The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode we had witnessed the last point of this penultimate “Adhyaaya” of the Vidura Neeti wherein Vidura concludes by emphasizing that we should never laugh at anyone who is suffering the same way as we must have suffered in the past. If we’ve had a harrowing experience in any situation in life, we should be ready to educate and create an awareness amongst others, not to fall into the same trap. As a “Panditha” and also as an ardent follower of our “Sanaathana Dharma” this should always be our motto in life. This is why we always have this practice in our culture that we listen to the words of our elders. The term “elders” is inclusive of everyone who is more than us in terms of age and experience, in the likes of our parents, teachers, professors, elder brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc. If elders advise us on something, it would be out of their own experience in their past and we should never reject their advice.

In fact, this was the very purpose of Bhagawan’s incarnation as Lord Rama. As we’ve witnessed in the earlier part of our Ramayana project, Valmiki Maharishi himself explains very clearly in the “Baala Kaanda” that the very purpose of Bhagawan Rama’s incarnation in this world is to illustrate to mankind that it is our bound duty to listen to the words of our elders and act as per their words of advice. Bhagawan had to illustrate this to the world because he had then feared in the “Tretha Yuga” that this “Dharma” of listening to the words of elders was starting to diminish! If Bhagawan was getting scared this this “Dharma” was getting diminished then, in today’s “Kali Yuga”, what should we say? 😊 Nobody is going to listen to anybody’s words! This is where unfortunately we are today! Of course, readers should understand that there’s no point in blaming the “Yuga” in which we are. In fact, every “Yuga” is created by Bhagawan himself and we should understand that Bhagawan never creates anything by mistake! There is a significance that is underlying in each and every “Yuga” and it is upto us to understand it and reach Bhagawan. If we talk about our “Kali Yuga”, in fact, we should know that this “Yuga” gives us the easiest way to attain Bhagawan’s feet – It is nothing but “Naama-Sankeerthana”, which means, “repeated chanting and singing the name of Bhagawan”. This is perhaps the most easiest thing that we can do and in fact, we should feel lucky to have taken birth at this time, where this is perfectly possible.

Thus the point here is that, if elders provide us with words of advice, it is all out of their past experiences, which should serve as a great learning for all of us. Never in their dreams will our elders like parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, etc. would think something bad for us. Hence it is upto us to make up our mind to listen to their golden words of advice, assimilate them carefully and implement them in our daily lives carefully. This is exactly what Bhagawan Rama did too – He perfectly obeyed his father King Dasharata’s words right from day one till the day when King Dasharata passed away. When his father asked him to go along with Sage Vishwamitra, Bhagawan obeyed. When his father asked him to go to the forest for fourteen long years on exile, Bhagawan was more than ready to do that as well! Thus from every instance in the Ramayana, we can witness this “Dharma” being explained very clearly. If Bhagawan illustrated such exemplary behavior, were his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna exceptions too? No ways! These three brothers were in fact, a step higher than what Bhagawan Rama was! Lakshmana followed Bhagawan Rama to the forest for the entire tenure of fourteen years and offered himself selflessly to the service of Bhagawan! If such was the selflessness of Lakshmana, Bharata was ready to do whatever Bhagawan wanted him to do! And Shathrugna too, the same way! This is the reason why in our Hindu scriptures, Bharata and Shatrughna are referred to as “Bharataazhwaan” and “Shri Shatrhughnaazhwaan”! The title of “Azhwaan” signifies the highest level of devotion towards Bhagawan and it is like having a PhD degree, which is considered the highest level of education that one can receive!

Thus the point is very clear here – At any cost, we should listen to the words of advice of our elders and at the same time, we should also be ready to advice others if we see them facing some problems. This should always be a “two-way traffic” 😊 That is, we should be ready to listen as well as to advice! So for today, let us once more ponder over this important last point that Vidura is trying to emphasize here. We shall wait till tomorrow’s episode to begin the discussion of the last “Adhyaaya” of the Vidura Neeti. As mentioned yesterday, this “Adhyaaya” has the concluding remarks of Vidura to King Dhirdiraashtra, after all what he had said for all this while! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had witnessed a crucial point that Vidura emphasizes, wherein he firmly says that we should always stand up against “Adharma” wherever and in whatever way possible, if we see it happening in front of our two eyes. There is no point in keeping quiet if someone in our workplace is taking the system for a ride for his / her own personal benefits and agenda. In fact, if we look at the trail of events that unfold in quite a few modern-day corporates that have seen worst possible scams and illegal activities, we shall find exact relevance to what Vidura has mentioned. If we’re restraining from voicing out our concerns and pointing out the “Adharma” that takes place, there is no point in complaining about it or feeling bad at a later stage. Had people pointed out problems at an earlier stage, perhaps many problems could have been solved at the grassroot level and we wouldn’t have seen such scams of huge intensity being blown out! Of course, there are other internal dynamics that every organization would have, and this might have to be taken into consideration before coming to conclusions. But the point here is that, if we happen to witness any form of “Adharma” that is happening around us, irrespective of whether it is being pointed towards us or not, we should have the bravery and courage to stand up against it and report it to our higher-ups. This is our fundamental duty as an ardent follower of our “Sanaathana Dharma” and we should all collectively try to implement this wherever we are and however we are placed in life.

