her husband's affectionate words Devahuti said "Swamy, I don't need any boons. To obtain you as my husband is the greatest boon god has given me"
Kardama said "Dear, I said so thinking about you. For my pleasure please ask something".
"Dear, at the time of marriage you told my father that until I am pregnant you would carry out household duties. For a wife with good character a child born from the seed of a chaste husband is the greatest boon. Please grant me children. I want a son" said Devahuti. Kardama agreed to it.
Bindu Sarovara was near Kardama's ashram. He asked her to bathe in the Bindu Sarovara. Devahuti did as he commanded. Her emaciated body came to full beauty. She was amazed at the transformation and wanted the reason for it.
Long time ago, Lord Vishnu saw the hard penance Kardama did and was struck with grief. This resulted in tears rolling out of his eyes. The tears fell on the ground and turned into Bindu Sarovara. This, he related to his wife.
Kardama with his devotion brought tears in the eyes of the Lord. That is the peak of devotion. Seeing the strife of his devotees, the Lord will grieve. That is the protection devotees receive from him.
Saraswati Devi is an embodiment of knowledge. Hence Bindu Sarovara was situated on the banks of river Saraswati. It is the embodiment of devotion. True devotion is for those who are learned. Devotion without knowledge leads to foolishness and confusion. One with devotion and knowledge will be noble like Kardama.
To partake in the comforts of home life, Kardama commanded his wife to bathe in Bindu Sarovara. Those with devotion to the Lord won't be subjected to bondage. When we cut a jackfruit, we apply oil on the hands so that the fruit won't stick to us. Similarly for the ones with devotion there is no bondage. Those who know the Lord with devotion transcend relationships with the material world.
"I praise in devotion the one without birth, the primeval god, the one responsible for the wheel of life, Lord Vishnu. I pray for the Sri Hari who ends bondage, releases me from birth-death cycle, removes my ignorance"
Kardama made a flying craft with yoga maya and flew in it with Devahuti. As a devout follower of Lord Vishnu everything came as per his whim. They begat nine beautiful girls.
With the arrival of children, Kardama as per his marriage vow decided to retreat from household life. Devahuti was perturbed.
"Dear, you gave me nine girls. I am worried about their marriage. Please perform their marriages and grant me a son who can tell me about scripture" said Devahuti.
"Mahatma, until now I wasted my life with the whirlwinds of worldly attractions. I could not pray to god to my heart's content. Even though I lived with you who is all knowing, my mind dwelled on comforts. Even then your companionship will bring me good things because you are a mahatma" said Devahuti.
Kardama was shaken by Devahuti's pleading.
"Dear, you won't be unfortunate. Soon you will have a son. Lord Narayana will be born as your son. You will be protected. Wait for the arrival of the Lord. Control your senses. Follow dharma. Worship the Lord. He will be born as your son. He will tell you about the essence of the scripture. Your nescience will be ended. You will be fortunate" said Kardama.
Devahuti was happy. She was looking forward to the Lord's arrival. She had faith in the words of her husband. She focused her mind on the worship of the Lord. Those who are devout, will have the Lord as their child.
Birth of Kapila Deva
TopDevahuti-Kardama had nine girl children. Kapila was going to be born to them. The nine girl children symbolize the nine ways of devotion told by Prahlada: listening, praise, meditation, servitude, salutation, worship, companionship, merger with Self, submission. When devotion blossoms, it leads to enlightenment. Thus Devahuti worshipped the paramatma in nine different ways. As a fruit of her effort, Lord himself would be born to her.
The time for the birth of Kapila was approaching. The clouds in the sky made drum-like sounds. Devas showered flowers. Apsaras were dancing. Gandharvas were singing praises. Sky was clear. The rivers were pure. Peacocks were dancing. Birds were singing softly. All people were at peace. Kapila was born.
Knowing Kapila's birth, Mareechi and other rishis came with Brahma Deva and blessed Devahuti and Kardama.
Brahma Deva said "Kardama, you followed my advice and served me. Your daughters are auspicious. They will multiply this creation manifold. Please give them in marriage to Mareechi and other rishis who came with him. Your fame will spread all over the world. Your son is none other than Eswara. He will be the best among the men. To enlighten all beings he is born as Kapila. Devahuti, your son will enlighten you. You are ever lasting, successful having fulfilled your life's mission."
After blessing Devahuti and Kardama, Brahma Deva left with Narada and Sanatkumara. Kardama gave away the hands of his daughters in marriage to the rishis.
Kala married Mareechi. Anasooya married Atri maharshi. Sraddha married Angirasa. Havirbhuvu married Pulastyu. Gati married Pulaha. Kriya married Kratu. Khyati married Bhrugu. Arundhati married Vasishtha. Santi married Adhurvu. Based on their names it is easy to tell that they are of the form of yagna and learned in scripture.
The marriage ceremonies ended. The rishis with their wives retreated to their ashrams. Kardama approached the Lord in the form of Kapila one day.
Because of God's grace without much effort all of his daughters were married. The Lord was born as his son. All the burdens were removed. The strife ended. Resolving the rest of his life should be spent at the feet of the Lord, Kardama saluted Kapila.
"Lord, the kind Devas are born on earth to lift those of us caught in the bondage. Yogis pray for a glimpse at the Lord over several lives. Now I am blessed with you. You are partial to your devotees."
"Lord, to keep your promise, you are born as my son. You brought me fulfillment. Even though you are formless, you assume different forms to please your devotees. Now to teach Sankhya philosophy you are born in my house. Salutations to you. Because of you, I am free from indebtedness to my forefathers, Devas and rishis. I am praying to you. I want to ask you one thing. Please answer", said Kardama.
"I will become an ascetic and move around in bliss by meditating over you" said Kardama.
"Being the light, the god in the hearts of all beings, the Self, meditate on me and attain sorrowless and fearless state of mind" said Kapila.
"O sage, I will teach my mother Devahuti also about self. She will eventually attain salvation" said Kapila. Kardama left to become an ascetic, which is self-sacrifice. No one can escape karma. One should not renounce karma but see renunciation in karma. The karma performed without desires will not tie up the beings in bondage. An ascetic is free from all bondage. One shouldn't create new bonds with karma. Since karma is unavoidable, one has to perform it with dedication to Eswara. The person seeking to be an ascetic should not entertain any thought other than about the Lord. When karma is done, it is for the Lord. He has to conquer the senses and always look inward. Thus, Kapila informed Kardama. Kardama made salutation to the Lord and left for forests.
Kardama roamed in forests. He led a nonviolent life. He completely surrendered to the Lord. With penance and meditation he received the grace of the Lord. He gave up ego and bonds. He transcended happiness and sorrow. He saw the Lord everywhere he looked. He was at peace. As his mind was fixated on Vasu Deva he was removed from bondage. Giving up love and hatred he attained salvation with yoga of devotion.
Kapila Geeta
TopAfter Kardama left, Kapila and Devahuti lived near Bindu Sarovara. Once Devahuti approached Kapila who was sitting on the banks of Bindu Sarovara.
"Lord, I spent most of my life fulfilling the urges of my senses. I was tired and not blissful. After several births I am fortunate to have you who is Eswara, primeval God, giver of knowledge to the ignorant ones. Please remove my attachment to my body. You only can annihilate my desires" said Devahuti.
"Lord, I am seeking refuge in you who alone can rescue me. You are like an axe that can cut through the tree of bondage. You are the most exalted among those following dharma. I want to learn from you about prakruti and purusha" said Devahuti.
In whom renunciation sprouts, he will seek knowledge. Both the blind and normal person can be in a room with a lamp. The light is not for the blind. Even though everyone has desires, only the people who renounce strive to free themselves from desires and attain salvation.
Devahuti could see the unproductiveness of following the senses. However many times they were fed, the were never satisfied. Like fuel cannot douse a fire, it is not possible to quieten senses with the worldly matters. The assumption that riches give satisfaction and happiness is like searching for water in a mirage.
Senses will forever be seeking pleasure. The question: "What is there to feel happy about sensory experiences?" never arises. Same old actions and tastes. There is no end or respite. Without attaining peace constant drudgery needs to be done. Hence a seeker of salvation should be alert about senses. Friendship with senses causes sorrow. People who transcend the senses enjoy bliss.
In Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad it was said "One yielding to the senses will become a sinner. One who controls them attains salvation."
An ignorant man constantly tries to please his senses. If ignorance has to be overcome, knowledge is necessary. Knowledge nudges the mind toward self. The attachment to the physical body will be put to an end. Ego and bondage will disappear.
Mother, people can attain salvation only with the knowledge in the scripture. It will rescue jivas from a life of sorrow and joy" said Kapila.
"Mother, for both bondage and salvation mind is the cause. Those who are interested in worldly matters will end up in bondage and those who garner self knowledge attain salvation.
The world is ephemeral. So it can only give fleeting comforts. The world is enveloped with ignorance. When wordly transactions entice one, then they are in bondage. As the mind concentrates on Brahman, man will experience joy. Since Brahman is indestructible, the joy from meditating on it is permanent, unending and forever. Worldly matters cause sorrow. Knowing the self releases joy. A mind that has degenerated seeks the world. Whereas a mind seeking progress revels in the paramatma. In this way the mind is responsible for bondage and salvation.
