The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed some important learnings that we can take from Mother Earth, Air, Sky and water, as per what the “Avadhoota” Sanyasin explains to King Yadhu. We’ve witnessed that we can learn the important characteristic of “patience” from Mother Earth (Bhoomi). We can various aspects of “detachment” from the Sky (Aakasha), Water (Aapah) and Wind (Vaayu). In fact, we should remember here that Bhagawan Krishna is telling all of these to Uddhava, to drive home the point on “detachment”, and how Uddhava has to be totally detached even from the physical form of Bhagawan Krishna, after He descends back to Vaikunta. Hence, many of the concepts that we’re going to discuss further in this accord, is going to pertain to detachment in some way or the other.

Now moving on further, the Sanyasin is talking of what he is learning from Agni (Fire). As we all know, the fire is something that burns out anything and everything in this world, whatever it comes across. However, whatever object it catches upon to burn, it burins in the same shape as that of the object. For instance, if a long stick catches fire, it burns in the shape of that stick. For instance, if a circular object catches fire, then the shape varies accordingly. However, there is no specific form for the fire. The form of fire depends on the object which it burns. Similalry, this Atman of ours is like the fire – Whichever form it assumes – Be it a human being today, or a lion tomorrow or a rat in the subsequent birth, etc. The Atman doesn’t have its own form. It thus depends on the “Shareera” (Physical body) to engulf into it. This is why, Bhagawan Krishna repeatedly explains in the Bhagawad Gita as well as in this context as well, that all Atmans are the same. It is only the physical body that keeps differing from one form to the other, and is transient across births.

Next, we move on to “Chandra” (Moon). Every fifteen days, we see that the moon is losing its round shape and finally there is a “no-moon” day (Amavaashya), and similarly for the next fifteen days, the moon regains its shape and brightness till the full moon day (Pournami). But in reality, does the moon keep changing its shape every day? No! It is only because of the earth’s shadow that casts upon the moon, we see a change in shape of the moon. Similarly, if we’re saying that we’re a child, an adolescent, a married person, old-age person, etc., all of it is only for the human body. Nothing of these affects the “Atman”. The Atman is ever young and indestroyable in nature, just like the moon having its permanent shape every time. Hence, the important lesson that we can learn from the moon is that, our Atman is indestroyable and permanent in its form, irrespective of how many births that we take. The light that the moon emits is also constant, and only the earth’s shadow decreases and increases that light intensity. Similalry, it’s only the physical body that gains shape, size, beauty, etc. as age progresses. But the Atman is something that is constant throughout.

Now moving on with the next important element, the Sanyasin is talking about “Soorya” (Sun God). We might be sometimes thinking thus, “Oh wow! The day is extremely hot and sultry and there is no respite from the scorching heat of the sun!” However, if the Sun God doesn’t shower His heat and light on the earth for 2 or 3 days continuously due to rain, what would happen to us? We would start complaining again that our clothes aren’t drying, lot of fungus is coming on our clothes, utensils, etc. Thus, we see here that the sun is very important and paramount for our everyday life. Similalry, if we happen to do something good for others and for the society, there would always be people who would be complaining about it, cribbing, etc. due to their jealousy. However, upon hearing their cribbing, do we completely stop doing whatever good that we’re doing? The answer is “No” isn’t it? Hence, the important message from Sun God (Soorya Bhagawan) is that, we should be consistent and persistent in whatever good activities we’re doing. No matter how many people might criticize us or make fun of us, etc. we should never get carried away by their “trap” and fall into it.

So for today, let us understand and realize these important lessons from “Agni” (Fire), “Chandra” (Moon) and “Soorya” (Sun). We shall wait till the next episode to witness the next set of learnings that the Sanyasin is going to explain! Stay tuned! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had commenced witnessing Bhagawan Krishna’s reply to Uddhava, as part of the “Keshava-Uddhava-Samvaadham”. He tries to drive the point on “detachment”, just like how He had spoken about it a lot in His Bhagawad Gita earlier. Here, Bhagawan Krishna pulls up an old event that had conspired between King Yadu and an “Avadhoota” Sanyasin. We had witnessed yesterday that King Yadu was for some reason, very disturbed and he thus asks the “Avadhoota” Sanyasin, that how come as a Sanyasin wandering around, he seems to be so happy, and himself being a king with so much of luxuries and a great lifestyle, was always feeling disturbed without mental peace. Listening to King Yadu’s question, the Sanyasin explains how he maintains himself in the happy state of mind. He explains how he has not one, but twenty-five different “Gurus” and companions, to keep him happy! We had already witnessed who are the twenty-five different “Gurus” for the Avadhoota Sanyasin, and in today’s episode we shall witness what this Sanyasin learns from each of these twenty-five “Gurus”. We shall summarize it shortly and understand the key points from it.

Moving ahead thus, the Sanyasin replies to King Yadu with the following accord: “Oh Yadu! I learn a lot of patience from the “Bhoomi” because, no matter we stamp her, spit on her, walk on her, run on her, dig her, torture her to a huge extent, she stands firm to her ground! Such is her level of patience!” Even today, we see innumerable constructional activities, drilling, dredging, throwing of wastes, etc. on to it, but does Mother Earth react in return for all that we do to her? We should learn to understand the extremely important quality of “patience” from Mother Earth. Thus, the important learning here is that, if a Jeevatma has to become an “Atma-Gnyaani” and attain Bhagawan, he / she should have this level of patience and perseverance. Whatever might happen to us in due course of our life, we should never get bogged down easily. We should keep our anger in tight control and we should always try and maintain our calm and composure at all times.

