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Jul 29 2017
Datta maata 54: Which is greater- God’s will or self-efforts?
Once, Dharmaraja posed a question to Bhishma. Which of the two is greater – God or human efforts? Bhisma told that the same question was asked by sage Vasista to Lord Brahma. Bhisma described what Brahma had answered.
The human effort is like a field. God is like the seed. The karta (doer) will get results only when both of these mingle with each other. God will not give any results if there is no human effort. If karma is done by putting human efforts, then God will give results according to it. Just like a fertile land cannot produce any yield without a seed, without efforts even God cannot give any results. We get produce only after the land is tilled and ploughed rightly. We must understand that effort implies karma. Satkarma (good karma) gives good results. A good seed will give good yield and vice versa. This has been our experience in the world. The atom sized fire flares up and intensifies into a large flame. Likewise, gradually God will also become favorable with our human efforts. A lamp will not glow if there is no oil. Similarly, a man will deteriorate without the purification of karma.
Parashurama, Bali, Bhrugu and others had to face many hardships despite putting in many efforts. It was because God was not favorable to them. There are many such instances. Hence, we must never assume that either karma/efforts or God are inferior to each other. At the same time, we must understand that human efforts or God individually will not give any good results. Hence, man must couple both of them and reach the destination called Satphala (good results).
Good results will come to us only of we work hard with a good resolve. Even if we do not get good results despite our good determination, we still feel a sense of peace and satisfaction for doing our duty. But, we certainly do not get any results without a good resolve and efforts. To get good benefits and results, you must do your duty with good resolve and good behavior. Merely doing something will not give any results. How do you get good yield when you have not ensured good manure for the land or ploughed it enough? You will not get the crop. Despite all your efforts for a crop, if a cyclone hits and all your hard work goes in vain, then we must understand the tattva (principle) of God. We may worry if it happens so but it is meaningless to worry for not obtaining any results without any efforts. You have all the resources but you do not want to work hard to achieve results. Hence, you do not succeed. Let us discuss about this further.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!
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Jul 29 2017
Datta maata 53: Who is responsible for one’s destiny?
Who is responsible for our destiny? Yudhistira (Dharmaraja) worried that Kauravas were killed because of him. He brooded over the matter time and again. Hence, Bhisma told a story to pacify him and make him understand that he was not at all the cause behind the killing of Kauravas and it is in fact the “karma” that is responsible for their death.
Long ago, the son of a Brahmin lady, Gautami was bitten by a snake. He died immediately. Gautami cried terribly in front of her son’s dead body. Meanwhile, a hunter named Arjanaka came there holding a snake in his hand. He told Gautami hastily that the snake was responsible for his son’s death. He asked her permission to kill the snake into pieces. But, she rejected and instead questioned Arjanaka that the snake is no way concerned with his son’s death and that it happened because of his karma. So, she asked him to free the snake. However, the hunter in a severe fury did not agree with Gautami. He strongly determined to kill the snake. Suddenly, the snake started to talk. It listened to the entire conversation of the lady and the hunter. It gave explanation that nothing is in its hands and it acts as a tool in the hands of God of death. It also clarified that it had bitten the boy only with the permission of the God of Death. Then, the God of Death appeared and told about her role. She explained that it is wrong to blame her too because she has control over nothing and that she is governed by the God of Time. She further added that she merely followed the words of God of time. Then, the God of Time appeared there and told that it is wrong to blame him too for anything that happens to anyone. He said that he is just a tool and it is only one’s karma that drives everybody and is the cause behind everything. Gautami intervened and endorsed the words of the God of Time so as to make the hunter understand. She requested the hunter to free the snake because nobody is responsible for her son’s death and that it is only his karma. Feeling ashamed for his ignorance, the hunter freed the snake. Thus, Bhisma explained about the principles of karma to Yudhistara.
