Category: Speech_excerpts

Jun 13 2017

Datta maata 10: What should be our attitude during charitable activities?

June 13, 2017

Dāna (charity) is meant for yourself. What does this mean?

The system of honouring the people involving in meritorious deeds is practiced since ages in many countries. They are given the titles like ” Dāna vēra shūra karna”, “Dāna chakravarthi” (king in doing dāna) etc. There are two benefits in this. Firstly, the one who has accepted the charity expresses gratitude. Secondly, seeing people being honoured provokes others around to donate. Many people are honoured and many others are happy because of this.

But, these two benefits are useful only to the receiver of the charity and not to the giver. The veneration shown by others will cause a great loss to the giver.

The one who gives in charity has the ego that the donation money belongs to him and he also has a feeling of “I am donating” in his mind. Charity is done either for fulfilling a great desire or for attaining good name. At this juncture, the admiration of others too comes on the way. As a result, the giver strongly believes that the receiver has greatly benefited from him and that it is the duty of the receiver to be thankful to him. He always wants people to respect him and praise him. Because of this, the ego that was latent so far will now increase a lot because of the act of praising by others.

It is natural to be honoured by people when you make a small donation but the mind will boast of its charity because of the egoistic nature. All the superior goals along with the desire to attain godhead will go in vain. This means that the noble intention with which the charity began has now been destroyed. As a result, all that is done with a good mind will become fruitless.

When giving away in charity, the giver must have a right attitude. Only then, it will be useful.
A charity done with selflessness will bestow doubled benefits for the giver.
the giver must never ever think that the receiver will get benefited because of his charity.
You must keep in mind that you are doing charity only to wash off your sins.

Hence, in the olden days, the receiver was first worshiped for accepting the donation and the giver was always grateful to the receiver for agreeing to accept charity.

In those days, many were not accepting dāna. They refused to accept cows, houses, money etc as dāna. Hence, if there was somebody who accepted the charity, then they were worshiped. Through this lesson, may you all get the right attitude to do dāna.

All those who are doing charity, must not await others to praise or honour them. Instead, one must only feel grateful for others for accepting one’s dāna.

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Jun 13 2017

Datta maata 8: What is pure, selfless devotion?

June 13, 2017

There are few people who renovate dilapidated temples. They feel proud that they could bring life to the ruined and neglected temples. They think that they have satiated the hunger of hundreds of people by feeding them. Even those who do great charities, think in this manner. They say that they have brought back life to that temple, this temple, so on and so forth. Such people always want others to know that the credit of doing such noble tasks goes to them. You can tell about the meritorious deeds undertaken but being freed of the doer-ship is most important. Getting the feeling that “I have not done anything” is very rare. If that kind of feeling is absent, then all the noble tasks and charities will only become pompous shows. All these people compete with others regarding the charities and renovation of temples they undertake. Though this kind of competition is a bad trait, it will benefit the world to some extent but utilising the thing at hand fruitfully is the real talent. Our elders have advised us to use such competitive spirit for the benefit of the self. In this context, we have to remember an incident from Sri Krishna’s life history.

One day, Sree Krishna was suffering from severe stomach ache. There was no relief from the pain at all. He himself told a remedy that by drinking the pāda-thērtha (water obtained by washing the feet) of his devotees will reduce the pain. But, no one turned up because by giving their pāda-thērtha, they will become sinful and will have to go to hell. Radha got to know the news of Sree Krishna’s suffering. Without a second thought, she gave her pāda-thērtha dismissing the thought that she would have to go to hell for doing so. Even without drinking the thērtha, Sree Krishna’s pain vanished. Everybody understood the value of Radha’s devotion and expressed great joy.

