Srinath Shrothrium's Blog, page 4
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June 8, 2023
02 Prahlada's Praises: Inspiring Bhakti Yoga through the Grandeur of Creation
|| Hari Om ||
Veda-vedanta-yajnesham; brahma-rudradi-vanditam
sri nrisimham maha-viram;
namami rina-muktaye
The one who reveals Himself in the Vedas, Vedanta and the fire sacrifice is worshipped even by the best of deities like Brahma, Rudra, and other Gods.
All-powerful Lord Narasimha, I offer my salutations to You seeking to free me from all my debts.
"Prahlada's profound wisdom gracefully navigates life's obstacles, recognizing a cosmic design beyond his grasp. His remarkable spiritual odyssey stands as a beacon of inspiration to truth-seekers, reminding that genuine transformation springs from a profound comprehension of reality's essence.”
"The seventh skandha of Srimad Bhagavata reveals 'Narasimha's Wrath and the Triumph of Faith,' portraying the epic clash between good and evil. Prince Prahlada defies his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, remaining devoted to Lord Vishnu despite persecution. This ancient text is purifying removing sins, debts, and the undesired while fulfilling desires; it is also enlightening the seeker, bestowing moral values, a sense of detachment from the material world, and reveals the indwelling Lord."
The awe-inspiring power of unwavering devotion as divine justice unfolds in this captivating saga, transcending time and offering timeless wisdom."
Embark on an extraordinary odyssey with "Bhakti Yoga: Prahlada's Inspiring Spiritual Journey." Follow Prahlada, a revered figure in Hindu Sanatan dharma, as he illuminates the path of Bhakti Yoga, a profound spiritual journey of devotion and enlightenment. Experience the magnificence of creation and uncover the power of Prahlada's praises in "Prahlada's Praises: Inspiring Bhakti Yoga through the Grandeur of Creation." Click the link below to embark on this transformative adventure.
|| Hari Om ||
June 1, 2023
01 Prelude to Prahlada’s Inspiring Spiritual Odyssey
|| Hari Om ||
Veda-vedanta-yajnesham; brahma-rudradi-vanditam
sri nrisimham maha-viram;
namami rina-muktaye
The one who reveals Himself in the Vedas, Vedanta and the fire sacrifice is worshipped even by the best of deities like Brahma, Rudra, and other Gods.
All-powerful Lord Narasimha, I offer my salutations to You seeking to free me from all my debts.
"Prahlada's profound wisdom gracefully navigates life's obstacles, recognizing a cosmic design beyond his grasp. His remarkable spiritual odyssey stands as a beacon of inspiration to truth-seekers, reminding that genuine transformation springs from a profound comprehension of reality's essence.”
"The seventh skandha of Srimad Bhagavata reveals 'Narasimha's Wrath and the Triumph of Faith,' portraying the epic clash between good and evil. Prince Prahlada defies his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, remaining devoted to Lord Vishnu despite persecution. This ancient text is purifying, removing sins, debts, and the undesired while fulfilling desires; it also enlightens the seeker, bestows moral values, aids in detachment from the material world, and reveals the indwelling Lord."
The awe-inspiring power of unwavering devotion as divine justice unfolds in this captivating saga, transcending time and offering timeless wisdom."
Embark on an Extraordinary Adventure: Discover "Prelude to Prahlada’s Inspiring Spiritual Odyssey" - Click the Link Below!
|| Hari Om ||
January 2, 2021
Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - The Dialogue between Bhoo Devi and Dharmapurusha
Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge.
|| Hari Om ||
Hare Srinivasaकल्यण अद्भुत गात्राय कामितार्थ प्रदयिने ।श्रीमद् वेन्कटनाथाय श्रीनिवासय ते नम: ॥Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed. Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa! My salutations to you.भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well as being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You are the only cause of our success.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
दयादाक्षिण्यवैराग्यवाक्पाटवमुखाङिकतः ।शापानुृग्रहशक्तोऽन्यो राघवेन्द्रन्नविध्यते ॥ The face symbolizing Compassion; Modesty; Dispassion towards sensual pleasure; Eloquence; Power to remove curses is none else than you, Guru Raghavendra.
My salutations to you.
एते चान्ये च भगवन् नित्या यत्र महागुणाः ।
प्रार्थ्या महत्त्वमिच्छद्भिर्न वियन्ति स्म कर्हिचित् ॥ २९॥
Dharmapurusha! These and many more wonderful attributes manifest in our Lord like the river water flowing downhill. These are intrinsic to him and flows naturally. Those who wish to develop their personality, accomplish the objectives of Life, should practice syncing with these attributes of the Lord and relentlessly worship him and reach closer to him.
