The Indian Dharma

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhagawan Krishna’s accord on how big is the “Atman”, as compared to that of the physical body. In fact, He poses a question to Uddhava, only to give the answer to that question by Himself! He asks Uddhava thus: “Oh Uddhava! You should also understand one more thing in this regard. I’ve explained you already that the “Atman” is a tiny and an invisible portion that is present inside all living beings in this world. Now here’s a question – Do you think that this small and tiny “Atman” holds the physical body, no matter how huge it can be, or the physical body is holding the “Atman” carefully inside it? Which is true?”

This is where we understood this question keenly in the yesterday’s episode – The elephant has a huge physical body, as compared to an ant. However, both have their respective “Atman” inside them. Now, just becaue the elephant is huge in size, will the “Atman” of the elephant be of an equal mammoth size? Or, for instance, the ant is so mini and will its “Atman” be of a micro size in nature? The answer to this question is very important here. Bhagawan Krishna continues His accord thus: “Oh Uddhava! All living beings have the “Atman” embedded within them, however, the “Atman” is of the same size for everybody in this world. The “Atman” is extremely small in nature, no matter how big the physical body can be. However, just because the “Atman” is very small, can it be underestimated? No! The “Atman” is the source of all knowledge and wisdom that we have, right from our head till toe. In fact, the entire physical body functions only because the “Atman” is giving the instructions for each of our organs. The “Atman” is like that of a small lamp – Just like how the lamp spreads light all over the room, although it might very small in size, the “Atman” spreads knowledge and wisdom, although it is very small in size. This is why we feel pain even if it is a small cut in one small portion of our hand or feet. Had the “Atman” been a no-entity here, it should pain when we have a cut only at the place where the Atman is, isn’t it? But that is not the case! We experience pain or pleasure at any point in our physical body and this is because of the work done by the “Atman”, to make us feel the pain or pleasure!”

Thus from this accord, we should understand clearly that it is only because of the “Atman”, we’re able to feel any sort of comfort, discomfort, pain, etc. in our physical body. However, we should understand one thing here – The “Atman” doesn’t experience any pain or pleasure by itself. Whereas, the physical body is the one that experiences all of it, but it cannot do it all by itself. If for instance, someone is dead, can he / she experience anything? This is because, when we die, our “Atman” escapes from this physical body and gets into another physical body somewhere in this world. Thus, the “Atman” gives all these experiences to the physical body, by being inside it.

We should thus remember and recollect that the “Atman” is permanent and our physical body is impermanent and subjected to destruction some day or the other. This is the furst point. Second point that all of us should understand is that, the “Atman” doesn’t undergo any sort of pain for itself. It of course undergoes pain, but through the physical body. Thus, the “Atman” uses the physical body as a medium to witness and enjoys all the experiences that it comes across. Thus, we can see that the “Atman” is a very small entity, but uniform across all living being in this world. There is no difference in size, with respect to every living being in this world.

Thus, having understood this part clearly, we should now understand why we should strive for “Moskha” at all. We might be thinking that this creation of Bhagawan is incomparable and robust and with this, we shall enjoy all possible pleasures in this world. Without any doubt, Bhagawan’s creation is robust, and we should indeed thank Him every day for all what He has given us. However, we should understand that this is not going to be permanent. We’re going to be subjected to destruction some day or the other. Hence, given this fact, why are we going behind worldly pleasures, beautifications, etc. for this “Shareera” which is going to get destroyed at the end of the day? Shouldn’t we aim for something higher than what we have currently? For instance, if we’re making a living in a small apartment amidst a slum area, and if we get a good job, make some decent money, etc. won’t we strive to move into a better apartment in a better area in the city? Why do we strive so? It’s because we have that awareness within us, that there are other better options available. Similalry, here also, we should have that awareness that there is a better place called “Vaikunta” that is present, which is totally serene and devoid of any sort of negativity around. Once this awareness comes within us, we would automatically start striving towards attaining it, isn’t it?

This is where we’ve to be very careful – Of course, all said and done, the “Atman” is all-powerful in its mechanism, knowledge and wisdom, but this is not the end of all. We should understand that our “Atman” is currently embedded inside a physical body that is totally subject to destruction. In a way, our “Atman” is imprisoned. If it has to be liberated from the jail called our “Shareera”, we should first have the awareness that there’s something better out there, for which we should strive for! So for today, let us inculcate this awareness within all of us, and let us start striving towards the real development & upliftment of our “Atman” from the present state of affairs to reach the highest state called “Moksha” or “Vaikunta”. We shall wait till the next episode to witness the continuation of this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important discussion wherein we understood that performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtana” aids our path to “Moksha”, but is not something that grants us “Moksha” straightaway. We had also witnessed an analogy to this effect, wherein we compared “Moksha” as the destination that we would like to reach, by driving down the national highway. Our sins are like the obstacles that come about in the national highway while we drive. Our car is like the “Bhakti”, which is the main instrument that is going to take us to “Moksha” ultimately. The underlying point that we should understand from this analogy is that, as we try to proceed through the “Bhakti-Maarga”, our sins would keep on creating obstacles on the path. Eventually, because of our sins, we would start deviating away from the “Bhakti-Maarga”, although we might want to walk that path. This is where, our “Nitya-Karma” helps us in clearing those unwanted obstacles, thus, enabling us to freely walk the path of “Bhakti”, which would ultimately lead us to “Moksha”.

Thus, from all these discussions we understand one basic point here – At any point in time, we should never refrain from performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana”. Some people would keep telling all sorts of unwanted and negative things about it, but as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma”, we should never give in to those crap. In fact, we’re witnessing here in the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text, as well as in the Bhagawad Gita that Bhagawan Krishna Himself is emphasizing the importance of performing our “Nitya-Karma” properly. If Bhagawan Himself is laying lot of stress on it, then who are others to deny that? Hence, we should make it a point that we perform all our “Nitya-Karma” without fail. This is what would purify us from all our sins.

