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Jul 30 2017
Bhagawatam 149: Maharishi Kapila teaches the importance of practising detachment
Achyutāya namah
We are truly fortunate to be listening to this preaching given by Maharishi Kapila to his mother Devahuti.
Kapila Maharishi continues, “Good character is the ornament of noble saints! Pure mind and steadfast devotion are their distinguishing characteristics. Having giving up all forms of differentiation, they focus upon Me with single-pointed unflinching devotion.
Irrespective of the time, place and situation such persons chant holy names. Regardless of whether they are travelling or are amidst a large congregation of people or are trapped in enormous difficulties, their focus does not shift from Me. They relentlessly chant Krishna, Govinda, Hari.
In order to obtain Me, they give up all their family and friends. They also give up fruitive actions in entirety. They let go off their desires. In fact they renounce everything so as to reach Me.
Mad-āśrayāḥ kathā mṛṣṭāḥ śṛuṇvanti kathayanti ca
Tapanti vividhās tāpāh naitān mad-gata-cetasaḥ
Saints surrender completely to Me and are always engaged in listening to My divine glories. Listening to divine stories is their only pastime. Again and again they listen to the same story without getting tired. Not satisfied with this, they keep talking about My glories at all times.
As they fix their mind totally upon Me, they are free from sorrows. Even during sorrows their mind is unaffected.
O chaste woman! Only those who have developed absolute detachment towards worldly attachments are sadhus (saints)! A person does not become a saint merely by wearing ochre robes. His mind should be totally detached from every object.
Association with supreme saints frees the person from the defect known as ‘attachment to this world’. Therefore it is imperative to develop friendship with holy saints. Through this association attachment towards the world begins to weaken. Gradually he will learn to disassociate totally and shred all bondages.
Due to this holy friendship with saints, the opportunity to listen to My stories arises. My stories explain My glories which bring calmness to the mind and heart.
People whose mind is filled with impurity and grief can never understand nor relish divine stories. At all times their mind travels only towards unnecessary topics. They cling to that which should be given up. How can they relish divine stories? It is impossible.
To those who at every opportunity speak only of God and of His glories and who are completely immersed in it, the path of liberation opens up quickly. For this reason one should associate with saints.
When in Guru’s vicinity, do not focus on worldly matters. If even in His presence attention is only upon worldly difficulties and problems, then such persons can never attain liberation. Perhaps they will solve some trivial problems. Real bliss will be obtained only when, with pure devotion and dedication, one totally renounces these worldly bondages. Due to satsang devotion reaches supreme heights.
By contemplating upon this creation of Mine the person’s devotion towards Me intensifies. Observe this creation in detail. Try to figure out how each object was created, how each organism is sustaining. What is the force that keeps the object fixed to the earth? What is meant by gravitational force? How are these planets and star constellations retained in their orbits? As you ponder deeply about these wonders within the creation, your devotion will increase.
Thinking about the secrets contained in the creation is equivalent of thinking about Me! Due to this, inclination towards the comforts of this world and the next will be reduced. The person will distance himself from sense gratification. Then, with absolute dedication he will step into Yogic path.
Dedication and devotion are important pre-requisites in this aspect. Casual or careless attitude does not bestow the required result.
Assume a scientist gets a new thought. He should think- from where did this thought come to him? Who caused this thought in him? If you believe it was a sudden flash, then understand – that ‘flash’ is Paramatma. If he says that it was a result of study and research, then this ‘study’ is Paramatma. Now think- wherefrom did this study originate in the first place? In this way without ridiculing the subject dig deeper and deeper step by step. When this is done, secrets begin to unfold in the mind causing deep astonishment!
In the path of devotion, through simple tools, one should control the mind. A yogi tries to fix his mind on Paramatma. In reality nothing exists. He fixes himself into that nothingness and merges into it. This itself is liberation!
Every person should develop disinterest towards these worldly comforts which arise out of Nature and its 3 components of sattva, rajas and tamas. What is meant by comforts that arise out of Nature? Assume you pick a flower. You appreciate it colour, its fragrance and thus enjoy it through your senses. By doing so, you are trapped in the worldly comforts that arise out of Nature. In other words, you have slipped. Instead, look at the flower and admire the Lord’s creation. Do not enjoy its fragrance and beauty through the senses organs.
For this reason, Mahatmas simply mix the different dishes when eating. They do not seek to enjoy any particular taste. Relishing the tastes of food items is not right. In saints, such taste would have died completely. It is not limited to this! In such saints, the enjoyment through hearing, through seeing, through smelling would have died. They still continue to eat, hear, see, smell objects but with zero attachment towards them”.