An impure mind can't experience the joy of knowing self. One should cleanse the mind first. Like a child who won't go to play soon after bathing, a pure mind not going after worldly matters will merge with the paramatma and experience great peace.
Without finding a mother, a child will be crying. As soon as the mother holds him, the child will be smiling happily. Mind is also like a child. Until happiness is found, it will be in sorrow and running after worldly matters. When self realization dawns it will bask in the ocean of happiness.
Man's heart is impure because of attachment and bondage from I-mine thoughts causing desire and greed. When the mind detaches itself it will be equanimous to happiness or sorrow.
In the abode of paramatma there is only happiness. In the physical world both happiness and sorrow are found. Because men are ignorant about self, they think the body is the self.
Because one thinks his body is self, he establishes bonds with all connected through the body. This leads to ego and bondage.
Ego and bondage are the root of all unhappiness. In bondage, we love someone enormously. That is lust. When we can't sever ties with them, then it is covetousness. If someone tries to point out our misbehavior, then we will be angry at them. Desire, anger and covetousness lead to hell as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita.
Relationships won't remain the same forever. We may love someone like our bodies. If he doesn't love us back, we develop hatred upon them. We love someone for a certain length of time. We may not love them forever. As love-hatred ebb and flow in our minds, relationships undergo changes.
People living selfishly with a delusional mind will not only create sorrow for themselves but also to others. The illusions in the mind are impermanent. Because we are not aware of the self that is forever, we concentrate our minds on impermanent matters. As we discern truth, the non-self retreats from us. Mind will be in peace without delusions. Realization dawns. Sorrow and happiness are two sides of the same coin and impermanent. Hence the mind is also impermanent. Then the seeker of salvation will transcend the mind and experience bliss. In this state love-hatred will subside. Ego and bondage will end. Equanimity results. This is salvation. A person roaming on earth may catch dirt, but not a bird flying in the sky. When we are acting with mind only the heart will be impure. The noble people who transcended their minds, won't have impurity in their hearts.
Maho Upanishad said "Whose heart is pure as sky, his intellect is not inert but full of vital force, and he attains salvation while still living".
"Mother, all the objects seen are prakruti. The purusha is apart from prakruti and has vital force. The vital force transcends the three bodies (sookshma, karana, sthoola). It is free from past impressions in memory. Visualize such self with devotion, knowledge and renunciation" said Kapila.
Splendor Of Devotion
TopFor the devotees, the Lord is the destination. To reach the destination, there are several paths. The knowledge path treats everything except the Lord as maya and renounces it. The devotional path assumes all forms are Lord's and rejoices in it.
A baby monkey attaches to its mother. While the mother monkey jumps from branch to branch on a tree, it is the responsibility of the baby monkey to hold on firmly to its mother. Similarly in the knowledge path, one has to strive to stay in course.
A cat grabs its kitten and moves them from place to place. Similarly in the devotional path, it is the Lord who helps one stay on course. Kapila told his mother, devotional path is the best.
Mind doesn't accept devotion readily. The past lives' impurities linger in the present life and come as obstacles to praise the Lord. So it is very difficult for the mind to remain fixated on the Lord. Hence it is necessary to get support from others. The mind made impure by past lives, needs the help of different people. Whom can we approach for help?
Kapila said "Bondage is from establishing relationships with relatives. If the same interest is shown to the people of good character, not related to us, then the doors to salvation will open. Thus said pundits".
People of good character are soft, have good attributes and full of love. In their company, devotion will be strong. It means, good thoughts proliferate. The inner light of devotion and love will always be lit. Hence it is better to break from bondage and approach them. A great devotee called Naras Mehta said thus:
"Pray to Sri Hari. Break from bondage. Find out your origin. Think logically if the body is yours. Even if you want to keep it forever, it won't last long. If you renounce physical relationships, then you can associate with ascetics and the temporary bonds with wife and children will end."
Kapila said "Ascetics are patient, kind and of loving nature. They are friendly. Love is mistaken by the common people. They make fun of it. Not everyone can receive love. After seeing the grace of Mahatmas, good people respond. If we misunderstand ascetics, it means we are leading a sinful life."
"Ascetics befriend everyone. They are peace loving and ardent devotees. They are interested in listening about Lord's glory. They are free from faults. Because of association with them, the Lord's glory will be experienced. Senses will subside. Mind will be at peace. The association with ascetics creates discipline and gives rise to devotion of love. With that devotion, one will attain the Lord" said Kapila.
More On Devotion
TopDevahuti said, "Lord, how can I prove my devotion to you? What is yoga of devotion? Being a woman and not very intelligent, I want you to be patient with me".
The woman who gave birth to the Lord was confessing she was not bright. Knowledge seekers should be humble. A tree full of fruits will bend. The pompous people are those without knowledge and full of ignorance. No matter how much knowledge they have, true devotees will be like the ocean."
Once a devotee approached Ramana maharshi and asked "Swami, I have read Bhagavat Git. I understood all but one sloka". The maharshi said "Let it go. Implement the remaining seven hundred slokas' teaching."
Kapila said "Mother, let your heart rest completely on paramatma. Like the fire in the stomach digests food, the devotion will remove the subtle body. Some devotees focus on my feet and pray to them. Others perform karma and offer its fruits to me. They praise me. They talk about me."
Devotees give the fruit of all karma to the Lord. They are free from desires. Because of that they are free from bondage.
Kapila advised his mother to partake in idol worship. We see many ephemeral objects with our eyes. By worshiping the Lord's idol at all times, sight will be made pure. Idol worship engenders happiness that grows forever. One will not see the faults in the scene. Dhruva proved that by keeping one's mind focused one would attain non-duality. The true devotees don't have any desires including salvation.
Kapila said, "Mother, even the stay in heaven is short lived. That's why my devotees don't have any desire for luxuries in heaven. They seek me and attain infinite bliss. They are not affected by the wheel of time."
"I safeguard my devotees. I am born as their son. I am their friend and guru. I am their favorite god. They befriend me based on their individual likes and dislikes. I bless them all. I protect those renouncing all relations and praying to me single-mindedly, while crossing the ocean of life."
"Mother, fearing me wind is blowing, sun is shining, Varuna is causing rain, Agni is burning, god of death is doing his job" said Kapila.
Devotion makes one acquire good qualities. It will transform us. It makes the heart soft.
"Lord resides in devotees' hearts. On their tongue the Lord's praise resides. When a house is lit with lamps, thieves hesitate to enter. Similarly by chanting Lord's praises, desire and anger are removed along with impressions of the past. When chanting is not done the memories of the past resurface. Ignoring god, will cause strife. Since the yoga of devotion is supreme, yogis also desire it" said Kapila.
Scriptural Insights
TopKapila said "I will now give you knowledge about self-realization and salvation".
"Purusha is independent of prakriti. An ignorant one by carrying out transactions with the prakruti that has gunas, thinks he is performing karma. He thinks he is enjoying the fruits of karma brought to fruition by himself."
"Mother, Eswara is the witness of all. The karma of cause-effect is because of prakriti. The sorrow or happiness is granted by the purusha".
"Lord, I now understand that prakruti and purusha are the cause of beings in the world. Please tell me their attributes" said Devahuti.
"The five basic elements, their subtle forms, senses of knowledge and karma, mind, ego and the rest are to be considered as fundamental. Time has been recognized as the twenty fifth fundamental concept. There are three gunas that give rise to several more derived concepts. Then karma, cause, and effect operate on them. Mind is responsible for the desires."
"Mother, the sun's reflections in muddy water won't affect the sun. Similarly the self of jiva is not related to gunas. When a jiva acquires guna, karma and its fruits enter his life. This is the cause for bondage."
"Mother, this world is like a dream. There is no truth in it. The one sleeping experiences the dream. Ignorance binds one with the world" said Kapila.
Just as a person dreaming in sleep can be woken up, the ignorant one will be reformed by devotion and renunciation. One with discipline and devotion, by concentrating the mind on paramatma, attains salvation.
By knowing the jiva and Eswara's relationship, the mind will attain the knowledge about self. Say sun shines on the water. The reflection from the water falls on a wall. By catching the glimpse of sun shine on the wall, we trace it to the water. From water we trace it to the sun in the sky.
"The vital force of self shines on the intellect. The world is lit because of intellect. Thus one has to realize that the source of light in the world is the intellect. With the inner vital force, one has to infer the resplendence of self" said Kapila.
Devahuti said "The coexistence of prakruti and purusha is being known. It is like the relationship between earth and smell; water and juice.:
"Purusha is disinterested. He will be associated with the gunas of prakriti. Both are permanent. If they are not different, how can jiva attain liberation?"