As Bhagawan Krishna concludes this discussion thus, He says to Uddhava, “Oh Uddhava! This is the same thing that I had given as an advice to Bhagawan Brahma as well, and I’m now telling all of this to you. Hence, please make sure that you follow my advice meticulously even when I’m not here. It is not important whether my physical form is around you. I’m always within the hearts of my ardent “Bhaktas”, if they’re walking the path that I had laid down to reach me!”

As Uddhava listens to Bhagawan Krishna thus, He is going to explain another important aspect of “Vedanta” to Uddhava. Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, “Oh Uddhava! You should also understand one more thing in this regard. I’ve explained you already that the “Atman” is a tiny and an invisible portion that is present inside all living beings in this world. Now here’s a question – Do you think that this small and tiny “Atman” holds the physical body, no matter how huge it can be, or the physical body is holding the “Atman” carefully inside it? Which is true?”

This is a very important question that Bhagawan Krishna poses here. In fact, it is He who is going to give the answer to it as well. However, before going to the answer, let us understand the question first. It might be a tricky question for us to understand properly. I shall try and explain it in a bit of detail. All of us now know that the Atman is an invisible form of “mechanism” that is activating the physical body, no matter how big or small it is. For instance, we might have a doubt here – Whether the “Atman” for a rat is very small in size and that of an elephant is extremely huge in size? Are there differences in the sizes of the “Atman”? The answer is “No”! Irrespective of whatever the living being – An ant, elephant, human being, etc., the “Atman” is of the same tiny size and is invisible. Size of the physical body doesn’t have anything to do with the size of the “Atman”. Now that we’ve understood this concept, Bhagawan Krishna’s question assumes more relevance now. The question here is “Which is holding what? – The “Atman” holding the physical body or the physical body holding the “Atman”? Which is true?”

In normal scientific sense, a heavier object should hold a lighter object isn’t it? For instance, the size of an elephant is mammoth in nature! The “Atman” of the elephant is extremely tiny, as per what we’ve witnessed above. So, is the mammoth physical body of the elephant holding the “Atman” here? So for today, let us understand this question very clearly and we shall wait for the next episode to find out Bhagawan Krishna’s interesting answer, and the reason why He’s posing such a question! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion on Bhagawan Krishna’s thoughts on performing the “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” and how does it aid us in attaining “Moksha”. In a nutshell, we’ve witnessed that by performing our “Nitya-karma-Anushtaana” regularly, our sins (“Paapa Karma”) keeps getting washed away then and there, which would aid us in progressing forward spiritually. Although we might be very interested to pursue the “Gnyaana Yoga” path prescribed by Bhagawan Krishna to attain Moksha, it has lot of challenges that we’ve to face. We might be propagating that we’re high on “Gnyaana” (Knowledge & Wisdom), but to pursue that path, our sins would be stumbling blocks for us to even take one step forward. Hence, we’ve to somehow remove all of those stumbling blocks isn’t it? This is where our “Nitya-Karma” comes in handy.

As we’re amidst the “Samsaara”, it is highly inevitable that we would be accumulating sins, no matter how hard we try not to. For instance, we would be killing so many living beings (including germs like bacteria, viruses, and other small insects like spiders, ants, mosquitoes, etc.) in the pretext of cooking food, cleaning our house, etc., which we can certainly not avoid. According to our “Sanaatana Dharma”, Bhagawan has clearly laid down the rule by saying that we should at any cost, not kill any living being, or even cause a slightest harm to them. However, we’re now violating that rule, isn’t it? If we violate Bhagawan’s rules, automatically all these violations would enter into our “Paapa Karma”. The more and more we’re accumulating our “Paapa Karma” like this, it only implies that our “Satva Guna” is unable to fly high. Our “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” are trying to overwhelm with the extent of the sins that we’re committing. However, if we’re performing our “Nitya-Karma” regularly, all these sins will keep getting washed away then and there, and our route will get clearer every day. With our route getting clearer, our “Vairaagya” (Will power) for following the “Gnyaana Yoga” or whatever would increase, with the exponential rise in the domination of our “Satva Guna”. Thus, this is a multi-pronged strategy here – Performing our Nitya-Karma increases our Satva Guna, by reducing the impact of our sins, which would in-turn put us on the right track to spiritual progress, which would lead us eventually to attain Moksha.

Moving on further thus, we would have another question in our mind here – “So if we perform our “Nitya-Karma” perfectly as per the rules and regulations, will it take us directly to “Moksha?” Or, do we need something else apart from this?” The answer to this question is very important for all of us to understand – Performing our “Nitya-Karma” doesn’t take us to “Moksha” directly. This is something that we should grasp firmly in mind. Performing our “Nitya-Karma” is our fundamental duty, being born as a human being in this world. It is like how we’ve to caste our vote during elections, as part of being a citizen of our home country. However, we might ask a question here further – “If it doesn’t guarantee us a place in “Moksha”, then why should we do it?” The important answer is that, performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” is like a “blockage-remover” for pursuing the path of “Bhakti”. Ultimately it is “Bhakti” that is going to take us all to “Vaikunta” or “Moksha”.