तेनाहं गुणपात्रेण श्रीनिवासेन साम्प्रतम् ।
शोचामि रहितं लोकं पाप्मना कलिनेक्षितम् ॥ ३०॥
The Lord is the abode of immeasurable attributes and for the goddess of abundance. She resides in his Lotus of heart and hence he is famously known as Srinivasa. That very Lord Sri Krishna has left this earth and Kali has got a foothold here.
The evil Kali preside over Kali Yuga. His influence makes the materials lose their intrinsic value and the Jiva to do sins. The materials including air, water, and soil are losing their qualities. He would influence the seasons with untimely rains, storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The Kali occupying the mind space of individuals, makes us lose our faith in the Lord, the faith in dharma or righteousness, and the faith in rituals. The decline in piousness, intelligence, and fortune.
आत्मानं चानुशोचामि भवन्तं चामरोत्तमम् ।
देवानृषीन् पितॄन् साधून् सर्वान् वर्णांस्तथाश्रमान् ॥ ३१॥
The disappearance of the Lord from this earth and his separation have upset me, regretted Bhoo Devi. Not just that! Continued Bhoo Devi. I'm feeling sad for you, Dharmapurusha! Your presence in the consciousness of the people of Kali Yuga is continuously on a rapid decline. Hence, your influence on people to take a righteous path has become limited. So too, I'm saddened for the other Gods influencing other faculties of the living being. Also, for Pitrus or the well-wishing forefathers & the Gods influencing them; Sadhus & Rishis, the seekers of Lord following intense spirituality; common man following their varnashramas like a Kshatriya carrying out administration or safeguarding the border, or a Vaishya doing business, or a Brahamana studying spirituality, or a Shudra providing service; in their various stages of life including as Kishore or as a boy, or as Youth loose brahmacharya or celibacy; at middle age or those who have entered Vanaprashta or old age; I'm saddened for all as everyone is moving away from the Lord, there is a continuous decline in the moral values, continuous rise of ignorance of the Lord and the metaphysical premise set forth by him.
Robbers are going to be the Kings. Lying, Taking bribes, breaking the rule, traveling without tickets in public transport would be acclaimed and cheered. The seasons are going to miss their cycles, untimely rains and famine would be the order of Kali Yuga or else large natural disasters with several deaths on this my very earth would happen grieved, Bhoo Devi. She regretted that hardly any virtuous people would be on the earth and they would not get respect.
ब्रह्मादयो बहुतिथं यदपाङ्गमोक्षकामास्तपः समचरन् भगवत्प्रपन्नाः ।
सा श्रीः स्ववासमरविन्दवनं विहाय यत्पादसौभगमलं भजतेऽनुरक्ता ॥ ३२॥
तस्याहमब्जकुलिशाङ्कुशकेतुकेतैःश्रीमत्पदैर्भगवतः समलङ्कृताङ्गी ।
त्रीनत्यरोच उपलभ्य ततो विभूतिं लोकान् स मां व्यसृजदुत्स्मयतीं तदन्ते ॥ ३३॥
The best of being God Brahma does an intense austerity by surrendering to Lord Vishnu and meditating on him for a long time so that he be noticed with a casual glance by Goddess Lakshmi residing in his Lotus of heart. Even that very Goddess Lakshmi having an exclusive abode in the Lotus of the heart of Lord and being worshipped by even the best of being filled with devotion would serve the Shreepada of Lord. Such divine auspicious lotus feet would leave the marks of Vajrayudha, Gode, Lotus, Flag, on my body beautifying me, increasing my grace and elegancy as the Lord walked on me. Now, that very Lord has disappeared from this earth.
यो वै ममातिभरमासुरवंशराज्ञामक्षौहिणीशतमपानुददात्मतन्त्रः ।
त्वां दुःस्थमूनपदमात्मनि पौरुषेण सम्पादयन् यदुषु रम्यमबिभ्रदङ्गम् ॥ ३४॥
Dharmapurusha! The compassionate Lord had destroyed the evil in thousands who had taken birth as Kings and the Kings’ men. He had ensured that all your four legs including Dharma to follow righteousness; Austerity for Spiritual practice; Cleanliness to be compassionate; and Truthfulness is hale and healthy. For all these, the independent Lord looking beautiful in a blue color as in dark monsoon clouds had appeared in the Yadhu clan. His form was Sat-Chit-Ananda complete with divine knowledge and bliss.