Now, the Ssanyasin continues to explain what he learns from “Vaayu” (Air). He says thus, “Oh Yadu! From the air, I learn the important quality called “detachment”! For instance, if we experience a bad or a foul smell coming from somewhere, we understand that the smell is being brought to us via the air. But, is the air foul-smelling? No! The air as as pure as it is always. But its primary job is to take something from one place and spread it to the other. Even if there is a good smell of tasty food or an “agarbathi” or from flowers which we’ve offered to Bhagawan, this good smell is being brought to us by the air around. But the air itself cannot be judged whether it is good or bad. Thus, whatever happens to us in life, we should just be a spectator like the air, by not getting too much attached to what is happening around us. The moment we start getting attached to worldly affairs, we are going to deviate from our spiritual path. Thus, we ccan learn the important quality of “detachment” from Vaayu or air.

Next, the Sanyaasin explains what does he learn from the “Aakasha” (Sky). We can witness that the sky is the transient place for all the stars, sun, moon, etc. But just because all of them use the sky to traverse their respective paths, does the sky start proclaiming that the sun or the moon is it’s own? No, isn’t it? This is another dimension of detachment that we’ve to understand from the sky. Just like how the sky allows the sun and moon to traverse through it, it doesn’t get carried away with any sort of relationship with any of them passing by. The sky treats all of them like tresspassers on the road and doesn’t give a damn to any of them, isn’t it? Hence, this form of detachment is an extremely important lesson for all of us – As we take this human birth, we’re carried away with so many friends, relatives, and innumerable kinds of bondings that we have with people around us. The more and more we’re developing bondings with people, the less and less is going to be our spiritual progress. Thus, if we’ve to make steadfast spiritual progress, we’ve to lessen our “burden” of bondings by practicing detachment, just like how the sky treats the stars, sun and moon.

Subsequently, the Sanyasin explains what has he learnt from water. If for instance, we pour a bucket full of water on a dirty surface with lot of force, what would the water do? It would immediately clean the surface from all the dirt and would wash them away from that surface isn’t it? Will the water ever complain that it is being thrown upon an extremely dirty surface or a moderately dirty surface? Whichever is the surface upon which it is thrown, it’s only duty is to wash the dirt away! Similarly, the “Guru” or the “Spiritual Master” is like this water – No matter how much of dirt with which a “Sishya” (Disciple) comes to Him / Her, the primary job of the Guru is to wash all the dirt off His / Her disciple. This is what we can learn from this anecdode. Thus, we should understand from this context, an important point that, the purpose of approaching a “Spiritual Master” is to clean ourselves of all our “Karma” and ready ourselves to attain “Moksha”. We’ve already witnessed multiple times in the past that we would be able to reach Moksha only if we’re totally devoid of all “Karmas” that we’ve accumulated during all these births till date. If we’ve to wash away all of these, the only way to do it is to surrender to the feet of the spiritual master.

Thus, these are some important learnings that we should understand from the “Bhoomi”, “Vaayu”, “Aakaasha” and “Aapaha”. So for today, let us recollect these and instate these points into our minds and we should make a conscious attempt to put them into practice. We shall witness the learnings from the subsequent aspects in the next episode! Stay tuned!! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the important “Keshava-Uddhava Samvaadham”, wherein Uddhava is coming crying to Bhagawan Krishna, knowing that He is going to depart to Vaikunta very soon. As Uddhava cries and expresses his anguish that he and other devotees have to live without the physical presence of Bhagawan Krishna, here comes Bhagawan’s important pieces of advice as to how do we focus on Bhagawan, even without being in His vicinity. This is extremely important for all of us too, as we might also have the same questions in our mind – How do we get the focus of Bhagawan in our minds and hearts? We’ve never seen Bhagawan even once in our lives. We’ve only read about Him, heard about His “Charitras”, etc. and all what we know is that Bhagawan is somewhere far off at Vaikunta, which is not accessible to ordinary people like us. Inspite of all these limitations we have in this world, how do we focus on Bhagawan and attain His feet? Normally, we can easily focus on people or objects which we keep seeing in front of our eyes every now and then. As we’ve never seen Bhagawan in our lives till now, how do we do that? The answers to these questions lie in this important section of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. Now let us witness Bhagawan Krishna’s explanations on this, in a bit of detail.

As Bhagawan Krishna tries to console Uddhava, He first starts with the important point called “Detachment”. Bhagawan explains to Uddhava that even if it was to Him, His devotees should be “detached” to His physical form. He cites a small story to drive this point – This is a conversation between Yadu Maharaja and a great “Avadhoota” Sanyasin (Sage). As we’ve seen before, Yadu Maharaja was Bhagawan Krishna’s ancestor, from whom the entire Yaadava clan was born. Once upon a time, Yadu Maharaja was going to meet this “Avadootha” Sanyasin with a sad face. He was troubled with some thoughts. As we might have known, “Avadhoota” Sanyasins are extremely spiritually advanced souls. They do not care even an inch about worldly life, including their dress. All they drape around themselves is a small little piece of cloth, and in some cases, this too might not be there. Even today, there are many “Avadhoota” Sanyasins in the world, wandering around with zero or bare minimal clothing. Many a times we might not be able to see them, but they would be living around places that are highly spiritually charged – For instance, places like Tiruvannamalai, Varanasi, Prayagraj, etc.

