Sri Guru Gita ETV - Episodes 51 to 100
Translations of Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s daily explanation of Sri Guru Gita on ETV from Datta Jayanthi in Dec 2013 onwards in Telugu
Episodes 51 to 100
Listen to Sri Guru Gita episodes on vimeo:
Observe the parrot from Shuka Vana. Find out of the species it belongs to and make a note.
Visit for photos of parrots and information on the different species.
A parrot first listened to the secret knowledge about Guru while Siva was explaining it to Parvati. Later Sage Suka (Parrot) gave this knowledge to his father Veda Vyasa. It was revealed to humanity through Srimad Bhagavatam and Skanda Purana.
At end of the year 2014 during Datta Jayanthi in December, there will be held a competition.
Episode 51
So, what is Anushthanam? We said that Anushthana comprises yagnas, donations, service to mankind, worship, vows, rituals, pilgrimages, chanting and penance etc. People observing Anushtanam and leading a dharmic way of life can show the path to others and act as Gurus. Other people may even benefit from them. But while that may be true, they cannot uplift themselves unless they seek refuge with a Guru. Lord Shiva says that people observing Anushthanam without understanding the Guru Principle are deceitful. He goes on to say that only when merged with the Guru Principle is there any meaning to Anushthanam. If not, such acts are deceitful. These acts of Anushthanam cannot help them realize the Supreme Truth. Therefore they are futile.
Lord Shiva is gently reprimanding that humans that are wallowing in such meaningless and deceitful conduct are like animals. While observing Anushthanam is slightly better than engaging solely in education that’s meaningless, you must get education, observe Anushthanam and merge that with the Guru Principle. So, we understand that without knowledge of the Principle of Guru, everything is meaningless.
A Guru’s actions might sometimes seem strange when He’s blessing a disciple or is transforming him. The ignorant that don’t understand this get fooled by the Guru’s actions. Such people cannot comprehend the Guru Principle. They are thrown into doubt and confusion. In some instances, they even defame the Guru. This is a grave sin. One must try to understand the Guru’s actions and adapt to them. Only then will the Guru’s actions be understood and knowledge of Guru Principle bestowed. Otherwise, regardless of how much mediation and penance you do, it yields not benefits.
Akrura understood the actions of the Supreme Lord Krishna and was blessed by Him. Let’s delve in to the story a little. On the command of Kamsa, Akrura came to Gokulam to bring Krishna and Balarama back with him to Mathura. Akrura was a devotee of Sri Krishna. He wondered if he could be blessed by Sri Krishna. Akrura conveyed the command of Kamsa to Krishna and Balarama who promptly boarded the chariot. Akrura rode the chariot, all the while pining for Sri Krishna’s grace. Krishna and Balarama feigned ignorance of Akrura’s pinings and simply enjoyed the sights around them, admiring the beauty of Nature. They came up on the sacred River Yamuna. They experienced great joy seeing the beauty of the sacred river. Let’s see what happens next.
Episode 52
We discussed that Akrura conveyed Kamsa’s command to Balarama and Krishna to bring them to Mathura. Balarama and Krishna agreed and boarded the chariot. Akrura drove the chariot, all the while pining intensely for the grace of Lord Krishna. Balarama and Krishna, seated it the chariot, feigned ignorance, laughing and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. They saw wonderful forests, strange and exotic birds and happy beasts along the way. They came up on the sacred Yamuna River. Akrura promptly stopped the chariot and requested permission from Balarama and Krishna to worship the river saying “Rama, Krishna: Yamuna washes away sins. I worship River Yamuna. I will offer my prayers to the river and come back”. He asked Balarama and Krishna to be seated in the chariot.
Akrura went up to the river and began reciting mantras while dipping in the water.
To his great surprise, he saw the same Balarama and Krishna in the water, happy and smiling, looking exactly like they did in the chariot. Even though Arkura was great devotee, his own ignorance prevented him from realizing that the Lord was seated right next to him in the chariot. So, to teach him a lesson, they appeared in the sacred water of Yamuna river. Akrura stood up and shook his head. He found Balarama and Krishna seated in the chariot and smiling. They were in the water, but they were also outside in the chariot. He was confused. He dipped in the water again and witnessed the same form and smiles in the water. Sri Krishna then appeared to him as Lord Vishnu and blessed him. He gave him darshan of Vaikuntha. Did you see? The cowherd, Jagadguru Sri Krishna, appeared as Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha, to clear the confusion and wipe away the sorrows of Arkura and bless him.
Similarly, the Guru also blesses the disciples who are devoted to him.
Why is it that humans do not understand the Guru Principle despite many spiritual practices? What is preventing them from grasping that concept? What is it? Tell me, what is it? [The bird says “Raga”]. Raga. It’s called Raga. Did you see, even Suka Brahma says so. Raga-Dvesha (like and dislikes) engulf us. That is why humans can’t comprehend Guru Tattva. Suka Braham is the one that gave us the sacred Bhagavatam. It is the great Principle advocated by him that Lord Shiva is now telling us through the question asked by Mother Parvati . It is the same principle that Suka Brahma gave us. He said it one word. What is it? What did you call it? [Bird says “Raga”]. It’s called Raga.
That is why, through this sloka, Lord Shiva, on account of the question posed by Supreme Mother Parvati, is teaching us not to waste all the merit accumulated through one’s spiritual practices by forgetting Guru Tattva and doubting the qualities of the Guru.
Therefore, it becomes evident that one must explore the concept of Guru. So, who is Guru? Let’s get to the core of the matter. What can he do? What are his degrees and qualifications? There are many questions that come up. Questions always keep sprouting. Many wonder and even ask about the degrees, certificates and the qualifications of a Guru. They also wonder if he’s capable of transforming them. Those are not a good question to ask. The Guru’s qualifications, certifications, popularity and his ability to transform you are not the right questions to ask in search of a Guru. To understand what really a Guru is, we should follow the next two slokas that provide a summary of the qualities of a Guru.
Episode 53
Sloka:
Gurorvidhyatmano nanyat satyam satyam na samsayah
Tallabhartham prayatna stu kartavyo hi manisibhih
There is nothing other than the Guru, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. That is true and beyond doubt. So, a virtuous person should try for awareness of the quality of Guru. Knowledge manifested in a physical form is Guru. In this Sloka, “this is truth (satyam)” is said twice. Why is it said twice? When a mother is feeding her child, she may coax her child into drinking milk by telling her child that if he doesn’t drink milk quickly, a monster would show up. That is a lie, but the child believes it to be true. The child believes what the mother is saying about the monster. But, the mother is lying. By lying about something that’s perceived as truth, the mother makes sure the baby is well fed. The child quickly drinks the milk. Here, in contrast, this truth is really the truth. To reiterate that this is a not a lie that’s couched in the form of truth, the fact that is absolute truth is said twice.
Sage Vishwamitra is the Guru who imparted knowledge to Sri Rama. By the grace of Guru, Lord Rama received knowledge of the Guru Principle. Let’s learn a little bit more about this. When Sage Vishwamitra requested King Dasaratha to send Sri Rama with him to the forests to protect his Yagnas, the king hesitated. Filled with intense love for his son, the king dilly dallied. “How can I send my young son to the forests?” At that time, due to the divine intervention of Sage Vasishtha, King Dasaratha was saved from the fury of Sage Vishwamitra. But, Sri Rama was different. He always stood by his words. A word once spoken was never taken back. He never lied and there was never a second thought. He was an ideal man. To set an example to mankind in dharmic behavior, he served Guru Vishwamitra. Sri Rama very well knew the power and grace of Guru Vishwamitra. He was eager to learn from his Guru. Sri Rama knew how to receive the knowledge imparted by the Guru. But, he served the Guru not just with a view to receiving knowledge, but with complete love and devotion.
Sri Rama was overjoyed to hear of the arrival of Guru Vishwamitra. He was not afraid like King Dasaratha was about going to the forests to slay demons. He didn’t even question his own capabilities about whether he would be able to fulfill the tasks. He was in fact very happy for the opportunity bestowed on him to learn from Sage Vishwamitra. Sri Rama believed that the higher purpose of Sage Vishwamitra’s visit was to impart knowledge.
The greatness of Sage Vishwamitra was that he was dharma personified. He was the best of the brave and very wise. He reached the pinnacle of spiritual practices. He was well-versed with weapons and warfare of all the three worlds. Even the Gods and other sages did not have the knowledge that he did. Rama knew that Sage Vishwamitra had this great ocean of knowledge. That is why he was very happy when he heard of Sage Vishwamitra visit. Due to the timely advice by Sage Vasishtha, King Dasaratha wisened up and sent his young son with Sage Vishwamitra. Let’s see what happens next.
Episode 54
We discussed that King Dasaratha wisened up on Sage Vasishtha’s advice and sent his sons to the forests with Sage Vishwamitra. The two boys served their Guru with utmost devotion and dedication. Even the Gods come to the assistance of those that serve their Guru. Once Rama began serving Sage Vishwamitra, the God of Wind blew gentle breeze over them and soothed their minds.
The two followed their Gurudeva diligently. As Sage Vishwamitra walked, Sri Rama and Lakshmana walked right behind him. The scriptures stipulate that while walking, one must walk a few paces behind the Guru, not ahead of Him. Rama and Lakshmana knew how to walk with the Guru. Pleased with how they were walking, Sage Vishwamitra initiated them into the knowledge of “Bala” and “Ati Bala”. By the power of Bala and Ati Bala, one is protected from hunger and thirst. Sri Rama needed this, you all know what happened in the future. That is why Sage Vishwamitra blessed them with this knowledge so that they never feel hunger or thirst. Demons could never harm them. They got blessed generously by walking humbly with their Guru. As disciples, they observed all the duties stipulated by the scriptures. They never left the company of their Guru. While traveling, they learned a lot about the forests from their Guru. Witnessing the eagerness of the two disciples to learn more, Sage Vishwamitra was excited and blessed them with even more knowledge. He gave them more powers.
While walking with Sage Vishwamitra, they heard a powerful sound. Upon enquiring, Sage Vishwamitra told them that it was “Manasa Sarassu” (manasa = relating to the mind; sarassu = lake).
“Kailasa parvate rama, manasa nirmitam saraha,
brahmana narasaarthula, tene dam maanasam saraha”
Lord Brahma created a lake on Mount Kailas with his mind (will) power. Because it was created with the power of the mind, it was called Manas Sarovar (manas = relating to the mind; sarovar = lake). From that lake was born Sarayu river. Sage Vishwamitra told them what they heard was the Sarayu River. He went on to explain the significant features of Manas Sarovar.
Soon after, Guru Vishwamitra ordered Rama to slay the demoness Tataka to protect the cattle, the learned and the rest of the people. At that time, he imparted knowledge of many weapons including Brahma Astram (astram = weapon), Pashupata Astram etc. Later, Sri Rama protected Sage Vishwamitra’s yagna by teaching the demons Mareecha and Subahu a fitting lesson. Pleased with this, Guru Vishwamitra wanted to bless Sri Rama with Laksmi devi. He purified them by reciting the story of Ganga Devi. He helped Ahalya get relief from her curse. The Guru’s blessings didn’t stop there. Guru Vishwamitra took them to the kingdom of Mithila. There, with the permission of Guru Vishwamitra, Rama broke the powerful bow of Lord Shiva and married Sita Devi.
Who is Sita? She is Lakshmi Devi manifested in a physical form. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. He got Sri Rama married to Sita Devi. That was Guru Vishwamitra’s will. Like that, every step of the way, Guru Vishwamitra immensely blessed Rama who was an outstanding disciple. He poured all his knowledge into Rama. The conduct of the disciple is very important. If the disciple observes all his duties like Sri Rama did, the Sadgurus bless generously every step of the way like Guru Vishwamitra did, pouring all their knowledge in to the disciples. What we discussed in the previous sloka is explained even better in this sloka.
Episods 55
We discussed that Guru Vishwamitra ordered Rama to slay the demoness Tataka to protect the cattle, the learned and the rest of the people. At that time, he imparted knowledge of many weapons including Brahma Astram (astram = weapon), Pashupata Astram etc. Later, Sri Rama protected Sage Vishwamitra’s yagna by teaching the demons Mareecha and Subahu a fitting lesson. Pleased with this, Guru Vishwamitra wanted to bless Sri Rama with Laksmi devi. He purified them by reciting the story of Ganga Devi. He helped Ahalya get relief from her curse. The Guru’s blessings didn’t stop there. Guru Vishwamitra took them to the kingdom of Mithila. There, with the permission of Guru Vishwamitra, Rama broke the powerful bow of Lord Shiva and married Sita Devi.
Who is Sita? She is Lakshmi Devi manifested in a physical form. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. He got Sri Rama married to Sita Devi. That was Guru Vishwamitra’s will. Like that, every step of the way, Guru Vishwamitra immensely blessed Rama who was an outstanding disciple. He poured all his knowledge into Rama. The conduct of the disciple is very important. If the disciple observes all his duties like Sri Rama did, the Sadgurus bless generously every step of the way like Guru Vishwamitra did, pouring all their knowledge in to the disciples. What we discussed in the previous sloka is explained even better in this sloka.
Sloka:
Rudha vidya jaganmaya dehesti dhvanta rupini
tadwarakah prakasasca guru sabdena kathyate
That means, illusion took on the form of this world. She (illusion) herself is the ignorance and personification of TAMAS. That ignorance is embedded strongly in the body of every being.
The light that can dispel that ignorance is called Guru. Once the divine light of the Guru falls on a being, the darkness of ignorance vanishes. Illusion and ignorance mean the same. It refers to the darkness that envelops us. The difference is only in the expanse each refers to, but illusion and ignorance are the same. The further we want to get away from it, the stronger and closer it gets. It is the nature of illusion. We may wonder why the darkness of illusion increases with our spiritual pursuit. There’s only one reason for this. You are not really starting your spiritual life. You are just thinking about it, but procrastinating. You are putting it off to tomorrow. We just keep thinking “I will fast starting tomorrow”, “I will give up this addiction starting tomorrow”, “I will set myself right starting tomorrow” but not acting on it. “I will read Bhagavatam starting tomorrow. Watch out, how disciplined I’m going to be”. But, we never start. We always postpone to tomorrow.
Episode 56
Illusion and ignorance are the same. It’s the darkness that envelops the mind. The further we want to get away from it, the stronger and closer it gets. It is the nature of illusion. We may wonder why the darkness of illusion increases with our spiritual pursuit. There’s only one reason for this. You are not really starting your spiritual life. You are just thinking about it, biding time and putting it off to tomorrow.
