Krishna

Aug

2020

Krishna Janmashtami

Bhagawan says that one among the three beliefs that Bharathiyaas hold fast is the concept of Avatars. The other two being the law of Karma and the doctrine of rebirth. Humanity recognises only the momentary results of the advent of Avatar but as Bhagawan says, the only and very purpose of Avatar is to teach mankind the truth about Love. One such Avatar who displayed the principle of Love in every act of His is Lord Krishna.

Fortunate are we to be the contemporaries of the Poorna Avatar Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. We are blessed to listen about other Avatars directly from Bhagawan Baba, which is like an auto-biography. In this posting, Bhagawan speaks about the birth of Krishna and the message of Krishna Avatar.

This posting is a collection of excerpts from the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan in the years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003.

In the 1st audio clip, Bhagawan explains the reason and the essential factors why God incarnates. He goes on to explain in clip 1B, the beauty of Krishna Thatwa/Krishna principle. He then goes on to explain in clip 2A, the master plan of the Lord regarding taking up an Avatar as Krishna. In clip 2B, Bhagawan reveals the birthday of Krishna according to the English calendar. In clip 2C, He talks of the misunderstanding that prevails among people about timing of Krishna’s birth. He then goes on to explain in clip 2D, the true birthplace and the true birthday of Krishna. Bhagawan elaborates in clip 3A, the events immediately after Krishna’s birth. In clip 3B, Bhagawan talks about the naming ceremony of little Krishna. He explains in clip 4, different meanings and inner significance of the name ‘Krishna’. He talks of the supreme message of Krishna’s life in clip 5. In clips 6A, 6B, and 6C Bhagawan explains the three vows that Krishna took. Finally, in the 7th clip, Bhagawan explains the purpose of Avatars, and lessons that devotees must take home.

1A. Why Avatars Come-1995 May 21

Whenever cruelty, falsehood and unrighteousness reach intolerable proportions, God incarnates on Earth to destroy the wrongdoers. God Himself steps into the world. Why should God Himself come down? Could He not send His powers or deputies to complete this task? If there is a small case (disturbance), a police constable will come to the scene first. If it intensifies further it will be handled by a S.P (Superintendent of Police). If the case is even more demanding, the D.I.G (Deputy Inspector General of Police) will take it up. Beyond a limit, the I.G.P (Inspector General of Police) himself will look into the case. Therefore, based on the duties and task at hand, a suitable action needs to be undertaken. Today’s world is boiling with lots of agitation. Similarly, Kamsa’s reign was full of agitation. There was a sense of insecurity among all the citizens of the kingdom. They weren’t sure which Yadava would be ordered to be executed and beheaded. Nobody’s life was secure. They lived a life filled with fear and anxiety.

Under those circumstances, God decided to incarnate and destroy such wicked people. The advent of every Avatar has two reasons: one, the prayers of the devotees; and two, the atrocities of the wicked people. The unity of these two factors too is very essential.

1B. Krishna Thatwa-1996 Sept 4

The Krishna Avatar was intended to teach a perennial message to the world. He sought nothing for Himself. He kept nothing for Himself. He gave away everything to the people. He slayed His maternal uncle Kamsa and installed Ugrasena, Kamsa’s father, on the throne. He did not covet the Kingdom. He befriended the Pandavas, defeated the Kauravas and crowned Dharmaja as the emperor. He did not make Himself the king. He was a king without a crown. He was the king of kings. He had no kingdom of His own. Infact, every human heart is His kingdom. This is the profound truth proclaimed by the Krishna Thatwa (Krishna principle).

2A. Lord’s Master Plan-1995 May 21

Divinity summoned Maya Shakthi. Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. All the events were unfolding as per His master plan. Vasudeva had two wives. They were housed at Nanda’s place to be guarded against the atrocities of Kamsa. The Lord summoned Yoga Maya Shakti and instructed, “Devaki Devi had conceived her seventh child. Don’t keep this child in her womb any further. This child is an incarnation of Adishesha Himself. Now, transfer this child to the womb of Rohini”. Hence, Balarama (the child born to Rohini) is also called by the name Sankarshanudu. Sankarshana means “transferring from one place to another”. Thus, Maya Shakti transferred the seventh child from Devaki Devi’s womb to Rohini’s womb and assisted in the Divine master plan to annihilate the demons. The Lord further instructed Maya Shakti to enter into the womb of Yashoda (wife of Nanda). “I will Myself enter Devaki Devi’s womb as her eighth child.”