का वा सहेत विरहं पुरुषोत्तमस्य प्रेमावलोकरुचिरस्मितवल्गुजल्पैः ।
स्थैर्यं समानमहरन्मधुमानिनीनां रोमोत्सवो मम यदङ्घ्रिविटङ्कितायाः ॥ ३५॥
Who could endure the disappearance of such compassionate, supreme Lord having his form as knowledge, bliss, and appearing in blue color as in dark clouds? Wondered Bhoo Devi. When the Lord walked on me, I would be overwhelmed with Joy causing goosebumps all over my body. The divine symbols on his feet would emboss on me bringing auspiciousness to me. His disappearance is causing me sadness.
Even over 16000 wives of Lord Sri Krishna at Dwarka would fill their eyes with love transforming their face to fill with romance having a ting of a smile, and a voice filled with sweetness to please him. Appearing to each one separately in their individual houses, the charming Lord responded equally in romance. To break this sense of equality with him in the romance in his proud wives, Lord Sri Krishna has disappeared, said Bhoo Devi.
तयोरेवं कथयतोः पृथिवीधर्मयोस्तदा ।
परीक्षिन्नाम राजर्षिः प्राप्तः प्राचीं सरस्वतीम् ॥ ३६॥
When this conversation was happening between Bhoo Devi and Dharma Purusha on the eastern banks of Saraswati River, the raja rishi Parikshid raja ruling his kingdom as a sacrifice at the altar of the Lord’s feet appeared.
इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धे
पृथ्वीधर्मसंवादो नाम षोडशोऽध्यायः ॥ १६॥
With this, we complete a part named "The Dialogue between Bhoo Devi and Dharmapurusha” of sixteenth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1
We could do so only with the grace of Gurus including Sri Raghavendra and his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada. Let's pray for their continued blessings.
An excerpt from Sri Venkatesha Stavaraja Composed by Jagannatha dasaru in Kannada
SrIramana sarvesa sarvaga sarabokta svatantra sarvada aparamahimodhdara sadguna purna gambira
saridavaraghaduragaisi surijanarige saukya nIduva | dhIravenkataramana karunadi poreyo ni enna ||
An abode for abundance having lordship of entire universe accepts the essence though being independent. Present everywhere with immense fame, full of attributes, profound, & composed destroy the sins of the virtuous who sing your praises this way and bestow of all sort of comforts to them. The courageous Lord Venkateshwara! Please protect showing compassion.
Srinivasane Baktaposhane jnanakulagaligabayadayaka dhInabandava nIne enna manadartha puraiso
anupa mopama jnana sampada vinaya purvaka vittu paliso
janumajanumake mareya bedavo Seshagirivasa
Srinivasa! You protect your devotees, assure fearlessness to them studying about you, and wish well to even a poor. Only you know what should be my wish and only you fulfill it.
Bestow me with that exclusive wealth of knowledge of you in all your humility and make me not forgetful of you in life & afterlives. Never abandon me in any of my life, oh! The Resident of Tirumala, the seven hills of 1000 hooded Sesha.
|| Hari Om ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||
December 12, 2020
Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Sublimed with Spiritual Purity
Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge.
|| Hari Om ||
Hare Srinivasaकल्यण अद्भुत गात्राय कामितार्थ प्रदयिने ।श्रीमद् वेन्कटनाथाय श्रीनिवासय ते नम: ॥Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed. Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa! My salutations to you.भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well as being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You are the only cause of our success.व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.दयादाक्षिण्यवैराग्यवाक्पाटवमुखाङिकतः ।शापानुृग्रहशक्तोऽन्यो राघवेन्द्रन्नविध्यते ॥ The face symbolizing Compassion; Modesty; Dispassion towards sensual pleasure; Eloquence; Power to remove curses is none else than you, Guru Raghavendra. My salutations to you.
Continuing with Bhoo Devi’s praises of the Lord,
प्रागल्भ्यं प्रश्रयः शीलं सह ओजो बलं भगः ।
गाम्भीर्यं स्थैर्यमास्तिक्यं कीर्तिर्मानोऽनहङ्कृतिः ॥ २८॥
मानः or Respect. The other biggest attribute in Lord is to find attributes in each individual and respect them for the same. By worshipping the Lord for this attribute of मनन or respecting individuals for their attributes, the self-respect increases including various good attributes manifest in the Yogi.