It is thus to one such Avadhoota Sanyasin is Yadu Maharaja approaching. He asks the Sanyasin thus, “Oh Great Sage! I know that I’m a king and I’m having all possible wealth under my possession. Yet, I’m not able to have peace of mind. However, great sages like you are wandering around with bare minimal requirements, and yet you’re happy. How is this possible?” Upon hearing thus from the king, the Sanyasin replies back thus, “Oh Yadu! You’ve asked a very valid question here. However, I’m not alone, but I’m surrounded by twenty-five different entities from whom I learn my lessons everyday and with that, I lead a peaceful life!” Hearing thus from the Sanyasin, King Yadu was surprised! He asks back thus, “Oh Sanyasin! Aren’t you alone, wandering here and there? I don’t see even one of the twenty-five people around you from whom you learn! Please, can you give more clarity?” As King Yadu asks thus, the Sanyasin laughs out loud and replies, “Oh Yadu! The twenty-five entities are not people like how you think! They are present everywhere, and are not necessarily human beings!”

The Sanyasin lists the twenty-five thus: Prithivi, Bhoomi (Mother Earth), Vaayu (Air), Aakaashaha (Sky or Space), Aapaha (Water), Agni (Fire), Chandrama (Moon), Ravi (Sun), Kapothaha (Pigeon), Ajaharaha (Python), Sindhu (Ocean), Patangaha (Small insects), Madhukrith (Honey bees), Gajaha (Elephant), Madhuha (Hunter), Harinaha (Deer), Meenaha (Fish), Pingala (A woman), Kuraraha (A bird), Arbhakaha (A small boy), Kumari (A youthful woman), Sharakrith, Sarpaha (Snake), Urna-naabihi (Silk insect) and Supeshakrith (A type of bee)! Thus, we’ve witnessed around twenty-five such elements from whom this “Avadhoota Sanyasin” has learnt all his lessons from!

Upon hearing thus, King Yadu was surprised and was more curious. He wanted to know what are the lessons that this Sanyasin has learnt from each of the twenty-five elements. The Sanyasin is going to give us a detailed explanation about the same. We shall wait till the next episode to find that out! An important accord awaits us! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the next importante event, namely the “Keshava-Uddhava Samvaadham”, wherein Bhagawan Krishna is going to provide valuable pieces of advice to Uddhava, before He returns back to Vaikunta. Upon hearing Bhagawan Krishna’s plan to depart, Uddhava couldn’t hold himself back. He ran to Bhagawan and cried in front of Him saying that Bhagawan should take him also along, as He departs to Vaikunta. However, Bhagawan Krishna wasn’t in favor of that, and with this, He’s going to give Uddhava few important pieces of advice and information that we’re going to witness now. As we progress into the “Keshava-Uddhava Samvaadham”, we should remember that we’re past the tenth “Skandha” and we’ve entered into the eleventh or the penultimate “Skandha” of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text.

As Bhagawan Krishna is about to commence His advice, Uddhava intervenes and asks thus, “Oh Krishna! If you leave back to Vaikunta, who on this earth would maintain the restored “Dharma”? Won’t the world go back to the “Adharma” that it was in before?” Now, Bhagawan Krishna gives a very important reply here. He says thus, “Oh Uddhava! After I depart, there would be many incarnations of “Aachaaryas” in this world, and they would carry forward all the good work that I’ve done till now. So we do not need to worry about the upcoming “Kali Yuga”. Although it would be something that all of us dread about, the birth of “Aachaaryas” in the southern portion of the Bhaarata Desha would take care of it and ensure that people are spiritually progressing!”

It might be very pertinent to mention here that Bhagawan Krishna Himself has said that there would be “Aachaaryas” who would be born, especially in the south. In fact, He even gives the exact location where they would take birth. Bhagawan Krishna says thus,

 

“Khalau khalu bhavishyanti naaraayana paraayanaaha!

Kvachith kvachith mahaaraaja dravideshu cha bhoorishaha!!

Taamraparni nadeeyatra kritamaala payasvini!

Kaaveri cha mahaapunyaa prateecheecha mahaanadhi!!”

 

This sloka from the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana directly signify the birth of the “Aalwars” and the “Aachaaryas” who were going to take birth in the future. In fact, Bhagawan Krishna Himself is declaring that such great people are going to take incarnations to maintain the “Dharma” that Bhagawan has established. If we’ve to look at the meaning of this sloka, we can witness that Bhagawan Krishna is explaining how the “Aalwars” would play a pivotal role in spreading the “Naarayana-Bhakti” in this world, during the Kali Yuga. Where would the “Aalwars” take birth? The sloka continues to explain that it would be in the banks of River Tamraparni, River Cauvery, etc. in the southern portion of India.

The moment we talk about River Tamraparni, we would immediately remember the city by name Tirunelveli, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Near to Tirunelveli, there is a place called “Azhwaar-Thiru-Nagari”, which is right on the bank of River Tamraparni. This is the birth place of the most prominent “Nammazhwar”. Next, in the bank of the River Krithamaala, the famous “Periaazhwar” incarnated. This River Kritamaala is nothing but River Vaigai that passes through the famous city of Madurai in Southern Tamil Nadu, India. Similarly, in the banks of River Kaveri, three prominent “Aalwars” incarnated – Thondanadipodi Azhwar, Thirupaan Azhwar and Poigai Azhwar. Thus, we can witness here the minute details of all the Aalwars taking birth, as early as the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana times.

As we move on with this, Bhagawan Krishna continues thus, “Oh Uddhava! Please do not worry! Please develop your “Vairaagya”. I’m not going anywhere. I’m inside this sacred text called “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana” and I’m officially entering into this text, in order to bless all my devotees who are reading this text with all their devotion for me. If you want to worship me further, please take this Bhaagawatha Puraana and start reading it! More than anything else, Oh Uddhava! You should learn to be detached from all sorts of things in this world. Just do not think that I want this, or I want that, etc. Go to the “Gandhamaadhana Parvatha” and start performing “Tapas” (Penance)!”