"Mother, one should follow one's own dharma. By listening to god's stories, attaining knowledge, renouncing, meditating, concentrating with discipline, one's prakruti will be destroyed like wood burns with fire. Just as a wakeful person is not afraid of dreams, the memories of past lives, won't torment the jiva. After several life-death cycles, a jiva is attaining me by clearing ignorance and doubts. That is called salvation. One desiring salvation, is not interested in the magical acts that some yogis perform. His mind will be fixated on me. That is deathlessness" said Kapila.
The glory of Meditation
Top"Mother, meditation is supreme. Meditation calms the mind and keeps the mind concentrated" said Kapila.
One who has not followed dharma can't progress in meditation. Right from the moment one wakes up, jiva performs many sins. One may forget them, but they will resurface during meditation. Whatever thoughts that are firmly entrenched in mind, will find expression during meditation. If one ignores duties or performs acts that are better not done, one will be distracted during meditation.
One should be satisfied with what God has given him. Desires lead to sorrow. Greed disrupts meditation. One may earn or spend as much as possible, but if one is not worried about them during meditation then the money has been earned rightfully. One should cleanse even wealth with alms to the less fortunate. When a rich man is reluctant to give alms, then he has earned it by immoral means.
One should not advertise after giving alms to ascetics. The ascetic has no use for one's money. By accepting one's money he is accepting one's sins.
A yogi performing meditation should serve the self realized. Like the sun lights up the world, the mahatmas will fill our hearts with light.
A yogi in meditation has to make salvation as the objective. He should consume food in modertaion and be with good habits. Without regulation of the food in-take meditation will go awry. One should take a minimal amount of food. It has to be healthy. Such food makes the intellect pure.
The seeker should spend time alone while meditating. With too many people around, meditation can't progress. It accentuates the memories of the past and turns mind towards worldly transactions.
A yogi of meditation should practise non-violence. He should be soft spoken and skilful. His thoughts should be pleasant.
The seeker should always speak the truth. Falsehood is bad. If he indulged in falsehood, he should confess and recite God's prayer to cleanse the sin.
Thievery is as bad as falsity. That means thievery should not be committed. Everyone in this world is a thief. We covet objects of beauty we come across. We steal them mentally. When the mind is applied in an act it is encouraged by inner feelings.
We should share our fortune with others. Then only our minds will be at peace. The one who receives alms is a mendicant. Everyone cringes at the sight of a mendicant. A beggar is looked down upon. Lord Vishnu begged King Bali in the form of a dwarf. But when he preached Arjuna the Bhagavad Gita, he showed his cosmic form.
One could lose wealth but not character. A yogi should be of good character and practise celibacy. Hanuman could cross the ocean because of his celibacy.
A yogi sees Lord Krishna in women. Beauty makes one lose his balance. Those who see Achyuta in beauty enjoy bliss. Suka Brahma was not perturbed when he saw Rambha. He thought she was not as beautiful as Lord Krishna. The love of God will make us detached from the world.
In penance one should purify his mind and intellect. Like gold that is purified by fire, one will be cleansed with penance. A yogi should keep his mind and desires pure. With self-study one has to seek the Lord.
Taciturnity has to be practised. One should also not let the inner feelings overflow. Blaming others and praising oneself are bad qualities.
The yogi should first have a good place to sit. It comes with practice. One employee will stand still in front of his manager. The same person will be fidgety in a temple. It depends on one's culture.
After stabilising the body, eyes should be regulated. Shifty eyes are representative of fleeting thoughts. With eyes still, the mind has to be restrained and concentrated on Sri Hari.
One should be receptive to god's stories. While listening one's eyes should only see the Lord. The prana has to be confined to the ears to listen to the Lord's stories. After acquiring these skills, meditation has to be carried out. Meditation is supreme. It gets rid of all bad influences and protects the seeker from calamities.
Upanishad said "Even the sin of the size of a mountain will be annihilated with yoga of meditation. There is no other way."
The Yoga of Meditation
Top"Mother, one has to attain is a good posture. Then a holy place has to be selected. On darbha grass, one has to spread an animal's skin. One has to sit on it and practice breathing exercises."
With breathing exercise inflammation and phlegm will be controlled. With focus on God, sins will be annihilated. With the retreat of sense organs, the sins from worldly transactions will be washed away. With meditation the bad qualities will be destroyed.
Thus cleansing the intellect one has to focus on the tip of the nose and pray to the Lord. God will appear in whatever form we think of him. Since all forms are of the Lord, there is no need to discriminate among the forms. There is no rule that only one divine form has to be meditated upon. There could be differences in the forms of worship but not in the feelings. Saying these truths, Kapila advised his mother to worship Lord Narayana.
The Lord's form should be firmly established in one's mind. One should also let his mind's eye rest on various organs of the Lord. Each organ will indicate something specific and spectacular. With mind concentrated on the Lord the worldly transactions will subside like a candle that melts and disappears after some time.
Before meditation one has to practice submission to the Lord. With submission, meditation will be strong. Mira said "Lord, you are the master and I am the maid".
Devotion is of second nature for most of us. How can it be so?
Narada said in Bhakti Sutras that devotion is love directed towards the parmatma. Love is not up for sale. Everyone is capable of loving. As a child, one loves his mother. That is quite natural. There are no schools to teach love. No one tells a child to love its mother. It is natural.
After growing up a boy assists his mother in household chores. That's one way he expresses his love. When he grows up to be a man and marries, he will be far away from his mother. He will be living with fond memories of his mother. Thus the dormant love in everyone has to be directed towards the Lord. This is what is meant by loving submission to the god.
When a devotee submits to the Lord and calls himself a servant, the Lord will enhance his stature.
Whoever thinks he is the slave of the Lord and worships accordingly will be removed from bondage.
Kapila said "Mother, people submitting themselves to me will be free from ignorance and attain me".
To the one intoxicated with alcohol, whether he is dressed or not does not matter. Similarly a yogi of devotion is unaware of his body. As he performs the karmas from previous birth, he won't be attached to them and will see them like a dream. Hene the yoga of devotion grants liberation.
"Mother, a man may view his wife and children as permanent. But all such bonds are ephemeral. There is only one self. It takes up different bodies. With devotion a yogi sees self in all jivas and the entire world in self."
"Mother, just as the same fire is burning firewood long and short, the non-dual self manifests in all bodies and appears differently. A yogi of devotions knows this and realizes that there is one and only self"
Devotion of Love
TopDevotion can be of love or of gunas. The three gunas are sattva, rajas and tamas that means purity, action and sloth.
One who is violent, pompous and jealous and prays to the Lord with discrimination is called a slothful devotee. Because of such people, society can't progress. They perpetuate religious strife. They don't realize self and consider their bodies as supreme.
The second type is feverish devotees. They come with myriad desires and want to achieve name and fame. They cherish wealth. They too discriminate among different bodies.
The third type are pure devotees. They don't discriminate among jivas. They perform karma and submit the result to the Lord. Thus they cleanse themselves of the sin.
These three types are based on gunas. The next kind of devotee is of love. They transcend gunas. This is a sacred and pure devotion. Like river Ganga that flows into the sea, they want to march unto the Lord with their love. This is uninterrupted and unstoppable devotion to the Lord. The results don't matter to them. Narada maharshi said in Bhakti Sootra that there is no difference between such devotees and the Lord.
"Mother this devotion of love is to be practised by one and all" said Kapila.
One who follows dharma must perform pooja. He should consider his home as a temple. Without offering to the Lord, he should not eat. He should be a monotheist but not hate other gods. He should see his Lord in all beings. He should use flowers from his own backyard for pooja.
These are the eight ways to propitiate the Lord: non-violence, control of senses, kindness to all life forms, patience, control of mind, penance, meditation and truthfulness.
A seeker should respect the elders and be sympathetic to the less fortunate. They should befriend their equals. He should see paramatma in one and all. Sense should be regulated. The Lord's names should be recited at all times.
Vishnu purana said "One who constantly recites Lord Krishna's names, can burn away all of his sin"
"One should sing praises of the Lord and listen to the discourse about self from mahatmas. He should stick to the company of theists. He should give up ego. This makes the heart pure. Then he will be eligible to attain the paramatma."
Like the wind blowing over flowers catches their perfume, a mind detached from love and hate attain the paramatma.
"Mother, as Self I reside in all beings. Not knowing this, jivas worship my idols. This is a fault".
In pooja there is an idol which will help in focusing the mind. If devotion matures, one sees his desires met because of the idol. One can see paramatma in an idol. But paramatma should not be restricted to the idol. One should be aware of Brahma while worshipping an idol. The seeker should not just stop with idol worship. He should see paramatma in all. He should not limit himself and limit the Lord.
"Mother, one who is attached to the body and thinks it is the self, and has hatred in his heart, he can't be a devotee of mine. He will suffer with lack of peace. Whoever hates living beings, even if he worships my idol, cannot attain me."
One should see paramatma in all beings. One should love all. He should share his fortune with others. A devotee leading such a life is supreme among the men.
"Mother, I gave a discourse on yoga of devotion and the yoga of eight ways. One can adopt any one of these in practice."
Time is very potent. There are no favorites to time. Time is not related to anyone. It never waits for anyone. Even though it transforms lives, it never tires. Time will annihilate everything.