Thus, in objects pertaining to Nature, attachment should be given up completely! This is a very important point. Again and again we should ponder upon this point.
Achyutaya namah.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-149-maharishi-kapila-teaches-the-importance-of-practising-detachment/
Jul 30 2017
Bhagawatam 148: The definition of Self (atma); greatness of path of devotion (bhakti)
Nārasimhāya namah
Maharishi Kapila continued to preach, “Devotion (bhakti) and detachment (vairagya) then emerge in the spiritual aspirant. They in turn give rise to Spiritual Knowledge.
He then realizes that his original form is the Self (atma) which is non-dual; which is over and above Nature (Prakriti); which is beyond differences within and without; which is Self-illuminating; which cannot be understood through any decisive proofs; which is beyond differences such as ‘you’ and ‘me’ and which is a mere witness to dualities such as joys and sorrows”.
If you listen with rapt attention you will understand the preaching being given by Kapila to mother Devahuti. We need to listen to this subject about Self (atma) again and again so that we understand it better. Let us recapitulate.
The Self (atma, soul) is non-dual. It is beyond Prakriti (Nature). In other words it is beyond that which is visible to our eyes. At the same time it is also beyond that which is not visible to our eyes. When we see the beauty in Nature, we are astonished. We are filled with deep joy. Thus we conclude that everything is contained within it. But there is something beyond it too! That is bliss. It is impossible to describe bliss which is beyond everything. No amount of words will suffice to explain bliss.
Is it possible to taste nectar? Is it possible to describe its taste? That which is tasteless is nectar. But what do we say? Whenever we taste some delicious food we say it tastes like nectar. Even a spoon of jaggery water we say is nectarous. Saying so actually limits the value of nectar. In reality nectar is beyond this taste.
We state that mango juice tastes like nectar. But do you think a person who has really tasted nectar will ever seek to taste mango juice again? Will he entertain such desire? Never. This is the speciality of nectar. Whatever we consider to be nectarous, real nectar surpasses even that. In other words, it is beyond Nature (Prakriti). It is beyond creation and beyond all those planets that exist within the creation.
There are limitless planets in this creation. It should be understood that the Self has enveloped these planets. The Self (atma) has enveloped the entire vast creation. It also means that it pervades everything equally within the creation and outside of it without any difference.
The same God pervades everything inside and outside of this creation. It is He who exists within the body. It is He who exists outside of it, isn’t it? He who is outside is also inside. We cannot say that a different God exists within us and a different God exists outside of us. Thus this Self pervades everything!
The Self (atma) intrinsically illumines (self-illuminating). It does not depend upon anyone for illumination. It emits its own light. Illumination is an intrinsic characteristic of Parabrahma. Now do not assume the word ‘illumination’ to be some bright light, lamp or like the Sun’s light. How are all these planets shining? That shine itself is Paramatma. The Lord glows on His own.
The Self cannot be reached through any proofs or firmly determined knowledge (pratyaksha pramāṇa). Knowledge of the Self cannot be given through any examples also. It is beyond all examples and all proofs. It is beyond the scope of examples and proofs.
The Self (atma) is neither the visible object nor the invisible object. We cannot say that it is only the object that exists before our eyes. We cannot state that it is only the invisible object that is beyond our perception. It is beyond them both.
Differences such as ‘you’ and ‘me’ do not exist in the Self. It remains a mere witness to dualities such as joys and sorrows. It does not consider joy to be different from sorrows. At times of grief it does not believe that something has been lost or taken away from it. The Self is beyond joy. It is also beyond sorrow. That which is beyond joys and sorrows should be blissful, isn’t it? Hence this Self remains a mere witness to all forms of dualities.
In this way, the spiritual aspirant realizes that this Self is his true form! In addition, he understands that due to this knowledge obtained, the ability of Nature (Prakriti) to trap him has diminished! Now that he is beyond dualities, Nature loses its grip over him.
The spiritual aspirant who seeks to reach Godhead should walk on the path of devotion! Bhakti alone is the boat that will take us to the destination! There is no path other than bhakti! There is no path more auspicious or simpler than bhakti. This entire treatise Bhagawatam is all about bhakti.