2B. Krishna’s Birthday as per English Calender-2001 Aug 11

When was Krishna actually born? He was born 3228 years before Christ era in the month of Suguna on the 20th of July at 3 a.m. This is 2001 A.D. Before Christ it was 3228 years ago. As of today, He will be 5229 years old. He was born on the auspicious day of Sravana-Bahula-Ashtami. He was born in the Rohini Nakshatra (star). Since Krishna was born on the Ashtami day in the Rohini star, the world witnessed numerous miraculous events.

2C. Significance of Birth Timing-1990 Aug 14

Krishna was born in the Krishnapaksha. What is Krishnapaksha? Krishnapaksha means darkness (the dark fortnight of the month). At night there will be no moonlight. It is full of darkness. In peacelessness (Ashanti) there is radiance (Prakaanti). In that radiance there is Supreme Light (Paramjyothi). This Supreme Light is verily the Divine (Paramatma). Light has its value in darkness alone, but not in brightness. Similarly, when the entire world was filled with restlessness (Ashanti), which is unrighteous, Krishna took birth as the Embodiment of supreme peace.

He was born on Ashtami day. People associate Ashtami with troubles and losses. But when do troubles and losses arise in the world? Only when Righteousness (Dharma) is forgotten. Thus, to remove the troubles and losses of mankind; to dispel the darkness; to drive away ignorance; and to teach mankind Divine knowledge, Lord Krishna incarnated through Sravanam.

(Note – Lord Krishna was born in the month of Sravana. Bhagawan also brings out the significance of the word Sravanam (devout listening). In the discourse, Bhagawan goes on to talk about teaching the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna through the path of Sravanam.)

2D. True Birthday and Birthplace of Krishna-2003 Aug 19

Only when every man’s heart becomes cool, pure, peaceful, that is the true birthday of Krishna. There is no need to worry about the Thithis of Ashtami or Navami. Every man’s Hridaya (heart) is the birthplace of Krishna. The Hridaya must be peaceful, pure like the Himachala (the Himalayan mountains). It must be pure and cool. God manifests and installs Himself only in those hearts.

3A. Birth Story of Krishna-1995 May 21

God Himself incarnated as the child. The Divine effulgence of the child illuminated the surroundings. Devaki and Vasudeva bowed to the child. What is the reason? They were aware that God would be born as their child. The Lord had appeared to them in a dream the previous night and, “I will take birth from your womb at dawn”. Indeed the Divine child incarnated. “But, what is the use ? How do we protect this child?”, thought the parents. They were worried about His safety. This was the impact of Maya, delusion! They knew He was Divine. How can they protect the Divine?

The Lord had already instructed Vasudeva to take the Divine child out soon after birth. Vasudeva placed the baby in a small basket and was wondering how he would go out. In a trice, the chains that tied his hands came loose. The doors flung open. It was three o’clock in the thick of the night. The gatekeepers were fast asleep. No one else was around. Vasudeva quietly walked out of the dungeon. As he proceeded, there was a tremendous downpour of rain. This was a sign of the intense joy; and purity of the occasion. Even the clouds were ecstatic at the Divine Advent. Placing the basket on his head, Vasudeva walked towards Gokulam. But, river Yamuna flowed across his path. When God Himself was going, who could obstruct Him? Adisesha covered the basket carrying the Divine child. The river parted and made way as they proceeded. At that very moment, Yashoda gave birth to Maya Shakti. Everyone was fast asleep at Gokulam also. Vasudeva switched the babies and returned. It was all done according to the Divine Command. But nobody believes this today. This was a Divine Plan.