Our Lord has the attribute of अनहङ्कृति or free from being Proud or self-conceit of inordinate self-esteem. This is because the Lord does not accept those that do not belong to him as his own. Though the entire world is his creation and under his control, the all-knowing Lord makes a clear distinction of the following:
The distinction between each inanimate matter of Prakriti present as primordial from immeasurable time in the past.The distinction between the inanimate matter and living soul or jiva.The distinction between each living soul or jiva present from immeasurable time in the past.The distinction between the inanimate matter and himself is made of happiness and knowledge.Also, the distinction between each living soul and himself, the supreme Lord.We studied this when we went through the attribute of Tyaga or Sacrifice. The Lord is Omniscience at all times, he does not have an illusionary or false sense of possession on that object or subject that does not belong to him. By worshipping the Lord having this attribute of अनहङ्कृति or free from being Proud or self-conceit or inordinate self-esteem, we will be blessed with the knowledge of Axiom that नाहं कर्ता हरिः कर्ता or the doer of all the acts are Lord. He does so as an Indweller of each Jiva, the Indweller of each Indrya or sensory organs in a Jiva.
Also, by worshipping that the Lord is free from being Proud or self-conceit or inordinate self-esteem, the same attribute starts manifesting in the individual.
एते चान्ये च भगवन् नित्या यत्र महागुणाः ।
प्रार्थ्या महत्त्वमिच्छद्भिर्न वियन्ति स्म कर्हिचित् ॥ २९॥
Dharmapurusha! These and many more wonderful attributes manifest in our Lord like the river water flowing downhill. These are intrinsic to him and flow naturally. Those who wish to develop their personality, accomplish the objectives of Life, should practice syncing with these attributes of the Lord and relentlessly worship him and reach closer to him.
Modern-day science has been working with an objective to accomplish Healthier Mind & improve the Emotional Life of people. However, the Sanathana, or the oldest religion dealing with metaphysics has laid down the purpose of life is to accomplish Purushartha or object of human endeavor. To ensure that one does not get lost in his pursuit has comprehensively explained the purposes of each Purushartha as Dharma or righteousness, Kama, and Artha to accomplish Moksha.
Currently, the most common practice in society is, one should follow Dharma to meet Kama or desire. From the Kama, one gets Artha or wealth. Wealth gives happiness or Indriya Preeti. This happiness is materialistic in nature experienced through sense organs, maybe taste or sight or music, fragrance or touch or a mix of these and driven by Corporates and Economists. Wherein, economic growth is achieved by increasing consumption. While the consumption of products and services by individuals, families, and states would increase the top line of corporations and businesses, it is binding each one of us as individuals to worldly attachments with a negative impact on the health of mind and emotional life.
Lord Veda Vyasa has incorporated procedural learning for transformation of habits, behavior, and self-identity in Srimad Bhagavatam. It helps to cure emotional & behavioral disorders by working on the neuroplasticity of the brain and being sublimed with spiritual purity. Hence, Sri Sutacharya in Srimad Bhagavatam is telling that by the performance of Dharma, Bhakti should blossom. i.e.
धर्मस्य ह्यापवर्ग्यस्य नार्थोऽर्थायोपकल्पते |
नार्थस्य धर्मैकान्तस्य कामो लाभाय हि स्मृतः ||
कामस्य नेन्द्रियप्रीतिर्लाभो जीवेत यावता |
जीवस्यातत्त्वजिज्ञासोर्नार्थो यश्चेह कर्मभिः ||
ह्यापवर्ग्यस्य धर्मस्य or One needs to perform dharma to accomplish Moksha. Also, नार्थस्य धर्मैकान्तस्य or wealth has to be used to do dharma. Artha is Wealth that includes spouse, children, vehicles, gold, house, money, health, body, and so on. Hence, Kama or desire is a consumable like food to nourish, clean water to drink & bath, clothes to wear, sleep to rest & refresh, house to live, relationship for social security, spiritual practices for self-esteem & identity, and so on
Then the question arises if the performance of dharma gives Moksha and also, the wealth has to be used for the performance of dharma, then how is wealth going to come? While the Kama is the desire
Sri Sutacharya is telling कामस्य नेन्द्रियप्रीति. That is, desire for food should not be for its flavor or happiness of tongue. One should not consume for the happiness of sense organs. कामो लाभाय हि स्मृतः, one should consume as minimum as required. In other words, one should consume the minimum for performance of maximum Dharma and जीवेत यावता as much as required for living.