Now moving on further, Vidura emphasizes the last important point for this “Adhyaaya”. He asserts with confidence that we should always have the notion that others should never suffer like the way we suffer in life. If for example, we go through a tough phase in our life, we should always think that let none in this world face such a bad situation that we’re facing currently. Such noble thought is the most fundamental idea behind all of our “Sanaathana Dharma” put together! Vidura says thus:

“Na tath parasya sandhathyaathprathimoolam yathaathmanaha!

Sahrahenaishadharmaasyaath kaamaa dhanyah pravathathe!!”

Here Vidura explains that it is the most important characteristic of a wise person (Panditha) and we should never ever think bad for others. Even in the modern day we see loads of applications for this one particular point. In fact, when I was doing my PhD, I’ve seen few professors preaching at the beginning of the program that PhD is a tough course and going through the PhD journey is a big nightmare for many people. If we’ve to analyze this statement very carefully, we would come to know certain interesting but painful facts. Many a times if we see, the inordinate delay which a doctoral student would face during his journey is not because of his / her fault. It is either the system or the student’s guide/s who would be creating the trouble. It’s painful to witness the mindset of certain people (I’m not saying all are this way.. But just a few) thus: “Oh! During the days of my PhD, I had gone through a lot, and hence my student should also go through the same level of suffering and difficulty as I did!” Because of this mindset, even if the student performs exceedingly well, the people who are decision-makers would purposefully keep delaying the process by citing one reason or the other for not completing it. This is what irritates and pains the students who undertake the research journey. To be frank, PhD is such a wonderful journey wherein we are free to explore and do whatever we feel like. However, if the guide and others who are involved can co-operate well with the student, this journey would become one of the best for anyone in this world!

So the point that I’m trying to emphasize here is that, if we’ve encountered a problem in life, we should make sure that others would not fall into this same trap. Rather than sitting at one corner and enjoying at people’s sufferings, we should educate them and create an awareness amongst them that this is the problem and try to bring them out of it. We should never have this intention that “They should also suffer because I suffered!” This is a wrong attitude and if at all at the corner of our minds and hearts we have such a thought, we should immediately erase it out. If we see someone suffering, we should have the heart to run towards that person and help them out.

So for today, let us ponder over this important last point of this “Adhyaaya” of the Vidura Neeti. We’re still left out with only one more “Adhyaaya” and with this, we would be done with the entire project. In this upcoming last “Adhyaaya”, Vidura is going to give his concluding remarks for all the above explanations that he had given so far. We shall wait till tomorrow’s episode to commence the last “Adhyaaya” of the Vidura Neeti. Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had witnessed yet another important point highlighted by Vidura that any action that pertains to “Adharma” can never be nullified or compensated with “equivalent” spiritual practices or by performing any other deeds that pertaining to “Dharma”. Whatever “Adharma” we’re doing would stay forever and it can never cancel out with any other means. This is why Vidura is cautioning King Dhirdiraashtra and all of us that before we enter into anything, we need to think twice and analyse properly whether it is “Dharma” or not. After entering into it and after doing it, there is no point in regretting if it was an “Adharmic” action.

This is exactly what Vidura is trying to make King Dhirdiraashtra aware. He says thus, “Oh King Dhirdiraashtra! Whatever has happened so far till today cannot be changed. Whatever “Adharma” has happened can never be taken back by any means. All what can be done now is to change your course of action and start following the path of “Dharma”. Atleast from now, you can prevent “Adharma” from happening in Hastinapura. It is upto you to do it. Even now if you do not mend your ways and if you’re still going to fall into the trap of “Adharma”, nobody is capable enough to save you and your entire clan from it!”

How good is this point in the modern day? As explained yesterday, in the today’s scenario we think that we can do whatever bad deeds possible and still can get away from it. Of course we can get away from it from the courts and the judiciary in India and this can never be a problem. All of us now how “strong” the judicial system in India is and it is never going to be difficult to morph the truth and get away! But that is not the point here – Bhagawan’s judicial system is not the same as the weak and inefficient Indian judicial system. All our good and bad deeds are perfectly accounted by Bhagawan and nobody can escape from it even for a bit. As Newton’s third law of motion states, “For every action, there is always going to be an equal and an opposite reaction”. Hence, irrespective of whether the law of the land would deem an action punishable or not, we should check whether the law of Bhagawan would punish us for our actions that we do. If we come to know that our actions are punishable under Bhagawan’s law book, it is better that we totally avoid it. Thus the important point that we should learn from this discussion is that, there can never be an escape from the punishments for “Adharma” in this world from Bhagawan. We can never “compensate” our Adharmic actions by performing spiritual practices or any other similar kind of actions. Hence it is better that we analyze beforehand, prior to doing something or committing ourselves to performing some actions. As the proverb says, “Prevention is better than cure”, it is upto all of us to take the call and do accordingly.