Your mind will not let you embark on your spiritual journey. Will your mind let you give up your big house, wealth, fame, wife, children etc and embark on your spiritual journey? No, it will not. Even at the time of death, the spirit is hankering after these possessions. This is what is called delusion. That’s the darkness. The only light that removes this darkness is the light of Guru.
The sloka continues to explain the qualities of a Guru.
Sloka:
Yadanghri kamala dvandvam dvanda tapa nivarakam
tarakam bhava sindhosca tam gurum pranamamyaham
This verse offers obeisances to such a Guru whose pair of lotus feet can wipe out the passions caused by the dualities of joys and sorrows, cold and heat and which can ferry across the ocean of life. Through this sloka, they are providing a definition for Guru as one Whose lotus feet can wipe out the passions caused by dualities.
Attachment and detachment manifest themselves in strange forms in life. Some people gain attachment from detachment. A person may renounce everything and build a big temple. But, he’s always immersed in thinking about the temple, about how he built the temple, how tall the temple tower is, how many storeys it has, how many little temples he built around the main temple, how big the temple periphery is, how beautiful the decorations are and so on. He’s only thinking about the temple and is absorbed in admiring it. It’s as if the temple takes precedence over the Guru. He considers himself an accomplished spiritual seeker. He brags to everyone about having built the temple.
Similarly, a distinguished person that made donations toward something is constantly bragging about being the donor. All these are attachments that come with detachment. They did some good deed, but they didn’t give up attachment. Your donations were done with attachment. Your good deeds were done with attachment, you have desire to brag about it.
Some others are worried about not receiving all the ancestral rites after they die. Let’s see how to overcome such fears.
Episode 57
We discussed that these were detachments that came coupled with attachments. Or, they can be called attachments that came coupled with detachments. To each his own - the one who built a temple, the donor, some who are in fear of not receiving ancestral rites annually and so on. Owing to this fear, Some of these people wear a lot of gold jewelry and announce that people that perform the funeral rites will be given that jewelry. They even provide this in writing. Is this called detachment? Tell me. Is it called sacrifice? Is it called attachment? This is also attachment coupled with detachment.
Then again, there is is that sinful attachment, just pure attachment. Due to this, we covet everything we see. This is sinful attachment, “It would be nice to have this”, “Oh, this would be very nice to have”. One desires to have the newer item even though he just bought a new item. They don’t want to give anything to anyone under any circumstances. That attachment engulfs them. Such people don’t sacrifice anything for anyone. Doesn’t matter if it rots and festers, they will not give it away. This is called sinful attachment. This attachment is a kind of passion. This is caused by dualities that are also otherwise known as the ocean of samsara. It is being said here that only the feet of the Guru have the power to rid you of all these dualities, all sorrows and all attachments to ferry you across the ocean of samsara.Thus, after defining what a Guru is, they are talking about what one needs to do to cross the ocean of samsara once he takes refuge with a Guru.
Sloka
Dehi brahma bhavedyasmat tadidanim prakasaye
sarva papa visuddhatama sri guroh pada sevanat
When one falls upon the feet of the Guru, and serves him, his sins will be washed off and his mind gets purified. Then he becomes a part of the godhead. So, the panacea is service at the feet of the Guru.
The Lord is saying here that he will advise on what needs to be done for the soul that takes on a body to attain godhead. This body needs to be an outstanding chariot. We need this body. You should not just grow your body, but you should make it an outstanding chariot. This body should become a temple . The Lord is revealing the secret one needs to know for the soul to attain liberation.
Let’s recall a short story. In Mahabharata, the fifth veda, Ganga was born to fulfill a greater purpose. Her son, Bheeshma was also born to fulfil a greater purpose. Let’s see what happens next.
Episode 58
We were talking about a story from Mahabharata - the fifth Veda. We said that Ganga was born to fulfill a greater purpose. Ganga’s son Bheeshma was also born to fulfill a greater purpose. Bheehshma’s story is wonderful. He was a great Yogi. He accepted joy and sorrow and heat and cold with equanimity of mind. He crossed the ocean of samsara and attained liberation while still alive. Eventually, he attained godhead before he left his mortal body. Let’s learn a little about the greatness of Ganga’s son and the greatness of Mother Ganga.
Bheeshma’s mother was his first Guru. Her blessings were such that Bheeshma had no equal. His fame spread everywhere. He acquired such powers and fame. All knowledge bore fruit in him. There were no obstacles to his bravery. He was a greatly realized soul. His mother’s grace was the key reason for such immense blessings.
By merely remembering Ganga, all sins and illusions get washed away.
Ganga gangeti yo bhruyaat, yo janaaanaam shatairapi
Mucyate sarva paapebhyo Vishnu lokam sahacyati
By remembering Ganga, one gets purified instantly regardless of how far away they are. They even attain Vishnu Loka. Such a great Ganga was earlier born to a couple called Mareechi and Kala. Her name in that life was Poornima. Meditation was her life, meditation was her food. Meditation was everything to her, it was her greatest spiritual wealth. She had such great power. That is why, through Brahma’s boon, she became capable of purifying the world. Appearing at the feet of Trivikrama, she became Tripatha Gaamini. Tripatha Gaamini indicates that she flowed in the three worlds - heavens, earth and paatala (the lower worlds). She purifies and uplifts the people living in these three worlds. That is why the name Tripathaga was befitting. Such a great Ganga Mata made a great resolve to uphold Dharma in the world and to prevent people from swerving from Dharma. She resolved to increase Dharma in people. Let’s see what she does.
Episode 59
We discussed that Mother Ganga fulfilled the name Tripathaga given to her. We also discussed that such a powerful Mother Ganga made a great resolve to uphold Dharma in the world and to help prevent people from swerving from Dharma. According to that resolve, in Dwapara Yuga, she became wife to Shantanu. She dedicated her son to protecting Dharma. The original name given to this son of Ganga was Devavrata. He inherited all her spiritual wealth. According to his mother’s orders, he learned all knowledge from Sage Vasishtha. He received knowledge of weaponry and warfare from Sage Parashurama, eventually becoming capable of defeating the sage himself. To please his father, he undertook a vow of lifelong celibacy. He undertook such a fierce (bheeshana) vow that everyone in the world marveled at him. That’s how he got the name Bheeshma (from bheeshana).
He emerged victorious in many dangerous situations owing to his strict adherence to Dharma. That is why his fame spread even wider. If we try to understand Mahabharata or read it or try to study the text, we understand the principle of Bheeshma. The blessing of Mother Ganga eternally shined on Bheeshma and he realized many powers, just like Mother Ganga did. By pleasing his father, he received a boon of death-by-will. Bheeshma is credited with the virtue of having Lord Krishna pick up a weapon even though the Lord had resolved not to.
Wishing for victory to Dharma, he reclined on the bed the arrows during the Mahabharata battle. Even at that time, he didn’t forget his mother. Even though he became very powerful, he never forgot his god-like Mother. At that time, to propagate Dharma in the world, he taught Dharmaraja many principles of Dharma. He blessed Dharmaraja with all siddhis and preached to him the Vishnu Sahasra Nama. He led the life of a Yogi. His life is a beautiful example to Yogis. Such a brave and yogic state is highly commended. By the grace of his Guru who was also his mother, he was victorious in every situation, there was no question of defeat. It is said that by merely remembering Ganga while taking a bath, one’s sins get washed away and one becomes victorious. So, would Ganga’s son not be victorious? Tell me.
Towards the end of his life, such a great Bheeshma was blessed with the fortune of Lord Krishna’s darshan. While in the presence of Lord Krishna, he became one with Him. He had such great fortune, that he merged with the Lord right there. That is why, Bheeshma became one among the greatest devotees of Vishnu. Remembering him brings us merit. That is why elders observe the Bheeshma Ekadasi that occurs in February each year with great devotion and dedication. You can also go to Brahma loka like he did.
Episode 60
We talked about service at the feet of the Guru. The next 4 verses talk about the method and the benefits of service at the feet of the Guru.
Sloka:
Guroh padodakam pitva dhrtva sirasi pavanam
Sarva tirthavagahasya samprapnoti phalam naraha
If one drinks the ablutions of the Guru and sprinkles it on his head, he derives the benefit of bathing in all the holy rivers.
In the previous verse, they used the word “Dehi”, which indicates a soul (jeevi) that has taken on a body. Body indicates the presence of anger, *** etc. Therefore, if the jeevi ridden with anger, *** etc is to be purified, ordinary baths are not enough. So, what should we do? Lord Shiva commands that if we drink the ablutions of the Guru with devotion, the jeevi will be purified.
Sloka:
Sosanam papa pankasya dipanam jnana tejasah
Guroh padodakam devi samsararnava tarakam
Siva tells Parvati that with the ablutions of the Guru the mire of sins gets dried up. The light of knowledge is lit and one crosses the ocean of life.
Sloka:
Avidya mula nasaya janma karma nivrttaye
Jnana vairagya siddhyartham guru padodakam pibet
If ignorance is to be rooted out, the actions which are the cause of birth and death are to be set aside, knowledge and detachment are to be attained, one must drink the ablutions of the Guru.
It is said that by drinking the ablutions of the Guru, one gets purified, that means the sins are washed away. The inner light of knowledge is enhanced. Due to this the jeevi is relieved from the ocean of samsara. For all of this, first, ignorance should be removed. Some people have half-baked knowledge due to which they become superstitious. That should be eliminated. Then, the deep-rooted ignorance should be rooted out. There should be no rebirth. Even if there is a birth, there should be no karma. We may wonder if it’s possible to take birth without any karma? Some great souls take birth without any karma. For example, Namadev. Let’s listen to the story of this great soul.
Episode 61
We were discussing karma and what it is to take birth without any residual karma. We discussed that some great souls take birth without any residual karma. We said Saint Namadev was an example. He was a great soul who was in communication with Lord Pandareenatha (Lord Vishnu) at all times. He was always conversing with Lord Vishnu Himself. He is the only one who used to converse with Lord Pandareenatha that we see references to these days. But, he wished for another birth. Why? Because, he had a little more karma left. That karma would be finished with just 9 months in the *** of a mother. That means that he would spend the rest of his life as per the Lord’s command, free from all karma. If we have another birth, we should get a birth where we can finish all the karma. It’s very difficult to get a birth without any karma.
We need deliverance from ignorance and from karma. But, that in itself is not enough. Knowledge and detachment should bear fruit in us. For these to bear fruit, the karma that is the cause of births should be destroyed. How does it get destroyed? Can you Guru help you? Will he share some of your karma? He will not, whatsoever. You have to carry your own karma, there’s no escape. He will advise you on the ways to reduce your karma. That’s all he will do. That is why those who serve the Guru should always work on gaining a better understanding of ignorance, birth, karma, knowledge and detachment. There’s no other choice. They should always keep learning and understanding. Listening and understanding once is not enough. As long as you have this birth, you should keep learning and understanding, that’s the only way to reduce your karma. You can’t move on to the next lesson assuming you are done with this lesson. Regardless of how many lessons you learn and how much knowledge you acquire, knowledge and detachment need to be learned and understood over and over again. Some people mistakenly think that knowledge alone is enough, that detachment is unnecessary. “We don’t need both knowledge and detachment. It’s enough to have knowledge”. But, knowledge without detachment is futile. It is like serving someone an elaborate meal on a banana leaf and asking them to walk 10 miles to drink water. That does not work. For one that takes the ablutions of the Guru with devotion and complete surrender, all these will bear fruit. Otherwise, regardless of the amount of devotion you have, knowledge and devotion will not bear fruit until you have had the ablutions of the Guru. What’s the use serving such an elaborate meal if there is no water to drink?
Episode 62
Guru padodakam panam gurorucchista bhojanam
Gurumurtessada dhyanam guru stotram paro japah
We discussed that the Guru advises you on the ways to reduce your karma. Those ways are explained in this sloka.
Guru padodakam panam
Your drink should be the ablutions of your Guru.
That is not enough. You should do more. You should eat what has been left out by the Guru. That means, you should learn to always consider whatever you are eating and drinking as Prasadam from the Guru (sacred blessing from the Guru). You should inculcate the mindset: “Whatever I’m eating is the Guru’s Prasadam. Whatever I have is His”.
Even this is not enough. You should meditate upon the image of the Guru at all times and in all states. And singing in praise of Guru should be treated as the most important worship, in all states. It is being said here that meditating on the image of the Guru and singing in praise of the Guru are of utmost importance.
Sloka:
Swa desikasyaiva ca nama kirtanam bhavedanantasya sivasya kirtanam
Swa desikasyaiva ca rupa cintanam bhaved anatasya sivasya cintanam
The singing in praise of one’s Guru equates to singing the glory of the infinite Siva. Meditating upon the image of one’s Guru equates to meditating upon the infinite Siva. One must meditate on the image of the Guru and sing his praises at all times. That is equivalent to meditating on Siva and singing Lord Siva’s praises. This itself is meditating on the Infinite. This itself is meditating on Vishnu, singing in praise of Vishnu.
Let’s learn another secret: While singing in praise of a deity, if we don’t sing the praise of the Guru at the beginning and at the end, such praise is worthless. If one doesn’t sing in praise of the Guru, doesn’t chant the name of the Guru and doesn’t talk about his greatness, all worship is futile. A lot of people worship and sing in praise of a deity without any mention of the Guru or without any prayer to the Guru. Such prayers yield no fruits. In fact, praises of a deity should be sung only after singing in praise of Ganapathy, Saraswati and Guru.
The next two slokas talk about the greatness of the Guru.
Sloka:
Yatpada pansavah santah kepi samsara varidheh
setubandhaya kalpante desikam tamupasmaha
Obeisance to Guru, the dust particles of whose feet are of utmost importance for building the bridge across the ocean of samsara(life).
What does it mean to build a bridge across the ocean of samsara? This samsara is extremely terrifying. It is a massive ocean. In fact, it is more terrifying than an ocean. This ocean of samsara doesn’t have a shore on the other end. We cannot grasp its depth. So, how do we cross it? We need to seek refuge in Guru. Guru is the only one who can help us cross the ocean of samsara.