Now it might seem a bit confusing for readers. I shall give a small analogy to explain things. For instance, if we’ve to travel from one place to the other by road – We’re driving our car on the national highway. However, is it a guarantee that our road journey would be very smooth, without any hassles or disturbance in the middle? The answer is obviously a “No”, isn’t it? There might be hurdles like heavy traffic on the road, road blockages due to some work happening, some accident spots on the way, some diversions because of some strikes, protests, etc. Or, for instance, if it is raining heavily, trees would fall on the road, or there might be landslides, etc. We can witness how many hurdles might surface, when we start driving our car on the highway. Similarly, our “Bhakti Maarga” is the car that we’re driving and “Moksha” is our destination. In the middle of our path, there might be so many hurdles in the form of our “sins”. But, can the car called “Bhakti” clear off the hurdles? In the highway for instance, if a tree falls down, can the car take the tree and put it off the road? It’s not possible isn’t it? There should be some officials and workmen from the forest department or highway department who should come to that spot and clear the road for the traffic. Similarly, our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” is like these workmen or highway officials. This “Nitya-Karma” would clear off all the hurdles called “sins” that seemingly block our road that leads to our destination called “Moksha” or “Vaikunta”.

Hence, from this analogy, we can understand and reaffirm that performing our “Nitya_Karma” is of extreme importance. Our “Nitya-Karma” doesn’t directly grant us “Moksha”, but it clears the road of all the blockages, so that our pursuit towards “Moksha” in our car called “Bhakti” becomes seamless. Ultimately, it is “Bhakti” that is going to take us to “Moksha”. But, our sins would keep preventing us from doing the “Bhakti”. This is where we need the help of our “Nitya-Karma” to weed away our sins.

So for today, let us understand this point more clearly and let us once again take a pledge to perform our “Nitya-Karma” systematically without fail. We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next important point that Bhagawan Krishna is going to lay emphasis on. Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna’s important answer for Uddhava’s question on how do we achieve complete control of our mind. Bhagawan Krishna replies back by saying that there is no other way to control our mind, other than by performing our “Nitya-Anushtaana” regularly. We’ve witnessed at length in yesterday’s episode about the importance of performing our “Nitya-Anushtaana” and what is the result that we achieve by doing it. We’ve seen that it is mandatory for all of us to perform our “Nitya-Karma” every day, irrespective of whatever level we’ve attained spiritually. We shall have an extended discussion on the significance of “Notya-Karma-Anushtaana” in today’s episode.

As we’ve witnessed yesterday, the “Nitya-Karma” starts with performing our “Sandyavandanam” every day by taking shower regularly, early in the morning and evenings. It also encompasses performing our “Tarpanam” and other “Pitru-Kaarya” like “Shraadha”, etc. for our departed ancestors in our family, mainly for our parents. Many of us might have this question in mind as to why is it so important that we do the “Nitya-Karma” to control our mind. Why can’t we do some other things for mind control? The simple answer for this is that, performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” regularly would gradually reduce our sins (“Paapa”). It is only the sins that are preventing our mind to come under control every time. For instance, if we’ve to do something productive during the day, as we’ve witnessed earlier, our three “Gunas” come into action and start dominating over us. Now, the “Rajo Guna” and the “Tamo Guna” would unleash their dominance over us and make us unproductive if our “Paapa” or “Sins” account is extremely high. If we’ve to thus reduce the effect of these two “Gunas” and thereby increase the dominance of our “Satva Guna”, it is important for us to reduce the impact of all our sins. Now how will we reduce this impact of our sins? This is why we perform the “Nitya-Anushtaana” regularly. This is one angle through which we can increase the dominance of our “Satva Guna”.

Now, for those who argue that they’re “highly spiritually advanced” and that, they do not need to perform th e “Nitya-Karma” – If we’ve to go into the “Gnyaana-Yoga” part of spiritual development, as explained by Bhagawan Krishna in His Bhagawad Gita, again, we should be devoid of our sins, isn’t it? If we have so much of accumulated sins sticking on to us at all times, how will all the “Gnyaana” even enter into our brains? How will we achieve “spiritual illumination”? Moreover, even for people who are really spiritually advanced – (I’m not talking here about those people who are faking around by propagating that they’re spiritually advanced) – They too have to survive in this world isn’t it? For that, they’ve to consume food three times a day, consume water, have a shelter for living, etc. For doing all of this, they too have to earn money. For earning money, they too have to do it legitimately. If we’re earning money legitimately, it again mounts back to performing our “Karma” properly, isn’t it? Hence, we should understand here that irrespective of whatever spiritual progress we make, our “Karma” is something that is always going to be following us at all times.

In fact, this is the same point that Bhagawan Krishna is trying to highlight in His Bhagawad Gita, during the second “Adhyaaya” (Chapter). As Bhagawan talks about “Karma Yoga” and moves on with the “Gnyaana Yoga” in the subsequent third and fourth “Adhyaayas”, Arjuna has a doubt. He asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Keshava! If Gnyaana Yoga is considered to be of a higher level than Karma Yoga, why should I waste my time in fighting this useless battle? Why can’t I directly go to the forest and start meditating, sitting under a tree? Why can’t I renounce my life now itself and follow the path of “Gnyaana Yoga”? Upon hearing this from Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna becomes angry a little bit. He replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! You’ve not understood the exact meaning of what I’m saying! You’re only trying to escape from what is your Karma as per the “Kshatrya Dharma”. What I’m saying is that, if you’ve to go to “Gnyaana Yoga”, you cannot do so by renouncing your Karma or your duty. Your primary duties as a “Kshatrya” comes first. Gnyaana Yoga would bear you fruits only if you perform your “Nitya-Karma” properly!”

What do we understand from this accord of Bhagawan Krishna? He simply implies that there’s no escape from performing our “Nitya-Karma”, no matter what we are and how we are. Of course, for Arjuna, his Nitya-Karma at that point was to fight the battle. But for us, our “Nitya-Karma at this point in time is to perform our duties properly, according to the “rule book” of our Vedas and Sanaatana Dharma. We should make sure that we’re performing our “Sandyavandana” regularly without fail, as well as our “Pitru-Kaarya” periodically. As we keep doing all of this, on one hand, our sins keep getting washed away, and on the other hand, because we get devoid of our sins, our mind automatically comes under control. Once our mind control is achieved, this would only serve as the concrete platform for our spiritual advancement and “Gnyaana Yoga” or whatever.