In keeping with God’s command, Vasudeva placed the Lord next to Yashoda and returned to Mathura with the girl child. God’s ways are so mysterious! Only after Vasudeva returned and placed the baby girl next to Devaki Devi, did the guards wake up. The prison doors were found open and the guards were gripped with fear. The baby girl cried out loudly.

3B. Garga Names the Baby as Krishna-2001 Aug 11

Sage Garga went to the house of Yashoda and Nanda for the naming ceremony of the babies. He exclaimed, “What I am seeing here today is strange. I have never heard of this in my life!” Incarnations generally occur in three colours of Shukla (white), Aruna (orange) and Pita (yellow). But here was a baby who was black. Hence, Garga considered the name Krishna (black) as most appropriate.

4. Meaning of the Name Krishna-1990 Aug 14

4A. Krishyathi Iti Krishnah

We must understand properly the meaning of the term Krishna. The word has three meanings.

One is “Krishyathi iti Krishnah” (The one who cultivates is Krishna). What is it that has to be cultivated? The Hridayakshetra (field of the heart). Krishna cultivates the field of our hearts. He removes the weeds of bad thoughts, softens the heart by watering it with love, ploughs it through sadhana, and sows the seeds of Lord’s name. Thus, Krishna is one who cultivates our hearts.

4B. Karshathi Iti Krishnah

The second meaning of the word is: “Karshathi iti Krishnah.” (The one who attracts is Krishna). Karsha refers to attraction. Krishna attracts you by His eyes, His speech, His sports, His flute. Everything related to Krishna is attractive. By His words, He softens and calms the hearts of even those filled with anger and makes them rejoice.

Krishna displayed these qualities even as a small child. Once He had entered the house of a gopika at night, climbed a pillar to get to the curds that were kept in a pot suspended from the ceiling. The gopika came with a lot of anger, caught Him in the act and held and blocked the pillar, saying that she would now expose Him before His mother Yashoda. She asked Him what He was doing at the top of the pillar. Krishna, in the most innocent manner, answered that He was searching for the calf that was missing from His house. The gopika could not contain her laughter at the answer. She laughed loudly and let go of the pillar to cover her mouth. This gave Him the chance to slide down the pillar and make a good escape. This way, every aspect of Krishna is full of attraction. He is attraction itself.

4C. Kushyathi Iti Krishnah

A third meaning of the word Krishna is “Kushyathi iti Krishnah” (one who is always joyful). Kush means joy. Krishna was always in a state of joy.

5. Prema Thatwa – Message of Life of Krishna-1989 Aug 24

The supreme message of the life of Krishna is Prema Thatwa (Love Principle) alone. Devoid of love, one cannot understand Krishna Thatwa. This Prema Thatwa will confer everything to the world. Krishna is the embodiment of Love. This love can be understood only through love. Divine love is strong, precious, splendorous and unbreakable like a diamond. If you want to secure such Divine love, your love (for God) must be equally strong. You can cut a diamond only with another diamond. If there is any defect in your love, it should be removed only through love. Love begets love. It is impossible to attain love through hatred. Hatred only breeds even more hatred. Jealousy begets jealousy. Anger breeds further anger. Through love alone can love be developed. Therefore, if you want to foster love, you have to get rid of hatred, jealousy and anger. Is there a need to use a torchlight, or a lantern, or a petromax light to see the naturally illuminating moon? No. There is no need for any of these accessories. The Moon can be seen by its own light. Similarly, to attain Krishna, the very embodiment of love, love is the only way.

6. The Three Vows that Krishna Took

6A. Paritranaya Sadhunam-28 April 1999

Paritranaaya Sadhunaam

Vinaashaayacha Dushkrutaam

Dharma-Samsthaapanaarthaaya

Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge

What is the meaning of Sambhavam? One who expresses and manifests Himself according to His Will, unrestricted by rules, wherever and whenever necessary, is called as Sambhavaha.

The Bhagavad Gita says – Whenever righteousness declines, O Arjuna, and unrighteousness rises, I incarnate. To protect the pious and destroy the wicked, to establish dharma, I incarnate in every age.