Sun, moon and the stars shine by fearing time. Rivers are flowing while being afraid of time. Flowers are blossoming because of time. Brahma and other Devas too are afraid of time.
Time brings couples together or breaks them apart. In time children are born and excitement is present. It spreads sadness as well. It is relentless, infinite and without birth.
The Whirling Waters of Life
TopMan seeking pleasure in objects is collecting them. Time is destroying the hard earned objects in a second. Man is in much strife because of that. An object born in time will surely end with time.
A fool with desires considers his body, family, house, wealth as everlasting. Body becomes old. Wife and children pass away. House will be in disrepair. Wealth can be stolen or taken away by kings. Watching all these, a man is in sorrow.
Maha Bharatha said "There is no independence in wealth or poverty. Man is like a wooden toy that is being dragged by a thread."
A man struggles to feed his family because of love. In that process all of his body wears out and performs sinful acts. Not knowing worldly matters make mind impure, he will be reveling in them.
When women are talking with each other a man is attracted to them like a magnet. He says: "You are my god. You are my breath. I live for you. I will die with you. You outshine the moon and sun. I am fortunate to have you". Such a man is a fool.
By sinking deep in bondage a man earns with immoral means. He gets what is left over after the family consumes. But he experiences sin all by himself. His greed will outnumber his earnings. He takes loans and struggles to repay them.
"The second vice is lying: the first is running into debt" said Benjamin Franklin.
Loved ones stay with one until their needs are met. When likes don't match, they no longer respect him. Love turns into stone hearts. Everything looks topsy turvy.
Time never waits for anyone. It has dharma but not kindness. With time passing by, youth will be destroyed. The hands that fed the children, become wrinkled and ugly. Old age creeps in. He will be fed by the ones he raised amidst rude words.
Body will become weak. Face will be disfigured. One can't stand in front of a mirror for too long. The diseases wreak havoc on the body. There will be no hunger. Sleeplessness will haunt. Whatever is eaten causes damage to the body. Ears and eyes will wither away. All the old, has become a bore. Life will be a burden. Sad feelings haunt the mind.
"Mother, death will arrive. Eye balls swell and breath will be interrupted by the growing inflammation and phlegm. Neck will be stiff."
"Mother, a person in the throes of death will be surrounded by relations. They try to wake him up with memories. But he won't be able to respond. On seeing his crying relatives he will lose his courage. Helpless, he will embrace death" said Kapila.
If there is a machine to record the thoughts of the dying, it will detect these in all of them: "I wasted my time by running after mirages. If my intellect had good sense, I would have attained salvation."
The time near death is frightening. It is not a convenient time to praise the Lord. When there is no light while living, death won't have it as well. That's why it is better to be devout when in good health. One should search for salvation when one has the strength. One should see death before death embraces him. Only such people flourish. Common people cannot praise the Lord when on death bed.
"O Lord Krishna, let the swan of my mind enter the cage of your lotus feet. At the time of death phlegm, inflammation, delusion will make me voiceless. How can I recite your name in such a state?" said Kulasekhar Alwar in Mukunda Maala.
"Mother, at the time of death, god of death Yama's guards appear to take the soul away. Without being able to leave behind relationships, unable to follow the guards, the body excretes. The prana will be drawn by force. After the self leaves, the body becomes inert"
From above, the soul watches the body being subjected to the rites at the cemetery. His body will be burnt with firewood. The body with which he enjoyed once will be turned to ashes.
The relatives of the dead will be haggling about the share of his wealth.
People ask "What did he achieve with so much strife?" The ones who showered him with flowers, now pour sand on him. Because of whom he never surrendered to the Lord, they will leave him in the cemetery and turn back.
Thus the indebtedness has ended. Dogs, vultures feed on the carcass. Watching the decrepit state of his body, the soul cringes. It is the fate of anybody. Where is the need for hell or heaven with such strife?
"Mother, yogis think heaven and hell are found on earth. The sorrow one has to face in hell, is already there on earth" said Kapila.
"Mother, after being subjected to strife, the man who fed his family when alive, leaves behind everything but the sins. His wealth will be enjoyed by his surviving family. But he should experience the retribution for sin all by himself."
"Mother, this birth-death cycle, like time, is relentless. The dead will be born again after expunging his sins in hell. You learnt from me how jivas exit this world. I will now tell you how they enter it. For as long as jivas don't submit themselves to the Lord, these back and forth trips are unavoidable. Birth-death cycle won't end."
This life is like an air bubble. One should not while away time. One should be prepared to face death at any time. Everyone's death is following him like a shadow.
In Ramayana's Ayodhya kanda it was said "A ripe fruit can fall from the tree at any time. Similarly a jiva can meet with death at any moment."
Rebirth of Jiva
Top"Mother, based on the karma done by the jiva, as decided by the god, a jiva will enter the womb of a woman through man's semen."
Man's semen combines with a woman's egg to form an embryo. The embryo assumes the shape of an air bubble within five nights. In ten days it will be hardened to the size of a berry. Later it turns into a heap of flesh. After a month head will be formed. In the second month organs will develop. Nails, hair, hands, legs, skin form in the third month. In the fourth month the seven dhatus will be formed. In the fifth month the fetus experiences hunger and thirst. In the sixth month, the fetus moves in the womb. The fetus receives nutrition from whatever the mother consumes. The choiceless fetus will be floating near the excretory fluids of the mother.
The womb will have microbes. They will be feeding on the smooth skin of the fetus. When the pain is severe the fetus will be falling unconscious. The salt, sour, and spices that the mother eats will subject the fetus to great pain. When the mother consumes cold food, the fetus shrinks. When hot food is ingested by the mother, the fetus suffers in pain. With the head turned downwards, the fetus lays in the mother's womb.
The fetus unable to move will be like a caged bird. In the seventh month the fetus has memory. It recalls the lives of the past and regrets over them. Remembering the sins of the past it will feel sorrow.
The fetus thinks: "How miserable my stay in the womb has become! How sorrowful it is! I am immersed in an ocean of grief. I committed sins for the sake of others. And now I am reaping them all by myself. I have been born several times, eating several kinds of food. I have suckled on so many women. Where is that I was not born? Where is the land that I can call my own other than in the cemetery."
The fetus thinks: "Surrounded by excreta I am laying still in this womb. I am being burnt by the fire in her stomach. I am counting days to get out of this smelling pit. I was born several times and dead several times. But I wasn't able to understand the truth. If I come out of this womb, I will stay detached from relations. I will pray to paramatma at all times. I will refrain from sin".
Upanishad said "If I break loose from this womb, I will perform great penance. Thus thinks the fetus."
"O Lord, you are merciful. Please release me from this great sorrow. Once I come out of the womb, I will put an end to all karma and spend the time on meditation of the paramatma. Being an atheist I performed several sins" thinks the fetus.
The jiva has difficulty coming out of the womb at present even though he was born several times before. In that state, the air from inside will push the fetus out with great difficulty. And the fetus will be delivered on earth. At that time, its breath will stop. As a result it will forget about past lives. Body smeared with blood and excreta, the baby will move its limbs and cry constantly.
"The jiva born this way will face sorrow while growing up" said Kapila.
The child will be leading a life of confusion and innocence. No one knows its preferences. When it cries with hunger, the elders think it is suffering from stomach ache and try to give medicine. When breathless, they think the child needs milk. This worsens the disease of its chest.
The bed bugs bite the child who cries alone. Without being able to express itself the baby grieves. Thinking the child needs sleep, its mother will be trying to rock its bed. When the baby cries for lack of sleep, the mother decides to give it a bath. Thus the child spends its infancy.
In childhood, time is spent on games and studies. Youth will arrive. The youth will acquire desires, anger, anguish. Pride and egotism will develop. Forgetting the travail he went through he falls into the whirling waters of life. He establishes a family and befriends atheists.
He will enjoy the company of women. His mind is polluted with desires. One in yoga of devotion should stay celibate.
"Mother, like a hunter's call makes an animal die, the bondage is responsible for a jiva's death. When the subtle body leaves the gross body it is death. When they two merge, it is birth. A devotee has to transcend the birth-death cycle by constantly meditating over the Lord" said Kapila.
Like and Auspiciousness
TopAn impure mind can't contemplate about self. Mind has to be purified first. Devotion, knowledge and renunciation should be established in the mind. Then only the self will reveal itself. Self-realized see everything as self. People aspiring for permanent bliss have to see self in everything.
Those with desires are confined to homely comforts. They act as per their whims. They are of feverish action or rajas, always immersed in wordly transactions. And averse to praising the Lord or listening to his stories.
Those involved in household duties after a sojourn to the Pitru loka are born again on earth. Hence, Kapila told Devahuti, one aspiring for permanent bliss, has to act with devotion, must surrender completely to the Lord and worship him.
The yoga of devotion is supreme and most auspicious. The belief that everything is commanded by the Lord leads to devotion. Mind won't be interested in non-devotional things and sinful ways of living. The love, hate, favoritism, despise and such dualities will be shunned from the mind. Mind thus purified will visualize the paramatma in the mind's eye. Such a person will see the Lord in all things. So Kapila told Devahuti to meditate over the paramatma.