Hence, nobody is responsible for one’s sorrow or happiness. It is one’s own karma that causes everything. We unnecessarily worry that it is because of a person, thing, etc that we suffer. But it is not so. It is destined to happen, so it happened. It is the predestined karma that is decided by time. Sometimes, Swamiji tells that karma is computerized. Our future is prewritten. Our disappointment is pre-appointed. We face disappointment as a result of that destiny and no one else is responsible for it. The persons who seem to be the reasons behind our sorrow have just coincidently met us. That’s it. The sorrow might have taken a form because of them but no one is behind our sorrow. If we have a strong karma with us, God himself cannot help us avoid it. We must face it. We must pray God for his grace so that we get the energy to bravely fight against it and forget the sorrow.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/datta-maata-53-who-is-responsible-for-ones-destiny/
Jul 23 2017
Bhagawatam 145: The stage is set for the Supreme Lord’s incarnation as Kapila
Devahuti bent her head, gazing at the floor and wiping the floor with her feet, she gently addressed her husband and hesitantly said, “O Venerable one! You have dutifully abided by the promises made at the time of our marriage. I now surrender to you. Please protect me. Please search for suitable grooms for these daughters of yours. Please get them married. Thereafter you take up sanyāsa. In order to console me after you leave home, please bless me with a son.
O Lord! As my senses were totally focused upon sound, form and other sensory perceptions, I could not adequately worship the Almighty Lord. I have wasted my time uselessly. Due to my inclination towards material comforts and luxuries, I could not understand the Supreme Essence. I have developed deep attachment and friendship towards you in this process. Nevertheless O Lord, I pray that I get rid of these worldly bondages”.
Saṅgo yaḥ saṁsṛter hetur asatsu vihito ’dhiyā
Sa eva sādhuṣu kṛto niḥsaṅgatvāya kalpate
Lacking right discrimination, the ignorant person develops friendship with the wicked and thereby falls into the trap of re-births (samsāra or worldly bondages). Instead, if he develops friendship with noble saints, he would attain freedom from these worldly bondages.
Neha yat karma dharmāya na virāgāya kalpate
Na tīrtha-pada-sevāyai jīvann api mṛto hi saḥ
In this world, if the actions of the person do not further his adherence to righteousness (dharma), if they are not useful to the Lord (seva) and if they do not help him develop dispassion (vairgarya), then it can be said that his deeds are absolutely worthless. Such a person is akin to the dead, even if he is alive.
My lord, the Supreme Lord’s illusory power has cheated me. This is undoubtedly true. This is because I had an opportunity to obtain Supreme Knowledge and thereby get liberated due to my association with you. Even then, I could not free myself from these bondages and seek liberation,” Devahuti lamented.
With this the twenty third chapter of the third canto comes to an end.
Third Canto Chapter Twenty four
In this chapter, the birth of Maharishi Kapila, the marriage of the Kardama’s nine daughters, the conversation between Kardama and Kapila and Kardama Maharishi attaining ultimate liberation are covered.
Maitreya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Manu’s daughter Devahuti was of an exemplary character. Hearing these words of Devahuti, which were full of dispassion, Kardama Maharishi’s heart melted completely. He recollected the prophecy of Lord Srihari and said, “O sinless princess! Do not grieve. Srihari, the imperishable Supreme Lord will shortly enter your womb.
Dhṛta-vratāsi bhadraṁ te damena niyamena ca
Tapo-draviṇa-dānaiś ca śraddhayā ceśvaraṁ bhaja
You have undertaken plentiful disciplines and rituals with utmost dedication. May you be blessed with auspiciousness! From now on practice sense-control. Diligently abide by the disciplines. Give away your wealth in charity. With dedication meditate upon the Supreme Lord. Pleased with your penance Srihari will incarnate as your son. He will enhance my fame. He will impart to you the Supreme Knowledge and will shred these veils of ignorance in you”.
Upon hearing this, Devahuti with firm dedication worshipped the Supreme Lord Srihari, who is the Lord of the universe, who is formless, and who wanted to incarnate as a Guru to everyone in the creation”.
She had begged for a son, who could help her obtain liberation through Self-realization. Kardama Maharishi, through his divine Yogic vision told her that the Supreme Lord would incarnate as her son to teach her the Supreme Knowledge.
“A long time passed. After many years, through the medium of Kardama Maharishi’s radiance, the Supreme Lord entered her womb. Just as fire emerges in sacrificial wood, he emerged from Devahuti.
At the time of His birth, clouds made divine auspicious sounds and showered rains. Gandharvas sang in ecstasy praising Lord Srihari. Divine damsels (apsaras) danced joyously. From heaven, Devatas showered flowers. All directions were peaceful. The heart of every living being was calm and tranquil.
Brahma together with Marichi and other saints arrived at the hermitage of Kardama Prajapati. Lord Brahma was aware that Lord Srihari, with the aspect of goodness (sattva guna) had arrived on earth in order to teach the principle of Nature and Self, or the knowledge known as Sānkhya philosophy to mankind. With absolutely pure heart, Lord Brahma, praised the Lord’s decision. He addressed Kardama Prajāpati and said,
“O great saint! You are always respectful to elders. Without any deceit you have worshipped me. In addition, you have dutifully abided by my orders.