Upon hearing this from Bhagawan Krishna, Uddhava had his own doubts. He asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Whatever you’re saying is very nice to hear! But is it really possible to practice all what you’re saying? How can a person be so detached that he / she could forget Bhagawan too? Of course, if it is for worldly aspects, then it might perhaps be possible with some spiritual progress. But how can we totally be detached from you?”

In fact, we would also be having similar questions in mind, isn’t it? So let us wait for the next episode to witness what did Bhagawan Krishna reply for Uddhava’s questions! Stay tuned! J

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the “eleventh” Skandha of the “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana”, wherein we had first started with how the destruction of the “Yaadava Kula” commenced. We had seen that one day there was a huge congregation of various important “top-tier” Maharishis and the Yaadava people, backed by Bhagawan Krishna were a bit arrogant towards them. The Yaadavas wanted to show off that the Maharishis are helpless in front of them and thus, they wanted to prove a point. Hence, the Yaadavas set out with a plan and they chose one among them by name Saamba. They dressed him up like a pregnant woman, enclosed a wooden plank around his stomach, and sent him to Sage Vishwaamitra with a weird question – What would be the gender of this “going-to-be-born” baby! It should be understood that the Yaadavas are trying to mock at Sage Vishwaamitra and is trying to test his power of penance.

Upon seeing this Saamba dressed up nicely as a female and upon hearing the weird question from the Yaadavas, the penance power of Sage Vishwamitra showed to him that he is being fooled around. Realizing thus, Sage Vishwamitra got extremely angry and inflicted a huge curse upon the Yaadavas thus, “Oh Yaadavas! This heinous act of yours is going to land you up in a situation wherein the entire community of yours is going to be destroyed by the baby (Wooden plank) that is going to be born from Saamba!” As the Yaadavas heard thus, they started to shiver with fear! Their comical attempt has backfired at them very badly. Realizing thus, they run here and there, seeking shelter, and finally they seek refuge under their king’s feet!

As per the curse of Sage Vishwamitra however, the wooden log took birth in this world, just like how a human being would take birth! As this takes place, the king advises thus, “Oh Yaadavas! Take this wodden plank, mash it into pieces and throw it into the ocean! You can thus escape from this curse!” The Yaadavas too acted upon their king’s instruction, mashed the wooden plank into pieces and threw them all into the ocean. By doing so, they heaved a huge sign of relief – That they’ve finally escaped from the curse of Sage Vishwamitra. However, at a later stage, we’re going to witness that these same pieces of the wooden plank are going to come back and create a mass destruction of the entire Yaadava community altogether. We’re not going to witness it at this moment, but during the end of Bhagawan Krishna’s tenure. We’ve to thus wait for few more episodes to witness how all of these conspired against the Yaadavas. However, we’ve to also understand that when these wooden planks started their “destruction mode”, they were being consumed by the fishes in the ocean. There was a hunter who captured one of these fishes that had swallowed the wooden pieces. Upon exploring the body of the fish, he finds a huge wooden plank into it, and he takes this wooden plank, ties it to his arrow and keeps it ready. We shall stop with this for the moment, with respect to this event, but we shall move on with some other things that conspired at the same time.

Moving on from this scene thus, as Bhagawan Krishna was thinking about returning back to Vaikunta, Uddhava comes to meet Him. As Uddhava learns Bhagawan Krishna’s departure plans, he was totally stunned and shattered to tears. He falls on to Bhagawan’s feet and cries to Him thus, “Oh Bhagawan! All of these years, we’ve been under your grace and protection and we were very happy all through our lives. But if you suddenly depart by leaving all of us behind, how are we going to manage the rest of our lives without you? Isn’t this unfair on your part to desert your ardent devotees and depart? Oh Bhagawan! Please do not do so! If at all there’s no change to your plan, please take us also along with you while you depart!”

As Uddhava cries thus, Bhagawan Krishna lifts him up and makes him sit beside Him. He is now going to give some important and lengthy advice to Uddhava, which we’re going to witness from now onwards as “Keshava-Uddhava-Samvaadham”. There are many aspects that Bhagawan Krishna is going to explain to Uddhava, which are equally important for all of us to learn and understand.

So for today, we’ve set up the context for the important “Keshava-Uddhava-Samvaadham”, and from tomorrow’s episode, we shall commence Bhagawan Krishna’s advice to Uddhava. Stay tuned! 🙂

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had concluded the event wherein Subhaddra, Bhagawan Krishna’s sister married Arjuna, in a very different way! Ultimately it was Bhagawan Krishna who made it happen through His “trademark” tricky ways. It was a very comical event as well, and we’ve enjoyed this event for the past couple of episodes. Now moving on further, we also witnessed the brief significance of why should we do the “Panchasamskaara” and the significance of Bhagawan Ramanuja who was behind this important aspect of the Shri Vaishnava Sampradhaaya. With this, we come to the end of the tenth Skandha of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. As mentioned in the yesterday’s episode, this was a really long one and for us too, it spanned for nearly 100 episodes. One important thing to note here is that, this entire tenth Skandha is dedicated to Bhagawan Krishna and all His divine plays – Right from His childhood days at Gokula, to Vrindavan, to Mathura city, to Dwaaraka, to killing of Narakasura, to bless Sudhaama and finally marrying off His sister Subhadra to Arjuna.

With this note, we now move into the eleventh “Skandha” wherein we’re going first witness around twenty-five important aspects to begin with. In fact, the sixth day syllabus of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana would come to an end with this twenty-five different aspects. It is going to be like a “rapid fire” round! We usually witness such things during quiz programs, isn’t it? The quiz master would ask quick questions with a stipulated number of seconds to answer each of them. Similarly here too, we’re going to witness some quick “rapid fire” questions as we enter into the eleventh “Skandha”. Let us witness them in a bit of detail, for our understanding.