The answer to the question of “how is wealth going to come?” is an important Bhagavata Dharma that was elaborated in the below divine verse or Manglacharan:
धर्मः प्रोज्झितकैतवोऽत्र परमो निर्मत्सराणां सतां वेद्यं वास्तवमत्र वस्तु शिवदं तापत्रयोन्मूलनम्।
श्रीमद्भागवते महामुनिकृते किं वा परैरीश्वरः सद्यो हृद्यवरुध्यतेऽत्र कृतिभिः शुश्रूषुभिस्तत्क्षणात॥
Srimad Bhagavatam contains the complete knowledge of Dharma which holds one from falling down purifies and puts on to the path leading to the Lord. This path seeks the continued practice of honoring, worshipping, admiring & praising The Lord without any jealousy or expectation nor being deceptive. While being on the path, it removes all sorts of difficulties, giving wealth bestows prosperity, makes one Sajjan or virtuous, solidifies bhakti or devotion and reveals the Lord who is always present in the Lotus of the heart of all the individuals.
Hence, the wealth or bestowing of prosperity is a divine blessing or Prasada of the Lord. Pleasing the sense organs and the mind is not what we are born for! They would continue to keep seeking more and have no limit.
Sri Sutacharya says जीवस्यातत्त्वजिज्ञासोर्नार्थो यश्चेह कर्मभिः. Which is doing any sort of activity without an objective is of no use. Hence, Jignasa or deliberating on the fundamental basis of Tattva and arriving at Axiom for the purpose of life and the process to accomplish it is being Smart! This siddhi or perfection is what one gets from the study of Srimad Bhagavata. This includes any spiritual ritual. If one does not have the desire to understand the Lord is a waste.
Srimad Bhagavatam says cleansing of inner organs, mind, and conscience would lead to an increase in devotion towards the Lord. Hence increases the desire to hear the stories narrating the Glory of the Lord. Also increases Jnana and Vairagya in the run-up to Moksha. This could be accomplished only when done with an objective of Sriman Narayana Prityartham or pleasing of the Lord. We saw Goddess Bhoo Devi doing so sang the attributes of Lord as
सत्यं शौचं दया क्षान्तिस्त्यागः सन्तोष आर्जवम् ।
शमो दमस्तपः साम्यं तितिक्षोपरतिः श्रुतम् ॥ २६॥
ज्ञानं विरक्तिरैश्वर्यं शौर्यं तेजो बलं स्मृतिः ।
स्वातन्त्र्यं कौशलं कान्ति सौभगमार्दवमेव च ॥ २७॥
प्रागल्भ्यं प्रश्रयः शीलं सह ओजो बलं भगः ।
गाम्भीर्यं स्थैर्यमास्तिक्यं कीर्तिर्मानोऽनहङ्कृतिः ॥ २८॥
तेनाहं गुणपात्रेण श्रीनिवासेन साम्प्रतम् ।
शोचामि रहितं लोकं पाप्मना कलिनेक्षितम् ॥ ३०॥
The Lord is the abode of immeasurable attributes and for the goddess of abundance. She resides in his Lotus of heart and is famously known as Srinivasa. That very Lord Sri Krishna has left this earth and Kali has got a foothold here.
The evil Kali preside over Kali Yuga's influence materials and Jiva. The materials including air, water, and soil are losing their qualities. The Kali occupying the mind space of individuals, makes us lose our faith in the Lord, the faith in dharma or righteousness, and the faith in rituals. The decline in piousness, intelligence, and fortune.
Hence, I am upset, says Bhoo Devi
Hare Srinivasa
Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed.
Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa!
My salutations to you.
|| Hari Om ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||
November 21, 2020
Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - The Nama Sankeertana of Lord & Bhakti Yoga
Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge.
|| Hari Om ||
Hare Srinivasaकल्यण अद्भुत गात्राय कामितार्थ प्रदयिने ।श्रीमद् वेन्कटनाथाय श्रीनिवासय ते नम: ॥Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed. Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa! My salutations to you.भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well as being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You are the only cause of our success.व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.दयादाक्षिण्यवैराग्यवाक्पाटवमुखाङिकतः ।शापानुृग्रहशक्तोऽन्यो राघवेन्द्रन्नविध्यते ॥ The face symbolizing Compassion; Modesty; Dispassion towards sensual pleasure; Eloquence; Power to remove curses is none else than you, Guru Raghavendra. My salutations to you.
We heard Bhoo Devi praising the attribute of प्रागल्भ्यं or proficiency in Lord. The compassionate Lord having this attribute blesses his dear devotees too with proficiency to take the right stand, or stand-up for truth, or establish a premise. In such devotees, self-confidence and proficiency starts manifesting in all day-to-day activities.