The word Sambhavaami means: He incarnates whenever necessary, wherever necessary, not bound by any rules. Thus, man recognised the various qualities of God and attributed names describing each aspect.

6B. Yogakshemam Vahaamyham-1998 April 19

Ananyaschinthayantho Maam

Ye Janah Paryupaasathe

Theshaam Nithyaabhiyukthaanaam

Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham

Whoever it may be (Ye Janaah Pari Upaasate), if he thinks of Me (worships Me) all the time (Ananyaas Chintayanto Maam), I will take care of his/her day to day welfare (Teshaam Nityaabhi Yuktaanaam, Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham).

It must be Ananya Bhakti. If the devotion is limited to just oneself and one’s family, it becomes ordinary devotion. If one prays with the feeling that one should be fine and the society should also be fine, then it is somewhat better – medium level.

The one who understands the principle that all are one, all beings are one, he is the one with true infinite devotion (Ananya Bhakti). Ananya Bhakti does not mean Sarvada Sarvakaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam – that is praying to the Lord non-stop all the time. Ananya means not perceiving any differences; it means considering and seeing everybody as one. There is Divinity in everyone, everybody is essentially Divine.

6C. Sarva Dharmaan Parithyajya-1991 July 26

Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya

Maam Ekam Saranam Vraja

Aham Tvaam Sarva-Paapebhyo

Mokshayishyaami Maa Shucha

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna called upon Arjuna to renounce all Dharmas and seek refuge in Him alone – “Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya Maam Ekam Saranam Vraja.” What is meant by Dharma? In the present context, Dharma refers to the specific quality of each object. Heat, for instance, is the Dharma of fire in a burning charcoal. Without heat, it is mere charcoal. Sweetness is the Dharma (natural quality) of sugar. Without sweetness, it ceases to be sugar. It becomes sand. Likewise, there is a Dharma (natural tendency) for man. What is it? Desire for things. It is natural for man to multiply his desires. “Sarva Dharmaan Parithyajya” means giving up all desires. This is also called Vairagya (detachment).

Note: Following passage is extracted from a discourse given by Bhagawan on 6-9-1977

“Mokshayishyaami Maa Shucha” (I shall save all those who surrender whole-heartedly to Me, and I shall liberate them from the cycle of birth and death). Thus Krishna assured man that He would save him from penury and grief and from sin and its terrible consequences, provided he adheres to Him and adores Him.

7. Lesson for Devotees-1997 Aug 25

There are many things in this world. There is intelligence and education, but can one become an expert instantly? There is a need for a teacher. Likewise, God descends in human form to guide mankind on the path of God realisation. We need to know this truth. Why do Avatars come? Avatar does not come without a purpose. Avatars come to uplift the creation (Prakriti).

Having been born as a human, man must not forget the importance of human birth. Human birth is rare and it must be utilised for the right purpose. God instructs the right path to redeem human birth. Festivals like Raama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami are designed to remind people about the purpose of human life. Observe how the cows behave. When they notice a green pasture, they hurriedly eat as much as they can. Once they return to their resting place, they leisurely chew the cud and digest it. Similarly, absorb the sacred teachings as much as you can during your stay here. Recollect and ruminate over them when you go back home. You are listening to what is being told here. Do not forget them. Once you return home, ruminate over what has been told here and put it into practice. Practise is important. Mere hearing is not enough. Every human is Divine, whatever is done that is God’s work. Always contemplate on God and sanctify the time

Quiz

1. What are the two essential factors for the incarnation of God?

2. What does Krishna Thatwa (Krishna principle) proclaim?

3. When is Krishna’s birthday as per English calendar and Indian calendar?

4. Generally, people associate Ashtami with troubles and losses. But what is the actual reason given by Bhagawan, for the troubles and losses in life?

5. Krishna was born in the Krishnapaksha, the dark fortnight of the month. In this context, what does Krishna’s advent signify?

6. Which is the true birthplace of Krishna and When does the true birth of Krishna happen?

7. What are the three colours in which the incarnations generally occur? Was Krishna’s colour one among them? What was the colour of Krishna?