As we know, Bhagawan Krishna was the king of Dwaaraka city as the “Dwaaraka-Deesha”, with the entire “Yaadava clan”. It was a huge clan with around 52,000 families and all of them were very happy under the company and protection of Bhagawan Krishna. However, as years pass by, Bhagawan Krishna starts to feel that He had fulfilled all His duties in this world and it is about time that He leaves back to Vaikunta. It has been 125 years since He had taken birth and He now feels that He has fulfilled all His commitments and has established the “Dharma” in this world, with all His “Leelas” (Divine plays). As He was planning to depart, He felt that He has to take all the people in the Yaadava-Kula along with Him to Vaikunta. Thus, He was looking out for a plan to finish off the entire Yaadava Kula in this world.

It is at this time, there was a huge congregation of many important Maharishis at some place. Sage Sukhaachaarya explains the huge list of Maharishis who congregated – Sage Vasishta, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Athri, Sage Asitha, Sage Kanva, Sage Dhurvaasa, Sage Bruhu, Sage Angira, Sage Kashyapa, Sage Vaamadeva and Sage Naarada himself! These people are even today considered to be the “tier-1” Maharishis in our Sanaatana Dharma literature. As all these tier-1 Maharishis were engaged in a deep penance together, these Yaadavas were getting complacent and arrogant, just because they had the backing of Bhagawan Krishna. Hence, they decided to make fun of these important Maharishis. There was a person by name “Saamba”. The Yaadavas caught hold of this Saamba, dressed him up like a female, and that too, like a pregnant woman with a wooden plank tied to his stomach, and of course concealed within the saree that he was draped with. This Saamba was sent in front of Sage Vishwaamitra and the Yaadavas were also at the back of him.

As Saamba reaches the vicinity of Sage Vishwaamitra, the Yaadavas explain thus, “Oh great Sage! She is a pregnant woman and is going to give birth very soon. Hence, she is very curious whether the child that is going to take birth is a boy or a girl. You have so much of “Gnyaan-Drishti” isn’t it? So with your power of penance, can you identify the gender of this baby that is going to take birth from this woman?” Of course, we can never ask such a question in today’s scenario! If we go and see in the hospitals, there are lot of announcement boards too – gender of the child would not be disclosed pre-birth. Of course, in those days, such restrictions were not there! J

Upon hearing thus from Saamba and Co., Sage Vishwaamitra knew from his power of penance that these Yaadavas were bluffing and had come there to make fun of him! Sensing this clearly, Sage Vishwaamitra replies angrily thus, “Oh Saamba & Co.! Let me tell you something! The thing that is going to take birth from this Saamba is nothing but a mere wooden plank! However, this plank that is going to take birth, would be solely responsible for the destruction of the entire Yaadava clan altogether!” As the Yaadavas hear thus from Sage Vishwamitra, the entire Yaadava clan was shell-shocked! They did not expect such a stern curse from such a great Sage! Afterall, they wanted to make fun, but that attempt backfired at them very badly!

What happens next? Did the wooden plank really take birth? How did the destruction of the Yaadava clan come by? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! J

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the “Shubradra-Parinayam”, wherein, we had witnessed Shubadra expressing her interest in marrying Arjuna. However, it was a socially non-acceptable marriage, Bhagawan Krishna wanted it to go ahead. So He made a tricky plan – He made Arjuna dawn the attire of a “Sanyasin” and sit below a banyan tree outside the town. As Balarama sees this “handsome & fake Sanyasin”, he gets impressed and wants to call him to their place, even as Bhagawan Krishna negated. With this, the “fake sanyasin” came to their place, when Subadhra was also there and they both met each other. Eventually they fell in love for each other and it was at this time, Bhagawan Krishna suggests to Balarama that both of them go for a “Teertha Yatra” for a few days, taking Subhadra also with them. Again, Balarama protested that Subhadra shouldn’t accompany them, and that, she should take care of the Sanyasin on the days when they were away. Bhagawan Krishna laughs within Himself, and thus, both He and Balarama set out!

As both set out thus, Bhagawan Krishna again played His trick here. He let Balarama lead the way and thus, he had walked ten steps ahead of Bhagawan Krishna. In the meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna called for the security guards who were guarding the palace. Bhagawan Krishna gave a secret instruction to them thus, “There are two people inside – A Sanyasin and Subadhra. Mostly, they wouldn’t come out of the palace. If at all they come, and if they wish to go out somewhere, let them go. Do not stop them from going anywhere!” As Bhagawan Krishna gives this important instruction thus, He too sets out along with Balarama and acts as if nothing has happened just now! As both of them set out thus, just two or three minutes later, Arjuna and Subhadra held each other’s hands and walked out! It was not even a day or two. It was just a minute or two! As per the instruction, the security guards too didn’t stop them and off they were! Thus, the couple set off to a far distance without anybody noticing them, and eventually they got married. After that, nobody was able to trace them and nobody was able to stop them too!

Now with this, we come to the end of the “Shubadra-Parinayam”. However, there is one important message that we need to also understand from this “Charitra”. Eventually, as the security guards were instructed by Bhagawan Krishna, they also asked him thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Until you come back, tell me whom should we allow inside, and whom should we ask to wait outside”. Bhagawan Krishna thus gives an important reply saying that, those who have the “Shankam” and “Chakram” engraved upon them can be let inside, and those who do not have the “Shankam” and “Chakram” upon them, should be asked to wait outside till He comes back!