Sloka:
Kasiksetram nivasasca jahnavi caranodakam
Gurur visvevarah saksat tarakam brahma niscitam
The very dwelling of the Guru is the sacred Kashi (Benaras). His ablutions are the holy waters of the Ganges. Lord Visweshwara who uplifts us from the world of life is Guru himself. This is certain.
Episode 63
Sloka:
Kasiksetram nivasasca jahnavi caranodakam |
Gurur visvevarah saksat tarakam brahma niscitam ||
The very dwelling of the Guru is the sacred Kashi (Benaras). His ablutions are the holy waters of the Ganges. Lord Visweshwara who uplifts us from the world of life is Guru himself. This is certain.
When one says he’s going to Kashi, it means he’s going to the Guru. Here, we can find another special meaning to “brahma niscitam”. It means that Lord Siva is making a divine promise that Guru is verily the Taraka Mantra (“Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama”).
In the previous verse, there was a reference to Kashi. Now, to satisfy the devotees of Lord Vishnu, they are praising the Guru and referring to Gaya to remind them that Guru is the manifestation of the Trinity and is beyond all differences.
Sloka:
Guru padankitam yatra gaya sadhoksajodbhava |
Tirtha rajah prayago sau guru murtyai namonamah ||
Where the imprints of Guru’s feet exist, that itself is the holy place of Gaya pertaining to Lord Vishnu. That itself is the greatest of holy places, Prayag. Obeisance to such a Guru
Sloka:
Gurumurtim smarennityam gurornama sada japet |
Gurorajnam prakurvita guroranyam na bhavayet ||
The image of the Guru should always be kept in mind and His name should always be chanted. Guru’s order should always be obeyed and there should be no other thought.
If we give a form to these thoughts, that form will become Hanuman. Let’s learn about the duties of Guru and disciple through the story of Surya (Sun God) and Hanuman. Here, the Guru is Surya - Guru to Hanuman. And the disciple is the great Hanuman. In many scriptures, matters pertaining to knowledge are explained citing Surya as an example. Similarly, when explaining the duties of a disciple, Hanuman is cited as an example.
It was due to Surya that Dharma was established and this creation expanded. He is the inner self, he is in everyone and is everywhere. Lord Surya is the reason this creation is sustained. A lot of seekers benefited from worshiping him. Many others have walked the path shown by the Lord and have been uplifted. It is because of Surya that we get rain, it is because of him that we have prosperity. While radiating fiercely, he fulfills all his duties. He inspires everyone in the world to follow their duties. Such a great Sun God blessed many people with knowledge. All those blessed by him became great souls.
Episode 64
We were talking about Surya and about Hanuman. We discussed that it is because of Surya that we get rain, it is because of him that we have prosperity. While radiating fiercely, he fulfills all his duties. He inspires everyone in the world to follow their duties. Such a great Sun God blessed many people with knowledge. All those blessed by him became great souls and kept up his fame. It is said that the best among those disciples was Hanuman.
Hanuman was associated with Surya right from his childhood. Hanuman’s father Vayu Deva (the God Wind) was a friend of Lord Surya. As soon as Hanuman was born, he had darshan of his Guru. This is an unprecedented event for any disciple. No one ever had such a good fortune. He had darshan of his Guru as soon as he was born. Since he had darshan of his Guru, he wanted to merge with his Guru. He faced an obstacle on his path to reaching the Guru and lost consciousness. In the story, they say that he jumped towards the Sun mistaking it for a fruit. He didn’t mistake it for a fruit. The true spiritual reason behind it was that he wanted to merge with his Guru. But, there was an obstacle and he wasn’t able to merge with his Guru.
After that incident, Anjaneya became Hanuman. Hanuman never forgot his Guru. His mother Anjana Mata perceived this and ordered her son to go learn all knowledge from Lord Surya. Hanuman’s joy knew no bounds. He was ecstatic. His mother’s command was exactly what he had desired. Overjoyed to have darshan of his Guru and to be under his tutelage, Hanuman joyfully jumped and reached the Sun.
Then, Guru Surya wanted to show the world the strength and intelligence in his disciple. Earlier, when Hanuman had lost consciousness, Surya appeared before him and blessed him thus: “May he get one hundredth of own radiance. May he be blessed him with the realization of all knowledge as soon as he grows up. May he become a great orator”. Both Anjana Devi and Vayu Deva were aware of these blessings.
As soon as Hanuman reached Surya, Surya recalled his blessings. Imagine Hanuman actually reaching the Sun. That has to be due to Surya’s blessings. According to the word he gave Hanuman, he had no choice but to impart knowledge to him. He had given his word to Hanuman. Even though he decided to put Hanuman to test, he already knew that Hanuman had all the qualities of an ideal disciple.
Speaking in the ways of the world, Lord Surya said “Son, it is my duty to always be on the move. If you move keep moving along with me, you will never gain knowledge”. Hanuman loved his mother very dearly. When the Guru said this, he remembered his mother’s orders and decided to accomplish the task, come what may. His mother had ordered him to gain knowledge from Surya, no matter what. Without a second thought, he blocked Surya’s chariot and prayed to him to bless him with knowledge. Surya got worried seeing the disciple block his chariot. He told Hanuman that he would impart knowledge, but that it would be difficult for Hanuman to hear Surya because of the sounds made by the moving chariot. He said, “While I move, you won’t be able to hear me over the sounds made by my moving chariot”. Let’s see what happens next.
Jaya Guru Datta.
Episode 65
We discussed that Surya got worried seeing Hanuman block his chariot. He told Hanuman, “I could impart knowledge to you, no problem. But you won’t be able to hear me over the sounds made by my moving chariot. You tell me if you have a plan to overcome this obstacle”.
Hanuman replied “Gurudeva, I will expand my body. I will place one foot on Udayadri and the other on Hastadri. I will only place my head in your chariot. The sound made by the wheels of your chariot can be heard in all the worlds, but cannot be heard inside your chariot. As your chariot moves, my head will go along . Then, your chariot won’t stop, nor will the flow of your knowledge to me. Please bless me” . The Guru agreed, blessed him and began imparting knowledge.
Hanuman learned all knowledge from the Sun God in 7 days. He became an expert in the nine branches of grammar. An ideal disciple always stays close to the Guru. He will only move with people associated with the Guru. Because Hanuman was the best of disciples, he never forgot his Guru. He never abandoned people associated with his Guru. Sri Rama belonged to the Sun dynasty. Sugreeva was the son of Sun God. Hanuman made friends with them. He always stood by Sri Rama and Sugreeva. He accomplished the tasks for Sri Rama. Surya, the Guru never forgot the disciple either. He helped Hanuman accomplish Sri Rama’s tasks every step of the way. He contributed to his disciple’s victory. The relationship between the Guru and the disciple is such. Once the Guru decides that the disciple is his, he will never abandon him. A disciple should be like Hanuman, always wishing the Guru well. He should be content in the service of the Guru.
Let’s look at the description of the next Sloka. To underscore the importance of any matter, repeating that matter is the tradition followed in the scriptures. This is called “Abhyasam” (practice). Here, Lord Shiva is indicating that service to the Guru is most important. That is why this matter is repeated. That is not all, they are reiterating that there should be no thought other than the Guru.
This is explained even further in the next Sloka.
Episode 66
Sloka:
Guruvaktra sthita vidya prapyate tatprasadatah |
Tasmattam desikam dhyayet yathatyosit priyam swakam ||
We gain the knowledge that’s on the Guru’s tongue only by the grace of the Guru. Hence, just as a woman is fixated on her lover, the disciple should always think of the Guru regardless of the task he is engaged in.
“Vidya” is knowledge. This has to be obtained only through the Guru. Such knowledge is never gained by reading books or listening to discourses or breaking our heads. We should pray to the Guru for His grace. How? Just the way a woman is immersed in thoughts of her lover. A new bride may be doing all the chores at home and attending to relatives dutifully, but her mind is always immersed in thoughts of her husband. Her thoughts are not interrupted due to the tasks she is engaged in. Similarly, one should learn to merge his mind with the Guru, regardless of the tasks he is engaged in.
Next, the method to surrender oneself completely to the Guru is described.
Sloka:
Swasramam ca swajatim ca swakirtim pustivardhanam |
Etat sarvam parityajya gurumeva samasrayet ||
That means, one should leave one’s caste, position, abode, fame, power, strength, wealth etc and seek the Guru’s grace. Without the Guru, these things cannot give any knowledge of the Absolute.
Here, in “pustivardhanam”, “pusti” doesn’t just mean strength, it also means wealth. “Vardhanam” is progress. “Jati” indicates caste such as Brahman, Kshatriya etc. “Asrama” indicates Brahmacharyam (student life), Grihastasramam (household life) etc. What does giving up all of these mean? It means to turn the affection he has for all these qualifications and possessions towards the Guru. People are always engaged in thoughts of these things...whether they are awake or asleep. If the object of affection is money, then the thoughts are always about money...
“How much has been gained and how much more is left to be gained, which banks should the money be invested in, which pockets should it be placed in, whom to entrust it to for hiding away” and so on. He’s so attached to the money that he won’t even reveal the accounts to his wife and children. He’s worried that they may take away the money. Along with attachment, he also has fear that he may get nothing when he gets old if he tells them about his money. He jealously guards the money and keeps procrastinating telling his family, finally forgetting to tell them about it.
One should let go of all such affections without worrying about consequences. You need to turn all such affection that you placed on your wealth and money towards your Guru. That means you should inculcate adherence to Guru and develop the concept that all these wealth and possessions are one dimension, but the Guru is another dimension.
Episode 67
Sloka:
Ananyascintayanto ye dhruvam tesam param padam |
Tasmat sarva prayatnena guroraradhanam kuru ||
Those who meditate upon the Guru with no other thought will certainly attain Parampad (the blissful state). So worship Guru in all faith and by all means.
“Sarva prayatnena” indicates you should serve the Guru in various ways. Serve the Guru in all the various ways there are to please the Guru, in all the various ways there are to serve him so we can be redeemed from our sins, all the various ways we want the grace of the Guru. We should meditate upon the Guru whenever we have a moment. We should offer salutations to the Guru every time we see Him. You can never do enough salutations to the Guru. Even a lifetime of salutations is not enough. Worshiping the Guru through all lifetimes is also not enough. That is why, you should worship the Guru in various ways possible thinking, “May be this will work well”, “May be the Guru will be pleased with this”, “May be the Guru will bless me if I do this”, while dedicating everything to the Guru Principle.
Regardless of how extensively we decorate our Lord, we are never satisfied. That is why we keep thinking, “May be we can place this diamond necklace on the Lord”, “May be this garland will look good”, “May be this color garland will look good”. We keep trying various decorations for our own satisfaction. But, we are never satisfied. There is a small difference when it come to service to the Guru, though. In the former case, you are decorating the Lord with a lot of affection. In the case of service to the Guru, you should give up all affections and serve. That is why they ask you to serve in every way possible. You can’t just try one method of service and exclude everything else. You should take everything into account. You should dedicate every small task to the Guru. You should think for yourself about all the various ways you can serve the Guru. No one will tell you. You cannot say, “No one tells me, I don’t know how to serve the Guru”. Once you figure out how to please the Guru, you should try all the possible ways to continue to please Him. The Guru will not be annoyed, he will keep blessing when you tell him, “I did this task”, “I did that task”. All we need is to please him. That is why, we should have a volunteer mindset. We should be self-starters. We should analyze and think for ourselves. We should do everything we can. But, that doesn’t mean you show off in the presence of the Guru. You should not boast or pretend in the presence of the Guru, “That’s not a big deal, I can do that”. He is always witness to what you are doing whether or not he’s physically present. He’s witness to what you are doing in your life. He knows what you’ve done in your past, what you are doing now and what you are capable of doing in the future. That’s why, all you need is to serve the Guru without any other thought. You should have no other thoughts. You should not even have expectations of praise. You should just surrender. You should do your tasks and surrender them. If the Guru praises you, it will boost your ego. When that happens, you should immediately realize and be ashamed. That is why you should be very careful.
Episode 68
Sloka:
Gurormukhacca samprapya devi brahmatma samvidam |
Trailokya sphuta vaktaro devarsi pitr manavah ||
Those who attain knowledge “I am Parabrahman” through the grace of Guru, whether they are Gods, saints, manes (guardian spirits of ancestors), humans or anyone else, become unparalleled ones in all the three worlds. Such beings become Gurus themselves. We should realize this Principle. The knowledge of such principle is obtained only through the Guru and nowhere else.
Everyone has a Guru - the Gods have a Guru, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas etc., all have Gurus, humans have Guru, saints have Guru, all living beings have a Guru. That is why they ask you to chant the name of the Guru. There’s a small insect, just like an earthworm that some of you may have seen. The insect lives in the soil and keeps tilling it. There’s a fly that looks like a honey bee that’s got a very painful sting.
The fly picks up the insect, places it in its dwelling and keeps poking at it. It’ll occasionally bring it some food to nurture it. The insect is always afraid of being poked. Living in constant fear of being poked, the insect is always thinking of the fly. The insect is so immersed in thinking about the fly that it finally flies away like the fly, with the fly, with its Guru, with its mother, with its father. Similarly, by constantly chanting Guru mantra and meditating on the Principle taught by the Guru, one becomes Guru himself. Contemplating on the syllables of the mantra and the meaning of the mantra is the next step up in meditation. That is why, they describe the meaning of the word “Guru” in the next 5 slokas. Let’s listen.
Sloka:
Gukarascandhakaro hi rukarasteja ucyate |
Ajnana grasakam brahma gurureva na samsayah ||
Lot of people talk about GURU, but don’t really understand the principle of Guru.
People explaining the meaning of the word GURU may explain the meaning of individual syllables, but they still are unable to grasp the Guru Principle. That means they are unable to drive way the darkness. GU stands for darkness and RU stands for light. So, light and darkness are in the word GURU. Undoubtedly GURU is the Parabrahman who swallows ignorance; RU indicates one who swallows darkness.
Episode 69
Sloka:
Gukarascandhakarastu rukarastannirodhakah |
Andhakara vinasitvat gururityabhidiyate ||
GU is darkness. RU is that which drives it away. As he drives away darkness, he is called Guru. RU is knowledge as well as light. When GU is driven way, only RU is left, only knowledge is left. In the previous two slokas, they talked about darkness twice. Why? Darkness also means sin. A true Sadguru always thinks about the sins of his disciples, because it diminishes as he goes on thinking about it. He has that power.