To understand this secret, one must know the definition of Bhakti (devotion). Devotion is not a plan meant for one’s own selfish motives like self-satisfaction, self-development and reaching heaven or attaining liberation. Devotion is a flow of love for Paramatma (God) which is devoid of any traces of selfishness. Radha Devi is an embodiment of such devotion. Hence, we must compete ourselves with her in devotion. Here, competition is not possible but we must develop selflessness like her. We must give up the feeling of doer-ship by cultivating the feeling of complete self surrender coupled with devotion. Nobody gave their pāda-thērtha because they thought they will accrue sin but Radha did only because she wanted Sree Krishna to be relieved of the ache. Similarly, when renovation of temples are taken up with a feeling that it would be useful to the society, then alone it would be really beneficial. Everything will go in vain if the same noble activity is done with a sense of “I” ness. This is the key to develop immense devotion in us.

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Vanara Gita 63: Undertake sadhana without expecting any results.

We have discussed that even an ant cannot move unless it is ordained by the Lord! At the same time there are scriptures which declare that success is the result of one’s personal efforts. How to reconcile these statements? Here, it should be understood that without God’s command, the person would not even be inclined towards putting in his personal efforts.

At times, in this world, we come across persons who seem to playfully achieve spiritual success without any personal effort. How is this possible? It appears as if lady luck is smiling upon them for no apparent reason. Their easy success causes immense jealousy in everyone especially in that devotee, who is really putting in tremendous efforts to reach the goal.

Due to envy, this devotee now begins to think- “Ah, I have been working so hard but have seen no success. However, without any effort, he has achieved great spiritual success”. That’s all. With such retrograde thinking, all his efforts which he has put in till date have gone down the drain. Upon seeing other devotees, if he thinks, ‘Look, I am so devoted. But it is he who is getting all attention. He is so close to Swamiji’, then remember that all the devotion and efforts put in so far have simply been washed out.

Instead, one should think, “One day even I will get such luck” and with this belief if he continues his sadhana uninterruptedly, then in all probabilities, he will surely get this luck one day. The other acceptable alternative is to think- “Not being bestowed with such luck is also acceptable to me.”

If, on the other hand, he thinks, “Oh, I am not so lucky, I will never ever get such wonderful chance”, he will never secure it. At the same time, to secure God’s grace, spiritual efforts should not be undertaken with an expectation that it will unquestionably yield successful results. The focus of the aspirant should not be upon the end result but on the efforts to be put in by him.

He should learn to think– “I will continue to put in my efforts irrespective of whether I am to be blessed by Him or not. I undertake my sadhana solely because I love it”. Sadhana when undertaken with such attitude will undoubtedly be successful.

Why are certain people acquiring spiritual successes easily in life without any strenuous personal efforts on their part? Here, it is to be understood that it is happening due to God’s will. It is the efforts that they had put in during some prior birth, which is paying off in this birth.

We cannot even visualize the efforts that any person is putting in within this birth. How then are we to know about the efforts that he had put in during any previous births? Outwardly, it may appear as if the person is not even putting in the required basic efforts during this birth. It appears as if he arrives, pays his obeisance to the Lord and then sits simply. He does not recite any mantra nor write it. What we cannot visualize however, is the efforts that he is putting in within his mental plane. We cannot observe his mental prayers.

Our observation being limited to his physical movements, we tend to think, “Without any efforts on his part, he is securing so many blessings. I have written the mantra crores of times; yet Swamiji does not even look into my face. That person has written just once or twice, but look, Swamiji is speaking so affectionately to him.” With this statement the result of all the 10 million mantras that you had written up to now is simply washed down the drain.

Why are you bothered about others? You do not know in which birth, and how many crores of mantras that person has written. A change should be brought in our way of thinking- “Oh, his efforts of some previous birth are bearing fruit now. If I undertake my sadhana to the best of my ability in this birth, then in some future birth I may reap its benefit”. This is good.

“Oh, what is the use of all my efforts that I have put in so far? I might as well stop writing the nama from now on”. The person who decisively thinks in this manner will be a total loser on both counts. The merits of the nama japa done to-date has already been washed out for reasons explained above and hereinafter as he has decided to discontinue the same, there cannot be any further accumulation in this aspect. This is the worst possible outcome.