So for today, let us realize this important point and let us make it a point that we’re performing our “Nitya-Karma” every day without fail. If we hadn’t done it till now, let us start from today. This is very important for all of us to do. We shall conclude today’s episode with this important appeal and we shall wait till the next episode to witness the continuation of the “Keshava-Uddhava-Samvaadha”! Stay tuned! 😊

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna’s continued reply to Uddhava on the importance of being associated with a “Satsanga” or a “Saadhu-Samaagama”. We’ve witnessed that this is the second time in two slokas that Bhagawan Krishna is stressing and emphasizing on this point. He now says that His devotees are better-off if they’re always associated with a “Satsanga” 24*7. This would give them an opportunity to keep thinking of Bhagawan all the time, and also to correct their mistakes or misdeeds, if any. Being amidst a “Satsanga” proves to be extremely efficient for our spiritual progress as well, as we get to understand Bhagawan more and more. Ultimately, being amidst a “Satsanga” helps us to gauge where we stand with respect to our understanding about ourselves and our “Atman”, and the ways and means for us to get to the deeper crux of understanding of this very important point.

Moving on further thus, it is now the turn of Uddhava to respond, as Bhagawan Krishna finishes His accord on how to practice Bhakti and the significance of being part of a “Satsanga”. Uddhava asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! All what you’ve said till now is all very nice to hear! But is it easy for all of us to practise all of these points? You’re talking about voluntary service, singing praise of you, etc. But our minds are so wicked in nature isn’t it? Our minds are so carried away by our moods and emotions and is so fickle. Our minds are all full of so much of dirt accumulated into it. How do we cleanse our minds before we start with all of what you’ve listed out till now? Is there any way for this?”

As Uddhava asks this important question thus, Bhagawan gives an apt reply here – “Oh Uddhava! For cleansing your mind, there is no other alternative way other than by performing your “Nitya-Anushtaana” every day. If you’re doing all your regular spiritual practices daily without fail, you can easily control the nuances and fickleness of your mind!” This is an important point for all of us to ponder upon. When we talk about “Nitya-Anushtaana”, it doesn’t include only spiritual practices that we peform every day alone. It encompasses many things – For instance, it starts right from taking bath every morning, all our eating habits, giving “Dhaanam” (Donation), performing our “Shraadha Karma”, “Tarpanas” for our departed ancestors, etc. Of course, performing our “Sandyavandana”, “Brahma-Yagnya”, etc. are integral segments of our “Nitya-Anushtaana” and we should be performing all of it regularly as instructed.

Of course, when we talk about the “Nitya-Anushtaana”, there are two different schools of thoughts that are existing in the present-day scenario. One school of thought is of course, what Bhagawan Krishna explains clearly in the above manner. However, another school of thought has developed in the recent past thus: “Oh! We’re all going towards the “Gnyaana-Maarga” (Path of Knowledge and Wisdom). We’re learning lot of scriptural texts, listening to discourses, etc. Because of all these, we do not need to perform all our “Nitya-Anushtaana” Karma at all. We’re beyond all of it!” This is a very wrong “Prachaara” (Propagation) and sadly today, many people have started doing this, which is only misleading the world. If we’re taking birth in this world, performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” is mandatory in nature. Nobody can escape from this. If we’re not performing our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaana” properly, we’re only going to accumulate more and more “Paapa Karma” (Sins). If we’re failing in our mandatory duties, there is no point in becoming a “Gnyaani” or an “Epitome of Knowledge”. In fact, such people who “falsely proclaim” in such ways, are totally “Zero” in knowledge and wisdom. Spiritual knowledge & wisdom can never be attained without controlling our fickle mind. The first step to attain spiritual knowledge and enlightenment is to have a complete control over our mind, isn’t it? For this, what is required? Our “Nitya-Anushtaana” is required! This is where the link comes.

So, the important point here is that, we should not go behind people who are propagating such false things. Our “Sanaatana Dharma” never says that we can forgo our “Nitya-Anushtaana”, so as to progress spiritually. We should meticulously follow the procedure of performing all our “Nitya-Anushtaana” properly and with dedication. It can be right from taking bath early in the morning, to food habits, to performing our “Sandya-Vandana”, to performing our “Tarpanas”, “Shraadha Karma”, etc. without fail. In fact, Bhagawan Krishna Himself is emphasizing on this point here, more than anybody else. If Bhagawan Himself has to emphasize on the importance of doing our “Nitya-Karma”, where is the locus standi for the other fools to propagate any other nonsense? Hence, we should have a very clear understanding on this point, and even if we’ve not performed our “Nitya-Karma” meticulously till date, we should start it right from today after reading this important episode.

So for today, let us make a new beginning in this manner, and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 😊

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion on Bhagawan Krishna’s important answer to Uddhava. He is explaining the ways through which we can improve our “Satva Guna” within us and the only way to do that is via the “Bhakti-Maarga”. In these lines, Bhagawan Krishna is listing out the different ways and means through which we can practise the “Bhakti-Maarga”. We’ve witnessed that by doing selfless service, by singing His praise, by discussing His divine “Leelas” as part of a “Satsanga”, by propagating Bhagawan’s “Leelas” all over the world (“Prasanga”) and by listening to Bhagawan’s “Leelas”, songs, etc. (“Shravana”) one attains Moksha. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna also explains that His Bhakta always has Him in his / her thoughts and whatever he / she is doing.

“Sarva laabopaharanam daasyena aatma nivedanam!!”