Etāvaty eva śuśrūṣā kāryā pitari putrakaiḥ
Bāḍham ity anumanyeta gauraveṇa guror vacaḥ
Sons have to abide by their father’s order at least to this extent. They should reverentially abide by the father’s orders. All your daughters are exceedingly beautiful. They will, through their respective lineages, increase the population of the world significantly in varied ways. Hence in accordance to their desires and natures, give them in marriage to great saints. Expand your glory throughout earth.
Vedāham ādyaṁ puruṣam avatīrṇaṁ sva-māyayā
Bhūtānāṁ śevadhiṁ dehaṁ bibhrāṇaṁ kapilaṁ mune
O Maharishi! I know that 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 knots of ignorance in those living beings who are desirous of understanding Srihari through Self-knowledge and through dedication towards the Self. Shredding ignorance and knot of doubts i.e. the hridaya granthi in those who are desirous of Self-realization, he will travel across the globe.
Aniruddhāya namah
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Jul 23 2017
Bhagawatam 144: Kardama Prajapati seeks to leave home upon birth of his nine daughters
The thousand attendants created by him were serving them both while they were seated in the aerial mansion. Seated in this mansion, Kardama Maharishi shone like the Full Moon, that is located amidst the shining stars at night and which causes the night lilies to bloom. He was looking handsome.
Seated in this celestial airplane, Kardama Maharishi, who is worshipped by supreme ascetics, together with wife Devahuti travelled amidst the deep caves of the wondrous Mountain Meru for a long period of time. Like Kubera, the god of riches, he enjoyed himself.
In that place, River Ganga, making various auspicious sounds, falls from heaven. Wind, who is the friend of Manmatha, the God of desire, gently blows cool fragrant breeze. For this reason, the lords of the eight directions pleasurably roam about in these places.
Accompanied by his wife, Kardama Prajāpati enjoyed in the various celestial gardens known as Vaiśrambhaka, Surasana, Nandana, Pushpabhadraka and Caitrarathya. He also pleasurably visited and enjoyed himself in Manasa sarovara lake.
That celestial airplane, which dazzled radiantly, would travel anywhere per his will. He travelled even through the sphere of air. In general people are controlled by the wind. Heavy gale winds push us and throw us away. Contrary to this, the supreme saint was directing the wind and traversing as he pleases cutting through gale winds. He overtook many Devatas who were also travelling in airplanes and he surged ahead.
Kiṁ durāpādanaṁ teṣāṁ puṁsām uddāma-cetasām
Yair āśritas tīrtha-padaś caraṇo vyasanātyayaḥ
What is it that cannot be achieved by the person who has surrendered completely to the lotus feet of the Lord and is living courageously? He can achieve everything.
Kardama Maharishi was a supreme accomplished being. He travelled to various planes and showed to his wife the beauty of the universe. He then returned to his hermitage. This was an airplane that travelled faster than the speed of mind. In a fraction of a second he was back although it felt that they had travelled for many many years.
Like as Lord Narayana divided himself into 16000 forms for the sake of the 16000 Gopikas, the great saint Kardama Prajāpati now divided himself into 9 forms. In these forms he sported with his wife Devahuti, all the while being unattached and desireless. He pleased her thoroughly. While they were thus enjoying themselves, the time period of many, many years passed quickly like a second. He ensured that his wife also took on many forms to suit his forms.
When the handsome Kardama Maharishi, was seated elegantly on the bed, Devahuti lost in her pleasures could not realize time passing by. Time calculations are different in that plane. He spent a period of hundred years with her.
Kardama Maharishi was an accomplished being. He was Self-realized. He knew what Devahuti desired. He considered her to be half his body. Through her he begot 9 daughters who were charming and beautiful. They were fragrant with the aroma of red lotuses.
Kardama Maharishi instantaneously recollected his earlier vow. He had vowed that immediately after the birth of progeny, he would leave the house and go away. That’s all! He was ready to take up the life of renunciation (sanyāsi)!
Noticing that her husband was ready to leave home, Devahuti was anxious and agitated. She was filled with limitless sorrow and her eyes were brimming with tears. Even then, the pious chaste woman did not allow the charming smile on her face to get wiped away. She suppressed her grief and controlling her tears continued to smile.