Even if the government uses all its might or if the whole world stands against, the blessed yogi having worshipped the प्रागल्भ्यं or proficiency in Lord would stand firm exhibiting proficiency. This is the Prasada of the divine gift bestowed by the Lord.
प्रागल्भ्यं प्रश्रयः शीलं सह ओजो बलं भगः ।
गाम्भीर्यं स्थैर्यमास्तिक्यं कीर्तिर्मानोऽनहङ्कृतिः ॥ २८॥
In the same breadth of proficiency, Bhoo Devi remembers the next attribute of Lord that is प्रश्रयः or Vinitha or civility or being humble or modesty. Though the Lord is proficient in all his acts, he never misuses it. He is stainless being मार्दवं or Soft and is प्रश्रयः or full of civility being humble and modest.
Though being the Lord of this whole universe, controlling everything with his Lordship, yet when he appeared as Sri Krishna, he exhibited this attribute with his parents, teacher, and all elders. He did the service of Guru Sandipani Rishi and washed the feet of the Brahmin friend Sudhama teaching अतिथि सेवा. He made a bed for his elder brother Balarama to sleep and he pressed his legs to soothe the fatigue. These and at every occasion, Lord exhibited the attribute of civility, humbleness, and modesty.
By worshipping this attribute of Lord or doing yoga with this attribute of प्रश्रयः of being humble and modest, the yogi too would be blessed with this attribute to his capacity. Humbleness and modesty start manifesting. He will respect the Sanyasi, Gurus, Elders, in Positions of authority and express love towards the weak and ignorant.
शीलं or Morality or Loka Manohara svabhavatvam or charming the entire world. Lord Sri Krishna was attractive. Everyone including Vasudeva, Devaki, Nandagopa, Yeshodha, those Gopas, Gopikas, friends, Cows, Calves, peacocks, trees, and even rivers danced to his tune. All were attracted to him. He captivated everyone's attention. When he had appeared as Sri Rama and was heading towards the forest, the whole of Ayodhya started following him, the trees bent towards him asking to take them along with him, he is Loka Manohara attracting everyone.
By worshipping the attribute of divine brilliance or Kanti in the Lord, doing the Gayatri mantra will be bestowed with the attraction to the divine charm of the Lord. The Lord holds the yogi captivated towards him. The desire to see him and be with him will increase. So too the attraction by others in such yogis increases towards their physical charm. Whereas by worshipping the Lord for his attribute, or doing yoga of the attribute of शीलं or as Loka Manohara svabhavatvam or charming the entire world, Lord would bless such attribute to individual capacity. Such personalities will easily be accepted by the world for their morality, integrity, and character. They would find a place wherever they go.
All the aspects of strength have been described by Bhoo Devi including सहस् or Might or the ability to bear the whole world; take the responsibility of creation, sustenance, control, confinement of Jiva, and release with moksha. These attributes are natural in our Lord. However, ओजस् or Vigour having energy and enthusiasm to defeat others is in Lord. Though a vigor of four times that of the opponent is required to win over and hundred times that of an opponent to kill, our Lord has immeasurable vigor; or Vitality.
By worshipping the attribute of सहस् or Might in the Lord, various benefits including to bear the family responsibilities of getting food to the table, educating children, conducting marriage, and so on will manifest. The ability to take the responsibilities at the office, or in the community will manifest. Also, the ability to bear grief or mental stress increases by worshipping the Lord as सहस्वन् or Mighty.
By worshipping Lord as ओजस्वि with the attribute of ओजस् or Vigour having energy and enthusiasm to defeat others, intellect will be able easily to defeat the opponents in a debate; those working in countries defense, guarding the boundaries of the countries will be able to defeat the aggressors; those managing business will be able to succeed in market dynamics; the working class would be able to carry out their acts with ease and enthusiasm.
Hence, Lord Veda Vyasa has composed below the verse in Vishnu Sahasranama:
ओजस्तेजोद्युतिधर: प्रकाशात्मा प्रतापन:।
ऋद्ध: स्पष्टाक्षरो मन्त्रश्चन्द्रांशुर्भास्करद्युति:॥३०॥
Oh, Lord! Your splendid supremacy in vigor, skills, and abilities are radiant like a high noon sun shining brilliantly providing heat. Like the radiant of the sun shatters the early morning dew and haze, your brilliance shatters the ignorance bestowing the clear and clean knowledge including bhakti and Vairagya.
You are Shabda Brahaman, residing in each of the mantras breaking the entanglement with Prakriti.