Bhakti alone is the tool. Vyasa and other Maharishis attained liberation only through bhakti. Bhakti means fixing the mind exclusively on Supreme Lord! ‘Although we are living here on earth and undergoing all these experiences, in reality nothing belongs to us. We do not want this’- this should be our firm decision. ‘In this illusory world every action that we perform, be it eating, sleeping, talking or working, everything belongs to the Supreme Lord’ – such an attitude reflects Self-surrender. It alone is bhakti.
We should strive to increase this bhakti every single day. We should nourish it. In every possible method we should strive to increase our bhakti (devotion).
Deep attachment to this world turns out to be a powerful noose that traps the person. Most persons hold on to these worldly attachments with full force. They believe everything exists within them. Such persons will be reborn again amidst such bondages. They will experience the same karma again. It becomes an endless cycle. It will be like an automatic button that has been pressed. Birth after birth endlessly such persons will experience the same karma.
Willfully we should step away from frutitive actions. Every person believes he is stepping away but then again he gets pulled into frutitive actions. Verbally he states- ‘I have no connection with them. I have come away from them.’ The one who says this actually gets dragged into it. Once these attachments are pampered, they grow enormously. This noose will never release you from its grip once it catches.
Willful efforts are needed to shred it. Determined attempts do not mean escaping from them. Merely distancing from these bondages physically is of no use. Mentally also we should distance from them.
If the human being shows the same inclination towards holy associations with saints, then this holy association will open up the gates to liberation!
The human being is always concerned about worldly attachments. At all times his thoughts are focused upon them. Even his prayers to God are about these worldly attachments and problems. He worries about them all the time. ‘My job is pending. This task is still incomplete.’ Do you realize that by worrying about it, you are actually carrying forward that job with you when you leave? You will worry about this pending task even in your next birth. For this reason cut your attachment towards it in this birth itself. Only when you think deeply about this, you will step into the path of bhakti.
Titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
Ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ
Patience is a noble virtue found in saints. They will be naturally endowed with feelings of compassion towards all beings and will strive to help them. In this world, until now for such saints, no enemy has been born. He will never ever be born.
Those who possess saintly nature never have feelings of enmity towards any being in this universe! Everyone is equal in their eyes. They have feelings of compassion towards every being. Those who are on the path of bhakti should necessarily inculcate such traits.
Achyutaya namah
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-148-the-definition-of-self-atma-greatness-of-path-of-devotion-bhakti/
Jul 30 2017
Bhagawatam 147: Kardama Prajāpati obtains liberation while living; Devahuti begs Maharishi Kapila for Self-knowledge
Purushottamāya namah.
In great joy Kardama Prajāpati took permission of son Kapila Maharishi, circumambulated him and went into the forests. Seeking shelter completely in the Self (atma) he totally rejected his inclination towards these worldly bondages. Due to complete renunciation he was freed even from the obligatory duties such as offering fire worship. Accepting the vow of silence he travelled all across the globe.
The Supreme Lord is over and above cause-effect (kārya-kāraṇa) relationship. Inherently He is devoid of traits (nirguṇa). With His inherent effulgence He illuminates traits of purity (sattva), action (rajas) and ignorance (tamas). Only with pure, exclusive devotion (ekānta bhakti) this Lord can be seen, that too, only as the Self (atma).
Kardama Maharishi focused his mind exclusively on this Supreme Lord and travelled around the globe. He was totally devoid of feelings of egoism (ahamkara) and attachment. He was also beyond feelings of dualities such as happiness and sorrows. With non-dual feelings He saw the Supreme Lord pervading everything in this creation. His intellect, which was exclusively focused on the Self, fixed itself rigidly on the original form and was happy. Kardama Prajāpati, who had the discretionary knowledge of Self (atma) and non-Self (anatma) objects in this creation was like the profound and calm ocean, whose waves had completely receded.
Vāsudeve bhagavati sarva-jñe pratyag-ātmani
Pareṇa bhakti-bhāvena labdhātmā mukta-bandhanaḥ
Due to limitless devotion towards the Supreme Lord Vāsudeva, who is omniscient and who exists within everyone in the form of the individual Self, Kardama Prajāpati’s intellect (buddhi) became motionless. His worldly bondages were totally destroyed and he attained jeevan mukti (liberation when living).
Ātmānaṁ sarva-bhūteṣu bhagavantam avasthitam
Apaśyat sarva-bhūtāni bhagavaty api cātmani
He began to see the Supreme Lord as the Self (atma) that resides within every being. In addition he also saw that all living beings have their residence within the Supreme Lord.