Here, Bhagawan Krishna explains to Uddhava that His ardent “Bhakta” understands the very fact that his / her “Atman” belongs to Him ultimately! A “Bhakta” transcends higher in levels of “Bhakti” only when he / she realizes that his Atman is being controlled by Bhagawan, and that, he / she is just a mere instrument in the divine hands of Bhagawan. This is something that all of us should understand and realize. The moment we accomplish something significant in life, we immediately tend to take self-credit for that. But little do we realize that it was Bhagawan’s grace that materialized the success. However, when we encounter failure, we put the blame on Bhagawan that He’s not showering His grace upon us, irrespective of how much ever we work hard. Is this fair for us to do? In fact, Bhagawan Krishna Himself beautifully highlights in his Bhagawad Gita, isn’t it? He says to Arjuna that doing out duty without expecting the fruits of it is extremely important. We shall recollect Bhagawan’s divine words in this accord and do the needful.

Moving on further, Bhagawan Krishna explains the place where His ardent “Bhaktas” should dwell – He again re-emphasizes the importance of being amidst the “Satsanga” here for the second time in two episodes! He says thus, “Oh Uddhava! My Bhakta should always dwell amidst a “Satsanga”, because, the more time my Bhaktas spend with people who are “Saadhus”, they would get more and more enlightment!” We should understand this point more clearly here – If for instance, we’re committing any sort of mistake or a misdeed, and if we’re amidst a “Satsang”, we would get an opportunity to correct ourselves moving forward. “Saadhus” who are an integral part of the “Satsanga” would automatically come to us and provide their expert guidance about which is right and which is wrong. In that way, we would also be able to get an excellent clarity and a big-time reality check on our actions. If we’re going on the wrong track, we would automatically be corrected and re-tracked back to the “Dharma-Maarga”. This is the most important reason as to why should we be associated with a “Satsanga” at all times.

Moreover, if we’re part of the “Satsanga”, we would also be able to experience Bhagawan more and more. This is because, people in the “Satsanga” talk about Bhagawan and His divinity a lot, and by listening to their talking and discussions, we would be able to realize and relate our own life experiences wherein Bhaagwan has really played a role. I’m sure all of us would have atleast one or two life-changing experiences which perhaps, were not in our control, but somehow something materialized in such a way that we would have got saved from a great and an impending danger. It might be some instances with respect to some accidents on the road, some family problems, some professional rivalry, or whatever. In all of these, if we should escape unscathed, it wouldn’t be possible without the intervention of the “Divine Invisible Hand” of Bhagawan. However, with the routine of our personal and professional life and its commitments, we would have forgotten about all of it. But, when we’re part of the “Satsanga” and when people are sharing their experiences wherein they were saved in many ways by Bhagawan’s “invisible hands”, we would also be able to relate back to our own life experiences and feel Bhagawan’s divine hands touching us, isn’t it? This is also one of the most important reasons as to why Bhagawan Krishna is repeatedly emphasizing on the importance of being part of a “Satsanga”.

So for today, let us realize this important point of being amdist a “Satsanga” or an association of Bhagawan’s ardent devotees and let us ponder over Bhagawan’s emphasizing words on this. We shall wait till the next episode to take this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of a very important answer given by Bhagawan Krishna to the questions asked by Uddhava. It is to be remembered by the readers that we’re now amidst the “Keshava-Uddhava-Samvaadham”, as part of Bhagawan Krishna’s important pieces of advice to Uddhava, just before He’s going to descend back to Vaikunta. He guides Uddhava on how do we follow the “Bhakti-Maarga” to reach Bhagawan at the end of this birth. This is what we often refer to as “spiritual progress” or “walking the spiritual path”. The answers that Bhagawan Krishna is giving here is of course not only for Uddhava alone, but for all of us who are striving hard to follow the lines of the “Bhakti-Maarga”. In this way, yesterday we’ve witnessed two important practices that would eventually lead up to the “Bhakti-Maarga” – “Paricharya” (Performing voluntary and selfless service to Bhagawan & His ardent devotees – Bhaagawathas) and “Stuthi” (Singing in praise of Bhagawan or chanting His slokas with a one-pointed focus). We’ve witnessed a brief description about both of them yesterday. In today’s episode, we shall move ahead with the other ways that Bhagawan Krishna is going to list out. For our reference, let us re-visit the sloka from where we’re picking up these important points right now.

Bhagawan Krishna says thus:

“Paricharyaa stuthihi prahvaguna karmaanu keertanam!

Mat kathaashravaneshtadhaa madanudhyaanam uddhava!!

Sarva laabopaharana daasena aatmanivedanam!!”

We now move on with the next aspect – Those who constantly talk and discuss about me and my “Avatara” significances and those who are propagating all of these points are sure to attain “Moksha”! This is also one path of “Bhakti-Maarga”. Whenever we get time away from our professional and personal duties, we should think of Bhagawan, talk about His divine “Leelas” with people around us. This is why we often stress the importance of being amidst a “Satsanga”. I’ve repeatedly stressed upon this point time and again at various contexts, but here, Bhagawan Himself is laying so much emphasis on it. Whenever we get an opportunity, we should never miss to be part of the “Satsanga” group and talk about Bhagawan. This itself is one of the highest forms of “Bbhakti-Maarga”. Sage Aadi-Shankara Bhagawatpaada too stresses this point in his “Bhaja-Govindam” hymn isn’t? He says thus:

“Satsangatve nissangatvam.. Nissangatve nirmohatvam!

Nirmohatve nischala tatvam… Nischala tatve jeevan muktihi!!”