"Mother, the yoga of devotion I spoke about will definitely lead to salvation. I talked about the yoga of knowledge and devotion. Ignorant people think they are opposites. In fact they are mutually conducive. The humble devotees free from jealousy follow this superior dharma to attain peace of mind and salvation."
Attaining Salvation
TopMaitreya said: "Vidura, Devahuti is fortunate. She received the fruit of listening to Kapila. She came out of the whirling waters of desire. Listening alone washes away the sins and paves way for salvation. She saluted her son. And praised his name".
"Lord, you are all pervading. I am amazed how I carried you in my womb. You are incomprehensible. You are without a second. To save your devotees you assumed several forms. Even a low life who sings your praises, listens to your stories or recites your names, will transform into a good devotee."
"Mother, I told you the concepts that you can implement. These are acceptable to sages who follow Brahma Deva. Please put them to practice. Soon you will attain me" said Kapila and left by taking his mother's permission.
Devahuti practised by implementing the yoga of devotion enunciated by Kapila. She gave up frills and silk robes. With penance her body was emaciated. By being away from Kapila, she experienced great grief.
She minimized the intake of food and always kept her mind fixated on the paramatma. She renounced the ashram. All of her bonds severed. The delusions in her ended. She realized all the past was a dream.
Maitreya said: "Vidura, the place where Devahuti received knowledge from Kapila and attained salvation is called "Siddhapada". Because it was meant to enlighten a mother by her child it is also called "Matru Gaya". It is now a holy place. Vidura, I covered all the questions you have asked. I also narrated to you holy Kapila Gita. Whoever listens or reads this with devotion, will be free from sin and attain the Lord"
Friday, April 19, 2024
Introduction
TopThe taste of food is known while eating. Similarly the spirituality will be revealed in actions.
With spiritual practice, the storms in the mind will subside just as when summer approaches rivers dwindle. Ones happiness is dependent on such practice.
A horse unrestrained by reins can go in any direction. So is the mind that is not controlled. Those who don't argue and progress in spirituality face fewer obstacles and live in joy.
In this skanda, king Pareekshit will get the counsel of Suka Brahma. One has to be fortunate to find a guru who can help in self-realization.
This skanda gives a shot in the arm of spiritual practitioners. It helps in turning the mind inwards and understanding reality. The importance of devotion is emphasized here.
Without spiritual practice there will be no end to sorrow. This skanda shines light on the path to self realization.
The Elixir of Dharma
Top
Pareekshit asked Sri Suka about the duties of a person in the throes of death. Such a person needs elixir. It is not the amrit imbibed by Devas, but one obtained by devotion, knowledge and Dharma that help one transcend life-death cycle. The devotees who imbibe such elixir are not afraid of death. They will attain salvation without rebirth.
A fortunate person will find a guru to teach about self-realization. Pareekshit is such a fortunate one. Suka Brahma is the guru to help him tide over death. He was going to teach Pareekshit who was obedient and attentive.
Suka said "O King, the question you posed is very appropriate. It is going to help others in similar situation. It brings auspiciousness to the listeners. Those aspiring for self-realization have similar doubts."
There are four features in our scripture:(1) The subject at hand, (2) The relationship of the subject with regard to the reader or listener, (3) The qualified people who can read or listen to it and (4) Its use to the reader or listener
Suka said Pareekshit's question was worthy of elaboration. And the most pressing one for all people. Such a question needs to be answered with knowledge about Brahman.
The sage Aswabaayana prays to Brahman "Please teach me the most esoteric knowledge".
The essence of Bhagavata is knowledge about Brahman. It provides a wealth of knowledge to the reader or listener. It also inculcates devotion to the Lord. There is no other scripture that measures up with Bhagavata.
Kausika Samhita said "To attain salvation there is no other scripture that surpasses Bhagavata written by Vyasa"
As for the qualified person, Pareekshit is a king worthy of receiving the discourse on Bhagavata. Here king means not just a ruler. Anyone whose desires are met is a king. One who doesn't clamor for worldly objects and relations like a mendicant, but aspires for self-realization is qualified to receive Bhagavata.
As for its use, Bhagavata brings auspiciousness to the world. It leads towards non-duality and self-realization.
Thus Suka made an auspicious beginning. He talked about people whiling away time without self-realization that can be attained by devotion.
The people who are immersed in household duties don't have time for self-realization. They waste time in procreation and garnering wealth. The bonds of wife and children are ephemeral. Without self-realization they die only to be born again.
Sri Suka said "O King, even though their forefathers have perished, ordinary people don't think about death. So when faced with death they are unable to focus their minds on Lord Narayana".
Anything that is born will perish in time. After death the body is cremated and the self goes in search of another body. Thus in the big scheme of things, living is experienced within the birth-death cycle.
Our forefathers have perished. The people we consider as family will die one day. When will we realize the Lord? When will we focus our minds on the Lord? Those who feel sorrow after one's death are not going to wallow forever. Like birds that leave trees that don't bloom, relatives move on with their lives. The wealth garnered is enjoyed by the relatives and the body is consumed by animals.
"Parents raise the child overcoming many difficulties. When he dies, the friends and relatives take him to the cemetery. Out of sympathy they may cry for his demise. On the other hand, they burn the dead body without remorse" said Mahabharata in the Udyoga parva.
All people, great or otherwise, have to end up in cemetary. Without realizing it they carry out household duties. During childhood one is innocent. As a youth he is ignorant. And in old age he is confused. In all these stages the self is covered by maya. When people retire from a job, they take up another. Until they die, they keep on working. It won't help for self-realization and inner peace.
"Almost all men who are secure from want and care, now that at least they have thrown off all other burdens, become a burden to themselves" said a great man. One should realize that the past is past and should make best use of the present. To secure the future, one should start striving for self-realization at the present. Those aspiring for good outcomes have to pray, praise and serve the Lord. Sri Suka was saying this was the only way in response to Pareekshit's question.
The one most sought after is Achyuta. The one who has to be praised is Lord Krishna. Attachment to objects and people imprison a man. Indulging in wordly transactions is not the fault. Forgetting the paramatma while carrying out wordly transactions is a deficiency. A devotion-less person, despite attaining all the wealth in the world, is power-less before the Lord.
Praising the Lord is the most exalted state. The people who pray to Lord continuously become ardent devotees. They leave behind their name and fame in the world. By chanting Lord's names and controlling the tongue one attains the Lord.
"Why do we get trapped in maya and wallow in sorrow? There is no comfort in anything other than Lord's names. Lord's name is the mantra. Try and find out if there is another way to attain the Lord's grace" said Sant Namadev Maharaj.
Some in fault pretense condemn the recitation of Lord's names. Sri Suka was condemning such people with subtility.
"O King, those who transcend action and inaction, attaining a state without gunas, are interested in praising the Lord" said Sri Suka.
Not everyone has means to recite Lord's name. Anyone can sing. But ardent devotees can only sing songs that alleviate the burden of life. A divine song should praise the Lord and spread the name of the Lord. With divine praises only the heart can be purified and devotion can be enhanced.
"O King, at the end of Dwapara yuga, I received the most sacred Bhagavata, which is the essence of vedas, from my father Vyasa. Even though I believed in non-duality, I was enamored by the escapades of Lord Krishna. Those who read or listen to Bhagavata will attain the Lord"
Those who consider life is a burden will find solace in the prayer to the Lord. The people who chant the names of the Lord till the last moment will attain the Lord.
Pareekshit said, "I am going to die in seven days. Is it possible to attain salvation?"
"There was once a king called Khatwanga. He realized he didn't have much time to die. He immediately renounced everything, focused his mind on Sri Hari in prayer, and attained salvation. You have seven days. So don't hesitate to begin the process to attain salvation"
After finding a guru, if one is still hesitant, he has no salvation. Pareekshit was fortunate to find a guru like Suka Brahma. He didn't need seven days with such a guru. Even seven minutes were enough.
Sri Suka said one should not fear death. "To shed the body without fear and a pure conscience is not easy. Those who perform good karma sleep well at night. Others will not only lose good sleep, but also live in perpetual sorrow. Death is unrelenting and inescapable. Devotees are not afraid of death. The Lord's assurance of salvation makes them fearless. They don't fear this world or nether world" said Vidura.
Those who perform good karma and sleep well, being sinless will shed their bodies easily. When one is not attached to body, one is disinterested in relations, and will die in peace. It cannot be accomplished easily while in the throes of death. One has to persevere all life to die in peace.
One should live in a house but should not let the house enter him. The ship in high seas cannot retain sea water. One should insulate his mind against worldly matters. Celibacy should be practised. Loneliness should be one's friend. While doing breathing exercises one has to recitate Omkara. Mind has to be controlled. Desires have to be curtailed. Thus said Sri Suka. Even upanishads recommended breathing exercises with Omkara recitation. Sri Suka was mentioning the same to Pareekshit. Breathing in, out and retaining the breath in between, one has to control prana.