Kardama Prajāpati, the supreme personality, did not have feelings of likes-dislikes. Due to seeing the Lord as pervading the entire creation he was totally absolved of the feelings of differentiation and duality. His mind was filled with absolute devotion towards the Lord. He attained the final state known as liberation.
With this the twenty fourth chapter of the third Canto comes to an end.
Third Canto Chapter Twenty five
In this chapter the conversation between Devahuti and Kapila Maharishi is covered. Kapila teaches his mother bhakti yoga.
Śounaka Maharishi enquired, “O Suta Maharishi, the Lord who inherently is birthless wanted to impart the knowledge of the Self to human beings. For this reason using His power of illusionary energy (māya shakti) He incarnated as Kapila and propagated the philosophy known as Sānkhya Shastra in this universe.
I have heard innumerable stories of the Supreme Lord. But however many number of times I listen to the glories of Kapila Bhagawān, the foremost amongst humans and a Yogi par excellence, my senses are not satisfied.
In accordance to the wishes of his devotees the Supreme Lord takes on a gross body and incarnates. Every activity of Kapila Maharishi is worthy of being praised. I seek to listen to them with deep dedication. Please explain them to me in greater detail”.
Maharishi Suta replied, “Vidura, who was desirous of acquiring Supreme Knowledge (Brahma vidya), asked Maitreya Maharishi exactly this same question. Maitreya Maharishi was exceedingly pleased with Vidura’s dedication and he replied as follows:
“After the departure of his father Kardama Prajāpati, Kapila Bhagawān continued to live on the banks of lake Bindu-sarovara, purely with the intent of pleasing his mother Devahuti.
Kapila Maharishi has seen the ends of Supreme Knowledge. Therefore once when he was seated leisurely, having completed his actions, Devahuti recollected Brahma’s prediction. She approached Kapila and said,
“O incarnation of the Supreme! Forever trying to satisfy these wicked senses (indriyas) of mine, I have suffered enormously and have fallen into the dark pit known as ignorance.
This spiritual ignorance (avidya) is impossible to cross over. You are the eye through which one can cross over this utter darkness. It is purely due to Your grace that I could obtain You as a son. After innumerable births I have now been blessed with the chance to obtain Spiritual Knowledge. This is my last birth.
Ya ādyo bhagavān puṁsām īśvaro vai bhavān kila
Lokasya tamasāndhasya cakṣuḥ sūrya ivoditaḥ
You are the Supreme Lord who is the cause of all causes and the Lord of all beings. You have emerged like the Sun to dispel the darkness called ignorance that has enveloped the entire creation.
O Lord! Since You have caused in me this infatuation called ‘me and mine’ towards this body, You alone can dispel it.
Taṁ tvā gatāhaṁ śaraṇaṁ śaraṇyaṁ sva-bhṛtya-saṁsāra-taroḥ kuṭhāram
Jijñāsayāhaṁ prakṛteḥ pūruṣasya namāmi sad-dharma-vidāṁ variṣṭham
You are the axe that shreds the tree called worldly bondages in devotees who have totally surrendered to You. I seek shelter under You, O Lord. I seek to understand the real form of Nature- Self (Prakriti- Puruśa). You are the foremost amongst those who have the knowledge pertaining to liberation (moksha dharma). To such Lord, I offer obeisance”.
‘Kapila’ is the fruit obtained by noble beings who have totally conquered their senses! He heard his mother’s prayers. Her pure prayer had the ability to create desire towards liberation in humans. For this reason mentally Kapila applauded her. With a cheerful smile on his face, He said,
“O Mother, it is my firm belief that if a man seeks liberation he should be established in the Self (atma nishta). This should be his sadhana. Due to this, he will get permanent freedom from dualities known as joys and sorrows. O virtuous woman! I will preach to you that supreme Yoga known as Sānkhya. In the past I have imparted this knowledge to Maharishis who were desirous of learning it.
Cetaḥ khalvasya bandhāya muktaye cātmano matam
Guṇeṣu saktaṁ bandhāya rataṁ vā puṁsi muktaye
Maharishis state that mind alone is the cause for both bondage and liberation. The mind that is attached to comforts causes bondage whereas the mind that is totally devoted towards the Supreme Lord causes liberation.
Due to feelings of ‘me and mine’, impurities such as desire (kāma), anger (krodha), greed are born. The moment the mind is freed from such impurities, it no longer swings violently seeking to obtain material comforts. It will neither bloat at times of happiness nor shrink during grief. It will remain calm in all situations”.