8. The name Krishna signifies three different aspects of the Lord. What are they?

9. What is the supreme message of Krishna’s life? What is the only way to attain Krishna?

10. Recollect the three vows that Krishna took.

11. What lessons must devotees take home, regarding the teachings, from the behaviour of cows?

Jul

2013

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-2

PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE
This section of the blog presents a message of Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept or a term or a practice. So watch out every Sunday for a special message from Bhagawan Baba that could serve as your driving force throughout the week. Wish you a happy week!!

The audio clip of the message has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message. Below the English translation is the audio player.

Ganesha Chaturthi Special

09 September 2013

What is the inner significance of Siddhi and Buddhi – the consorts of Vinaayaka?

What is the inner significance of Siddhi and Buddhi – the consorts of Vinaayaka-2.24-1994 September 09

Vinaayaka is the one with the power and capability of supreme intelligence. Humans derive happiness and joy because of the combination of Buddhi (intelligence) and Siddhi(fulfilment or achievement). Therefore, in the worldly stories (Puranas), Siddhi and Buddhi are referred to as the consorts of Vinaayaka. Since, He is the master (adhipati) of intellect and wisdom, He is referred to as their husband (pati). Thus being the master of Siddhi and Buddhi, Vinaayaka is called the leader or the adhipati of these. Humans derive happiness and bliss because of the combination of Buddhi (intelligence) and Siddhi (fulfilment or achievement). That is why; happiness and bliss are also referred to as the children of Vinaayaka.

Such metaphors and analogies give some satisfaction to the people in the worldly and physical sense. (Truly speaking) how can Vinaayaka, who has no desires or any mental feelings, have any wives or children? Pati does not necessarily mean husband; it means adhipati (master). He is called the husband of intellect and wisdom as He is the master of these two.

09 September 1994

What is the inner significance of Siddhi and Buddhi – the consorts of Vinaayaka-2.55-2001 August 22

Vinaayaka is the one with a pure heart. Siddhi (fulfilment or achievement) and Buddhi (intellect) are His two eyes. The two eyes of Siddhiand Buddhi are regarded as His two consorts. Thus Vinaayaka is the Nayakaor the leader of Siddhi and Buddhi. To have Siddhi (fulfilment), one must have Buddhi (intellect). To have Buddhi(intellect), we must develop the feeling of gratitude in us. For the one without any gratitude, the intellect will be destroyed. Once the intellect is destroyed, how can you have any fulfilment or achievement? Sarva Siddhi Sampradaaya Namah – Vinaayaka is the one who bestows on you all the achievements (success). We need to make an effort to recognize this principle of Lord Vinaayaka.

22 August 2001

What is the inner significance of the elephant head of Ganesha?

What is the inner significance of the elephant head of Ganesha-2.43-1994 September 09

Vinaayaka has supreme intelligence. In the morning when I came to the Hostel, Sai Gita (the elephant) came towards Me trumpeting with delight! She does not trumpet at any other car. My car came and behind My car, there were another 80 cars. The moment My car came and she heard the sound of My car, she came trumpeting loudly to the road. See, how clever she is. She has so much wisdom and intelligence. That is why any individual who is very intelligent is generally referred to as the one having the intelligence of an elephant (gaja telivi – elephant intelligence). The elephant has such supreme intelligence. Therefore, the reason behind placing an elephant head for Vighneshwara, is to declare to the people through this symbol, that He is the one of great intelligence. Otherwise, why else would they create Him with human hands and legs and with the head alone as an elephant head? They gave maximum importance to His intelligence (medha shakti – power of intelligence).

Apart from the above, it is necessary that we must first listen to anything that is said. In Vedanta, the three most important aspects are Sravanam (listening), Mananam(contemplating) and Nidhidhyaasanam(assimilating). Only when you hear first and contemplate subsequently, you can put something into practice. Without listening and without contemplating, how can you put anything into practice? Therefore, Sravanam – the ears of the elephant are very large, which means that it hears properly to everything. Whether criticism (dushanam) or praise (bhushanam), it listens to both. But what does it do with praise (bhushanam)? It nicely takes it inside. And what does it do with criticism (dushanam)? It hits it again and again (with its large ears) and throws it out. Thus it accepts good things into it and throws away bad things outside. This is the inner significance of the elephant head.