"While exhaling one has to renounce the world. While inhaling one has to think 'I am Brahma'. In between one has to chant 'I am Brahma'" said Tejobindu Upanishad.
Meditation on Omkara is the most auspicious. A-U-M in Omkara indicate wakeful, dreaming, deep-sleep states. People chanting Omkara attain samadhi without distractions.
Suka was saying with breathing one has to control the mind. By curtailing breath the mind is rested and the intellect is purified. In such a state, the mind can take the senses away from the body, won't be attracted to karma and revels in intellect. There is no physical relationship between the mind and external world. The world is imagined by the mind. Time and space can't disrupt the mind. It is only when the mind is distracted, the external world will influence us.
"A mind is not to be changed by place or time. The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven" said Milton.
Therefore, by holding breath, controlling the mind, restraining sense organs, fixing mind on Sri Hari, one has to stabilize intellect.
Sri Suka said one has to practice the aforementioned process. The mind should not be vacillating. If the mind is distracted, it should be focused on the Lord. There is a point to note here. The process should be carried out with utmost devotion.
There is no yoga leading upto salvation without devotion. With yoga, the mind can be stabilized. But to attain salvation, devotion to the Lord is absolutely required. With love for the Lord in the heart, when the mind is turned inwards, salvation is possible. If the mind is distracted by worldly things, it can't remain still in the heart. Memories constantly swarm the mind. They will be pulling the mind toward matters of the external world. Devotion can curtail them, including desires. That's why Narada recommended devotion as paramount.
Narada said in Bhakti Sutras that with devotion it is possible to suppress desires.
When the mind is impure, it is deluded by the world. It is hard to banish the world from the mind. Meditation done with an impure mind won't lead to salvation. Penance done without devotion can't be fruitful just as a pooja done without love won't lead up to heaven. A mind immersed in worldly matters can't attain the Lord.
Tyagaraja said the mind immersed in worldly matters without devotion to the Lord is as sinful as an adulterous wife. In other words, when a wife depending on her husband for sustenance is committing affairs with other men, it is like the mind drawn away from the Lord towards worldly matters.
Tyagaraja sang a women went to alert the neighbor that dogs were prowling the street, while keeping her house's door wide open. Everyone has an advice for another, but don't realize their shortcomings.
In another song, Tyagaraja sang about a woman who approached a neighbor to borrow fodder for her cows. The neighbor, realizing her need, started taking advantage of her. The woman acquiesced hoping he would give her fodder. Meanwhile a monkey entered her house and stole the pot with cooked food.
Like the woman who lost her meal for fodder, people are losing peace of mind by constantly thinking about worldly matters. A discourse on Lord to them is like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person.
Pareekshit said, "Mahatma, mind is finicky. It is hard to control. How can I focus it on one thing? What is the way to control it? What are the means to remove the impurities in the mind?"
Suka Brahma started replying. First of all one needs a proper posture. Without it, it is hard to obtain self-realization. Some people can't sit still for a minute. Even in temples they can't stand for a few minutes without fidgeting. They keep moving like a boy learning bicycle riding. Like a thief being chased by police, their eyes will be rolling all over. One has to sit still and erect, stand without movement, keep the eyes from rolling to obtain a proper posture.
After obtaining a proper posture, the breathing has to be controlled. Then the sense organs have to be restrained. There is no lasting comfort when the senses are constantly going after worldly matters. What is the stature of the man who constantly runs along with senses? Animals live for and by sense organs. Thus one has to control senses, detach from bonds and focus on the Lord.
The Cosmic Form
Top
Seeing the whole world as manifestation of the Lord is essential for a devotee. The Lord is more minute than an atom and more gross than the grossest material one can think of. The transactional world at all times is Lord's manifestation. Such a Lord's vital force has to be meditated upon.
Patala is Lord's feet. Rasaatala is the front and back of the feet. Mahatala is the ankle, Talatala is the lower part of the leg. Sutala is the knee. Vitala is thigh. Maheetala is the organ of procreation. Bhuvaloka is the knavel. Heaven is his chest. Neck is the Maharloka. Janaloka is the face. Tapoloka is the forehead.
His hands are Indra and other Devas. Directions are his ears. Agni is his face. Space is his eye balls. Sun is the eyes. Day and night are eyelids. Thus Lord is resplendent with his cosmic form. We should see the Lord in all things. Everything is within the Lord.
This is the most auspicious vision. People visualizing the Lord in such a manner won't have faults. They see the paramatma in all. Gradually they lose wordly indulgence and obtain knowledge pertaining to Brahma. With detachment, one renounces the fruits of karma and becomes Brahma himself. By seeing the infinite Lord, we focus on self and realize it. There is no discrimination here. It is the attitude that should change. The dharma is superseded by the vision.
"The heart has reasons of which reason has no knowledge" said Pascal.
The Possibilities and Impossibilities
Top
"O King, the cosmic form that I described was revealed to Brahma Deva by the Lord. This helped Brahma Deva in the creation process. One should not live to indulge in luxuries. Even the sojourn to heaven doesn't last forever. One who wants lasting bliss should renounce names and forms of the world" said Sri Suka to Pareekshit.
A spiritual person should give up indulgence in senses. Wealth that is far more than one's needs is a burden. He should keep the bare minimum of his needs. He should keep in mind that all worldly comforts are ephemeral.
"O King, when the needs of life are met, where is the need to struggle for more" said Sri Suka.
"When there is floor where is the need for a mattress? When the hands are given by paramatma why should we use pillows? When the palms are there, where is the need for utensils? When there are clothes woven from cotton, where is the need for silk robes?" said Suka Brahma.
One should pray to paramatma at all times. Without serving Eswara, there is no way to transform into Eswara. One has to give up luxuries to serve Eswara. In meditation worldly matters create obstacles.
Indulgence in luxuries is inferior. It implies the life led by animals. The dogs enjoy eating a corpse as much as we enjoy a tasty meal. A pig rolling in mud has the same feeling as one resting on a fluffy mattress. People living in palaces have the same shelter as animals that burrow. One has to rejuvenate the senses caught in worldly matters with Lord's names. Otherwise, hell awaits.
People knowing these truths won't be caught in worldly matters. They will always be chanting the Lord's name. Some people visualize the Lord in their mind's eye. The meditation on the Lord should be as natural as breathing without interruption.
Some people ask when is the best time to meditate on the Lord. One has to remember that there is no perfect time to meditate. It is not for a set time. Is there the best time for a mother to love her child? Is there an auspicious time for a husband to love his wife? We should meditate on the Lord at all times.
Some people ask how long one should meditate on the Lord. For how long can we sit in one place? How long do we take to eat food? The answer is as long as it takes.
While meditating on the Lord, one has to traverse his mind's eye from Lord's feet to head. The cosmic form of the Lord has to be visualized.
"O King, people use 'neti-neti' (not-this, not-this) to reject all that is not Lord and eventually realize the Self that is without birth or death. Thus, they ardently love the Lord", said Suka.
"O King, for a man caught in the wordly bonds, devotion towards Vasudeva is the only way. There is no other way to attain salvation" said Suka Brahma.
So far Suka described the devotion to Lord Vishnu. He said listening to Bhagavata would purify the heart. It is the only way to multiply the devotion for the Lord.
Pareekshit asked what are the duties of a person in the throes of death at the beginning of this Skanda. Sri Suka advised praising the Lord and listening to Bhagavata.
The Resplendence of Devotion
Top
"O King, ardent devotees chant Sri Hari's names to attain the salvation" said Sri Suka. Then Suka Brahma would talk about prayers to gods other than Sri Hari.
Those who aspire for strong senses pray to Indra. Prajapati is worshipped by those longing for chidren. People seeking vital force pray to Agni. Vasus are prayed by those seeking wealth.
Traders and farmers worship Sadhyas. For a long life Aswinis are worshipped. Wanting beauty Gandharvas are worshipped. Wealth seekers pray to Prachetana. Forefathers are prayed for offspring. Manu is worshipped for gaining kingdom. People indulging in senses pray to Soma. Others with no desires pray to Sri Maha Vishnu.
Without desires other than salvation, people worship Lord Vishnu with utmost devotion. People worshipping all gods, including Lord Vishnu, better be in the company of devotees. This reinforces their faith and gives them desired results.
"O King, one should listen to the escapades of Sri Hari. It will mitigate the hate, enhance love, grant knowledge, and propitiate the Lord. The devotion will grow manifold. Such a person should listen steadfastly" said Suka Brahma to Pareekshit as told by Soota to Sounaka and other rishis in the Naimisa forest.
People listening to Lord Hari's escapades are really fortunate. Suka was fortunate to listen to Lord's story from Vyasa. He in turn passed it on to Pareekshit. Now because of Soota maharshi's grace, Sounaka et al. are fortunate to listen to the story of Lord Vishnu.
"Mahatma! Pareekshit is a devotee of Lord right from his childhood. What other questions did Pareekshit ask Suka after his opening remarks? Please tell us" said Sounaka et al.