Oh, Lord! Your brilliance surpasses that of thousands of Suns raised together in the Lotus of Heart of Yogi yet with the pleasantness of thousand’s of the full moon.
The medicine for the unsteady, vulnerable, depressed, and resorting to suicide is worshipping the attribute of ओजस् or vigor having energy and enthusiasm in the Lord. Worshipping the Lord having immeasurable vigor, energy, and enthusiasm is the only remedy.
बलं is the strength required to do an act that includes physical as well as mental strength. The Lord is supreme having immeasurable strength to carry out all acts at his will including the creation of this vast Universe. His strength is inconceivable even by God Brahma, the best of Jiva.
By worshipping Lord as having immeasurable strength, conceivable by none to do acts at his will, the devout Yogi will be blessed by strength to do Vrikshasana, Garudasana, or stand on one for hours together or enough strength to do his day to day acts at their will.
The Lord has the attribute of गाम्भीर्यं or Profoundness. In this vast universe, there is an immeasurable number of acts, responses, and reactions happening by immeasurable living beings and non-living things. Though each of these acts, responses, or reactions are pulling in different directions, our Lord remains गाम्भीर्यं or composed. His intellectual ability to dive deeper gives him a complete understanding of the innate character of Jivas or living beings and Jada or the inanimate substance called Prakriti. The Lord had an in-depth knowledge in the creation of the vast inanimate universe suitable for the sustenance of innumerable living beings, controlling Jivas by bestowing ignorance and Knowledge to them, binding them with inanimate Prakriti, and releasing them with moksha. He is on top of things exercising absolute control. None including Goddess Mahalakshmi, Gods Brahma, Vayu, Garuda, Sesha, Indra, and others can completely understand him. He remains composed with profound knowledge, and so are his attributes, his thoughts, his words, and his acts.
By worshipping this attribute of composure and profoundness in the Lord, by doing yoga, the flickering in the Yogi will disappear and will be blessed with a steady mind.
Our Lord has the attribute of स्थैर्य or Stability and tranquillity. He does not quiver or shakes with physical incapability, nor is he busy and mentally disturbed with commotion. In all his acts, he remains stable, composed, and tranquil. By worshipping this attribute of the Lord, the devoted yogi is also blessed with
a) Such attribute in himself
b) Decline in temptations towards the glamor and attractions for worldly pleasure
c) Increased Sankalpa or determination to do austerity
d) धर्मचरण or observation of divine law increases by remaining focussed in propitiating Lord
e) Determination to overcome obstacles brought about by evil Kali and his associates to disassociate from the auspicious and divine Lord
f) And the Yogi will be able to successfully overcome obstacles set forth by Gods to test and bring about a determination
आस्तिक्यं or Trust, faith, and belief in the sacred Knowledge of Vedas and treating it is proof. The Vedas have to be treated as proof because it has truth in it. The Vedas are outlining the attributes of the Lord, its precise definitions, the process of propitiating him, accomplishing him, and the fruit of accomplishing him.
The description of the Lord, the definitions of his attributes, the process of accomplishing him, and the fruit there off in Vedas are all true as the Lord has understood that way. His creation is consistent with his understanding and brought about to existence that way. Hence, the आस्तिक्यं or Trust, faith, and belief in the sacred scripture of Vedas by the Lord are to bring the same into existence.
However, by worshipping the Lord as having the attribute आस्तिक्यं or Trust, faith, and belief as written in Vedas, treating it as proof, verifying the same during the process of practice, Yogi receives the Prasada or divine gift of आस्तिक्यं or Trust, faith, and belief in Lord and the proponents of Vedas.
कीर्ति is the Glory of the Lord that is spoken everywhere, the praises that are sung in rhyme, rhythm and dance. The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabarata, and all Puranas or old literature narrates his glories. The Bhagavata who were present earlier, now and in the future, hear, read, and sing his glories and dance with ecstasy. By worshipping this attribute of कीर्ति or the Glory of the Lord, while the Yogi for sure will be blessed with such attribute to his capacity by the compassionate Lord, but also the Lord would bless his nama sankeertana or sing his name.
We had studied the process of Bhakti Yoga and the benefits of nama sankeertana in Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 – The Pursuit to hone Bhakti
Sri Suthacharya says,
तच्छ्रद्दधाना मुनयो ज्ञानवैराग्ययुक्तया ।
पश्यन्त्यात्मनि चाsत्मा नं भक्त्या श्रुतिगृहीतया ॥
Having great trust & belief in Lord Tattva, Rishis study the Bhagavata Shastra repeatedly to gain Jnana and Vairagya. This would blossom the Lotus of Heart, Bhakti, and glow the Light of Love towards the Lord. They would see the splendid Lotus-eyed Lord in their Heart.
