Sri Guru Gita – 8 February 2014 – Episode 51

Jayagurudattaswamiji srigurudatta puttujii

English translation: courtesy Archana Penukonda

Jaya Guru Datta.

So, what is Anushthanam? We said that Anushthana comprises yagnas, donations, service to mankind, worship, vows, rituals, pilgrimages, chanting and penance etc. People observing Anushtanam and leading a dharmic way of life can show the path to others and act as Gurus. Other people may even benefit from them. But while that may be true, they cannot uplift themselves unless they seek refuge with a Guru. Lord Shiva says that people observing Anushthanam without understanding the Guru Principle are deceitful. He goes on to say that only when merged with the Guru Principle is there any meaning to Anushthanam. If not, such acts are deceitful. These acts of Anushthanam cannot help them realize the Supreme Truth. Therefore they are futile.

Lord Shiva is gently reprimanding that humans that are wallowing in such meaningless and deceitful conduct are like animals. While observing Anushthanam is slightly better than engaging solely in education that’s meaningless, you must get education, observe Anushthanam and merge that with the Guru Principle. So, we understand that without knowledge of the Principle of Guru, everything is meaningless.

A Guru’s actions might sometimes seem strange when He’s blessing a disciple or is transforming him. The ignorant that don’t understand this get fooled by the Guru’s actions. Such people cannot comprehend the Guru Principle. They are thrown into doubt and confusion. In some instances, they even defame the Guru. This is a grave sin. One must try to understand the Guru’s actions and adapt to them. Only then will the Guru’s actions be understood and knowledge of Guru Principle bestowed. Otherwise, regardless of how much mediation and penance you do, it yields not benefits.
Akrura understood the actions of the Supreme Lord Krishna and was blessed by Him. Let’s delve in to the story a little. On the command of Kamsa, Akrura came to Gokulam to bring Krishna and Balarama back with him to Mathura. Akrura was a devotee of Sri Krishna. He wondered if he could be blessed by Sri Krishna. Akrura conveyed the command of Kamsa to Krishna and Balarama who promptly boarded the chariot. Akrura rode the chariot, all the while pining for Sri Krishna’s grace. Krishna and Balarama feigned ignorance of Akrura’s pinings and simply enjoyed the sights around them, admiring the beauty of Nature. They came up on the sacred River Yamuna. They experienced great joy seeing the beauty of the sacred river. Let’s see what happens next. Jaya Guru Datta.

JGD, koti koti Pranams to Param Pujya Sri Swamiji’s lotus feet. Thank you for the blessings. OM NAMAH Shivaya. Shivaya Guruve NAMAH. And Hari OM Tattsat !!!

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!!!

JGD.