Devotion should begin in childhood. Because as one ages the heart becomes too impure to gain love and devotion to the Lord. And the mind will be full of memories from the past. Dhruva and Prahlada became the devotees of the Lord when they were adolescents.
Pareekshit was devoted to the Lord from a young age. Sri Suka was always in devotion to the Lord. Sounaka said the discussion between the two devotees about the Lord would transform the audience into blessed souls.
"Aren't trees living? Aren't people sucking air in and out like the bellow of a furnace? Aren't cattle eating grass? Aren't animals procreating? When people carry out such acts, by abandoning Sri Hari can they be superior to animals?"
Those who didn't listen to the chant of the Lord are no better than an animal. They are the most unfortunate. Their mind and body are useless.
The ears that don't listen to the Lord's escapades are void. The tongue that doesn't sing the praises of the Lord is like a frog's tongue. What is the difference between eyes that don't see the paramatma and the eyes on peacock feathers? The hands that don't offer salutations to the Lord are like corpse's hands. The nose that doesn't smell the fragrance of flowers placed at the feet of the Lord is in fact a pig's nose. The feet that don't go to visit the Lord are same as trees rooted in the ground.
Unfortunate are those who aren't blessed by the dust from the feet of Lord's devotees. People whose hearts don't rejoice, eyes don't water, hairs don't raise while listening to the praises of the Lord are like stone.
"Mahatma, one's life is barren without devotion. Your eminent discourse is accentuating our devotion. Please tell us what more the self realized Suka Brahma told Pareekshit" said Sounaka et al to Soota.
"Rishis, Pareekshit turned his mind inward after listening to Suka's preamble. He got rid of bonds in his mind. And gave up the love for his body. He renounced the love for palaces, cattle, wealth, relatives and kingdom. Like you, he wanted Sri Suka to begin his discourse of Lord's avatara" said Soota.
"Mahatma! You are omniscient. My mind is relieved after listening to your discourse. How did Lord create this universe that is not fully understood even by great rishis" said Pareekshit to Suka.
Sri Suka was offering his salutations to Lord. It was three chapters ago that he started his discourse. Some people think he was actually setting the stage for a full discourse.
"Paramatmaa! You don't have a cause. You have unimaginable strength. You create, maintain and destroy the universe. You shine as the self in all of us. You are partial to your devotees. You reassure whoever seeks your refuge with devotion. Your praises purify all impure hearts and enable us to face death boldly. Your appearance will remove all of our sins. Bonds are broken when we salute you" said Suka.
"Singing praises, chanting the name, saluting, listening to the story of the Lord, will remove all sins"
Those in the path of knowledge acquisition get detached from the world by holding the feet of the Lord. Suka was bowing again and again to the Lord in prayer.
"O Lord, even people who do great penance; are well known by all; are great yogis; are erudite; are well versed in vedas, without devotion to you cannot be successful in their efforts. Salutation to you who has such an auspicious form."
Eswara will accentuate the good karma of his devotees. He will enhance the devotion of his devotees. He will cleanse the sins of devotees. Eswara is approachable by all.
Paramatma is the embodiment of vedas, dharma, penance and love. Those who could get his glimpse are attaining salvation. The Lord who is the subject of yagna; ruler of all people, intellect, and world had been a child among the Yadavas in Sri Krishna avatar.
"Some think the Lord is of atomic size. Some say the Lord is as big as the universe. For some he is divisible. For others he is indivisible. For some he has gunas and is a great paramatma. For others he is devoid of gunas. People arguing over such esoterics when seeing his lotus like feet realize the pettiness of their claims. My salutations to such a Lord" said Suka.
"The Lord created the body with five basic elements. It has nine exits. He is the purusha living in the body. He is the witness of all of our actions. Such a paramatma should reside on my tongue during the discourse" said Sri Suka.
"The discourse won't attract anyone unless the speaker is blessed by the Lord. With his touch, words will turn into amrit" said Sri Suka. After praising the Lord, Sri Suka was offering prayer to his father Vyasa.
"The elixir that originated in the Vyasa's lotus face has been imbibed by the devotees. Salutation to such resplendent Vyasa" said Sri Suka.
"O King, you asked me about the creation of the world. Earlier Brahma Deva asked Lord Vishnu the same and received the knowledge. Later Brahma Deva passed on that knowledge to Narada. I am going to discourse on it" said Suka.
The Process Of Creation
Top
Sage Narada saluted Brahma Deva and said "Please give me the knowledge about Jiva and Brahman".
"O Lord, what is the form of this universe? What supports it? Who created it? Where does it end?" said Narada.
"O Lord, you are omniscient. You know the secret of the universe. I saw you do penance. There has to be someone who gives you the fruit of penance. And he has to be other than you".
"O Father, how did you gain knowledge? Who supports you? What is your form? Who is your Lord? You are creating life forms with dexterity. I don't know what is superior, inferior or equal among the beings of this universe. I also don't know how the world with names and forms originated. I believe this universe is created by you. But why did you do penance?" said Narada.
Brahma Deva said "Son, you asked me good questions. Your doubts are commendable. By asking such questions you are very kind to me"
Narada was surprised. How could he be kind towards Brahma Deva? He was perturbed if he had hurt Brahma Deva. After observing Narada's predicament Brahma Deva said "Son, I am telling you the truth. Because of your questions, I have the privilege of talking about the real creator".
"Narada, you have assumed I am the Eswara. Not only you, many don't know that there is a superior being than me. In fact, the universe protected by the Eswara is being created and maintained by me. Those who can't discern because of maya think I am the Eswara".
"It is not possible to discern Eswara's maya. People falsely identify me as the ultimate being. I salute the Lord Vasu Deva who is the ultimate being" said Brahma Deva.
"Son, maya has no existence before the Lord. Just as an adulterous woman caught by her husband feels ashamed, the maya that mesmerizes life forms is abashed to stand before the Lord. Like darkness that can't exist after sun rise, maya cannot exist before the Lord. Because of maya, men are identifying themselves with their egos and creating bondage" said Brahma Deva.
"Paramatma is infinite. There is nothing that is not his. He is the progenitor of vedas. Suras originated from his body. There is no one above him. He is all pervading. He witnesses everything. I was created by him. I merely reshape the universe created by him" said Brahma Deva.
"Maya is the attribute of Paramatma. It has the three gunas. Using it the paramatma is not revealing himself. The space was formed from maya. From space air was formed. From air, fire was created. From fire came water. Earth came out of water. Thus the five elements were formed from which came the five senses. From the gross sattva guna mind, intellect and ego came. From gross rajas guna came the five pranas. From the gross tamas guna came different bodies. Thus the universe was created by Paramatma."
"Narada, I answered your questions. In the cause-effect, everything is paramatma's creation" said Brahma Deva.
"From the clay came the pot by cause-effect. There are so many types of pots identified by their names and forms. They however are all made from clay. The pots may break and lose their identity but the clay remains forever" said Brahma Deva.
"Therefore the universe with name and form is impermanent. The ocean is ever present but the waves come and go. Waves have form and name. So they disappear. Whereas the ocean remains steady. Even for the impermanent wave ocean is the support. Waves exist in the ocean. In reality all that exists is the ocean. A wave is a disturbance of the ocean giving raise to names and forms" said Brahma Deva.
Thus Brahma Deva praised Lord's creation. Then he set about describing Sri Man Narayana's avatars.
Lord Sriman Narayana's Avatars
Top
Sri Hari donned a boar avatar to save the earth from Hiranyaksha. He destroyed Hiranyaksha with his tusks. He then was born as Suyagnu to Prajapati's wife Akuti. He married Dakshina and gave birth to Devas. Later he was born to Kardama Prajapati and Devahuti as Kapila. He gave the knowledge about Brahma to his mother Devahuti.
He was born as the son of Atri maharshi. He was called Dattatreya. Then he was born to Dharmu's wife and Daksha's daughter Moorty as Nara-Narayana.
Once the cupid, Manmatha,thought he could disrupt the penance of Nara-Narayana. He ordered beautiful apsaras to create lust in them. The apsaras started dancing before Nara-Narayana. They wanted to distract them. From the thighs of Narayana came a beautiful maid called Urvasi. She surpassed the apsaras in beauty and dance. Apsaras thought if he could create a superior woman than them, there was no way to distract them and left them alone.
Beauty is not external. And happiness doesn't come from outside. All of the beauty is in the self. Nara-Narayana, by creating Urvasi, indicate to us that all beauty and happiness are within us. When one knows self, there is no lust for non-self in the world.
"When one is immersed in happiness due to knowledge about Brahma, there won't be any desire for external things" says Atmabodha Upanishad.
Lord was born as Rushabhudeva to Nabhi and his wife Sudevi. He transcended senses and became a noble being called paramahamsa. He demonstrated indescribable unmanifest Self.
"Narada, in a yagna I conducted, the Lord was born as Hayagreeva. When he exhaled I could hear the vedic chants" said Brahma Deva.