The type of result that should be bestowed for any sadhana performed by someone, be it in this birth or any previous births, rests solely with the Guru. He will decide what type of reward is to be showered for the sadhana performed. As He knows the past history of one and all, He chose to speak to that person who had recited the mantra only 10 times in this birth. What could be wrong in this?

Time is just an endless flow. It is best to go with the flow of time. The one who completely restrains his mind and goes with the flow will emerge victorious. He will successfully cross over this vast ocean called samsara. Even the best swimmer cannot swim against the current (tide). Likewise, it is foolish to go against time.

Entertaining such needless doubts only ruins the person who would have just taken the baby steps in spiritual sadhana. Due to these doubts, he will completely bring to a halt all these spiritual activities. He is harming his own mind. It is self-destruction.

Om Namo Hanumate namah

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Vanara Gita 61: How are virtues and sins classified? ..contd.

Lord Hanuman had to enter the inner apartments of Ravana’s palace as a part of his search for Mother Sita. Here, He had to face a test. He witnessed many ugly scenes that should not be witnessed. With this, Hanuman began to ponder, “With the intent of undertaking a meritorious task, I came here in search of Mother Sita. Unfortunately I have seen those scenes that should not be seen. Due to this, did I commit any sin? Oh my God, what did I do? Perhaps some trace of sin would have attached to me.”

Through this, Hanuman taught the world some important lessons of life. He teaches that every being in this world should constantly reflect about the right and wrong results of his/her actions.

In such a situation, the intellect (buddhi) firmly resolves and gives its final judgment to the mind whether the deed is virtuous or sinful in nature and hence whether it should be taken up or not! The mind will get its instructions- ‘Do this’ or ‘Don’t get into this’.

No sin or virtue can attach to anyone merely because he has seen or heard something. On the other hand when the mind is inclined towards sinning, sins attach to the person irrespective of whether he has physically seen the deed with his eyes or not. Likewise, where the mind is inclined towards meritorious deeds, virtues automatically accrue to the person.

In other words, where the mind is attached towards good deeds, virtues accrue and where the mind has a longing towards evil and sinful thinking, sins accrue. For this reason, it is imperative to control the wavering mind.

These mental evildoings are several times more sinful than the physical offences! Mentally we commit innumerable offences at all times. For example, we crave for everything in this universe. We think about many unnecessary and useless topics. We criticize and comment upon others. We find faults in their speech. All of these are wasteful activities that should be forcibly controlled. There is absolutely no need to think about all these. The mind should be reined to think only good at all times.

The king (ruler) of the land punishes the person for the mistakes committed physically, however, it is Yama, the Lord of death, who punishes the being for the mental sins committed- antaḥ prachchanna pāpānām shāsta vaivasvato yamah.

It is easy to inflict punishment upon the body. The ruler of the land takes up this responsibility. The body can be tied and beaten for its mistakes. But who will take up the responsibility of imposing punishment for the sins mentally committed? No person or ruler can issue punishment for such sins. Who will then take the responsibility of punishing such sinners? The Supreme Lord inflicts punishment for mental sins as He is the witness.

Had Hanuman decided that what he had seen was really sinful in nature and with this conclusion had he given up searching for Sita, then can we imagine what would have happened? If he had to sit remorsefully thinking- ‘Oh my God, I have sinned. Now what should I do? How should I atone for these sins? What have I done?’ then He would have not made any progress.

Instead, he wisely decided that his Lord knew whether his actions were sinful in nature or not. Hence he left the net result in the hands of the Lord. He decisively reined in his mind, continued his search for Mother Sita and emerged victorious.

Likewise, the living beings while living in this visible external world, should completely restrain the mind and emerge victorious. Have we not discussed earlier that mental wrongdoings are far more sinful than physical sins? It is very important therefore to restrain the mind. Even when living in this world and even when experiencing the resultant joys and sorrows, the being should continue his righteous activities. Under no circumstances, should he take his focus away from God. There should be the in-depth realization that ‘He’ is the only saviour of one and all.

Mareecha the Vanara, has passed on to this world such an important lesson through his hymn. This is a lesson that periodically everyone should recollect.