Now moving on further, Vidura explains who is considered to be a “brave” and a “courageous” person. Vidura says that even in a lonely place where one is attacked by innumerable number of enemies with deadly weapons, if that person stands up and tries to defend himself courageously, this person is considered to be brave. This is an important point that Vidura drives home here. Outwardly if we look at it, we would not be able to connect what he’s exactly trying to say. This is like an idiom – By saying thus, Vidura conveys the deeper meaning that as a leader, if one has to be termed as “brave” and a “courageous” person, he should stand up firmly and should make all possible steps to overrule and destroy “Adharma”, if it lifts its head up.

This is the responsibility of every leader, irrespective of the “Yuga”, profession, etc. Even in our workplace, if something wrong is happening and if someone conspires something for his/her own personal benefit, by compromising the interests of the organization, we should have that courage and boldness to oppose it, rather than keeping quiet or going along with that “Adharmic” path. This is the problem not only with King Dhirdiraashtra, but with all of us. Of course, it is evident that King Dhirdiraashtra here is not bold enough, because he is unable to stand up against his son whose path is totally inclined towards “Adharma”. Whenever all the unwarranted incidents took place in the public courtroom (inclusive of the infamous gambling game, the unparliamentary events that followed, sending Paandavas on exile, etc.), nobody including King Dhirdiraashtra himself had the spine and courage to stand up and overrule Duryodhana and his uncle. Thus by driving home this point, Vidura slams King Dhirdiraashtra that had he had the spine to stand up and deliver on that day, such level of “Adharma” would have never happened and the kingdom wouldn’t have been in such a risk of what it is in today!

Thus, from this point it is evident that we should always stand up against “Adharma” wherever and however it takes place in our vicinity. There is no point in keeping quiet, if someone is going to ruin our organization for his/her personal benefit and it is important for us to voice out in whatever way possible during these critical situations. So for today, let us ponder over this important point and let us wait for tomorrow’s episode to take this forward with Vidura’s next point of discussion. Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had witnessed yet another important point that Vidura was emphasizing, wherein we had mentioned four different actions and their end-results that we achieve by performing them. Vidura spoke about learning the Vedas and becoming scholarly in them. By doing so, he says that we can perform as many spiritual practices as we can, with the rigor and austerity, which would in turn result in our spiritual upliftment. Secondly, he said that by reading the scriptures and other “Shaastras”, we should develop the habit of helping others who are in dire need. We should never deny them any sort of help that they require. Thirdly, Vidura explains that the main purpose of marrying a woman from a decent family background is to follow the path of “Dharma” and also to have children who are involved in “Dharma” as well. Finally, Vidura says that the main purpose for which Bhagawan has given us money is to render it to those who are poor and needy. We should channelize our money in such a way that both ourselves and others benefit from it.

Moving forward to the next point, Vidura says that there are few people in this world, who do all kinds of “Adharma” possible to others, but try to reduce the effects of their “Adharma” by offering spiritual practices. But will this work? Vidura clearly says that such things are not possible. Vidura explains thus:

“Adharmo paarjhithaihi arthaihi yahaa karothi adhvanuthadehitham!

Na sa tasya phalam thebhya bhunkthe arthasya thuraagamaath!!”

Here Vidura clearly emphasizes the point that the money or wealth, if earned via illegal and illegitimate ways can never be compensated by doing good activities with it. In other words, if we’re doing some good things or spiritual practices by using money or wealth that is earned via illegitimate ways, it would bare no fruit. This is of course directly applicable to our current day scenario. For instance, it is common to see today that few politicians who are opportunistic in nature, go on a “Yatra” to many temples, perform some special prayers there and do some other offerings, just during that election time. We’ve of late seen a so-called “great” leader of a political party of India which is run by dynasts, following this practice. He goes to temples, offers prayers and calls himself as a “Hindu”. Next minute, he goes to places of worship of some other religion and calls himself a member of that community. All these are just gimmicks to cheat people and we as ardent followers of “Sanaathana Dharma” should never get fooled by such people. Of course, all of us witnessed what kind of results the elections threw out to him, after all these “fake” worships that he had performed. This is what Vidura is saying here too – If we’re performing spiritual practices or whatever good activities with a bad attitude or with illegally acquired wealth, they would never ever bare any fruit and doing such things is only a mere waste of time and energy.

By saying so, Vidura warns King Dhirdiraashtra too – He reminds him in a different angle that his son Duryodhana is almost doing the same thing. He’s trying to woo Bhagawan Krishna and others to his side, by giving lot of money and wealth to them. Such things are never going to work.