This leads us to an important point which the “Shri Vaishnava Sampradhaaya” propagates aloud – This process is called “Pancha-Samskaara”. This is like a “hallmark” of being a Vaishnavite. According to the procedure, we’ve to approach our “Aachaarya” (Guru), seek His blessings and grace and engrave the “Shankam” and “Chakram” upon us. With this, we are “officially authenticated” to be a Vaishnavite. This procedure was given to all of us by none other than Bhagawan Raamaanuja, thousand years ago, and post that, this has been in meticulous practice all through the years. This is something that we’ve to also understand, when it comes to the event of “Shubadra-Parinayam”.

Hence, for today, let us understand this important point and let us wait till the next episode for commencing the next important event in the tenth “Skandha” of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. In fact, we’re coming to the fag end of the tenth Skandha and we still have just one or two small important points to highlight, before we move on the the eleventh Skandha! Stay tuned for updates! J

 

 

 

In the previous episode, we had concluded the all-important “Kuchela-Upaakhyaanam” with some important learnings that we can inculcate in us from this event. We had witnessed how Bhagawan Krishna was compassionate towards His starving friend and how He transformed his life totally when he returned back home! With this, we come to the end of one of the major events of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana and today, let us move on with the next item that Sage Sukhaachaarya is going to explain to King Parikshit. Now it is going to be “Subadhra-Parinayam”.

Now who is this Subadhra? She was none other than Bhagawan Krishna’s sister. In fact, she was Bhagawan Krishna’s cousin. If we happen to visit the “Puri-Jagannatha-Kshetra” in the eastern Indian state of Odisha today, we can witness three people giving darshan – One is Bhagawan Krishna, who is none other than Puri Jagannatha Swami, second is Balarama and third is this Subadhra. Thus, in Puri, we would be able to have the divine darshan of these three brothers and sisters together – Perhaps the only “Kshetra” wherein such a combo exists. Thus, this Subadhra was Bhagawan Krishna’s cousin sister and she is going to get married to Arjuna. We know that Arjuna is one amongst the five Paandava brothers, and in this “Subadhra-Parinayam”, we’re going to witness an interesting story as to how Arjuna is going to marry Subadhra. This is also going to be a comical story and now let us start enjoying and experiencing it.

Once when Bhagawan Krishna meets Subadhra, He understands the she had fallen in love with Arjuna for some reason. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna was wondering within Himself as to how to get Subadhra married to Arjuna. In normal terms and conditions of the society, this marriage might not be well-received, as it is within the family. We should recall here that Arjuna is also one of Bhagawan Krishna’s cousins. So, how can a brother marry a sister? But somehow, Subadhra had an interest towards Arjuna, and this is what made Bhagawan Krishna puzzled! Hence, He first goes to Arjuna and enquires whether he too is interested in marrying Subadhra. As Arjuna also answers in the affirmative, Bhagawan Krishna plans a “roadmap” for the marriage – He asks Arjuna to get dressed like a “Sanyasin”, go to the banyan tree at the end of the town, and sit below it. Accordingly Arjuna too dresses himself like a Sanyasin and sits below the banyan tree. Now Bhagawan Krishna takes everybody around Him, including Balarama to that banyan tree where Arjuna was sitting! As the entire crowd worships the “fake Sanyasin”, this “fake Sanyasin” blesses them with good health and long life.

However, when Balarama saw this “Fake Sanyasin”, he was so impressed upon seeing his handsome and charming look. He thus tells to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Look at this Sanyasin! How handsome he’s looking! How much of “Thejas” his face is radiating with! He seems to be young, but how can one become such a pious person at such a young age? Isn’t he a very unique person? So, why shouldn’t we call him to our place once and give him some nice hospitality, so as to seek his blessings?” Upon hearing this, Bhagawan Krishna laughed out loud! It was as if He was expecting such an answer from Balarama! However, Bhagawan Krishna explained to Balarama thus, “Oh Balarama! Don’t talk like that. It is wrong to call a young boy to our home, even though he might be a sanyasin, especially when our sister Subadhra is there with us! If someone comes to know of it, it would be spoken about very badly amidst the society. We should never encourage a male coming to our home when Subadhra is there!”

It is a known fact that whatever Bhagawan Krishna says, Balarama would negate it. Bhagawan Krishna also knows this, and that’s why He’s playing the “game of opposites”. He thus, wants Arjuna to be called to their place, but if He directly says so to Balarama, he wouldn’t accept. Now He says that Arjuna shouldn’t be called to their place, and Balarama says the opposite! As Balarama was adamant in bringing Arjuna-Sanyasi home, Bhagawan Krishna didn’t talk much after that! The plan is working out extremely well! Accordingly, Balarama sets out to the same banyan tree and requests Arjuna-Sanyasi to visit their place once. As per Balarama’s invite, Arjuna-Sanyasi comes to their place. As Arjuna-Sanyasi arrives, Subadhra comes out of her dwelling place, does all the respects, etc. to the Sanyasin.

After two days, Bhagawan Krishna again plays the trick. He says to Balarama thus, “Oh Balarama! I think we should go on a “Teertha-Yatra” together and it’s been a while since we did that! So why don’t we set out for a few days and take Subadhra also along with us? Let us ask this Sanyasin to leave our place now. It’s been two days since he had arrived. Now it is time for him to go by his own ways!” Upon hearing thus, Balarama replies, “Oh Krishna! The idea of going for Teertha Yatra is fine, but why do we need to chase away a Sanyasin? Isn’t a great insult and a disrespect if we do so? Hence, let the Sanyasin be here only as much as he wants! Let Subadhra take care of all his needs till we come back!”