The Guru doesn’t think much about the disciples’ merit. He’s worried only about their sins, “This disciple is getting corrupted”, “He’s committed these sins”, “He may suffer for this”, “Oh, he lied about this, he may be punished for this lie”, “He deceived someone just as expected”, “Oh, he deceived his parents”, “He deceived himself”. The Guru worries, “I thought he was such a wonderful child, thought he’d be set right, but he hasn’t been. How do I make him a better person?” Guru will not remember any good deeds. He will only remember the disciples’ sins and mistakes all the time.
We may even be annoyed. “Why does my Guru always think of my mistakes? Why does he always point to them?” The more the Guru talks about it, the more he thinks about it, the more he reprimands us for it, the more he punishes us for it, the more the sins get diminished. The Guru is the only one with such power. Merely by thinking about our sins, the Guru is able to diminish the sins. But, we should not think about those sins ourselves. The more we think about our sins, the more they increase. So, when the Guru reprimands you for those sins, you should not feel bad about it. Guru remembers the sins so they can be diminished and wiped away.
The sculptor pounds on the stone over and over again. The more he pounds and chisels, the better it looks. The stone shouldn’t think that just because it’s going to be worshiped in a temple, the sculptor should not cut and chisel the stone. It is only from repeated pounding that the sculpture sits in the temple as a representation of the divine, blessing us. If the stone had broken down after two days of sculpting saying it can’t take the pain anymore, they would have thrown away the unsculpted and broke stone. It would probably be used as a place to leave footwear on. What use is that sculpture? That is why the stone takes all the cutting and chiseling, gets carved beautifully and becomes Parabrahman once it gains a beautiful from. That is why the sculptor keeps pounding over and over again. The goldsmith repeatedly exposes the gold to fire to shape it. He burns it over and over again, and pounds it. To create sharp instruments out of iron, the metal is exposed to fire, thrown in water and pounded on repeatedly. Only when placed in fire will it become malleable. Otherwise, it won’t.
That is why, by reminding you of the sin and the punishment, the sin will melt away and you will have the realization to not repeat those sins in all lifetimes.
Episode 70
We discussed that a real Sadguru will ponder over the disciple’s sins because the more he thinks about them, the more the sins diminish. We discussed that the Guru is the only one with such powers. We also discussed a few analogies such as iron being exposed to fire and pounded on to make sharp implements, or gold placed in fire and shaped to increase its shine or the sculptor cutting and chiseling to sculpt a figure. That is why, the Guru doesn’t think much about the merit of the disciples.
Once the sculptor chisels the face of the figure, he doesn’t pay much attention to how it looks. People praise the figure half way through the sculpting, but he doesn’t give it much thought. He only sees its flaws. Even after sculpting the figure completely, he doesn’t give much thought to the praise and appreciation he gets. He’s not satisfied. He knows what else needs to be done to improve the sculpture.
But, the onlookers praising the work don’t know the flaws. They praise, “How beautiful is this art !” The sculptor feels ashamed hearing this. He alone knows where the flaws are. The onlookers don’t know. The more they praise, the more he’s ashamed. Similarly, when the Guru praises us, we should realize our mistakes and resolve to set ourselves right. Your thoughts should be along the lines of, “I should correct my mistake, I am ashamed, I am ashamed of what I did yesterday, I can’t even lift my head up in the presence of the Guru”. You should not be proud. You must not be complacent assuming everybody else makes these mistakes too. Or you shouldn’t be nonchalant assuming the Guru has forgotten. That is why, the Guru only thinks about the disciple’s sins, not his merits. The Guru will not think about your merits, the Guru will not praise you. If the Guru praises the disciple, the merits will diminish.
If the Sadguru praises you for your work, your ego will be boosted and your work will be ruined. You will not be able to do anything else. That’s why he’s always chiding you. Every time the Guru chides you, you should be ashamed and should correct your mistakes. Once you get to the stage where you cannot leave the Sadguru, he will keep chiding you all the time. He knows you will never be annoyed. If he knows right upfront that you will be annoyed, he will not chide you at all. He will leave you to your fate. Some people who don’t know this secret are disappointed when the Guru doesn’t praise them. They keep pestering him till he praises them. That is a huge mistake. Doing something solely to win the Guru’s appreciation is also a mistake. You should work till you are satisfied with it first. “I cooked this well, with all my love and I am dedicating this to the Guru. It tastes good now. I should do better next time. I should do even better the next time”.
I should do even better the next time”. You should work day in and day out, with humility, thinking about it and wanting to do even better. If the Guru still finds fault after all the hard work, you should realize your mistake and fix it, but you should not be disappointed. You should not say “I worked day in and day out, but my Guru didn’t accept”. You should be thankful that your ego was reigned in and you should work on correcting yourself.
If the Guru doesn’t accept whatever we dedicate to Him, that is not good for us. But, if He appreciates what He accepts, that is not good for us either. Understand this: If He doesn’t accept our offering, that’s not good for us. But, if He accepts and then praises us for it, that is also not good for us. That is why, real Gurus sometimes chide you while accepting what you offer. They will say that you could have done better. Some people suffer from ego and disappointment after the Guru chides them.
Episode 71
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sri Pada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sloka:
Gukarassyad gunatito rupatito rukarah |
Guna rupa vihinatvat gururuityabhidiyate ||
GU stands for one who is beyond the three Gunas or qualities. RU stands for the one who is beyond Rupa or form. Guru is the personification of the Absolute without attributes and form. We should inculcate the feeling that all forms belong to the Guru. You should realize that the Guru is beyond all form, beyond all qualities and beyond time.
Sloka:
Gukarah prathamo varno mayadi gunabhasakah |
Rukarosti param brahma maya bhranti vimocakah ||
The first syllable GU belongs to the three Gunas which are the cause of illusion. The second syllable RU stands for the Parabrahman that destroys the delusion caused by illusion.
Sloka:
Evam gurupadam srestham devanamapi durlabham |
Haha huhu ganaiscaiva gandharvairapi pujitam ||
Sloka:
Dhruvam tesam ca sarvesam nasti tatvam guroh param |
Guroraradhanam karyam swajivatvam nivedayet ||
The term GURU is of utmost importance. The term is so important that it should be used only in specific situations. We keep using the word Guru loosely. It is said that children should not be given the name “Guru”. It’s okay to join the word Guru with another word while christening the baby, but the name “Guru” alone should not be used. These days, “Guru” has become a generic term we use to flag down someone in bus stations, train stations or restaurants. I have pointed out many times that the term “Guru” is a very holy mantra. It is “Gunatitam” - beyond all qualities. It is “Mayatitam” - beyond all form. This is beyond the comprehension of even Gods.
The songsters of heaven such as Haha, Huhu and Gandharvas (heavenly beings) respect this term the most; for there is no sublime concept even for them other than this. Hence, the Guru must be worshiped.
While worshiping the Guru one has to offer one’s life which means all that he possesses as a living being. In the same way, the feeling “I am the being” should be sacrificed and one should dwell in the state of eternal consciousness in the form of pure bliss
This is what is called a total offering.
Episode 72
We discussed that the term “Guru” is of utmost importance in one’s life. There is no one greater than the Guru. We also discussed that Guru is also Lord Krishna. Let’sunderstand the qualities of the Guru through some stories of Lord Krishna. If compassion and sacrifice were to take a form, that form would become Guru. That itself is the divine form of Lord Krishna.
Wandering in Gokulam as a cowherd, Krishna displayed many miracles that amazed even the Gods. We’ll understand them if we read the Bhagavatam. Recently, Swamiji went to Mathura and Vrindavan for the volunteer camp with children from Sri Datta Humane Services. There, I remembered a lot of Krishna’s childhood leelas. I recalled every incident. The songs from the Kannada Bhagavatam that revered Jayalakshmi Mata composed were ringing in my ears. Appaji was 5 years old when He went to Gokulam with Jayalakshmi Mata and the rest of the family. Back then, it was not as chaotic as it is now. People used to always chant “Radhe” or “Radhe Shyam”. Not only that, they would serve milk, yogurt and food in every house. These days, they keep demanding money instead. Back then, Jayalakshmi Mata wrote the song “Mathura Nagaravu...” after seeing the city where Lord Krishna grew up. I still cannot forget the song. I keep singing the song once a while. Even today, I remember the place where Lord Krishna grew up. Nanda Gokulam, Govardhana mountain are all located fairly close to each other, about 16-17 kilometers apart from each other.
Lord Krishna worked very hard. He worked very hard to uphold Dharma. Lord Krishna stood by every being, in every instance and in every situation as a Guru. That is why, Sri Krishna is hailed as the best among the best and is the only one that can be called Jagadguru. Merely traveling to foreign lands doesn’t make one a Jagadguru. Lord Krishna is worshiped as Guru in all the worlds, in the entire cosmos. Nowadays, traveling to 2-3 continents seems to qualify someone as Jagadguru. That is not correct. Beings in all the worlds in the cosmos, from gods to Yakshas, Kinnaras and Kimpurushas, all worshiped Lord Krishna. That is why the Lord was Guru to everyone. He remained a Guru even in Golokam. Taking on a body, discarding the body, Lord Krishna worked very hard. You will see this when you read his life history. All divine incarnations worked very hard. Didn’t the Lord work hard in Matsya (fish) Avatara? Appearing as a gigantic fish, he had to work very hard. As Kurma (tortoise) Avatara, as Varaha (boar) Avatara, he worked very hard. Just when we thought that the Lord would not have to work so hard in a human form, he had to work very hard in his incarnation as Lord Rama.
And as Lord Krishna, he had to work very, very hard. As Guru to all the worlds, he wandered as a cowherd in Gokulam, displaying miracles and causing amazement to everyone including the Gods.
Episode 73
We discussed that Krishna wandered in Gokulam as a cowherd and displayed many miracles that left even the Gods amazed. After each wondrous act of Lord Krishna, all Gods, all kinds of Gods came down to earth and sang and danced in joy. Lord Krishna’s miracles were myriad - he lifted Govardhana mountain with his little finger, he removed Indra’s arrogance, he received Abhishekam from Kamadhenu (the cow that gives whatever one desires) and became “Govinda”. That is why, Lord Krishna very much loves milk. You also heard the story of Lord Venkataramana. He drank the milk offered to him while sitting in an anthill. That is why milk is considered the nectar of Kaliyuga.
When the creator, Brahma, had the cattle in Gokulam disappear, Lord Krishna displayed a bigger miracle and took the form of all the cows and calves in Gokulam. Brahma himself came down and praised Krishna as the Guru to all the worlds. Krishna cured the residents of Gokulam of all their illusions. Good doctors first help surface the hidden ailments. We may wonder, “We came to this doctor trusting Ayurveda, but there are additional ailments I am now suffering from”. But, after all the hidden ailments are surfaced, the doctor gives you the medicines to clean up your system. Similarly, what Krishna did was to first create illusion in the minds of everybody in Gokulam. Then, he removed all their illusion, so that there was nothing else left inside. He did not stop at that. He taught them lessons in self-realization. From Gokulam, he came to Mathura and vanquished and killed Kamsa, who was a manifestation of ignorance. He blessed lifelong devotees and parents Devaki and Vasudeva. It’s impossible to single out one miracle. There are countless. Bhagavatam is full of Krishna’s miracles. We can talk about Bhagavatam endlessly. The Lord who was patiently biding time in Gokulam, came to Mathura and spread divine knowledge among his devotees to benefit all the worlds. Why are we repeating this over and over? So that we can remember it.
Krishna generously blessed Kuchela, who is also known as Sri Dhama. He blessed Sri Dhama with several boons. By performing countless divine deeds to benefit the worlds, Lord Krishna became known in all the worlds as a Guru. That is why he’s called Jagadguru (Guru to all the worlds). He helped the righteous Pandavas. He became Geetacharya (the teacher of Bhagavad Gita) by blessing Arjuna, the third of the five Pandavas with Bhagavad Gita. Today, Gita is known the world over. People that have recited or heard the Gita have undergone very positive transformations in their lives. Many of them have become Yogis. So many have become rulers of their countries. So many of these rulers cite the Bhagavad Gita. This is an extraordinarily sacred scripture we are blessed with.
Episode 74
There are many miraculous deeds that Jagadguru Lord Krishna performed. We were talking about his miraculous deeds. Just as Lord Krishna stood by the Pandavas, the Jagadguru stands by his devotees as a mother, as a father, as a son, as a friend, as a relative, and constantly protects those who have faith in him. He enables and ensures that they walk the dharmic path. He ensures that his disciples have positive resolutions, that their minds are filled with good thoughts, that their minds are centered on God and stay pure. He ensures that the disciples do not have speech problems and that their words do not carry blame for others. He makes sure that whatever the disciples utter is pure. He ensures that the disciples earn the merit they deserve for their service. He does this, no matter what. That is why, in this Sloka, the Guru clearly explains that there is no one greater than the Guru, that there is no Principle greater than the Guru.
Let’s suppose someone declared that he is giving away his wealth and even his children. Then, even though his wealth and children are given away, the feeling of “I” and “mine” are still with him. Some are only paying lip service saying, “Swamiji, you put Your foot in this house, this house is Yours”. If I ask them to put this in their will and hand it to me, they will probably say “I did not expect you to ask for the house”, or they may just laugh and be quiet. Or, they may just turn the tables saying, “Swamiji, you are so funny”. That’s it. “Then, why did you say that, for no reason?”
There are also people who say “I have five sons, Swamiji; they are all Yours”. If I say, “Okay, put one of the sons in the Veda school and make him a good citizen”, they hesitate and get wishy washy saying, “Swamiji... these days... Swamiji...these days, how can one afford to not have worldly education?” “But, you said you were dedicating your children to me ?”
A father may say “Swamiji, I have 8 daughters, I am dedicating them all to you”. If, for some reason, I say “Okay”, he may say, “Okay, you get them married”. So, I should be careful what I say.
Someone may say, ”I have given up tea since you asked me to, because it was not good for me”.
“Did you, son?”
“Yes Swamiji, I did. I had given You my word”.
“Very good”.
“I am drinking coffee instead, Swamiji”.
Someone who is not used to drinking coffee may drink tea sometimes, but now that he has given up tea, he is now going back to drinking coffee. This is how we are. It is clear that this is not the right kind of offering. You should surrender “I” and “mine”. There is the ego or the feeling of “I” due to which there is “mine” and “yours”.