09 September 1994

What is the inner significance of the elephant head of Ganesha-2.55-2001 August 22

Vighneshwara is created with the head of an elephant and the vehicle of a mouse to declare to the world the ideal and the truth that Divinity is not limited to the human form only. Divinity exists even in insects and in all beings. The elephant is supremely intelligent. It is full of loyalty. It will never forget its master, even if it loses its life. Without forgetting the master, so long as it is alive, with the principle of Divinity in it, it nurtures a sense of gratitude. The elephant stands for the quality of gratitude. Gratitude is a very sacred quality. Kshama (forbearance) is truth, kshama is dharma, kshama is vedam, kshama is non-violence, kshama is indeed everything. The elephant is the very embodiment of kshama (forbearance). The elephant would be ready to even give up its life, but it will never tolerate any pain to its master.

The elephant shows the ideal path to humanity. In a forest that has no paths or roads, once an elephant walks through, a pathway is automatically created for the people. Therefore, in this forest of life, for the people who cannot see the pathway, the elephant (Ganesha) preaches and shows the path. The one donning the head with such intelligence is Vinaayaka. Therefore Vinaayaka means the one with intelligence, who shows the ideal path to mankind.

22 August 2001

What is the inner significance of the Mushika (mouse) being the Vaahana (chariot) of Lord Ganesha?

What is the inner significance of the Mushika(mouse) being the Vaahana (chariot) of Lord Ganesha-2.02-1995 August 29

What is this elephant head and a mouse vehicle for Ganesha? The mouse is called a Mushika. The Mushika is a symbol for the night. Night stands for darkness. Therefore, the mouse symbolizes darkness (darkness of ignorance). Since, Ganesha has trampled the darkness beneath Him (kept it under check), He is referred to as the one having a mouse as a vehicle. Vinaayaka is the master who dispels the darkness and bestows light on the world.

Mushika is also a symbol of Vaasanaas(tendencies). The mouse keeps travelling to places based on vaasana (smell). Therefore, Vinaayaka is the one who has total control over desires, tendencies and ignorance.

The mouse is the chariot of Vinaayaka. What is the meaning of a chariot? Chariot is the one which is below the rider. The one boarded on it is the master. Therefore, Vinaayaka is the master who has control over the tendencies, desires and ignorance.

29 August 1995

What is the meaning of the title Vinaayaka?

What is the meaning of the title Vinaayaka-1.38-1994 September 09

He is also known as Vinaayaka. Vinato Naayaka Iti Vinaayaka – The one without any master (leader) is Vinaayaka. Vinaayaka has no leader. He is all independent (absolutely free). Everybody (in this world) has some leader (master), everybody has some authority above them, but Vinaayaka has no master. The one with the mind alone has a master. But, where is the (need for a) master for the one without a mind? Thus, Vinaayaka is the principle that transcends the state of amanaska(mindlessness). Without understanding this true principle of Vinaayaka, we merely regard Him as the physical and visible form having the trunk of an elephant, with four hands and with ears like fans. Vinaayaka is the master for the entire world, the universe, and all the beings.

09 September 1994

What is the meaning of the name Ganaadipati and Ganapati?

What is the meaning of the name Ganaadipati & Ganapati-2.22-1995 August 29

Vedas describe Ganesha as Ganaadipa. Who are these Ganas?

(Gana indicates the republic, the assembly. Alternatively, Gana may also be taken as the attendants or the warriors of Lord Shiva. For further details:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gana

Are these angelic Ganas or demonic Ganas? They refer to the angelic Ganas. Where do these Ganas exist? Are they roaming around in the outer world or are they part of the inner world of the human body? Being the master of all the Ganas (angels), He is called Ganaadipa.