In fact, it should be remembered that this was the same King Dhirdiraashtra who once asked Vidura how to bring Bhagawan Krishna to his side of the table. He asks Vidura if he can give Bhagawan Krishna a set of ten villages or few parcels of land from the Hastinapura Kingdom to woo Krishna and bring him to his side. Upon hearing this, Vidura doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry! He mocks at King Dhirdiraashtra’s folly and stupidity and asserts that Bhagawan Krishna is not such a person to be carried away by money and other forms of wealth. Bhagawan Krishna stands by “Dharma” and he would take sides only where “Dharma” prevails. Moreover, Vidura emphasized on that day that if King Dhirdiraashtra is able to give 5 out of that 10 villages he’s ready to give Bhagawan Krishna, to the Paandavas, this entire issue is going to be put to rest once and for all! This is the point which Vidura is trying to recollect and remind King Dhirdiraashtra upon!

Thus, the point from today’s episode is that, if we’re trying to compensate our illegal ways of living and acquiring wealth with some good and spiritual activites, it’s never going to work! Vidura is so stubborn and blunt while emphasizing this point, and from this, we should understand that Vidura is directly talking the reality and the truth! So for today, let us ponder over this important point and reflect upon our daily lives as to how to mend our ways, if we’ve to! We shall wait till the next episode to witness Vidura’s next important point! Stay tuned! 😊

 

 

In the previous episode we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion on Vidura’s point that Goddess Lakshmi would not come near certain categories of people. In due course, we discussed yesterday that this applies to people who are impeccable in their character and also to those who are devoid of any character at all and who are rogues. Of course, we could easily make sense that Goddess Lakshmi feels afraid to go near those who are rogues, because of their obsessive desire to do anything and everything for money.

By saying this, Vidura indirectly points out to King Dhirdiraashtra that his son Duryodhana somewhere falls under this category. This is mainly because of Duryodhana’s wicked character that he is ready to punish and torture the Paandavas in whatever illegal and inhuman way possible, so that he can retain the Hastinaapura kingdom somehow by hook or crook. If his father, King Dhirdiraashtra tries to question him on his crooked actions, Duryodhana is even ready to go one step further to act against his father too! Such is the craze he has over wealth and power and this is where Vidura’s point finds complete relevance. In fact, it is only because of the fear of backlash from Duryodhana, King Dhirdiraashtra is somehow keeping quiet and tolerating all what is happening! Of course, King Dhirdiraashtra also has that inner desire that only his son Duryodhana should be his successor, but still, inspite of all the crooked activities that Duryodhana does, King Dhirdiraashtra is still putting up with all of that. Thus, by saying so, Vidura tries to drive home the point again and again that King Dhirdiraashtra should get up from his fear and slumber and act. He should somehow question Duryodhana’s atrocities despite the fear of backlash that looms large on him.

Now moving on further, Vidura explains the next important point. He now explains four different actions and their corresponding results that we achieve by performing them. Vidura explains thus:

“Agnihotra phalaa vedaaha Sheela vriddham phalam shrutham!

Rathiputhra phalaa naari taktha bhuktha phalam dhanam!!”

First, to start with, Vidura says “Agnihotra phalaa vedaaha” – The action of learning the “Vedas” and becoming scholarly in us, should lead us to using it in performing as many spiritual offerings as possible. The effect of learning the “Vedas” and obtaining a mastry over it should reach Bhagawan and make him happy. This is very important for all of us to ponder upon. Nowadays, many of us have started to commercialize spiritual offerings, art forms such as music, dance, etc. Somewhere down the line, we’ve forgotten that these activities are performed to please Bhagawan and attain “Moksha”. Rather, we’ve started to use these activities to make truckloads of money! Of course, we’ve discussed this point in detail in one of our previous episodes and we should take a conscious resolution to opt against doing such noble and spiritual activities for the sake of attaining worldly pleasure. If it is done thus, we should realize that the results of these spiritual activities would be totally diluted and it is a sheer waste of performing them!

Next, Vidura explains thus: “Sheela vriddham phalam shrutham” – Here Vidura explains that the ultimate purpose of educating ourselves in our “Shaastras” or scriptural texts is to help those people who are in dire need. If we’re just reading the scriptural texts and aren’t ready to follow what has been mentioned in them, it is a sheer waste of time and energy in doing so. Hence we should realize that we should take a leaf out of the scriptural texts and implement whatever is being said in them. In fact, this is the very purpose of commencing and meticulously pursuing this blog. It is thus not enough for all of us to read this and go away without thinking and implementing what we’ve read. It is each and everyone’s responsibility to think over and try to practice whatever Vidura or Bhagawan Rama or Bhagawan Krishna or anybody for that matter says.