"At the end of yuga, the Lord donned a fish avatar. While churning the milky ocean with the Mount Mandhara, the mountain was held in place by Lord's tortoise avatar"
"To dispel the fear of Devas, he killed Hiranyakasipu by donning Nrusimha avatar. To protect an elephant king he manifested as Sri Hari and destroyed the crocodile that caught the elephant. The same Lord donned Vamana avatar, hoodwinked Bali to give him the world and gave it to Indra."
"Narada, the same Lord talked about devotion in front of you in the form of a swan." The Lord gives self-knowledge to his devotees. He is the ultimate guru. That's why every guru is considered an avatar of the Lord. One should not disrespect the guru and serve him without questioning back. One should be confident that by proper conduct, one can learn everything from the guru.
"To cure the diseased, Lord came in Dhanvantari avatar. The same Lord appeared as Parasurama to destroy the erring kings twenty one times. The Lord was born in the Ikshvaka dynasty as Rama. He was born as Sri Krishna and showed extraordinary powers. He was also born as Vyasa and reorganized vedas. When everyone lose dharma in Kali yuga he will be born as Kalki to restore dharma on the earth."
"Narada, both me and your brothers Sanaka, Sananda and others could not understand the infinite avataras of the Lord" said Brahma Deva.
"Narada, I told you briefly about Lord's avataras. You spread that knowledge. This knowledge is given to me by the Lord himself. This is called Bhagavata. When teaching it bless the listeners to attain devotion to the Lord" said Brahma Deva.
"Mahatma! Brahma Deva asked Narada to teach the avataras of Lord Sri Hari to others. Whom did Narada enlighten about these amazing avataras?" said Pareekshit.
Pareekshit's Questions
Top
Pareekshit put forth all of his questions before Suka Brahma. Whoever listens to Lord Vishnu's avatars attentively attain the Paramatma.
"Like the season after rains removes the mud in the water, Sri Krishna enters the hearts of his devotees and removes the impurities."
"Like a wanderer after facing many difficulties returns to home and stays there, the devotee purified by the Lord, won't leave his lotus feet. Mahatma, please make my mind and intellect disinterested in worldly matters, and fixated on the Lord so that it will be easy to shed my body"
"How did a jiva without any association with the five basic elements assume a body made of the five basic elements? Is Karma responsible for it? How can the bondage of samsara be overcome? What are the pros and cons of devotion?
"O great Sage, I have surrendered to you. I don't know if these are genuine questions. I don't know what better questions can be asked. Please kindly answer them and remove my ignorance".
When Pareekshit said "As I listen to the Lord Vishnu's avatars my mind is at peace. Despite fasting I won't feel the pain. Srungi's curse won't haunt me", Suka Brahma was satisfied.
Bhagavata in four Slokas
Top
"Maya is responsible for physical body. Just as a person dreaming has no relationship with the dream, the self has no relationship with the body. Because of maya the body changes from time to time. A jiva is subservient to maya. With maya he creates I-mine bonds, implying ego and possessiveness. A person overcoming maya will become the Lord" said Suka Brahma.
"The creation process is no ordinary matter. So it is not readily discerned by all. Even Brahma Deva did not understand at times. During those times he observed deep penance. The Lord appeared and gave him the knowledge" said Sri Suka.
At the beginning, Brahma Deva was wondering how to create the world. He didn't have sufficient knowledge. From the water came the sound "ta". Then came the sound "pa".
Brahma Deva wondered where from the sounds came. Nothing was visible to him. He closed his eyes and realized that someone was prompting him to observe penance. Soon he started penance. By restraining the mind and senses he did penance for a thousand years. Lord, impressed by the penance, brought Brahma Deva to his abode Vaikuntha. Brahma Deva was elated. Maya cannot enter Vaikuntha where Lakshmi Devi will be in servitude of the Lord. Brahma Deva was ecstatic.
Lord said "Brahma Deva, you satisfied me with your penance. Let auspiciousness come to you. Please ask me for seven boons. My appearance itself will give you all the things you ever need. You performed the penance hearing my words 'ta-pa'"
Lord said "Penance is my heart. I am Self to penance". Without penance no one can obtain salvation. When the creation started with penance, how can people who don't do penance attain bliss? Penance leads to the heart of the Lord. So people not doing penance can't merge with the Lord. Without Lord's grace there is no comfort and happiness.
Lord said "Brahma Deva, I am creating the world with penance. I am ruling it with penance. Penance is my vital force"
The essence of Ramayana is penance. Lord Rama performed penance for fourteen years before killing the demon king Ravana. We should annihilate senses both of knowledge and action and the mind-ego-intellect complex with penance to obtain self-knowledge. It is ultimately the Lord who grants us self-knowledge.
Swetaswatara Upanishad said "The Brahman mentioned in the upanishads is the root of self-knowledge and penance"
Brahma Deva said to Lord "You created all beings. You know the desires of all. Please satisfy my desire and grant me the plan for creation. I will obey your command. Please make me egoless"
Later the Lord revealed the essence of Bhagavata in four slokas.
"The five basic elements inhabit all the creation without making themselves explicit. Even though I am in all of them, as Self I am all pervading" said the Lord.
Like a rope Brahman alone existed before creation. Like confusing the rope with a serpent, maya is projected by Brahman. The imaginary serpent can't alter the rope. The serpent is in the observer's mind but not in the rope. Similarly maya is within the observer's mind but not in the Brahman. As long as there is mind, because of maya duality is seen in the world. When the mind disappears, maya will disappear.
Annapoorna Upanishad said "When we reject the mind, the world of non-duality will perish. Then the most exalted, peaceful, non-dual, blissful self will shine"
The rope that has been perceived as serpent is in fact real. The serpent is presiding over the rope. Similarly in the world of names and forms, Brahman is the foundation and cause. Brahman is all pervading.
"Throughout the physical world runs that unknown content which must surely be our Consciousness" said the physicist Arthur Eddington.
Take a colorful fabric with the images of several birds. The images are in fact not different from the cotton threads. The various images are projected by the threads. Similarly in the world of names and forms several images are perceivable. They are not different from Brahman. Thread is real and images are imaginary. Brahman is real and the world is imaginary.
When everything is Brahman how can we surmount maya? It is done with a process by rejecting anything that is born as unreal.
Everyone knows he exists. But he doesn't know how. He is able to discern all but himself. "aham" means me. "idam" means this. The one seeing is aham. The one that is seen is idam. All scripture talks about idam but not aham. When we don't know about ourselves, what is there to achieve? Vedas alone teach about aham.
Suppose one is seeing a tree. The seen is the tree and one is a seer. The seer and seen are different. Similarly everything seen is different from the seer.
We are seeing our bodies like other objects. So the body can't be the seer. The inert body can't be the self with vital force. Similarly the sense can't be aham. If body and senses can't be aham, mind and intellect could be aham. The thoughts occurring in the mind and the decisions made by the intellect are being perceived by us. In deep sleep mind and intellect retract but we are there. Therefore, we are the aham or self.
Now we have to establish self which is all pervading, infinite and non-dual. There is no scope for non-self. Therefore everything is self.
When one is climbing up the stairs, he is leaving behind the bottom step when there is another step to climb up that is not landing. So until the landing is reached he is rejecting every step. This is called "neti-neti".
"At the beginning one should see the vital force as different from the world. Then one should see the effect in cause" said Adi Sankara in Aparokshaanubhooti.
"Thus with knowledge one can exist without ego" said the Lord to Brahma Deva. He delivered the essence of all the vedas in four slokas and disappeared. Then Brahma Deva paid his obeisance to the Lord and started the task of creation. His son Narada satisfied his father with service. This led Narada to seek answers to his question from his father.
"O King, Brahma Deva satisfied with Narada's service passed on the knowledge about Bhagavata he got from the Lord to him. Narada then told it to Vyasa" said Suka Brahma to Pareekshit. Then he talked about the ten qualities of Bhagavata.
The world created from the cosmic form of the Lord is called Visarga. The dexterity of keeping an order in the universe is called Sthana. The benevolence shown by the Lord to his devotees is called Poshana. The impressions stored in the mind from carrying out karma is called Ooti. The rituals conducted by Manus are called Manvantara. Stories about Lord's avataras are called Isanu. At the devolution of creation when life forms merge into the Lord the process is called Nirodha. The disembodiment of the self is called Mukti. Asraya is by whom the creation, maintenance and destruction of the world are happening.
Thus Suka described the ten attributes of Bhagavata and the order of creation to Pareekshit
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Prologue/పూర్వ పీఠిక (English/Telugu) 1000 Names/సహస్ర నామములు (English/Telugu) Epilogue/ఉత్తర పీఠిక (ఫ...
-
Hide English Hide Telugu Show Telugu Slokas Show English Slokas Show All ఓం హిర॑ణ్యవర్ణాం॒ హరి॑ణీం సు॒వర్ణ॑రజ॒తస్ర॑జ...
-
Eknath Gita Book 1 అర్జున విషాద యోగము 1.1 1.2-1.11 1.12-1.14 1.15-1.19 1.20-1.29 1.30-1.32 1.33-1.41 1.42 1.43-1...