Adhokshajāya namah.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-147-kardama-prajapati-obtains-liberation-while-living-devahuti-begs-maharishi-kapila-for-self-knowledge/
Jul 30 2017
Bhagawatam 146: Kardama Prajāpati seeks permission from son Kapila Maharishi and leaves for forests.
Aniruddhāya namah
Seeing the infant, Lord Brahma said, “Srihari, the primordial being and the Lord who fulfills all desires of every living being, has using His own illusory powers, taken on a body and has incarnated as your son Kapila.
O daughter of Manu! This Lord who possesses golden hair, lotus eyes, lotus feet, who has the imprints of lotus on his feet and who is the destroyer of demon Kaitabhasura, has entered your womb and incarnated as Kapila.
He will shred the subtle impressions of past actions (vasanas) in those living beings who are desirous of understanding Srihari through Self-knowledge and who, through the Yoga known as dedication towards the Self, aim at reaching Him. Vāsanas are the root for all fruitive actions. They are responsible for binding the living entity. Shredding spiritual ignorance and tearing the knot of doubts i.e. the hridaya granthi in those who are desirous of Self-realization, he will travel across the globe.
This boy will be the Lord of all accomplished beings (siddha gaṇā). Sānkhya Shastra proves and validates Supreme Knowledge. He will be highly revered by exponents of Sānkhya Shastra. He will be famous as Kapila and will enhance your fame”.
Having said this, Lord Brahma left for his abode seated on his Swan vehicle. Maharishis Narada, Sanaka and other eminent saints followed him.
Thereafter Kardama Prajāpati offered his daughters in marriage to other Prajāpatis in accordance with the directions of Lord Brahma.
His daughter Kala was married to Maharishi Marichi, Anasuya to Maharishi Atri, Shraddha to Maharishi Angirasa, Havirbhava to Maharishi Pulastya, Gati to Maharishi Pulaha, Kriya to Maharishi Kratu, Khyāti to Maharishi Bhrigu, Arundhati to Maharishi Vashishta and Shanti to Maharishi Atharva. It is because of Shanti that all Yagnas attain prosperity.
Kardama Maharishi gave plenty of gifts to the newlyweds and pleased them. The saints, who were satisfied, took permission from Maharishi Kardama and together with their wives went to their respective hermitages.
After all of them had left, in a secluded place Kardama Maharishi approached his son Kapila, who was none other than the Supreme Lord, who makes himself visible only in the three Yugas and who is replete with the six auspicious traits.
He offered his obeisance to the Lord and said, “How astonishing! After such a long period of time, in this hellish samsāra where living beings suffer tremendously, the Devatas have obtained happiness. This is undoubtedly true.
Due to relentless practice of the discipline called Yoga across many births, Yoga becomes firmly established in the aspirant. As a result, the mind of the aspirant becomes completely pure. He will then sit in meditation in an isolated place, trying to obtain a vision of Lord Srihari.
Sa eva bhagavān adya helanaṁ na gaṇayya naḥ
Gṛheṣu jāto grāmyāṇāṁ yaḥ svānāṁ pakṣa-poṣaṇaḥ
The Supreme Lord is always by the side of his sincere devotees. He eternally strengthens them. For this reason, leaving the company of accomplished yogis and without even hesitating that He would lose his respect, He has today taken birth in the home of ignorant people like us.
O Lord! You enhance the glory of your devotees. In order to propagate Sānkhya Shastra in this world and in order to fulfill the promise that You had earlier given to me, You have incarnated in my home. O Lord, inherently You are devoid of any form. Nevertheless, all those forms that are dear to your devotees are also dear to You!
You are that Divine Lord whose lotus feet are eternally worshipped by learned scholars who seek to know the Absolute Truth. You are the Lord endowed completely with the six traits of prosperity, fame, knowledge, dispassion, strength and beauty. I surrender totally to You!
Paraṁ pradhānaṁ puruṣaṁ mahāntaṁ kālaṁ kaviṁ tri-vṛtaṁ loka-pālam
Ātmānubhūtyānugata-prapañcaṁ svacchanda-śaktiṁ kapilaṁ prapadye
You are beyond Nature (Prakriti). You are the form of Nature which is the material cause (upadāna) for this entire creation. Mahat tattva i.e. cosmic intelligence; time that causes turbulence in this cosmic intelligence; egoism along with three attributes of goodness, passion and ignorance as well as Indra and all other Devatas are Your manifestations. You are omniscient. You are a witness for all the changes that take place in Nature. With Your own will You create the universe and then absorb it back into You. All the various energies reside within You. In You, O Bhagawan Kapila, I seek refuge.