तस्मादेकेन मनसा भगवान् सात्वतां पतिः ।
श्रोतव्यः कीर्तितव्यश्च ध्येयः पूज्यश्च नित्यदा ॥
Hence, being focused and with a single objective, one should propitiate the Lord through Hearing His Glories, Singing His Attributes, Meditation, and Worship.
यदनुध्यायिनो युक्ताः कर्मग्रन्थिनिबन्धनम् ।
छिन्दन्ति कोविदास्तस्य को न कुर्यात् कथारतिम् ॥
Sri Suthacharya is telling that all those कोविदा or learned by यदनुध्यायिनो propitiating the Lord through hearing, singing, and meditation on the attributes and glory of the Lord at all times of the day tie up their minds to him or practice The Yoga of Mind which has the capacity to छिन्दन्ति or sheer these knots and tangle that has wrapped our Soul.
शुश्रूषोः श्रद्दधानस्य वासुदेवकथारतिः।
स्यान्महत्सेवया विप्राः पुण्यतीर्थनिषेवणात् ॥
Sri Suthacharya addressing विप्राः, The Brahmins, Shaunaka and his fellow Rishis says,
While propitiating the Lord through hearing, singing, and meditating, one will be blessed with पुण्यतीर्थनिषेवणात् or pilgrimage to holy places and dip in holy rivers. This would yield स्यान्महत्सेवया or service of Saints and Gurus who are close to the Lord. When pilgrimage and service of saints are done with श्रद्दधानस्य or Trust and Belief, शुश्रूषोः or Crave and eagerness to hear Lord’s Stories would increase. As the mind gets Prasanna or lucid, वासुदेवकथारतिः or there would be pleasure in hearing the stories of
Lord Vasudeva is brilliantly glowing brightly in a crystal clear mind.
Lord Vasudeva for whom the creation of the Universe that includes several forms of himself, all living beings & non-living things, sustenance, distraction, regulation, bestowing of both Ignorance & knowledge to confine to birth & death and liberation to provide moksha is a Lila or Sport.
शृण्वतां स्वकथाः कृष्णः पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः ।
हृद्यन्तःस्थो ह्यभद्राणि विधुनोति सुहृत् सताम् ॥
The most attractive, Lord Krishna in his dark skin like the color of monsoon cloud, standing in हृद्यन्तःस्थो or the Lotus of Heart like a सुहृत्, friend. A dear friend for the सताम् or virtuous waiting with great patience as if he has nothing else to do except for ह्यभद्राणि विधुनोति, destroying all our Sins that cause inauspiciousness and ready to pour his mercy.
He is waiting for us to श्रवणकीर्तनः, hears, and sing his Glory. So that he could pour पुण्य, the mercy, and high merit.
Like he did to Kuchela, with a torn dress and made him Sudhama, having in abundance just for three fists of beaten rice. The rice filled with Love, brimming with devotion through hearing and singing the Glory of the Lord.
So too, he came as if he was at the beck and call of Prahlada! Also, in a form only dedicated to him!
नष्टप्रायेष्वभद्रेषु नित्यं भागवतसेवया ।
भगवत्युत्तमश्लोके भक्तिर्भवति नैष्ठिकी ॥
By serving Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavatas regularly and taking its refuge, all inauspicious will get destroyed.
Also, the Lotus of the heart filled with nectar called devotion towards the all auspicious and most popular Lord Sri Krishna will flow constantly, Says Sri Suthacharya.
Knowledge of the Lord comes by argument and reasoning. Illusion should be avoided by shunning Credulity and Superstition. The Knowledge of the Lord brings Trust & Belief. The Trust and Belief in the Lord lead towards the following of Varnashrama Dharma and gain Bhagavat Preeti or Lord’s love. It also makes the mind lucid with a desire to hear, sing, and meditate the stories of the Lord's glory with his attributes.
By worshipping Lord Sri Krishna this way, he starts to shear the layers of action with the sin of knots and tangles wrapped around the soul. Also, one would be blessed to take-up Pilgrimage, dip in Holy Rivers, and subsequently the service of Saints and Gurus. When done with full of Trust and Belief leads to वासुदेवकथारतिः or the pleasure in hearing Lord Vasudeva's stories and subsequently leads to a continuous flow of Bhakti.
|| Hari Om ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||