Whatever is impermanent, we refer to as “mine”. Whatever is permanent, the eternal state of bliss, the Paramatman, that is who I want to merge into. He is me and I am Him. They won’t even jokingly say “I am Him”. It’s always “Mine”, “My bank balance”, “My house”, “My goat”. The “I” and “mine” should also be surrendered along with the offering. He said, children, house, wealth are “mine”. He gave up everything related to “mine”, but kept the feeling “mine”. It implies that he can earn it back again after he offers it. I gave him whatever was mine. But, I didn’t give him the feeling of “mine”. So, there’ll be things I can call “mine” again. So, when you make an offering, you should offer the feeling of “I” and “mine”. That is the right kind of offering.
“I am giving everything I have” would mean that you are giving all that belongs to you, but “you” are still there. If you say you are giving everything that belongs to you besides the feeling of “mine”, you are offering everything material that belongs to you. You couldn’t see the invisible “I” in you that you won’t offer. Because of that, you leave the door open to earning karma again. You are not offering the feeling of “mine”. If you did, you cannot do anything else. That’s the Guru’s command. Eating, swallowing, sleeping would all be the Guru’s commands. That’s it. There is no vow beyond this. That is why, saying “I am offering” is also not right. When you say “I am offering”, it implies that the recipient does not have the item you are offering.
Episode 75
You are referring to “I”; that is, you are saying that “I” am offering. It indicates that your feeling when you do the offering is that you are offering an item that the recipient doesn’t have, that it doesn’t actually belong to the recipient, that the offering is subject to your desire to give. “I am giving what belongs to me”. It indicates a feeling of, “this is actually mine, it’s not yours”. It’s the ego. It means that the feeling of “mine” is rooted in your mind, it’s entrenched deep in your heart.
You may offer things that may be superficial, but you are not able to give up the feeling of “mine”. It shows that the feeling of “I” and “mine” are entrenched in your heart. Needless to say, this feeling is highly undesirable when it comes to interactions with the Sadguru. That is why, to say to the Sadguru “I am offering” is not right. It is not good to say that. The feeling “I am giving” does not work with the Sadguru. It is better to say “You take it yourself”. He is taking whatever belongs to him. So, the sin of believing that you are offering him what he doesn’t have will not accrue to you. We should genuinely feel, “Why are you asking me? This is yours. You just kept it here, that’s it”. Your mindset for serving the Guru should say that you are only guarding whatever the Guru asked you to guard. “Why are you asking me? You don’t need to ask me. This is yours. You take it”. The Guru will take it and will take you along with it. Then, you will not be tied down to any future karma. Thus, you should be prepared not just to offer what seems to belong to you, but also yourself. That is what offering yourself means, that is what we have been talking about. If you listen to this over and over a few times, you will understand.
The feeling of complete surrender is the real offering. When such an offering occurs, you actually become the Guru yourself. See what a great statement this is. If you actually get such a feeling, you become the Guru yourself . Because the Guru is the form of pure consciousness, you become pure consciousness yourself. When that happens, everything you have - your body, your sense organs, your karma, all become his. Therefore, they all become pure consciousness. Thereby, whatever tasks you do in service to the Guru will not accrue any merit or sin. When you have such firm determination - that you are pure consciousness - it becomes clear that you have offered yourself. This is such a beautiful explanation. To determine if you have offered yourself completely or not, you just need to check for the feeling of complete surrender in you. Based on this test, you will be able to determine for yourself the status of your offering. No one needs to tell you.
Episode 76
Sloka:
Asanam sayanam vastram vahanam bhusanadhikam |
Sadhakena pradatavyam gurossantosa karanam ||
Seats, cots, clothes, vehicles, ornaments are some of the things which should be offered to Guru for they are the means to please him.
We discussed what a real offering should be like. But, for beings that are tied down in karmic bondages, such an offering is not at all easy. So, what should one do then? We discussed how the creator, Brahma, made this creation. It was a big question even back then. There is also another question. Are you pure now? Or, are you impure? You are a being that is struggling in the web of karma. That is why, you cannot proclaim that you are pure consciousness. You cannot say “I am pure consciousness”. That is because you are always faced with karma, whether your eyes are open or close. You have so many anxieties. You have adhi (psychic) vyadhi (illness) anxieties. So many varieties of anxieties. You have Adi-bhautika (miseries caused by other living beings), Adi-atmika (miseries caused by one’s own body and mind) anxieties and so on...all form of adhi vyadhi. They appear whether your eyes are open or closed. So, would it be right then, to say that your mind is filled with crystal clear pure consciousness? Wouldn’t that be a lie?
Okay, let’s assume you offered yourself along with your karma to the Guru. You offered yourself along with your karma that appears whether your eyes are open or close, your karma and difficulties under whose weight the mind crumbles. Then, should he (the Guru), along with you, accept experience and pay for your sins and bad karma? Does it mean that he accepted everything as soon as you announced your offering. Just because you offered yourself to him completely, you expect him to go to great lengths and suffer for your karma to alleviate it? A lot of people say “I am offering myself completely to you Swami, along with all my karma”. So, who will experience the karma? Is it the Sadguru? Just because he merged you into him, does the pure milk have to be curdled due to the impurity. He (the Guru) set aside some pure milk. If he brings you into the mix, the milk will be curdled due to the impurity. Did you pour the milk into a clean container? If not, then the pure milk set aside by the Guru will curdle when mixed. The milk you brought is impure. It’s placed in an unwashed container. You want it mixed with the pure milk. As soon as you do so, it’ll curdle. Whose fault is it? You expect the Sadguru to blindly trust the disciple and mix the milk? Even though a person offered himself completely along with his karmic bondages to the Sadguru, even though the Sadguru is pure consciousness, once the impurity is brought in, the purity will be tainted. Would that be good? That is not good.
Episode 77
So, just because you decided to offer yourself to the Guru, should the Guru go to great lengths and take on your karma to alleviate it? People keep saying that they are offering themselves completely. So, just because he merged you into him, should the pure milk that he set aside - the milk that is free from all sins - get curdled? Because the milk that contains the impurity of your sins is mixed with the pure milk, should the pure milk get curdled? So, should offerings that yield such extreme results be made? Even if such an offering is made, will the Guru accept it? As an answer to both these questions, Lord Shiva provides the following solution:
First, cleanse yourself. Reduce the burden of your karma gradually. Let’s see if they are asking us to only make pure offerings to the Guru.
First, you should start with making small offerings to the Guru. As you do that, you will slowly start breaking free of your karmic bondage. In parallel, you will gain more purity. Slowly increase your offerings. Keep worshipping the Guru in his physical presence over and over again. As you keep doing this, one day, you will gain the eligibility and purity of mind to offer yourself completely to the Guru. That means that you need to go step-by-step in your offerings. Lot of people are over excited, jumping up and down when they meet a Sadguru saying, “Oh, my Guru! I found him! My search has ended! I am going to be liberated! Ohhh...I am going to give him everything I have! I was searching for him. I found him after a lot of search” and so on. Such people would have disappeared the next day.
Is this devotion to the Guru? It’s not. That means, the mindset to sacrifice yourself completely and the purity you need to be accepted by the Sadguru are gained little-by-little, step-by-step,. Only when you go step-by-step like this do you gain the eligibility. Otherwise, you won’t reach that state. The Guru will accept your offering at the same time that you reach that state. Only when you make such a big, whole-hearted offering will the Guru accept. Otherwise, sometimes, he will not even accept everyone’s offerings. This way, as your purity grows, the tiny offerings you make cause more and more happiness in the Guru. It’s not the value of the offering that makes the Guru happy.
Episode 78
Sloka:
Karmana manasa vaca nityamaradhayet gurum |
Dirghadandam namaskuryat nirlajjo guru sannidhau ||
When you offer your obeisance to Guru, you should always learn to think that you and your Guru are alone even if he is surrounded by several people. You should not look at the people around you, at how many people there are or at who is looking at you. No one else cares if you are offering your obeisance. It’s when you glance around to see who’s looking at you that people think you are crazy. People will think you are crazy because you are glancing in random directions while offering your prostrations. If you quietly offer offer your obeisance without getting distracted, no one will care. It is you, not others, who makes yourself look silly. A person who sees two people having a conversation has a nagging feeling that those two are talking about the insult meted out to him last evening. It’s purely psychological. He thinks that people are pointing to him and laughing. Oh yes, you are the most beautiful person in all the worlds, you dropped from the sky, that is why they are looking at you. Or, you are so great, like Sage Valmiki, that’s why they are talking about you. You are a great banker, that’s why they are looking at you! That’s silly. No one cares about you. They don’t even care about themselves, let alone care about you. They are just having a jolly good time forgetting everything else around them, or they are having a jolly conversation about a movie they saw, about the dialogues in the movie. We think too highly of ourselves. Who are we? A lot of people are looking around before they prostrate. By doing that, you are drawing the attention of even those who are quietly doing their own meditation.
You know what the prescribed way to offer prostrations is? You should offer prostrations thinking, “There is nobody here. There’s only the omnipresent Guru. And there is me. We are the only two”. Even when the Guru is giving you a mantra, you are worried about others listening in, you are wondering “Are they listening to what the Guru and I are talking about?”. Your concentration is all on them, not on the words of the Guru. If your concentration is on the Guru, the others won’t even hear the conversation. They won’t even feel the need to hear the conversation. You should learn to think that there is no one except you and the Guru. How many conversations can the people around you focus on? How many conversations will they care to remember? Don’t you think they have better things to think about? We should learn to think this way - that only you and your Guru are present. You should offer obeisance with purity of thought, word and deed. Your mind is somewhere, you are cursing someone else while you are offering your prostrations. There’s no use. You should fill your mind with the Guru and offer prostrations. You should worship the Guru. When you see the Guru, you should cast off all shyness and offer prostrations on the floor. This is the way to prostrate to the Guru. Every time you see the Guru, the first thing you do should be to prostrate while casting of all shyness and not even thinking about who else is around. You should do it as many times as necessary. Let’s go to the next sloka.
Sloka:
Sarira martham pranamsca sadgurubhyo nivedayet |
Atmanamapi dasyaya vaideho janako yatha ||
Your body wealth and even life should be offered to your Guru. Just like Janaka, the Videha, you should offer yourself and surrender to Him like a servant. Here, the emperor Janaka is cited as an idea for self-surrender. Let’s see what they say ahead.
Episode 79
Sloka:
Sarira martham pranamsca sadgurubhyo nivedayet |
Atmanamapi dasyaya vaideho janako yatha ||
We discussed that in this mantra, they cited the Videha, king Janaka as an ideal for self-surrender. There are many stories that talk about his devotion to the Guru. In one story, king Janaka’s Guru ordered the king that he pull the chariot the Guru is seated in. See how many tests the Guru put his disciple to, to teach devotion to the Guru.
King Janaka had prostrated to the Guru saying that he was surrendering his entire kingdom and himself to the Guru. As soon as the king prostrated, the Guru said, “Okay, since there is nothing that belongs to you, why don’t you pull this chariot with your body. There is nothing that belongs to you anyway; I will sit in the chariot, you will pull the chariot with your body.” King Janaka did exactly as ordered. Then, the Guru asked him to stop pulling the chariot and asked him to carry the Guru on his shoulders and parade through the streets in the town. The Guru said, “It’s not enough to just pull the chariot outside the town, now I will sit on your shoulders”. The Guru was not thin like me. The Guru sat on the king’s shoulders. “Now, you should walk through the streets in the town”, the Guru ordered. In the streets of the town, everybody would be watching. “You pulled the chariot so far, now carry me on your shoulders”. King Janaka did this very happily. He was very pleased to do this. This is the king’s greatness. Self-surrender needs to be practiced. It’s not enough to pay lip service, “I am surrendering myself to you”. What does that mean? Does it mean to just provide it in writing?
Here, let’s recall another story. Guru appears as an ordinary human being, but he is a manifestation of the divine and a representative of God. King Janaka surrendered himself to Sadguru Ashtavakra and earned his blessings. Saint Lomasa relates this story to Dharmaraja. Let’s delve in to this story.
A long time ago, Ashtavakra was born to the couple Sujata and Kahola. Ashtavakra was born with eight physical deformities. It is said that, Ashtavakra who was in the *** of his mother, couldn’t bear to hear the off-key chants of the vedic verses by his father causing Ashtavakra to cringe. You cringe and deform when you hear something jarring on the ear and in some instances, that deformity stays. A lot of people close their ears when they hear mantras that are off-key. They won’t be able to hear afterwards, because they are shutting off the Lord’s names. Even if it is off-key, it is the names of the Lord that are being chanted. You should not close your ears. You can quietly leave that place, but you should not close your ears. You should not be annoyed. When the baby in the *** heard the off-key chanting by the father, the baby cringed and deformed, unable to bear hearing the recitation. He was born with those 8 deformities giving him the name Ashtavakra (ashta=8; vakra=deformity).
Jaya Guru Datta.
Episode 80
Ashtavakra’s father once went to Mithila and lost a debate against scholars. He subsequently sacrificed his mortal body. Ashtavakra found out about this through his mother. He studied the Vedas and completed his education by the age of 12 years. He remembered the insult his father was met with. At exactly that time, he heard about a great Yajna that king Janaka was organizing. So, he went to Mithila, the city of scholars. Mithila was referred to as the city of scholars. Perhaps, all the scholars were there. At the main entrance to the kingdom, the highly-educated guards stopped the saint and questioned him per the scriptures. The guards were also learned in the scriptures. All the citizens of the kingdom were learned in the scriptures. So, when Maharishi Ashtavakra reached the entrance to the kingdom, the guards stopped him and questioned him in a logical manner as prescribed in the scriptures. The Maharishi imparted wisdom to them saying, “The king himself should step aside and give way to the physically handicapped, to the blind and to women. I am physically deformed. When scholars like me enter, even the king shouldn’t come in the way, correct? He should give way, correct? I am not saying this. The scriptures say this”. Saying this, Ashtavakra stepped in to the kingdom.
This news instantly reached the ears of king Janka. King Janaka was happy. He ordered the guards to send the saint in. There, another guard stopped the saint and said, “Children like you should not be coming here. Only those highly proficient in the Vedas should come here”. To this, the saint skilfully replied, “I am not a child. I too studied the Vedas. Don’t go by my appearance. You should not judge anyone as big or small based on age or appearance. Proficiency doesn’t come to one based on appearance. On the other hand, just because someone is aged, they don’t become elderly. Don’t assume that someone with white beard, white hair and matted locks is well versed in the scriptures. Don’t assume that someone in their ripe old age is a Sanyasin. Not everyone that is aged is elderly. Only those ripened by wisdom are the elderly. The elderly are those that are ripened completely by knowledge. That means, only one with intelligence can be considered a human being”. Saying this, the saint crossed that gate too.