Subsequently Vidura explains – “Rathiputhra phalaa naari” – Here Vidura explains that the main purpose of marrying a decent woman from a good family is to lead a life according to the principles of our “Sanaathana Dharma” and to obtain children with all the charactersitics of “Dharma” preached to them. In fact, during our Ramayana project, we’ve witnessed how Valmiki Maharishi laid enormous emphasis on the very purpose behind the “Sita-Rama wedding” – He categorically stressed that the essential purpose of getting married is to follow the path of “Dharma” together in unison. This is exactly the same thing that Vidura is stressing here too. Hence it is for us to realize this fact and act accordingly.

Finally, Vidura says – “Taktha bhuktha phalam dhanam” – The very purpose behind why Bhagawan has gifted us with wealth and momey is to share them with others who are needy of it. In fact, we should all consider ourselves to be gifted by Bhagawan – By giving us this much amount of wealth, however big or small it might be, Bhagawan has given us the opportunity to serve as many people in this world as we can. Hence we should take this in the positive way and try to offer service to mankind with a selfless attitude. As the old adage goes by, “Service to mankind is service to Bhagawan”, we should take these words seriously and do the needful.

Thus by explaining all these four points, Vidura explains the results of whatever good actions we perform. So for today let us think and ponder over these points. We shall wait till the next episode to witness Vidura’s next important point! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had witnessed the extension of the discussion on why Goddess Lakshmi never comes near certain categories of people, especially those who are “Saadhaks” and ardent followers of “Dharma”. For such people, Vidura clarifies that there is no need for Goddess Lakshmi to come near them because they never invite her in the first place! The moment Goddess Lakshmi comes to them in the form of wealth and money, all problems would start.

Hence the lesson that we should learn from this point is that, rather than running behind money, richness, name and fame, we should develop the attitude that money should come to us. This is of prime importance in today’s life as we are sadly witnessing just the opposite of what Vidura is trying to explain. Everything today is measured only in terms of money. If this trend continues further, we would start losing the “human-touch” in whatever we do. This should not happen and we as ardent followers of our “Sanaathana Dharma”, should make sure that we do not run behind wealth and money, but allow money to come to us. Of course, I’m not saying that we should shut the door for Goddess Lakshmi to come to us, given our personal and professional commitments that we have every passing day. However, the point I’m trying to stress here is that, we shouldn’t crave behind money and by that, we should never forget the basic human values that our parents and grandparents have imparted to us.

Moving on further thus, Vidura explains the next set of categories of people near whom Goddess Lakshmi never goes. In fact, Vidura gives a long list of people and has allocated two slokas for explaining this. So let us witness the second sloka pertaining to this context. Vidura says thus:

“Na chaadi gunavatsveshaa naathyantham nirguneshucha!”

Here Vidura explains that Goddess Lakshmi never goes near those people who are excellent and robust in their character, and to those people who are devoid of any good character in them! These are two extreme poles of people – The one who is impeccable in character and the other who is a fine zero! It can be inferred here that Goddess Lakshmi never needs to go near the person who is impeccable in character because he never allows her to come near! He clearly can distinguish which is the problem-giver in life and he can avoid it straightaway! On the other hand, a person who scores very bad in character faces a risk of complete desertion of Goddess Lakshmi because she becomes scared to come near this person. The important question that Goddess Lakshmi would ask here is that, what will this person do if she blesses him with wealth? Won’t he misuse it and create harm to others with it? It is because of this fear that Goddess Lakshmi will never come close to a person who is a “zero” in terms of character.

Thus, from all these discussions and points, we can witness that Goddess Lakshmi never stays at one point constantly at all times. She keeps wandering and roaming here and there just like how a mad cow or an elephant would keep running amock! Of course I’m not trying to demean Goddess Lakshmi here by any means and the reader shouldn’t misunderstand the context here. All I’m trying to emphasize here is that, Goddess Lakshmi keeps wandering from place to place and from person to person and never stays constantly at one place. This is the reason why our elders keep advising us not to run excessively and obsessively behind money. What we call it as “Ours” today, is going to be someone else’s tomorrow! This might be harsh for us to digest in reality, but unfortunately this is the fact of the world. We can see innumerable examples wherein people might have been super rich yesterday, but due to some sudden disastrous happening, they would become beggars overnight! I had heard from few people who were affected by the deadly earthquake that hit the Indian state of Gujarat way back in 2001 – Few of them were leading a luxurious life with all sorts of amenities and facilities until the previous night and once the earthquake struck their place, all their luxuries were just reduced to rubbles and they had to wait in the queue with a plate, struggling to get even one meal a day! It was so pathetic to listen to their accords, but sadly it can be seen how true it can be!

Thus the lesson from today’s episode is also the extension of the previous episode’s – That is, we should somehow control the urge to obsessively run behind money by forgetting everything, including Bhagawan. We should learn to pause for a while, take a step backwards and develop that sense of satisfaction within us that we have enough money to survive. Only if this mindset is developed, we would stop running behind money like crazy.