You are the Lord of all living beings. O Lord, I seek your permission. As You are born as my son, I am freed from all types of indebtedness (ruṇam). With your blessings all my desires have been fulfilled. I am now going to take up sanyāsa ashrama. Focusing my mind wholly upon You, I will be peaceful and happy”.
Kapila Bhagawan was immensely pleased to hear these words. He said, “In all worldly as well as spiritual actions, My words are law. They are the authoritative dictates for all beings. Only to fulfill my promise to you, I was born as your son.
The subtle body binds the ignorant persons who have an impure mind. In order to free oneself from this bondage, it is imperative to have the discretionary wisdom of the Supreme Essence. Only through this, Self-realization can be attained. Only to impart the knowledge of this Supreme Essence (tattva) I have incarnated now.
Eṣa ātma-patho ’vyakto naṣṭaḥ kālena bhūyasā
Taṁ pravartayituṁ deham imaṁ viddhi mayā bhṛtam
This path of liberation known as Self-knowledge is the most secretive one. It is subtle. Due to the passage of time, it has simply vanished. Understand that I have taken on this body purely to re-establish it back in this world.
I am permitting you to take up sanyāsa. Leave fearlessly. Although it is difficult to conquer death and obtain liberation, it can be attained by offering all actions to Me. Along with this, worship Me.
Mām ātmānaṁ svayaṁ-jyotiḥ sarva-bhūta-guhāśayam
Ātmany evātmanā vīkṣya viśoko ’bhayam ṛcchasi
I am Self-effulgent. I am the one who resides within the cave called the intellect (buddhi) of every being. Using your intellect see Me as the Self (atma) that resides within you. Your grief will be dispelled in totality. You will be blessed with the ultimate liberation.
I will impart the knowledge of the Self to mother. She too will cut through all these bondages and will be freed from this fear called cycle of re-births”.
Kardama Prajāpati took the permission of his son Kapila. In immense happiness he circumambulated around Lord Kapila and left for the forests.
Aniruddhāya Namah.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-146-kardama-prajapati-seeks-permission-from-son-kapila-maharishi-and-leaves-for-forests/
Jul 30 2017
Datta Maata 60: What is Guru dakshina?
Let us learn about the concept of Guru dakshina (offering made to Guru) with the respect to worldly and spiritual education. In the worldly life, the comfort levels between the Guru and student denote Guru dakshina. Hence, based on the mutual understanding, the Guru (teacher) is paid by the government and stipend is given to the student. How strange! Coming to the spiritual field, one has to undergo many obstacles during the process of sadhana (spiritual practice). The scriptures proclaim that the interest that the disciple exhibits towards overcoming difficulties encountered can be considered as Guru dakshina. In today’s world, just like in business, there is heavy competition even in the field of education. Currently, we see people being lured by advertisements like “we provide good education for high fees” or “we provide very good education for a nominal fee”, so on and so forth. In this way, such groups are increasing their strength and money. Simultaneously, they are increasing the competition for earning money. In order to avoid all such mess, elders have decided that government must play a role to decide the Guru daksina. When the government itself decides, they need not collect fees from the students.
Guru dakshina does not only take the form of money because when such a method of offering Guru dakshina is implemented without any rules, not everybody can be happy in the society. Hence, society must receive knowledge through education, service and humility. Disciple must never give up facing the obstacles and he must persistently go on with his spiritual practice. At the same time, Guru must have the belief upon the disciple that he would work hard to do the sadhana. When this happens, Guru will not care for any hard work that he has to put in for the sake of the disciple. The Guru only wants the disciple to do the spiritual practice and attain the pinnacle of spirituality. He considers this itself as the Guru dakshina. This is the quality of a spiritual Guru. Making Guru happy is the quality of a good disciple.
In today’s society, we must design the relationship between Guru and disciple in such a way that there is a balance between the worldly and the spiritual education. May this message reach the hearts of the intellectuals and let the relationship between Guru and disciple prosper in the society causing mutual benefits. When there is a mutual understanding in the field of education, then education reaches all. It is not just about merely opening schools and sending children to them. With a proper code of conduct and without expecting any fees from the students, the government must develop the sector of education. This is the real asset of the country. Any asset can be stolen except education. Any amount of money will go away but education cannot. May Lord Datta bless everyone with such intellect and enlightenment! The government must take care such that the worldly education also reaches all just like the spiritual education reaches to the disciples from the Sadguru.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/datta-maata-60-what-is-guru-dakshina/
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