Here we can see that Sage Shankara had built a nice “staircase” for attaining “Moksha” through the path of “Satsanga”. With this, we should realize the importance of this “Bhakti-Maarga”, and make it a point that we read a lot about Bhagawan, discuss and talk about Bhagawan with like-minded people and by that, we should strive towards attaining “Moksha”. We should understand that this is one of the easiest ways of doing things. We can allocate some time even at home, to talk and discuss about Bhagawan amidst our family members – Our spouse, children, parents, etc. This itself is one of the greatest forms of “Satsanga”. If we’re doing this meticulously every day at home, Bhagawan makes it a point to dwell at all times amongst us! If Bhagawan is going to be with us at all times, what more can we ask for? Hence, let us make it a point to follow this easy step.

In addition to this point, as an extension, if we get opportunities, we should not only restrict ourselves to talk about Bhagawan amidst close “Satsangas”, but also try and propagate Bhagawan’s significances to the world, as much as possible. In fact, this is also one important purpose for which this blog, titled “The Indian Dharma” was formed in the year 2017. With Bhagawan Krishna’s divine grace, we’ve been running this blog for the past 4 years and through this blog page, we’re trying to propagate Bhagawan’s important pieces of advice, messages, significance, etc. to far off places across the globe. With Bhagawan’s divine grace, we’ve had viewership from approximately 120 countries across the globe. This process is what we refer to “Prasanga” and this is another way of practising “Bhakti-Maarga”. Hence, if we’re getting opportunities to do such things, we should be readily coming forward to take it up immediately.

Moreover, apart from talking and discussing about Bhagawan in various forums, we should also cultivate the habit of “listening” to Bhagawan’s stories, songs, slokas, etc. This is again, one of the easiest ways of performing “Bhakti-Maarga”. We should make it a point to spend time in listening to spiritual discourses done by some eminent scholarly people, listening to “Krithis”, Bhajans, etc. in praise of Bhagawan and also to slokas from prominent texts like Valmiki Ramayana, Bhagawad Gita, Bhaagwatha Puraana, etc. By listening to all of these, the most important thing that would happen is that, our mind would slowly and automatically start coming into our control. Once we’re able to achieve mind control, automatically our “Satva Guna” is going to fly high, and in turn, our mind is going to become conditioned to follow the path of attaining “Moksha”!

So for today, we’ve discussed three important pathways of attaining “Moksha” – Being part of “Satsanga”, “Propagating Bhagawan’s significances” (Prasanga) and Listening to Bhagawan’s significances (Shravana). So let us put these easy, but important points into practice from today and we shall wait for the next episode to continue this important discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the important discussion on how our three “Gunas” dominate our behaviour and our “Karma” at all times. In particular, yesterday we had spoken about how our pattern of sleep gets affected by our three “Gunas”. If we’re high on “Satva Guna”, as normal human beings, we would be able to maintain an optimal sleeping time of 6 hours per day. Of course, if we’re having a complete domination of the “Satva Guna”, which might not be possible for ordinary people like us, we can even overcome sleep completely. Great “Mahatmas” and Sages can achieve this absolute state quite easily with their levels of spiritual “Saadhana”. In the case of normal human beings like us, we always have a mixture of “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” embedded within us at all times, and hence, it is optimal for us to maintain a six-hour-sleep everyday. This is quite normal for people who are trying to balance both the “Samsara” and “Spiritual Saadhana” together. However the problem comes if our “Tamo Guna” starts dominating too much. This results in our sleeping time increasing beyond six hours, thereby resulting in various health complications that come along with it. It is thus important for us to understand this point as we move further.

We had concluded yesterday’s episode with an intriguing question, which Uddhava asks Bhagawan Krishna. In fact, this question would be present in all our minds, after such an exhaustive discussion on how our “Gunas” dominate us at all times. Uddhava asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, ““Oh Bhagawan! Till now, I’ve learnt various aspects of detachment! I’ve learnt the various aspects of our three Gunas too, and moreover a detailed accord on the three types of Atmans. You’ve repeatedly emphasized that we’ve to somehow increase the dominance of our “Satva Guna”, thereby paving our way for attaining the highest “Moksha”. However, my question now is that, what should we do, so as to develop this “Satva Guna” within us? What are the best practices that we should adopt, so that our Satva Guna increases its dominance?” Let us witness the answers for these questions in today’s episode.

Bhagawan Krishna replies to Uddhava thus:

“Paricharyaa stuthihi prahvaguna karmaanu keertanam!

Mat kathaashravanesh tadhaa madanudhyaanam uddhava!!

Sarva laabopaharana daasena aatmanivedanam!!”

 For so many questions that Uddhava asked Bhagawan Krishna, he got only one answer back! Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, “Oh Uddhava! You’ve asked me so many questions! But the only answer that I can give to all your questions is that, any devotee from any corner of this world can attain me through “Bhakti”! That is the only way through which anybody can come closer to me! For being able to create awareness about me within yourselves, for being able to see me in front of you and for being to create the urge within yourself to attain the highest “Moksha”, the only way is to follow the “Bhakti-Maarga”! Especially from now on – From the end of the “Dvaapara Yuga” and into the upcoming “Kali Yuga”, Bhakti Maarga is the only way to attain me! You’ve to understand this very clearly!”

As Bhagawan Krishna racks up this important point thus, He continues further, “Oh Uddhava! Now let me answer your question as to how to practice the “Bhakti-Maarga”!” Here, Bhagawan Krishna explains the different ways through which Bhakti can be practiced. This is extremely important for all of us to follow in our everyday life. First is “Paricharya” – Being in unconditional service to Bhagawan and His ardent devotees (Bhaagawathas) at all times. Second is “Stuthihi” or performing “Stothra”.  This is why I’ve already emphasized in our previous episodes that we should learn few slokas byheart and should always strive to keep chanting them at all times. As we do this regularly, Bhagawan feels within Himself thus, “Oh how nicely is my devotee singing praises of me! This melts my heart so much and with this, I should forget all of his bad deeds that he had done till now!”