When we evince interest and ponder over the life of true devotees; their methods of worship; the mental penance and the harsh physical penance that they performed, we too develop a desire to emulate them and live in that manner.

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Vanara Gita 27: Hanuman showers mental peace, the most auspicious blessing!

Hanuman is the embodiment of auspiciousness. Recollecting his name, form or glory, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, bestow auspiciousness! Not just that, visiting his temple or even talking about his temple brings auspiciousness. Even if you just say- ‘In our ashram, a huge temple is being built for Hanuman’ it is enough to shower auspiciousness in your house. There is no need to undertake any other seva. If you have the capacity to participate in other services to Lord Hanuman, do so. It is your wish. No one will force you to participate. Hanuman’s greatness is such that, in reality, we should try hard and do our best in offering services to Him. We should inculcate good habits. We should inculcate the habit of being truthful at all times.

To summarize, just as bathing cleanses the body, reciting the names of God renders everything auspicious. There are people who claim that they have offered one namaskar to their parents and that is adequate enough. Yes, it is true that parents are deities. But is offering one namaskar to them really sufficient? The responsibility of your liberation lies only in your hands. You need to increase your positive balance. Hence it is mandatory to recite the names of the Lord for your personal benefit. If you do not have any other expectation, even then, recite the names of the Lord for some time to achieve stability of mind. Towards achieving stability of mind, this recitation plays a very important role. Therefore, in the above hymn Vanara warrior Sharabha declares that it is essential to worship Hanuman on Tuesdays.

Tulsidas, in his Hanuman Chalisa, states- ‘pavana tanaya sankata harana mangala Māruti roopa’. It means that the auspicious form (mangala roopa) of Hanuman (Maruti) drives away all types of inauspiciousness.

‘Mental peace’ is the greatest auspiciousness that can ever be attained in this world! Live happily, live peacefully. Laugh happily. Enjoy the company of your family members. What ultimately counts is the ‘peace’ that is had in life. Puja blesses the person with mental purity and peace.

Puja is a must. It brings discipline. BP and other diseases will simply vanish. Longevity increases. Where the God given longevity is utilized properly, then it results in prosperity. After all, every person earns with the sole objective of leading a happy family life, isn’t it?

It is Hanuman who blesses a person with good children. Also Hanuman ensures that you get good friends in life. A Guru is a person’s best friend. After having secured Guru as a friend, one should not carelessly let go of that friendship. Problems as large as mountains may land on the head, enormous tensions may rule, mind may undergo severe vacillations, yet the friendship with Guru should not be broken under any circumstances. Be very careful in your relationship with your Guru. Once you lose it, it can never ever be regained. Guru is a true friend who comes to our aid in times of difficulties. He will also show the way out of difficulties to those who are deeply stuck in them.

Such a Guru can be obtained only with God’s grace. Some good deeds performed in earlier births have resulted in your ability to secure a good Guru in this birth. Hold on tightly to Him. Do not let go of this opportunity. Those who do not have a spiritual Guru should pray to Hanuman so as to be blessed with a Guru. Pray sincerely to Hanuman. Do not say –‘Oh I have secured Hanuman himself, why do I need a Guru?’ To understand about Hanuman in-depth, we need to be blessed with a good Guru. Without a Guru, it is impossible to obtain any form of good knowledge. It becomes impossible to understand the true essence of Hanuman without the aid of a Guru.

Those lucky persons, who have been blessed with a Guru in their lives, should pray to Hanuman seeking the ability to understand the essence of the Guru (Guru tattva). Those who have procured a Guru in this lifetime are really very lucky people.

Hanuman blesses the person who worships Him, with good spouse and with good children too. Ideal couples are those in which both the husband and wife assist each other in undertaking dharmic activities (duties as per the stipulated rules of righteousness). Sarabha states that Hanuman blesses the person with such an ideal partner.

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha.

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/episode-27-hanuman-blesses-with-mental-peace-which-is-the-most-auspicious-blessing/