By then, king Janaka who had already heard about the brilliance of Maharishi Ashtavakra quickly came down to receive and worship him. The king knew which scriptures the sage was quoting from and which scriptures the guards were referring to. The king was eager to see such a great saint, so he himself came running down to honor and worship the saint.
Episode 81
We discussed that King Janaka who found out about the greatness of Sage Ashtavakra came down to honor and worship the sage. The sage then told the king about theinsult meted out to his father and asked the king to summon all the scholars. The sage vowed that he would jump in to the ocean if he failed to answer the questions posed by the scholars. He said, “This was the place my father was insulted, so please invite all the scholars here. I will have a debate with them right here. If I lose, I will jump in to the ocean”. The king didn’t say a word. He immediately called for a conference. All the egoistic scholars lost miserably to Sage Ashtavakra. Ashtavakra defeated all the scholars who had insulted his father. He won the debate on scriptures. The scholars lost miserably.
Subsequently, king Janaka accepted sage Ashtavakra as Guru and surrendered himself along with his body, mind and wealth. He received knowledge and blessings from the sage. Regardless of how highly educated one is, he should not be arrogant about his knowledge when he meets a Sadguru. Lord Shiva is teaching us through this sloka that one should be humble, should serve the Guru and earn the blessings of the Guru.
To help seekers improve their dedication to the Guru, they are once again talking about the greatness of the Guru Principle.
Sloka:
Gurureva jagatsarvam brahma visnu sivatmakam |
Guroh parataram nasti tasmat sampujayedgurum ||
The entire universe and the Trinity of Godhead - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva - are the image of the Guru. There is nothing other than Guru. There is nothing more important. So, Guru should be worshipped well.
Arjuna worshipped Dronacharya with this same feeling. He became a beloved disciple and the best disciple of Guru Dronacharya. Through the story of this Guru and disciple, let us learn about the greatness of the Guru. Because Arjuna was of noble character, he received initiation to Bhagavad Gita directly. Arjuna was so blessed that God Himself came as Guru and initiated him to the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna was very dear to Dronacharya. Arjuna earned a special place in Dronacharya’s heart. Dronacharya, who noticed the great focus that Arjuna had, removed the veil of illusion that Arjuna was faced with in several instances. In many stories in the Bhagavatam and Mahabharata, Lord Krishna stood by Arjuna, removed his ignorance and imparted wisdom. Similarly, the Guru (Dronacharya) also lifted the veil of ignorance several times.
Episode 82
Drona noticed the focus Arjuna had, and in several instances lifted the veil of illusion that Arjuna encountered. He imparted the light of knowledge to Arjuna and enabled him to reach his destination. He shaped Arjuna into one of the best. Kauravas couldn’t bear to see Drona’s affection towards Arjuna. Some people are envious. Even though they were first cousins, they couldn’t bear to see Arjuna’s progress. They found his progress strange. Arjuna’s focus was such. They (the Kauravas) made many foiled times to disrupt his focus. This revealed the jealousy that the Kauravas were nurturing. Their character was revealed through their actions. Guru Dronacharya noticed how jealous the Kauravas were. He planned to remove the jealousy and impart wisdom to Kauravas and demonstrate to everyone how good of a marksman Arjuna was. Through this story, we can see the trust that a Guru can have in his disciple and his disciple’s sadhana.
Dronacharya summoned all his disciples and said, “Children, I am going to give you a test. You should win that test”. Everybody agreed happily. They were excited to have the opportunity to show off their skill. They were very confident. They thought it was the right time to humiliate Arjuna by showing off their skill and and knowledge using the opportunity the Guru gave them.
Drona placed a magical bird on the branch of a tree and asked everyone to narrate what they see as they take aim at the bird. He placed a magical bird, like the one you are seeing, the one that’s walking over me. He placed a magical bird like that on the tree. Everybody described the tree and birds as they took aim. However, Arjuna alone said he could see only the bird and nothing else. The Guru asked him to take aim. Arjuna shot his arrow and hit the bird. The bird fell to the ground, because it was a magical bird. By Guru’s grace, such aim, focus and marksmanship was made possible. Even after all this, the wicked Kauravas continued to be jealous, even more jealous of Pandavas, especially Arjuna. They found it difficult to digest that Arjuna was that skilled. Drona again wanted to show the skill and knowledge of his disciple to the world. He was very proud that he got a disciple of such great character. Did you see, how happy the Guru gets about the disciple?
Episode 83
Drona once again wanted to show the world the eligibility of the disciple he picked. Once in a while, the Guru wanted to show the greatness of his disciple to the world. He took everyone to a river. He asked everyone to bathe in the river and entered the water himself. The Guru who entered the river was not coming back. He seemed to be sinking deeper. Those on the shore did not understand what was going on. The Guru was getting *** into a whirlpool. The Guru then shouted, “A crocodile has caught hold of me! Someone save me!”. Not only was he getting *** into a whirlpool, there was a crocodile that caught him. That’s it. Everybody came up with their plans to save the Guru. Some wanted to get knives, some wanted to get other weapons. Their plans were numerous. But, no one dared to jump into the water. Even if one disciple entered the water, the crocodile would let go of the Guru and catch hold of the disciple. Thus the Guru would be saved. But no one did that. Then, Arjuna alone jumped into the water and saved the Guru from the clutches of the crocodile. The Guru was pleased with Arjuna who saved the Guru at the risk of losing of his own life. He came to the conclusion that the gem he picked was the right one. He gave to Arjuna all knowledge of weaponry and warfare. He taught Arjuna the way to launch as well as the way to withdraw the powerful Brahmashironamakastram. Upon the insistence of his own son Ashwatthama and knowing his son’s nature, the Guru taught him how to launch Brahmashironamakastram, but did not teach him how to withdraw it.
All disciples continued to gain proficiency in various disciplines. When the Guru considered Arjuna as the most outstanding disciple even at that time, the other disciples couldn’t stand it. Drona noticed this. He summoned all the senior disciples and told them about Drupada’s insult to him. He asked them to capture Drupada and bring to him.
The Kauravas went with much bravado and returned after being pounded by Drupada. The Pandavas then went and ransacked Drupada’s army. Arjuna confronted Drupada and tied him down with ropes and presented him to the Guru, thus fulfilling the Guru’s desire. He dragged Drupada to the presence of the Guru. Like this, an outstanding disciple will pick up on the signals given by the Guru and will work towards them. He will break through to his destination and achieve victory like Arjuna did. Similarly, the Guru, at every step, will protect the disciple that trusts him. Even if he (the Guru) is wrongly blamed, the Guru always strives for the disciple’s progress.
That is the greatness of the Guru. So far we discussed that in the Guru-disciple relationship, despite many difficulties, the Guru pours all his knowledge into the disciple and strives to make the disciple greater than himself.
Episode 84
In the previous sloka, it was said that one who is worshiping and the one who is worshiped are both the Guru. It’s true. Only the Guru has the power to worship the great Gods. The Guru also has the power to assume the divine form of God and be worshiped. We don’t have enough power to worship. They talk again about the oneness of the Guru and the disciple, the oneness of the Guru and Lord Shiva and this is what is the final attainment in worshiping the Guru. That means, the disciple worshiping the Guru will become like the Guru himself, he’ll become Shiva. That’s why, here, talking about the Guru-disciple relationship with reference to an outstanding disciple is the same as talking about the Guru-Shiva relationship. They are talking about the final attainment in worshiping the Guru.
Yasyanugraha matrena hrdyutpadyeta tatksanat |
Jnanam ca paramanandah sadgurussiva eva sah ||
Siva is that Sadguru by whose grace the disciple sees the light of knowledge and bliss is kindled at once in his heart.
In this sloka, they are subtly teaching us the principle by which to identify a Guru. By the Guru’s grace, the heart is immediately filled with knowledge and bliss. That means divine knowledge will shine like lighting in our hearts just by the Guru’s glance, by his touch or by his will. That is why, even though the knowledge may not be fully grasped by the intellect, it causes inexplicable joy in the heart. If we learn a little more about the churning of the ocean (Amruta mathanam), we will learn about the extreme compassion of the Guru.
Guru is an epitome of patience and sacrifice. That is why, Lord Kurma (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as tortoise) was worshiped as Guru. During the churning of the ocean, he treated all his children - Gods and Demons equally. To keep all his children happy, he bore the massive weight of Mandara mountain on his back. He took on a lot of pain in that incarnation. Taking on various forms, he appeared as divine supporting implements used by the Gods and the Demons in churning the ocean. He taught them that during sadhana, one should not give in to any illusion or develop affection. The Gods followed this instruction and attained a desire-less state. The Demons didn’t follow this instruction and were filled with desires. Those with desire will never get the nectar. Only those without desire get it. By the grace of Lord Kurma, only the Gods that gave up desires received the divine gifts. They even got the nectar. Those who place their faith in Guru Kurma will be blessed greatly. The Gods were strengthened with just the Guru’s glance. They became prosperous. But, the Demons, not heeding the Guru’s advice became weak and were punished appropriately.
Episode 85
We discussed that the Gods were strengthened just by the Guru’s glance. The Gods became prosperous. But, the Demons, not heeding the Guru’s advice lost their strength and were punished appropriately.
The divine form of Lord Kurma contains all the planets and constellations, so by worshiping Guru Kurma, all evil planetary effects were removed. The malefic planets were pacified and drawn to auspiciousness. That is why, in all the temples, you can find a small temple or an idol of Lord Kurma.
You should understand that through this sloka, Lord Siva is indicating that, like Lord Kurma’s grace, the Guru’s grace eternally flows to the disciples and grants many benefits. Our attention is not going towards the Guru. The reason for this is attachment to the body. They are describing the quality of this body here.
Sloka:
Bhasma kita vidantam hi deham sthulam varanane |
Tvanmutra rudhirantrasthi mala mamsadi bhajanam ||
Siva says to Parvati that the flesh, excretions, ***, blood, intestines, bones etc., are the ingredients of this gross body. What happens to this body in the end?
If it is put to fire, it is reduced to ashes, if buried, it is decomposed, or if it is thrown away, it is infested with worms.
Many great sages were witness to this conversation between Siva and Parvati. Among them were some who had consumed the divine nectar. But, their bodies were made of the five elements. Withering away is imminent to a body made of the five elements. Lord Siva particularly addressed this matter to them. Then, what can be said of our mortal bodies?
Attachment to the body is the root cause of this samsara. That is what leads to destruction. In this sloka, they are advising on what needs to be done to escape from that. This instruction is in the form of worship to the Guru.
Sloka:
Samsara vrksha marudhah patanto narakarnave |
Sarve yenoddhrta lokah tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru, the uplifter of all worlds sinking into the sea of *** from the tree of samsara.
We think of our body as our world. We go about our daily activities with this feeling. The elders have compared this samsara with a tree, it’s been variously called the “tree of samsara” or the “poisonous tree”.
This tree of samsara grows with unstinted velocity.
Samsara vrksa maghabeejamananta karma
This is a massive tree. It is growing exponentially - branches, more branches, branches of branches, flowers, fruits, more branches - into a massive tree.
Episode 86
We discussed that the elders compared this samsara with a tree, it’s been variously called the “tree of samsara” or the “poisonous tree”. This tree of samsara grows with unstinting velocity. The infant grows up in to a little girl right in front of our eyes, wearing cute little dresses and then grows up to be a mother, and eventually turns into an old woman without any teeth. This is how the tree of samsara is. It doesn't stop there. She also dies one day. Who is dying here? It means, she drops off from the tree. The tree doesn't die, she just falls off from the tree of samsara. The only one who can save from this fate is the Guru. That is why, we should focus attention on the Guru. Everybody should prostrate to the Guru without fail. Many wonder how a Guru can help someone who is caught in the shackles of samsara. The story of the animal, Gajendra (elephant), is enough to answer this question. Let us learn this story.
Gajendra was the king of Mount Trikoota. He had many wives. When he wandered the forests with his wives and sons, he was very pleased seeing his own grandeur and his great retinue. Filled with ego and immersed in the pleasures of life, he once went to the forests with his entire family, charged through the forest recklessly, uprooting trees, trampling with arrogance, leaving a trail of destruction in the entire forest. He entered a territory that didn’t belong to him. He lost all discretion. Without any caution, he entered a lake and got caught in the jaws of an alligator.
Once the alligator caught him, he struggled a lot. He fought for a thousand years. His arrogance, strength and ego diminished. He realized he was caught in the clutches of time. “I am finished. I couldn’t win even after fighting a thousand years. So, I am going away now.” He realized that his wives, sons and relatives were not able to help, he knew they could not save him. “Even though I have so many relatives and so many children, no one is able to save me. There is no use anymore. I am succumbing to death. No one is able to help”. Realizing that Lord Narayana was his only savior, he surrendered his intellect and cried out to the Lord. “You are my intellect, O Lord, there is nothing I can do. Please save me!” The Lord, moved by this prayer, immediately came to Gajendra. “Gajendra moksham (moksham=liberation) is a great episode. Even if we recalled this episode countless number of times, it will not be enough.
Episode 87
Realizing that the Paramatman, Lord Narayana alone was his savior, Gajendra surrendered his intellect to the Lord and cried out to Him. Lord Narayana, who was moved by the prayer, immediately came to the rescue of Gajendra. Then, Gajendra praised the Lord who is “Anatha-rakshaka” (one who protects those who have no one else) and “Aapadbandhava” (one who comes to the rescue of those in distress) saying “Universal Guru! Salutations to You. You are the Guru to this universe, Universal Guru!”. Lord Narayana was pleased; He immediately released Gajendra from the clutches of the alligator and blessed him with liberation. Just like the Universal Guru Narayana, the Guru too inspires and enables his disciples who are immersed in samsara to do many good deeds. He enables them do charitable deeds, he enables them to do Yajnas and other rituals. He ensures that the the disciple earns good karma and merit and that he is amply blessed by God and is able to rise from the ocean of samsara. The society thus benefits greatly due to the Sadguru.
Sloka:
Gurur brahma gurur visnuh gururdevo maheswarah |
Gurureva param brahma tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Guru is Brahma. Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Shiva and the only Absolute. Obeisance to such a Guru.