So for today, let us ponder over this once more and let us make a conscious decision to do the needful! We shall wait till tomorrow’s episode to witness Vidura’s next important point! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode we had concluded an important discussion on the different categories of people near whom Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) never comes! We witnessed that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near those people who are “Saadhaks” or staunch practitioners of “Dharma”. Secondly, those people who do not maintain a clear account of whatever income and expenses they incur, invite the risk of Goddess Lakshmi running away from them. Thirdly, Goddess Lakshmi avoids those who focus excessively on physical strength and trying to bully others with that. Fourth on the radar are those people who perform spiritual practices all throughout their lives continuously. Finally, Vidura explains that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near people who think too high and proud about themselves in whatever they do.

Saying thus, Vidura emphasizes the point that Goddess Lakshmi Devi never comes near these above mentioned five categories of people. We might wonder at this point as to why is Vidura mentioning this point. For instance, why should Vidura mention that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near “Saadhaks” or people who perform regular spiritual practices? Of course, we can understand if Vidura says that Goddess Lakshmi doesn’t come near those people who are jealous, those who fail to maintain their accounts properly, etc. Of course, these people can be considered to be insulting Goddess Lakshmi in some way or the other owing to their irresponsible behavior. But why doesn’t Goddess Lakshmi come near those who try to maintain their sanctity with their spiritual practices and devotion towards Bhagawan? Here is an interesting answer – A person who is extremely knowledgeable or who is trying to search for the ultimate truth in life would always pray to Bhagawan that Goddess Lakshmi should never come near him or her! The problem is, if Goddess Lakshmi comes near him, his mind would start dwelling into monetary matters, which is ultimately one type of a worldly pleasure.

In fact, Bhagawan Krishna himself says at one point thus: “If I want to bless and protect someone in a special way owing to their intense devotion towards me, the first thing I would do is to take away all his wealth and all his possessions from him! I never let him roam around in this world with all his richness! Only if his richness is removed from him, will he truly start thinking about me! Till that point, his mind will only be wandering around worldly pleasures, including wealth and richness!”

Thus it is clear from the words of Bhagawan that He blesses and protects people only when Goddess Lakshmi is removed from that vicinity! This is exactly why Vidura is mentioning the point that Goddess Lakshmi never goes near a person who is a complete “Saadhak” (Extreme follower of the principles of “Dharma”) and those people who completely focus their entire life on performing spiritual practices. It is not that these people are bad. The point here is that, only if these people are devoid of wealth, name, fame and richness, will they be able to progress in their spiritual journey further without any hassles.

Hence the lesson that we should learn from this episode is that, rather than running behind money, richness, name and fame, we should develop the attitude that money should come to us. This is of prime importance in today’s life as we are sadly witnessing just the opposite of what Vidura is trying to explain. Everything today is measured only in terms of money. If this trend continues further, we would start losing the “human-touch” in whatever we do. This should not happen and we as ardent followers of our “Sanaathana Dharma”, should make sure that we do not run behind wealth and money, but allow money to come to us. Of course, I’m not saying that we should shut the door for Goddess Lakshmi to come to us, given our personal and professional commitments that we have every passing day. However the point I’m trying to stress here is that, we shouldn’t crave behind money and by that, we should never forget the basic human values that our parents and grandparents have imparted to us.

So for today, let us ponder over this important point and we shall wait till the next episode to witness Vidura’s next point of discussion. Stay tuned! 😊

 

In the previous episode we had commenced yet another important and an interesting discussion on Vidura’s point that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near few categories of people. Yesterday we had witnessed three such categories of people and today we shall continue this forward to witness the remaining categories as well. For the convenience of our readers, let us witness the sloka once again. Vidura explains thus:

Athya athi aaryam athi daathaaram athi shooram athivratham!

Pragnyaabhimaanam chaiva shreerbhayaan noba sarpathi!!”

In this, we’ve witnessed the first three categories of “Athya-aaryam”, “Athi daathaaram” and “Athi shooram”. Now let us continue to witness the fourth category of people near whom Goddess Lakshmi hesitates to come. Vidura explains, “Athi-vratham” – If a person is excessively involved in spiritual practices like performing “Homam”, “Japa”, etc. Goddess Lakshmi hesitates to come nearby. It is a fact that we keep emphasizing even today that we should never “commercialize” spiritual practices. Those people who are taking up the profession of offering spiritual practices should note this point keenly here – As a “Pandit” who is an expert in performing various spiritual practices, it is not advisable to “demand” money from people who call us for performing them. Of course I’m not saying that a Pandit shouldn’t receive money for what they do. The “Pandit” should have the mindset of “accepting” whatever “Dakshina” (Money in this case) that people offer to him, rather than him demanding people to pay a certain sum of money. Nowadays it is a common sight wherein those people who practice this profession, having “Packages” of various spiritual practices for different sums of money. For instance, if we’ve to perform a marriage ceremony or a “Shraadham” (Spiritual offering for our parents who had left this world), etc., pandits come up with different “Packages” according to the amount of “Mantras” they chant and the time they invest. This is what I’m saying, should be avoided as much as possible. If we’ve to start commercializing everything like this, there is never going to be any spiritual benefit that we’re going to get out of this.