This is the ultimate thought of Bhagawan that is going to grant us the highest Moksha! Ideally if we witness, Bhagawan doesn’t even have an iota of “forgetfulness”. He can exactly remember what kind of sins that we’ve performed at every instance of time. If we’re going in front of Him and standing at His shrine or abode, normally all the sins that we’ve done till date would immediately flash in Bhagawan’s mind, and with that, He’s going to directly push us into the “Naraka Lokha” then and there! However, if we’re able to muster up some “Bhakti” by singing His praises (It might be chanting some slokas, singing Bhajans, Krithis, etc.), Bhagawan’s heart is going to melt! If we’re able to surrender ourselves completely to His feet with our singing and chanting, He is definitely going to forget all our sins and thereby grant “Moksha”.

If such a thing doesn’t happen, with the extent of Bhagawan’s rememberance of our sins, nobody in this world is going to attain “Moksha” at all, with the extent of sins that we keep doing every passing day! Hence, singing in praise of Bhagawan (Stuthi) is extremely important and is one of the primary ways of exhibiting Bhakti towards Bhagawan! So for today, let us understand these two points – “Paricharya” and “Stuthi” and let us wait till the next episode to witness the other ways and means of practising Bhakthi! Stay tuned! 🙂

• 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed how our moods and emotions get influenced by the domination of our three “Gunas”, one over the other at different situations. We’re witnessing this as part of a larger discussion as to how the three “Gunas” – Satva, Rajas and Tamas play an important role in our every day life in shaping up our “Karma”. We’ve witnessed in the past few episodes as to how these three Gunas try to overpower each other, thus making us to do whatever we do. For instance, if we get frustrated and angry often, and if we’re constantly cribbing and yelling at people and situations that we come across every single day, it means that our “Rajo Guna” is dominating us more and more. Whereas, if we’re tending to have withdrawal behaviours at every situation and if we’re feeling too lazy to give in our 100% effort in whatever we do, it simply implies that our “Tamo Guna” is flying high. On the other hand, if we’re able to stay balanced at all times, with a calm and composed frame of mind, and if we’re able to perform our actions to perfection by dedicating the fruits of them to Bhagawan’s feet, it means that our “Satva Guna” is increasing its dominance day by day.

This is what all of us should strive for as we progress further in our lives. As our “Satva Guna” increases its dominance, all our actions would get streamlined automatically, and so do our moods and emotions. This is what we’ve discussed in the last episode as well. Thus, to continue this further, as our “Satva Guna” starts dominating, we would start getting the much required thought clarity in whatever we’re strategizing. We would be able to make the right decisions at the right time, and this would automatically make us great leaders. Moreover, as our “Satva Guna” grows further and further, we would become lesser and lesser lazy day by day. We would be able to streamline our sleeping hours. Normally, for a healthy human body, a minimum of 6 hours of sleep is required for a complete rejuvenation. However, if our “Tamasa Guna” is starting to dominate more, we tend to sleep more than six hours. Some people sleep for eight to ten hours too. Excessive sleep is also unhealthy for our human body and should be avoided. Thus, if we’re working on our “Satva Guna”, we would be able to control our sleeping habit too, which is extremely important for our spiritual progress.

I’m emphasizing a bit more on “sleep”, because this is one important parameter which we normally take for granted most of the time. Every passing day, our sleeping times are becoming erratic, owing to lot of “modernization” and “westernization” that we’re going through. Of course, I’m not saying that modernization and westernization are wrong, but the point here is that, we should not sacrifice our routine good habits, for the sake of going western! This is where the problem comes. Eventually as time progresses, we’re becoming a more “confused” society and are struggling to find a balance between our traditional and the western ways of doing things and going about life. There should be some clarity that we should possess. Of course, we should learn the good things from the western society, but it doesn’t mean that we would learn those by sacrificing our good things that we’ve been traditionally following for centuries now.

Thus, the point here is that, we’ve to give our human body the rest it requires, but at the same time it shouldn’t go beyond the permissible limit. However, if one is able to achieve a complete control over sleep, he / she is referred to as “Gudaakesha” and this is the highest level of “Satva Guna” one can achieve. Only “Mahatmas” and great Sages can achieve this level to perfection. Ideally for us, as normal human beings as part of our “Samsaara”, it is extremely difficult to achieve. We would be able to observe ourselves every day isn’t it? If there is an examination coming up and if we take our book to study after 10 PM at night, our eyes would automatically start swirling with sleep, isn’t it? In fact, Arjuna in the Mahabharata is also referred to as “Gudaakesha”. In other words, Arjuna had succeeded to win over his sleep completely and if required, he can be awake 24*7 continuously for days, months and years together. It is perhaps of this great achievement, had Bhagawan Krishna selected him for giving the great Bhagawad Gita. We might wonder within ourselves thus, “Oh! Why did Bhagawan Krishna select Arjuna, and not us for presenting the Bhagawad Gita?” Of course, this is a weird thought, but the answer to this is very simple – The Bhagawad Gita comprises of around 700 slokas, and one has to be awake to listen to and make sense out of all the seven hundred slokas, isn’t it? For this atleast, we should win over our sleep isn’t it? Arjuna was totally qualified in this aspect and we’re not! This is why, perhaps Bhagawan Krishna selected Arjuna for this great mission!

Moving on further thus, Uddhava continues his questions to Bhagawan Krishna. It should be remembered here again by readers that this entire conversation is happening between Bhagawan Krishna and Uddhava and Bhagawan Krishna is explaining various attributes pertaining to “Detachment” in this world. Now after listening to all these important points, Uddhava asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Till now, I’ve learnt various aspects of detachment! I’ve learnt the various aspects of our three Gunas too, and moreover a detailed accord on the three types of Atmans. You’ve repeatedly emphasized that we’ve to somehow increase the dominance of our “Satva Guna”, thereby paving our way for attaining the highest “Moksha”. However, my question now is that, what should we do, so as to develop this “Satva Guna” within us? What are the best practices that we should adopt, so that our Satva Guna increases its dominance?”