It was as if Bhagawan Krishna was waiting for such an answer for Balarama, and thus decides to set off. Both Bhagawan Krishna and Balarama set out for their “Teertha Yatra”, leaving the “fake sanyasin” and Subadhra all alone at their place! So for today, let us wait at this point and in the next episode we shall witness what’s going to conspire between the “fake Sanyasin” and Subadhra! Stay tuned! 🙂

 

 

 

For the past few episodes, we had witnessed how Sudhaama got an opportunity to meet his childhood friend, Bhagawan Krishna after so many years. Of course, Sudhaama was forced to meet Bhagawan Krishna on account of his extreme poverty situation. However, since Sudhaama was a spiritually advanced soul, he did not want to mention a single word about his poverty to Bhagawan Krishna. Eventually, he succeeded in his attempt, even as Bhagawan Krishna tempted him several times to pull words out of his mouth. Sudhaama kept totally mum and was more focussed on having Bhagawan Krishna’s divine darshan than anything else. So in today’s episode, as a concluding note to this important event, let us witness some key learnings that we can take from this whole incident.

First and foremost, we should understand through this event, the key difference between the “Atman” and the “Deham”. We’ve of course spoken about this several times in the past, but in this context, this discussion assumes lot of significance. As we know, the “Deham” is our physical body which is destroyable in nature, and the “Atman” is our soul, which is never destroyable, even though we keep taking innumerable births in this world. Sudhaama clearly knew that whatever difficult situations he was undergoing in his life was all for the “Deham” and not for his “Atman”. He knew that some day or the other, this “Deham” is going to be destroyed. Hence, poverty, hunger, etc. took a clear backseat for him. Although his wife wanted him to talk about the poverty situation to Bhagawan Krishna, he refused to do so till the end. Even when Sudhaama was returning back, he had not asked even a single word to Bhagawan Krishna about his poverty.  His “Atman” was very happy and well-nourished because he had just obtained Bhagawan Krishna’s divine darshan. Although his “Deham” wasn’t well-nourished, he didn’t care a damn for it. Ultimately for us to reach “Moksha”, the “Atman” should be purified and should feel happy and contented of obtaining the close proximity to Bhagawan.

Secondly, we should learn from the way in which Sudhaama respected Bhagawan Krishna, although they were friends and they knew each other since childhood. He had the courtesy to carry a handful of “Aval” for Bhagawan Krishna, knowing that He liked “Aval” so much! Sudhaama did this, although he was in extreme poverty. This shows the amount of respect he had for his friendship with Bhagawan Krishna. Also, Sudhaama internally knows the his friend is none other than Bhagawan Vishnu Himself and hence, as a token of his love and devotion for Him, he takes the handful of “Aval” for Him. This also shows us, how do we respect elders and senior people than us. Whenever we go to meet elderly people or diseased people, or even children, we should never go empty-handed. We should make sure that we carry atleast a small biscuit packet or a small bag of fruits or whatever with us while we go, if not anything else.

Thirdly, from the perspective of Bhagawan, we should understand how Bhagawan respects and appreciates our ardent devotion. We shall witness this in the way Bhagawan Krishna consumed the “Aval” with lot of relish, although it was from a poverty-stricken friend of His! Even though Bhagawan Krishna was leading a royal and a luxurious life at Dwaaraka city, He enjoyed Sudhaama’s “Aval” so much, not because of the physical taste of the “Aval”, but because, it was given to Him by one of His most ardent devotees. Hence, we should understand here that Bhagawan Krishna did not just consume the “Aval”, but also Sudhaama’s ardent devotion and poverty together! We’ve witnessed that Rukmini Devi had to stop Bhagawan Krishna from consuming the second handful of “Aval”, isn’t it? This is because, had He consumed it, Sudhaama would have directly gone to “Moksha” then and there! But if Sudhaama is gone, who would save his family back home? Thus, we can witness here that Bhagawan is ever ready to give whatever we require at the right time. Eventually, Sudhaama obtained “Moksha” at the appropriate time.

Finally, we might be having a question lingering in our mind – We’re saying that Sudhaama is an ardent devotee and if that’s the case, why was he under extreme poverty? Why was he suffering so much until he had met Bhagawan? Why was Bhagawan Krishna waiting for Sudhaama to come to HIm, and then alleviate him from the poverty condition? The answer here is very simple and straightforward – Ardent devotees of Bhagawan have to undergo His tests and tribulations, before He accepts us. Sudhaama wasn’t an exception too. If we consider any spiritually advanced soul, this would only be the case – Be it Kabirdas, or Tulsidas, or even Meera. In fact, even though Meerabhai led a luxurious life, she had to undergo innumerable tortures, before Bhagawan Krishna took her with Him. Hence, the point here is that, nothing in this world can be obtained just like that! This includes “Moksha” too. We’ve to put the right effort for it, to earn Bhagawan’s divine grace. It doesn’t come just like that.

However, I’m not saying here that Bhagawan is cruel. Of course, Bhagawan is an embodiment of “mercy” or “compassion” towards all of us. If He sees us taking the right effort and right part, He would take up the responsibility to bring us towards Him! We should be steadfast in our approach, and that is what is required. Moreover, all the trials and tribulations that we undergo in our lives is because of our own “Karma” as well. Whatever we’ve done, would automatically come back to us in some form or the other. If we’re suffering because of our own “Karma”, then what right do we have to blame it on Bhagawan?  However, having said that, if we follow the right procedure and the path towards Bhagawan, He would alleviate us from the ill-effects of our “Karma” and finally He would take us towards “Moksha”.