If this is on one side, the people who perform the offerings with the help of the “Pandit”, should be generous enough to offer more money to them, as they should realize that this is the Pandit’s only source of income to run their lives. Given the increased inflation levels and expenses in the current day, we should be generous enough to understand all this and thus, should never hesitate to pay Pandits for their service. At any point in time, we should never think that Pandits are exploiting us and taking more money from us. We should have that generosity to understand that even Pandits lead a normal human life like us and they too require sufficient money to make a decent living. Thus as normal people, we should make it a point that we be generous in our payment to Pandits who come to make spiritual offerings on behalf of us. The more we give to our Pandits, the more peaceful and prosperous the world will become. The biggest danger today is that, owing to lack of income in this profession, many Brahmins are hesitating to take it up and instead, go into the normal education stream as we do. If this trend continues for the next few years, we are inviting a huge shortage of qualified Pandits who can take this noble spiritual profession forward to the next generation. Hence we should understand this risk and should do the needful accordingly.

Moving to the next category, Vidura explains, Pragnyaabhimaanam” – Here Vidura explains that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near those people who think too much of themselves in whatever he/she does. If we have that self-pride within us, wealth will never sustain and we’ve witnessed innumerable explanations and examples in the past with regards to this point.

Thus to all these categories of people, Goddess Lakshmi never comes near. There is an interesting detailed explanation for this entire sloka put together. We shall wait till the next episode to witness this interesting discussion as to why is Vidura specially picking out these categories of people to drive this point home. Stay tuned! 😊

 

In the previous episode we had witnessed an extended discussion on why we should keep ourselves motivated all the time. We stressed upon the point that we should never give up at any point in time, just because we’ve encountered a failure or a setback in whatever we do. We should motivate ourselves and try to bounce back from the failure that we’ve encountered and this is what is more important. As mentioned yesterday, failure can occur to anyone at any point in time and it is normal. The important point here is how do we react to the failure – Whether are we going to sit in a corner and keep sobbing about it or are we going to take it as a challenge and bounce back strongly than never. Here is where Hanuman stands as an epitome. The way he encountered setbacks and the way he motivated his way forward to win over the setbacks is a great lesson for all of us to learn and ponder upon. Hence it is important that we lend a thought on this point and try to implement it in our daily personal, professional and spiritual lives.

Now moving forward, Vidura explains the next important point here – He says that Goddess Lakshmi never even comes closer to these following categories of people. As we might be knowing here, Goddess Lakshmi is the one who is worshipped as the Goddess of Wealth. Now who are those people to which Goddess Lakshmi never goes nearby? Vidura explains thus:

“Athya athi aaryam athi daathaaram athi shooram athivratham!

Pragnyaabhimaanam chaiva shreerbhayaan noba sarpathi!!”

Here Vidura lists the important categories of people to whom Goddess Lakshmi never comes near! The first category as Vidura explains is “Athya-aaryam” – Vidura drops the bombshell first-up here! He says that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near those people who are extremely pious in nature, who is an embodiment of all good characteristics required for a peaceful “Saathvic” life and who is a “Saadhak” (An extreme spiritual aspirant). Here we should be very careful in understanding the context in which Vidura is explaining this point. It doesn’t mean that if we have a good character and a noble heart, we wouldn’t be able to earn any money! It means that, if we are “Saathvic” in nature, we would be able to sustain with whatever amount of money we have in hand. In other words, we wouldn’t crave for more and more money if we have the “Saathvic” character in us. This is how we should understand this point. Thus it is not that, good people would completely be devoid of any money. It is only that, good people wouldn’t crave for more and more money and wealth.

Next, Vidura explains “Ati dhaataaram” – Here Vidura explains that Goddess Lakshmi never goes near those people who do not have the habit of maintaining a clear account of both income and expenditure. Thus Vidura clearly explains the point that when we earn money, it is not important as to how much money we are earning. The more important question is how we maintain our accounts properly and understand the sources of income and expenditure clearly. Many of us are struggling today with our monetary matters just because we’re unable to balance our income and expenditure. This is where problems start and all of a sudden we realize that we’re running short of money to meet our family expenses. We start taking debts and loans subsequently and with time these debts keep multiplying if we’re not tight on our monetary aspect. This is where many families start fighting with each other and ultimately complicate problems. Hence the message here is that, such things should be avoided and for that, we need to have a tight control over our expenses and should try to balance our income for whatever spending we do. I’m of course not saying that we should be stingy. Readers shouldn’t mistake my words here. All I’m saying is that we should learn to manage our expenses as per the flow of income. Just because we should replicate someone else’s posh lifestyle, we shouldn’t create an unwanted mess for ourselves.