She bent her head, gazing at the floor and wiping the floor with her feet, she gently addressed her husband and hesitantly said, “O Venerable one! You have dutifully abided by the promises made at the time of our marriage. I now surrender to you. Please protect me. Please search for suitable grooms for these daughters of yours. Please get them married”.
Pradyumnāya namah
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Jul 23 2017
Bhagawatam 143: Description of the celestial airplane created by Maharishi Kardama
Pradyumnāya namah
Exquisite carvings of different varieties of birds adorned the entire aerial mansion. The time period we are speaking about is the earliest period of creation. At that time the hordes of living beings were yet to be created. Even at that time birds were given supreme significance.
References to birds are found everywhere. This is because they are Gandharvas, Kimpurushas, Yakshas. They are Devatas. Some of them are Gandharvas having been cursed as born as birds.
The carved birds looked so delightful and life-like that the swans and pigeons, that flew about in the mansion, mistakenly believing them to be real flocked around them and greeted them with welcoming chirps!
This mansion was surrounded by vast landscaped gardens, walking tracks and resting places. Within the mansion were innumerable bedrooms, vast courtyards, windows and lovely doorways.
The aerial mansion was magnificent and impressive. It appeared as if Maharishi Kardama would perhaps be surprised at his own creation!
Maharishi Kardama noticed that his wife Devahuti however was not pleased to see this exquisite mansion. He was a supreme yogi and could understand the feelings hidden deeply within the hearts of every living being in the universe. Therefore understanding her feelings, he gently addressed her and said,
“O Devahuti, please dip into this pond before entering into the mansion. This pond has been created by the joyful tears that poured from Lord Srihari’s eyes. The desires of the person who dips into this pond will be fulfilled in entirety”.
Devahuti was wearing an old faded garment. Due to the intensity of austerities her hair was knotty, sticky and matted. Her emaciated body was ashen. She had performed intense austerities for begetting children. She was looking lusterless.
Devahuti now entered into the waters of the lake, which contained the waters of River Saraswati. Within the pond she saw a huge mansion. Within that mansion were thousand maidens, who were as fragrant as fresh lotuses. All of them stood up immediately upon seeing her. Folding their hands they said, “O Mother, we are your servants. Please let us know how we can serve you.”
These maidens were courteous in their speech. They realized that Devahuti was a self-respecting woman. Taking initiative they bathed Devahuti with many aromatic waters. They draped her in new soft silken clothes. They decorated her with many costly, elegant and exquisite ornaments. They fed her with wide varieties of dishes so that she would be nourished well and also gave her an intoxicating drink.
Devahuti now looked at herself in the mirror. She observed Her spotlessly clean clothes and her well nourished body. Her attendants applied varied ointments to her body. They offered their best services to her. With washed hair, beautiful ornaments, new silken clothes she looked very attractive. The bangles on her hands and the coral chain around her neck added to her beauty.
Golden anklets dazzled on her feet. A golden waistband filled with many gems glittered on her waist. She anointed herself with kumkum and other auspicious ingredients. With beautiful teeth, lovely eyebrows, a gaze that was filled with tender love, eyes that outshone lotuses in beauty and dark curly hair she glowed radiantly”.
She is the mother of the world. To us all, she is a Mother Goddess. Without her this creation would not have progressed. After all, we are all her descendants. She is our first mother. Here our mother’s beauty and her happiness are being explained. We are truly fortunate to be listening about our mother’s beauty. Talking about Divine Mother’s beauty is a divine experience. She is the mother of all mothers.
“Devahuti now remembered her husband, the supreme saint Kardama Prajapati. Together with her attendants she approached and stood bashfully before him. She observed the thousand attendants who were serving her and was astonished at the transcendental yogic powers her husband possessed.
Kardama Maharishi observed his wife. She was shining in her natural beauty. But yet, with her shining new clothes she appeared to be glowing as never before. She was no longer emaciated and pale. Instead she was in the pink of health. She was wearing a new saree and had elegantly draped it around her shoulders.
Seeing his beautiful wife accompanied by thousand attendants, Kardama Maharishi’s heart was filled with love. This great saint had married only because Lord Brahma had commanded him to have children. Even then the saint had in all these years never even looked once at his wife. For the first time he observed her now.
He then gently held her hand and helped her board the airplane. This was the first time he had even touched her!
Pradyumnāya namah
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