So for today, let us understand these important points from the Sudhaama-Bhagawan Krishna meet, and we shall wait for the next episode to witness the subsequent “Charitra” explained by Sage Sukhaachaarya to King Parikshit. Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sudhaama handing over the Aval that he had brought for Bhagawan Krishna. He had to hand over the Aval to Bhagawan with some hesitation, because, he did not know whether Bhagawan would receive it from him, given His plush lifestyle and the quality of food that He consumes every day. However, on the contrary, Bhagawan Krishna throws up another surprise to Sudhaama by gleefully accepting it and starting to consume it immediately! Bhagawan Krishna consumes the Aval with lot of relish. In the due course of yesterday’s episode we had witnessed an important message through this gesture of Bhagawan Krishna that He doesn’t really look at WHAT we’re offering. He’s more interested in HOW we’re offering it – With what level of “Bhakti” are we offering it to Him? Sudhaama was at the highest level of Bhakti while making the offering, and this is the reason why Bhagawan Krishna is relishing every bit of the Aval, even though it is old, dry, not well cooked, etc.

As time goes on, again Bhagawan Krishna and Sudhaama start talking, while He was consuming the Aval. Now, in the midst and excitement of the conversation, Bhagawan Krishna now goes on to put the second handful of Aval into his mouth, and this is where, Rukmini Devi stops Him from doing that! Why did Rukmini Devi stop Bhagawan Krishna from putting the second handful of Aval into His mouth? We’re going to witness the reason in a short while from now! However, for this context, as Rukmini Devi stops Him, Bhagawan Krishna gets the message and He stops as well. He now bids farewell to Sudhaama with teary eyes of joy and satisfaction. He hugs Sudhaama with Him and with a heavy heart, wishes him all the best and a happy life thereafter! He also says to Sudhaama thus, “Oh Sudhaama! If you have anything to ask me or tell me, please feel free to come back to Dwaaraka any time in the future!” This was again a “coveted” statement made by Bhagawan Krishna to Sudhaama, just to hint him that a huge surprise is awaiting him!

Upon hearing this from Bhagawan Krishna, Sudhaama sets out and bids farewell to Bhagawan Krishna. He starts walking back with a heavy heart of missing Bhagawan Krishna’s company. He recalls and recollects all the happy moments that he had with Bhagawan Krishna. He’s laughing within himself and at the same time, crying within himself too! He felt bad that he’s missing Bhagawan Krishna’s divine presence. At the same time, he was thinking as to what answer he would give to his wife upon reaching home! It should be remembered here that Sudhaama’s wife had requested him to ask for some help from Bhagawan Krishna at these compelling times of poverty. But, Sudhaama never even asked a single word to Bhagawan Krishna! More than making a resolve to himself, he had totally forgotten to ask anything to Bhagawan Krishna! He was so overwhelmed upon seeing Bhagawan and everything else in his life took a back seat. Such was Sudhaama’s unconditional love and devotion for Bhagawan Krishna!

But whatever said and done, is Bhagawan Krishna going to be so stone-hearted that He is going to leave Sudhaama back into the clutches of poverty again? Afterall Bhagawan knows what to give us and what not to give us, isn’t it? Should we ask Bhagawan for whatever we want? It is not required, isn’t it? If He knows it already, where is the compulsion that we should “ask and get” whatever we want from Bhagawan? If He’s going to open His graceful eyes towards us, He’s going to shower all sorts of luxuries that we might not even have asked for! He cannot be equaled or paralleled to anybody in this world in the gesture of “giving”! This is the same thing that happened to Sudhaama as well.

Thinking of so many things within himself, Sudhaama slowly makes his way to his place, but he was wonder-struck with what he saw in front of him! A beautiful palace standing mighty in front of him with plush interiors! A beautiful road that leads to the palace, with so many security guards! His wife decorated in a golden coloured saree, coming forward to welcome him with all possible respects! His sons, well dressed up, hale and healthy with adequate food! Upon seeing all of this, Sudhaama couldn’t believe himself! He was stunned to bits! What has happened in the midst of him going to meet Bhagawan and coming back? His wife comes running to him and says thus, “Oh my dear husband! See what all Bhagawan Krishna has given us! Hadn’t you asked him anything, would we be in this position today?” Sudhaama thinks within himself thus, “Oh wow! I have never asked anything from Bhagawan Krishna! But see what all has He gifted me and my family with! This is divine grace, isn’t it?”

It is to be remembered that as Bhagawan Krishna consumed the Aval, Rukmini Devi stopped Him from taking the second morsel. The reason behind this is that, with just the consumption of one morsel of the Aval, Sudhaama had become such a wealthy person with all luxuries! Had He consumed the second morsel of Aval, Sudhaama would have attained “Moksha” then and there! Since, it wasn’t yet time for Sudhaama to attain Moksha, Rukmini Devi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi stops Bhagawan Krishna from going too far! 🙂

Thus, from this divine episode, we understand that Bhagawan is giving whatever we require, not by we asking Him anything. He’s giving what is right for us at that instance of time. Hence, we should realize that whenever we visit any temple, we should always pray for His divine grace, and thank Him for all whatever He has given us till date! We should leave the future to Bhagawan to figure out, rather than breaking our heads with it! With this message, we come to the end of the all-important “Kuchela-Upaakhyaanam”. With this, Sudhaama spent the rest of his life, thinking about Bhagawan Krishna, and finally he attained the highest “Moksha”, with Bhagawan’s divine grace!

So for today, let us enjoy and experience this heart-touching “Charitra” of Sudhaama and let us take a firm resolve in improving our level of Bhakti towards Bhagawan Krishna! We shall wait till the next episode to witness the further events that Sage Sukhaachaarya is going to narrate! Stay tuned! 🙂