This has been stated earlier. Still, since you will keep forgetting, I am repeating. Since I am repeating it over and over and over and over, you should realize how important this is. The next 3 slokas are like the heart of Guru Gita. Listen carefully.
Sloka:
Akhanda mandalakaram vyaptam yena caracaram |
Tatpadam darsitam yena tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Tat + Tvam + Asi means You are That.
Tat = that, which is the indivisible cosmic form, pervading the animate and the inanimate as the Parabrahman. Obeisance to the Sadguru who has enabled me to perceive that.
To better understand the meaning of this sloka, let’s learn about the story where Lord Brahma realized that Sri Krishna was Parabrahman Himself.
After Lord Krishna killed demon Aghasura, he rested by a lake along with the cows and the cowherds. The cows moved far away while grazing. The cowherds ate the leftover rice they brought with them and set out in search of the cows.
Jaya Guru Datta.
Episode 88
We discussed that after Lord Krishna killed demon Aghasura, he rested by a lake along with the cows and the cowherds. The cows moved far away while grazing. The cowherds ate the leftover rice they brought with them and set out in search of the cows.
When they did not find the cows after extensive search, they reported back to Krishna. Lord Krishna set out in search of the cows even while holding the morsel of rice he was eating in his hand. He did not find the cows. When he returned to the lake, he couldn’t find the cowherds either. When he could find neither the cows nor the cowherds, Lord Krishna got suspicious and used his divine vision to find out what really happened. He realized that the creator, Lord Brahma, got slightly envious and was responsible for these disappearances. Immediately, he took on the form of all the cows and cowherds that disappeared. The Lord’s behavior in the form of cows, calves and cowherds was true to those forms. He behaved exactly the way those cows, calves and cowherds would behave. Nobody in Gokulam suspected anything. What’s more, parents suddenly began feeling even more love for their children, because it was the Lord who was in the form of those children. They even began feeling more love for the cows and calves. Baladeva was the only one who noticed this. He wondered, “What’s happening to the parents, to the cows and calves? What is this? Everybody seems to have more love and affection.” Baladeva, who had the power of divine vision, was even more surprised when he saw Lord Krishna everywhere. He marveled at the illusion. He enquired with Lord Krishna and was pleased when he found out what happened.
However, Lord Brahma, who was in the celestial world, got suspicious. He wanted to see what Lord Krishna would be doing since so many cows, calves and cowherds disappeared. He wondered what Krishna might be up to now, whether he would be crying. He was surprised to see the cows, calves and cowherds in Gokulam exactly as they were. “What is this? I made them disappear, but when I come here, they all seem to be right here”. Since, living beings are not born unless Lord Brahma creates them, he was puzzled as to which Brahma created these beings. As he was wondering, he noticed that all the cows, calves and cowherds bathing in the river appeared to him as the blue bodied Lord Vishnu in yellow robes, with four hands, holding the conch, discus, lotus and mace. He saw hundreds of thousands of forms of Lord Vishnu. All cows, calves and cowherds appeared as Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma realized upon seeing those forms that Lord Krishna was Parabrahman, that Lord Krishna was the Jagadguru (the Guru to all the universe).
Subsequently, Lord Krishna withdrew his spell whereupon the original cowherds and cows returned. Lord Brahma came down to earth, did circumambulation to little Krishna three times, prayed to him and after getting his permission, left for his abode. What a wonderful episode where Lord Brahma himself tested Lord Krishna.
Episode 89
Lord Brahma saw hundreds of thousands of forms of Lord Krishna in place of the cows, calves and cowherds. All forms were His. Lord Brahma realized upon seeing those forms that Lord Krishna was Parabrahman, that Lord Krishna was the Jagadguru (the Guru to all the universe).
Subsequently, Lord Krishna withdrew his spell and became the cowherd he was again. Once Lord Krishna turned into a cowherd, Lord Brahma had the real vision of Sri Krishna. Lord Brahma came down to earth, did circumambulation to little Krishna three times, prayed to him and after getting his permission, left for his abode. Thus, Lord Brahma who was the master of all scriptures, the form of the Vedas Himself, the father to this universe, the creator and Guru taught the world that Sri Krishna was Parabrahman.
To benefit the disciple, the Guru goes through many difficulties and losses and tolerates insults. Lord Krishna who appeared as Guru also faced a lot of difficulties. The Guru purifies the disciple through appropriate means and helps him have a vision of the Parabrahman. We should understand that Lord Shiva is educating us through this sloka about such great benefits the world receives due to the Sadguru.
Sloka:
Dehe jivatvam apannam caitanyam niskalam param |
Tvam padam darsitam yena tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru who is omnipresent and who has entered into this body in the form of the other worldly spirit of energy, as Shiva, and who has enabled me to see that spirit embedded in TVAM (you)
Sloka:
Akhandam paramartham sadaikyam ca tvam tadossubham |
Asina darsitam yena tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru who enables me to see through the term ASI (You Are) which reveals the ultimate goal by explaining that TVAM (you) and TAT (that) are not separate but stand for the indivisible quality of the Absolute.
If we analyze the meaning of the previous 3 slokas, we see that TAT is indivisible, that TVAM is small, that TVAM merges into TAT and becomes one. This is a very great principle. The essence of all scriptures is in this. To help us understand this easily, let’s look at an example.
Say, there are two people Venkayya and Subayya. There is a difference in their names, but they are both human beings. Let’s assume one’s from Vijaywada and the other’s from Mysore. Two different towns, but both on earth. One speaks gently, the other speaks tough. But, they both speak with their tongue.
Episode 90
If we analyze the meaning of the previous 3 slokas, what do we see? We see that TAT is indivisible, that TVAM is small, that TVAM merges into TAT and becomes one. This is a very great principle. The essence of all scriptures is in this. To help us understand this easily, let’s look at an example.
Say, there are two people Venkayya and Subayya. They have different names, but they are both human beings. Let’s assume one’s from Vijaywada and the other’s from Mysore. Although these are two different towns, both people live on earth. One speaks gently, the other speaks brashly. But, they both speak with their tongue. One eats vegetarian food, the other eats something else, but both are putting food in their stomach. Analyzing in this manner, even though we see a few differences between the two, if we broaden our minds and take a higher level perspective, we can see that they are both living on earth, they are both eating alike, talking and living as human beings. That means, there are no differences between them when viewed from that angle. But, for everyday affairs, we have to refer to them as two different people - Venkayya and Subayya. In reality, however, this small difference merges into the indivisible because they are both human beings and there is no difference between them. The TVAM and TAT are similar to this. Becoming one is what is ASI. Let’s examine this from a different angle.
The sun, stars, time and yugas are all illuminated. We can see them all. Why can we see them? How do we see them? We should think carefully. Because, you, the one who is seeing, is illuminated, all these things are illuminated. If that is the case, why do we see darkness? Because you also have darkness in you, you can see darkness. When you are really awake, when you are completely illuminated, there is no darkness. Everything is illuminated. This may sound like a stubborn argument, but think about it carefully, analyze it and meditate on it. Only then will you realize the truth in it. This is the meaning of the term ASI. Only the Guru is capable of teaching this concept. Here, teaching doesn’t mean theorizing or lecturing on the subject or just talking for 2-3 hours. “He can say whatever he wants to, he is a Guru. He knows everything, so whatever he says is the word of God”. True, while that may be the case, that may not be the right approach to talk or teach. So, how should one talk?
The teaching should cause a change in heart. When the Guru talks, we will feel a change in our heart. Others may talk for 2 hours, or 3 hours or even 6 hours while standing. But, only Guru has the capability to move you, to bring a change in heart. Obeisance to such a Guru.
Episode 91
Here, they are pausing the stotras in praise of the Guru and talking about what needs to be done to experience that change in heart. We already discussed that Sadguru alone can cause a change in the mindset, that he alone has the capability to do so. Here, in simple words, they are talking about how such a heart-changing message is received.
Sloka:
Sarva sruti siroratna nirajita padambujam |
Vedantambuja suryabham sri gurum saranam vrajet ||
Obeisance to Sadguru to whose lotus feet the Vedas hold the holy camphor light and who is like the sun for the lotuses of Vedanta or the Upanishads.
Since the Vedas are offering prostrations at his feet, the light shining from the diamonds decorating the heads of the Vedas (the Upanishads) are falling on the Guru’s feet giving the appearance of offering the holy camphor light at the Guru’s feet. They are teaching us as a principle here that for complete realization of knowledge, there is no other way except surrender at Guru’s feet. Here, Lord Shiva is explaining in this manner.
The stotras in praise of the Guru resume here.
Sloka:
Caitanyam sasvatam santam mayatitam niranjanam |
Nada bindu kalatitam tasmai sri gurave namaha ||
The dynamic spirit is eternal, serene, beyond all illusion, and unaffected by anything. It is beyond Omkara, beyond anything that can be comprehended or conceptualized. Obeisance to the Sadguru who is of the form of this dynamic spirit.
Sloka:
Sthavaram jangamam ceti yatkincijjagati tale |
Vyaptam yasya cita sarvam tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to such Sadguru whose dynamism pervades everywhere among movable and immovable objects. Sthavaras include the immovable beings, trees etc. Jangamas are the mobile ones.
Episode 92
Sloka:
Sthavaram jangamam ceti yatkincijjagati tale |
Vyaptam yasya cita sarvam tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to such Sadguru whose consciousness pervades everywhere among movable and immovable objects. Sthavaras include the immovable beings, trees etc. Jangamas are the mobile ones.
Sloka:
Tvam pita tvam ca me mata tvam bandhustvam ca daivatam |
Samara priti bhangaya tubhyam sri gurave namah ||
You are my father, mother and relative. You are my only God. Oh Gurudeva! Obeisance to you who drives away my desire for samsara (worldly life).
Mother is one who showers love. Father is one who feeds and nurtures. The divine causes thoughts in us. You are wallowing in the strange illusion of samsara. Guru is the only one who can remove the illusion. In this sloka, they are praising the Guru as, and proving that he is, the epitome of Sat, Chit, Ananda (knowledge, existence and bliss).
Sloka:
Yatsattaya jagatsattvam yatprakasena bhayutam |
Nandanam ca yadanandat tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to such Sadguru who is all pervading in the universe and on account of which it appears to exist, whose radiance pervading the universe causes brilliant shining of it, whose bliss spread in the universe makes it joyous.
This is one of the greatest slokas in this scripture.
Episode 93
This is one of the greatest slokas in this scripture. Here, “Nandanam ca yadanandat” means that we see happiness in this creation because the bliss of the Guru pervades this universe. This is interesting. How do we know happiness and sorrow? Where are the happiness and sorrow coming from?
There is one thing everyone needs to think about in this context. When something makes us happy, we wish for that happiness to come again and again. But, we don’t think about how that laddu (ball-shaped sweet) is causing happiness or where the happiness is coming from. We don’t care. We are just satisfied to be happy. Lot of people say, “If you are happy, just enjoy it, why are you analyzing it? Isn't it enough to just be happy, why bother?” We eat the delicious laddu, relishing its taste, but don’t care to ask, “Who paid for this laddu?” or “Where is this laddu coming from?” or, “What are the ingredients in this laddu?” You finish one laddu and then ask if you can find another.
Similarly, when something makes us sad, we cry for riddance from the sorrow, but don’t think about why the sorrow is affecting us. We may advise others, “Why remind yourself of your sorrows? Whatever is gone is gone. Why think about it and be sad again?”
So, if we are to find out where the delicious laddu came from or if we are to find out why we are sad, this is not what we are supposed to do.
We should always remember deep in our hearts when we are going through sorrows, that we should think about where the sorrows came from, we should understand why we are sad. Only when we analyze, “Why do we feel sorrow? Where does this sorrow come from?” do we understand. Only then do we understand the source of sorrow. Once you understand the source of the sorrow, kill it right there. Then, your sorrow will never come to you. “What is the source for this sorrow, what is the source for this thought?” Find out and kill it. Do the same with happiness. You should find the source for happiness.
There’s a catch here to watch out for. Our mind may find worldly reasons for our happiness and sorrow, but these are not the real reasons. The worldly sources of happiness and sorrow are not the real reasons. We may arrive at these reasons as the cause of our happiness and sorrow, but these are not real.
Sometimes, a man may suddenly feel excited, enthused and happy. ”I am very happy today”, he announces first thing in the morning. When someone asks him why he’s so happy, he says he doesn’t know why. “I am very happy, I’ll give you anything you ask for”. And he does give people what they ask for. Sometimes, the man is so happy, he’s crazy enough to give away the Rolex watch he has on his wrist.
Episode 94
We were talking about our happiness and sorrows. We discussed that sometimes, a person may be suddenly excited, enthused and happy. Instead of just searching for the reasons by assuming there’s always a reason for happiness or sorrow, let’s talk about what needs to be done once we find out the reasons for our happiness or sorrow. If you ask the person who is suddenly happy, “What is the reason you are so happy? Did you win a lottery?” he may reply saying, “No, I haven’t, I didn’t win a lottery, nor did I gain any agricultural land, nor did my son pass his grade, nor did my son get his visa...nothing has happened”. “Then, why are you so happy?” He has no idea why, he has no answer. “I don’t know why I’m happy. Let me know whatever you want. I’ll give you”.
Similarly, sometimes, sorrow envelops the mind for no apparent reason. Just as someone is happy for no apparent reason, someone may be sad for no reason. He may suddenly sit in a corner by himself, overcome with sorrow, glancing around insecurely, biting his nails, or writing in sand. All of a sudden, he’s drowned in sorrow, crying, sometimes breaking his head. He’s not insane, but he’s overcome with sorrow for no reason. “Did you hear of someone passing away?”. “No”. “Was your house burgled?” “No”. “Did someone steal your wallet?” “No”. “Did you miss getting a ticket to the movies”. “No”. Sometimes, people are overcome with sorrow for no reason. Just as people are sometimes overcome with happiness for no reason, they may be overcome with sorrow for no reason. The person is sad, but he doesn’t know why. Just as it was impossible to explain the reason for one person’s happiness, it is impossible to explain the reason for another person’s sorrow. Then, why should one feel happiness or sorrow without a reason? There has to be a reason. That is what they refer to as the samskaras (impressions) carried over from past births.