I’m sure many of us would have this question burning in our minds by now, especially after discussing so much about how the three Gunas try and dominate over each other, thus influencing our everyday activities, moods, emotions, etc. An interesting and a detailed accord from Bhagawan Krishna awaits us in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂

• 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the important discussion about how our “Karma” is based out of our three “Gunas” – Satva, Rajas and Tamas. As part of this discussion, we’ve also witnessed important pointers when it comes to “detachment”. We’ve witnessed how we should still lead a family life (Samsara) and at the same time, surrender all our actions to Bhagawan as we keep doing them. Similarly in the yesterady’s episode, we’ve also witnessed that whenever we pray to Bhagawan or whenever we go to His temple, we should make sure that we do not ask Him for certain “short-term” aspects in life. Our ultimate aim at the end of this birth should always be to attain “Moksha”. For attaining this, of course, we can ask Bhagawan whatever it takes. However, what do we do in the present day? If we taste success in our worldly pursuit and even for small things, we get so overwhelmed with joy and we totally forget Bhagawan altogether! We’re so carried away by the resultants of our actions. Whereas, on the other hand, if we’re encountering problems or failures, we get so dejected and depressed that we immediately run towards Bhagawan for help!

Of course, Bhagawan is never going to say that He’s not going to help us out in this. But, we should ask within ourselves, whether is this the right thing for us to do! Of course, we can always share our difficulties with Bhagawan – But with what mindset? We should share it with Him thus, “Oh Bhagawan! As outlined by you, I’m striving hard to walk the path of attaining Moksha! However, in this birth, I have certain difficulties, with which it becomes tough for me to walk this path at the moment. Hence, it would be great if you can guide us with a solution for this”! If we’re asking this way to Bhagawan, it means that we’re asking Him keeping our “long-term” focus of “Moksha” in mind. Whereas, if we’re just asking for solutions to our present-day problems, it just means that we’re totally “short-term” oriented. We should understand this point as we move forward.

Moving on further thus, we shall witness the next important point when it comes to the manifestation of the three “Gunas” in ourselves. Just like how the meteorological department keeps coming up with different predictions for the climate every passing day, our “Satva”, “Rajas” and “Tamo” Gunas keep changing and keep dominating each other at all times. This is why we often see a change of moods and emotions in people. For instance, I’m going to a person, seeking help for my son’s studies. Assume that I need Rs. 1 Lakh for my son’s admission into a university for a professional course, and I do not have that much of money in hand. Hence, I go to my neighbour seeking help. The moment I explain my situation to my neighbour, he / she might tell today thus, “Oh! So what if you’re facing a problem with your finances? Why do you want to talk to me in such a formal language? I’m always ready to help you with money at any time. Rs. 1 Lakh isn’t a big problem for me to lend. I shall definitely take up your son’s education and even sponsor the fees for all the four years of his education!” Upon hearing thus from our neighbour, we would be so happy and would reply back thus, “Oh thank you so much! I shall get the formal admit card or offer letter by next week. I shall bring it to you, and then we shall pay the fees!” All this was agreed. A week later, after obtaining the admit card, I again go to the same neighbour for the fees. Now what might be the reply? The neighbour replies thus, “Oh! Who are you? Why are you coming to me everytime seeking money? Don’t you have a job on your own? Don’t you earn enough? If no, why are you taking so much of financial commitment for your son? Anyway you’ve come to me now, seeking my help – So take this 5000 Rs. and go away! Don’t disturb me henceforth! ” We would be totally surprised thus – This was the same neighbour who committed for the Rs. 1 Lakh fee last week, and now he’s talking as if he doesn’t know anything of this!

This is where, our moods and emotions come into play. Inn today’s organizational behaviour and psychological sciences, we give so much emphasis on moods and emotions. If we’re looking at the explanation from the “Shrimad Bhaagwatha Puraana”, our moods are primarily the manifestation of our “Satva”, “Rajas” and “Tamo” Gunas at every instance of time. This is where we should understand that the neighbour was overpowered by the “Satva Guna” last week, and thus, it made him to accept the responsibility of paying Rs. 1 Lakh for the tuition fee of my son. However, this week it has changed! Now the ‘Rajo Guna” has overpowered by neighbour and this is where he’s replying me with lot of frustration and irritation! Aren’t we seeing a change here? The neighbour is the same person with the same body structure, same facial features, etc. However, the nature and demeneaur of the neighbour has totally changed upside down, within just a week’s time! How is this possible? This is where, the overpowering of one “Guna” over the other is very important. Our moods and emotions are totally determined by which “Guna” is dominating us at any instance of time!

Now extending the same example a bit further – Assume that this neighbour is going to a temple for an hour or so. He worships Bhagawan amidst all the sweet music and the informative discourse that is going on at the temple. He’s so moved by the sweetness of the music, that when he comes back home, he straightaway comes to my place and says thus, “Oh! I’m sorry for my fiery answer today morning! I was amidst a very bad mood because of some problem at my workplace. Now I just went to a temple and my mood got normalized again! You had asked for Rs. 1 Lakh right? Now here you go – I’m giving you Rs. 2 lakhs for your son’s education, and you don’t need to return this money back at any instance of time. Please treat this money as your own money!”

By looking at this, we would again be surprised! This is the same person who vented out his frustration few hours back, but how come his demeneaur changed all of a sudden? We can infer here that after he visited the temple and listened to the sweet music, the “Satva Guna” again started to dominate and the resultant action was because of the “Satva Guna” manifestation! We can see here thus, how our moods and emotions keep changing all day, and this is because of the domination of the three “Gunas” at different times of the day! So for today, let us understand this important point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