Next up, Vidura explains “Ati sooram” – If a person is excessively physically strong, Vidura says that Goddess Lakshmi never comes near. This means that if a person involves himself only in exhibiting his physical supremacy over others in whatever he tries to do, Goddess Lakshmi becomes scared and ultimately runs away from that place. We’re witnessing many such cases in today’s scenario and this doesn’t need much explanation. All of us have seen the state of affairs of those who try to “turn the world to their favor” using their physical strength and supremacy and how they suffer towards the end!

Hence for today, let us ponder over these three important points. We shall wait till tomorrow’s episode to continue this interesting discussion forward and witness more on this! Stay tuned! 😊

 

In the previous episode we had witnessed the significance of “motivation” (“Anirvedha”) and how motivation is the key for success in life. In due course of the discussion, we had seen one of the prime epitomes of this important characteristic from the Ramayana, who is none other than Hanuman himself. We witnessed various instances wherein Hanuman had exercised this “Anirvedha” to succeed in pursuit of Mother Sita. We witnessed that at one point, Hanuman became extremely upset with himself for not able to find the whereabouts of Mother Sita and he goes and sits in one corner of Ravana’s mighty palace. With all his negative thoughts in mind at one stage, Hanuman even thinks whether he should kill himself because he did not want Bhagawan Rama to listen to him saying that he couldn’t find Mother Sita! Out of immense love and respect for Rama and his king Sugreeva, Hanuman decides to end his life or to never go back to Kishkinta again unless and until he finds out Mother Sita. Finally, when his eyes fell upon the famed “Ashoka Vana”, Hanuman realizes that he hadn’t searched this place so far! So immediately he jumps up with courage and confidence and gets ready to go inside the “Ashoka Vana” to search for Mother Sita. In the pursuit, he backs himself up by mustering every bit of confidence and thus prays to Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita.

It might be very interesting for readers to note a point here – Till this point, Hanuman was thinking within himself that he is searching for Mother Sita all along, he has crossed the ocean seamlessly, he has defeated whatever hurdles that he had faced in his pursuit, etc. But now Hanuman changes his prayer a little bit here. He prays to Mother Sita thus, “Till this point, I had thought that I had searched you everywhere possible. But now I pray to you Mother – Please show and reveal yourself to me! Only when you reveal yourself to me, will I be able to see you and receive your grace, not till when I have this selfish motive that I searched for you!” Interestingly the moment Hanuman prayed thus, he was immediately able to see Mother Sita sitting under the same tree on which Hanuman was sitting on. Thus here is another lesson for all of us to learn – Along with motivation, we should also have the complete surrender towards Bhagawan in whatever task we do. This combination is extremely important for success.

This is exactly what Vidura is explaining here too – If we have the right attitude, coupled with motivation and surrender towards Bhagawan in whatever we do in life, success is guaranteed. Here Vidura advises King Dhirdiraashtra that he should have that motivation to stand up and question Duryodhana on whatever he is doing, because at that point in time, it was King Dhirdiraashtra’s duty as a father and as a king to set things right in the Hastinapura Kingdom. When a succession war is looming large, it is the king who should step in at the right time to doze off the situation and broker peace between the two warring camps. Rather, King Dhirdiraashtra is taking sides towards his crooked son, which is what Vidura is trying to educate him on. As King Dhirdiraashtra is sulking to question Duryodhana, Vidura is trying to motivate and energize him to stand up and do his duty. Since it is now or never, this was the apt time for King Dhirdiraashtra to stand up and intervene, before things go out of hand completely. When the war starts, there is nothing that can be done to hold things back and it might be too late! Hence Vidura is trying his best to motivate him to act immediately.

How applicable is this for our modern day? During the course of our professional and personal life, we come across innumerable problems and challenges that might push us to the brink of hopelessness. It is at this time we should remember Hanuman and his ways of motivating himself. It is normal for all of us to have problems in life. But the challenge lies in how we bounce back from our problems. It is important that we take problems as challenges and face them with courage and motivation. It is only then that the world would look at us and hail us.

We should always remember that those people who have succeeded in their respective domains, have struggled and toiled extremely hard in due course. For instance, we talk about the electric bulb and the great scientist Thomas Edison who invented it for the first time. We would have read something about Edison, but one remarkable thing about him is that, he never gave up! He failed in his attempts more than 20 times while creating the electric bulb emitting light, but he never stopped at it, just because he encountered multiple failures in his path. Every time he failed, he motivated himself saying that he would surely succeed next time! This is how we move on with whatever happens in life. We should make a sincere attempt to learn from our failures and take these learnings into the next attempt to ensure that we do not make the same mistake to fail. Most importantly, we should never ever get dejected by repeated failures. Rather, we should be able to make up our mind to stand up again after every failure with even more confidence and motivation.

So for today let us ponder over this important point focused by Vidura and Hanuman. We should realize that motivation is one of the keys to success and we should never let ourselves walk down the wrong path in life. We shall wait till the next episode to witness Vidura’s next important point! Stay tuned! 😊