The man who is crying is sad, but he has no pain, no reason for his sorrow. No one insulted him. That is because, these samskaras, unbeknownst to us, are carried over from past births. Here, there’s another question that comes up. Why did God keep us ignorant of our samskaras. One may say, “It’s my fate, my samskaras. I am happy or sad owing to my samskara”. So, why couldn’t God give us knowledge of our past samskaras, why couldn’t he have forewarned us of these samskaras? That is not possible.
God kept us ignorant of our past births out of compassion for us. If we had that knowledge of past births, we would have unbearable sorrow, realizing, that the dogs, pigs and donkeys on the street were our relatives from a past birth. Let’s see what happens ahead.
Episode 95
We discussed that we experience happiness and sorrow for no reason. We will talk about what needs to be done once we understand the reason for these sudden emotions. We also talked about what these sudden emotions are caused due to. Here, there was another question, let’s recall that too. Why couldn’t God give us knowledge of our past samskaras? Why didn’t he give us clarity on our samskaras? Why couldn’t he have given us the ability to recall a past birth, why couldn’t he give us memories of past births? That is not possible.
God kept us ignorant about our past births out of compassion for us. If we had knowledge of past births, we would have unbearable sorrow, realizing that the pigs, dogs and donkeys on the street were our relatives from a past birth. Can we bear that sorrow? A dog alone can recall its past birth when it sits in a pit filled with ash. It is interesting. But, it also forgets right away. So, it’s clear to us that we are not able to find visible reasons for the happiness and sorrows brought about by our past samskaras. We are unable to pinpoint visible reasons. We need to turn inward to determine the source of such happiness and sorrow. Then, you can see that the bliss and light are within you. You will realize that, in reality, you are that bliss and light. You are that inner light. That is his (the Guru’s) light. That light is bliss. The bliss from that light is manifesting as your intelligence, and your happiness. Similarly, the veil of illusion in you in causing sorrow. Guru alone can bless you with this knowledge. Obeisance to such a Guru.
Guru is giving you the knowledge that will help you get rid of the sorrows yourself. By clearly pointing out to the reasons, by showing you the dangers from it, your Guru is giving you the strength to get rid of these feelings at the source. In the 50th sloka, they refer to “Daivatam”. That means, the Guru sows thoughts in your mind. This is stated formally in the scriptures.
If you need to clean something thoroughly, you need to use hot water or soap water or some strong cleaning agent to extract the dirt. If you think you don’t want to inflict any hurt on that item because it’s very valuable, it’s expensive, it’s a rare piece of siik, it should not be treated harshly, or that it would rip if put in the washing machine or that the color would run if you used soap on it, or that the threads would come loose if you washed it, what do you want to do with it? How do you extract that dirt? Will you prostrate to it and kiss it and do circumambulations and and pray saying “Oh dirt, please go away”? Will it go away? At least, it does not work that way in my town.
That is why you put soap, wash it, cause it some hurt to extract dirt. Let that be.
Episode 96
Sloka:
Yena cetayata purya cittam cetayate narah |
Jagrat svapna susuptyadau tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru who stirs the mind, on account of which man remains dynamic in all the three states of wakefulness, dream and deep sleep; in other words is able to have thoughts in all three states.
Some think and plan a lot. Some people consider themselves inert, dull and tamasic. Tamasic also refers to an ignorant fool who knows nothing, or one who is filled with Tamas (inertia, darkness). The Guru is getting into the mind of even such an ignorant being and transforming him into a person filled with consciousness. The Guru resides in the minds of such people too. The person may be inert and stupid. But, the Guru gets into his mind and fills him with consciousness. The Guru’s compassion is beyond the material cause and effect. Even those who think and plan a lot can do so only when they are awake. But, they cannot think and plan in the dream or deep sleep state, because their mind is inert at that time. Similarly, when one has interact with another, both need to be in the waking state. Only when they are awake will the activity take place. But, the Guru alone has the power to stir and mind and create consciousness in the inert minds of people that are in the dream or deep sleep state. If the Guru can do this in inert minds that are in dream or deep sleep state, imagine what he could do in the minds in wakeful state. Obeisance to such a Sadguru.
Sloka:
Yasya jnanadidam viswam adrsyam bheda bhedatah |
Satswarupavasesam ca tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru, the knowledge of whom destroys the duality of the mind and lets the whole universe become a non-entity that remains in the form of Sattva (purity, divinity). The state beyond non-duality is also the state beyond birth and death. This is the state of the Absolute which the Guru graciously grants.
That is also what you should pray to the Guru for. That state of non-duality is the state beyond birth and death. That is the state of the Absolute. That is what the Guru grants.
Sloka:
Yayeva karyarupena karanenapi bhati ca |
Karya karana nirmuktah tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Episode 97
Sloka:
Yasya jnanadidam viswam adrsyam bheda bhedatah |
Satswarupavasesam ca tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to Sadguru, the knowledge of whom destroys the duality of the mind and dissolves the universe that then only remains in the form of Sattva (purity, divinity). The state beyond non-duality is also the state beyond birth and death. This is the state of the Absolute which the Guru graciously grants.
That is also what you should pray to the Guru for. That state of non-duality is the state beyond birth and death. That is the state of the Absolute. That is what the Guru grants too.
Sloka:
Yayeva karyarupena karanenapi bhati ca |
Karya karana nirmuktah tasmai sri gurave namah ||
The Guru appears in the form of action or in the form of Universe. He also appears in the form of the cause of that action or in the form of illusion. But in reality, he is beyond the cause and effect. Obeisance to such a Sadguru.
Sloka:
Jnana sakti swarupaya kamitartha pradayine |
Bhukti mukti pradatreca tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Guru is the embodiment of knowledge and power, and who therefore fulfills all our desires. Obeisance to such a Saduguru who fulfills our material desires and also grants liberation.
Here, we need to understand clearly that “Bhukti” is karma. To a Guru, action, cause, inertia, consciousness, karma, liberation (“Mukti”) are all the same. Obeisance to such a Sadguru who is the one that encompasses everything.
Sloka:
Aneka janma samprapta karma koti vidahine |
Jnananala prabhavena tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Obeisance to the Sadguru whose fire of knowledge destroys the karma that his disciples have been accumulating over several births.
Sloka:
Na guroradhikam tattva na guroradhikam tapah |
Na guroradhikam jnanan tasmai sri gurave namah ||
There is no concept superior to Guru, no penance superior to the Guru and no knowledge superior to the Guru. Obeisance to such a Sadguru.
Sloka:
Mannathassri jagannatho madgurustri jagadguruh |
Mamata sarva bhutatma tasmai sri gurave namah ||
My Lord is the Lord of all three worlds. My Guru is the Guru to all the three worlds. My soul is the soul of all beings. Obeisance to Sadguru who is in me. One should be aware that the Guru is capable of stirring such thoughts.
Sloka:
Gururadiranadisca guruh parama daivatam |
Gurossamanah kovasti tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Guru is the beginning and the source of everything, he is the primordial one, he is the root of all, he is the creation. He has no beginning. Guru is the Paradevata (image of God). Who is a match to Guru? Obeisance to such a Guru.
Sloka:
Eka eva paro bandhuh visame samupasthite |
Nissprahah karuna sindhuh tasmai sri gurave namah ||
Guru alone is the true relative in adverse circumstances because He is free from desires. He has no desire to take anything from you. You may think He does, but He needs nothing. But, the Guru is an ocean of compassion.
It doesn't matter if you don’t offer him anything, he doesn't even expect anything. But, because he is an ocean of compassion, he is a true relative. Obeisance to such a Guru.
Episode 98
In the previous sloka, they referred to the Guru as the primordial (Adi) Guru.
Sloka:
Eka eva paro bandhuh visame samupasthite |
Nissprahah karuna sindhuh tasmai sri gurave namah ||
In this sloka, they are referring to Guru as a “relative”. True. You are all drawn to the Guru because your relationship with the Guru has existed for several births. Others don’t have such a great fortune. That is why, they refer to the Guru as “Adi Guru”. He is also our relative since time immemorial.
Sloka:
Gurumadhye sthitam viswam viswamadhye sthito guruh |
Viswarupo viruposau tasmai sri gurave namah ||
This whole universe is in the Guru. Guru pervades the entire universe. He is of the form of the Universe, and is formless too. Obeisance to such a Guru.
Lord Ganapathy, in the form of Guru, was able to see the entire universe. Let’s delve into that story.
Those who worship Lord Ganapathy will be blessed with great intellect. That is why, Ganapathy festival is very important to students. More so during examinations, when all students worship Ganapathy and Saraswati. It is said that whoever worships Ganapathy is very intelligent. They are intellectually blessed. Second, their intellect blooms. The activities such people plan progress smoothly without any obstacles. Whatever they plan, whatever they are determined to do, progresses without obstacles. They have new ideas that bring them greater fortune. There is such greatness in Lord Ganapathy. He has with him, Siddhi (accomplishments/spiritual powers) and Buddhi (intellect). If one serves Ganapathy, one gains strength and intelligence.
Siva and Parvati have two sons - Ganapathy Swamy and Kumara Swamy. Both were highly accomplished in everything. One day, the parents talked about getting the sons married. They loved the sons equally, so they were in a quandary about who to get married first. If they got one married first, the other would be angry. This became a vexing problem for Siva and Parvati. Meanwhile, the word of marriage reached the sons. They approached the parents. Each one demanded that he be married first. They argued a lot. After much thought, Siva and Parvati told their sons that they had a plan. Whoever follows the plan will get married first. They said, “We devised a plan. If you follow the plan, you will get married first”. Ganapathy Swamy and Kumara Swamy found this agreeable. They were happy and asked for the plan, the requirements and challenges to be specified.
Episode 99
We discussed that one day, Siva and Parvati were talking about getting Ganapathy and Kumara Swamy married. They loved the sons equally, so they were in a quandary about who to get married first. If they got one married first, the other would be angry. This became a vexing problem for Siva and Parvati. So, they set up a competition between the two. The problem would be solved when one of them wins the contest. Then, there would no contention. Meanwhile, the word of marriage reached the sons. They approached the parents. Each one demanded that he be married first. They argued a lot. Siva and Parvati stopped the arguing and told their sons that they had a plan. Whoever follows the plan will get married first. Ganapathy Swamy and Kumara Swamy found this agreeable. They were happy and asked for the plan, the requirements and challenges to be specified.
Then Siva and Parvati said, you are both equally noble in your character. There is no difference between you two. We love you both equally. That is why, we decided on a healthy contest between you two. The one to circle the earth and return first will be married first. Instantly, Kumara Swamy boarded his peacock and dashed into the air. The peacock was already a bird to start with, it was Kumara Swamy’s vehicle. Kumara Swamy flew away like the wind on the back of the peacock. If small birds have so much power, if small birds can repeat after Swamiji, imagine the power in the God-like peacock that was the vehicle of Kumara Swamy. The peacock had the power to fly like the wind. Don’t assume birds are ordinary. Once they fly away, it’s very difficult to catch them. These birds (around me) are not flying away only because they are bound by love.
Poor Ganapathy Swamy sat in a corner, wondering what he could do. Kumara Swamy flew away on his vehicle, the huge peacock. Even the feathers of the peacock were large enough to rest comfortably against. Ganapathy Swamy sat in a corner wondering what he could do, he didn’t have a vehicle like that. He started using his intellect. His vehicle was Mooshika Raja (mooshika= mouse; Raja = king). The mouse was also powerful. It is not an ordinary mouse like the ones we see. It’s not like the mice that eat cockroaches and destroy crops. The ordinary mouse eats the sweets in the house, nibbles on our clothes, nibbles on our head if we have coconut oil in our hair. It eats away the belly of someone that ate vadas (donut shaped savories). It loves people that eat vadas. Their breath smells up to three miles away. Those who eat vadas don’t stop at one vada. That smell draws mosquitoes, mice, cockroaches etc as if a huge platter of food is awaiting them.
Ganapathy’s mouse was not like that. It was a massive mouse that could carry anything. It was a divine, magical mouse, not one that squeaks or can be found in a laboratory. Still Ganapathy Swamy looked at the mouse once. The mouse was capable, but he thought this mouse was too big and it would be difficult to travel with it.
Episode 100
Now, Ganapathy saw the mouse in the corner and thought to himself, “This mouse cannot carry me around on this trip”. He glanced towards Kumara Swamy, but Kumara Swamy had long flown away. He thought to himself, “I am still sitting here, staring at my *** belly. My enormous belly extends all the way to the floor when I’m sitting down”. Of course, it is not an ordinary belly, the entire universe is in that belly. He sighed as he found it difficult to even get up from that corner.
Ganapthy’s intellect is extremely sharp. The Lord hit upon an idea. He immediately got up, bathed and went to this parents. “Mother, Father, I wish to worship you. Kindly take this seat here”, he said pointing to a seat. They didn’t understand this new behavior. They took the seat that Ganapathy was pointing to. Ganapathy worshiped them with sincere devotion and dedication. He did circumambulations to them 7 times and prostrated to them saying “Please get me married”. The parents laughed at his proposition and said “Your little brother is on a tour of planet earth. You didn’t stir from here and are proposing we get you married first. He will return soon from his trip. But you are right here, worshiping us, circumambulating us and prostrating to us. You also go around planet earth and come back, we’ll get your married. How can we get you married if you don’t even stir from here?”
Ganapathy Swamy replied, “Dear parents, you are the epitome of Dharma, you are all-knowing. There is nothing you do not know. I do not need to tell you, but for the sake of formality, I’m telling you:
Guru Madhye Sthitam Viswam
This whole universe is in the Guru. Guru pervades the entire universe. He is of the form of the Universe, and is formless too. Obeisance to such a Guru.
You are both my Gurus. The entire universe is in you. By circumambulating you, I received the benefit of circumambulating the universe 7 times. So, get me married.“
Siva and Parvati were happy with his intellect, devotion and dedication. They were extremely pleased with Ganapathy’s intellect, reasoning, presence of mind and devotion. They appreciated his complete faith in them as Guru. Parents are our fist Gurus. Ganapathy had strong faith in his Guru. That is why, every sacred place Kumara Swamy went to, he would encounter Ganapathy returning from there. Kumara Swamy didn’t just circle the earth, he visited all the sacred places that he came upon. He even dipped in the sacred waters in those places. As he did that, he saw that Ganapathy had already taken a dip in the sacred waters and had already visited the place. Kumara Swamy was surprised to see that Ganapathy Swamy always seemed to be ahead of him.