Gana actually means the five senses. The principle of the five Karmendriyaas (instruments of action – conative) and the five Jnaanendriyaas(instruments of perception – cognitive) take the form of the Ganas. The master of all these ten senses is the mind. Mind being the master of the ten senses (Indriyas) is given the tile of Indra. Further, the Buddhi (intellect) is the master of the mind. Therefore, Ganesha is called Gana (senses)-dhi (intellect)-pati (master).

Next, what is the meaning of the word Ganapati? “Ga”means Buddhi (intellect). “Na” means Vijnaana (wisdom). As He is the master (Pati) of the intellect (Ga) and wisdom (Na), He is called Ganapati. Buddhi (intellect) is the master of the mind. Mind is the master of the senses. And as He is the head of all the Ganas (senses), He is called Ganapati.

29 August 1995

What is the message that the family of Lord Shiva conveys?

What is the important message that the family of Lord Shiva conveys to us-1993 September 19

This is a family of four members: Iswara, Parvati, Vighneshwara and Subramanyam. They symbolize Paramatma (Divinity), Prakruti (Nature), Buddhi (Intellect) and Siddhi(Fulfillment) respectively. These four stay together in unity. If we enquire about this from a worldly point of view, the chariot of Iswara is the bull and the chariot of Pravati is the lion. The bull and the lion are great enemies. (Swami sings the Telugu song – Tandava Kelisalpene Parameswarudu Sri Sambasivudu…). Lord Shiva has the Ganga on His head and fire (in the form of the third eye) in His face (forehead). Fire and water are opposites. However, they remain there without assuming or manifesting any opposition. Given all this, the family dances the Tandava dance.

Swami continues singing the Telugu song…. Tandava Kelisalpene…

The Iswara principle brings about equality (unity) among all the opposites. The head of Vighneswara is an elephant’s head. His mother’s chariot is the lion. The elephant cannot survive if the lion appears even in its dream. Though being opposites, they live so intimately. The chariot of Subramanyam is a peacock. The ornaments of Iswara are serpents. These two are totally against each other. But all of them live together in unity. All this is a symbol to set an ideal to the world. Divinity thus demonstrates an ideal life to the entire world. Vighneswara has a serpent as a waist band. The chariot of Subramanyam is a peacock. Watching a peacock, the serpent just runs away. However such opposite or contradictory relationships experience unity in Iswara’s family. The family of Iswara demonstrates the symbol of unity to the world.

19 September 1993

09 September to 15 September 2013

Why does Swami often address us as Bangaaroo (Gold)?

Why does Swami often address us as Bangaaroo(Gold)-2.03-2000 July 16

Bangaaroo

I often call you as Bangaaroo, Bangaaroo (gold, gold). What do we mean by Bangaaroo(gold)? You are the one with Hiranyagarbha(golden womb – cosmic principle). Hiranyagarbhaaya Namah (obeisance to the Hiranyagarbha– cosmic principle). Your entire heart is full of the principle of Hiranya (gold). The gold may be converted into any ornament. If not an ornament, it can be at least kept as a coin. Therefore, the one that gets transformed into certain forms is gold, the one without any form is also gold. Thus, with a form you are gold and even in the formless state you are gold.

Enquire a little into the nature of gold. (For example), if a customer takes a small amount of gold, he is asked to pay Rs.500. However, if some copper is mixed with the gold, the value comes down to Rs.300. Further, if some brass is mixed into it, the price further comes down to Rs.200. What is the reason for the price to come down? Mixing (adulteration) is the cause for the price to come down. Why should you mix this copper and brass with pure gold? Because of mixing with these, the value of gold goes down.

(Similarly) when we are born, we are pure and highly valuable. However, as we grow, the copper of desires get mixed into us. The brass of ego also gets mixed into us. Consequently, our value goes down. What is the reason for our value to go down? The reason is the mixing of valueless materials with that which has high value. Therefore, we should not allow cheap materials (desires and ego) to get into us.

16 July 2000

Teachers Day Special

O5 September 2013

Who is a true teacher (Acharya)?

Who is a true teacher-Acharya-3.29-2001 November 21

The Universal Teacher

The teacher is an Acharya. What is the meaning of an Acharya? Acharya is not merely a teacher. Acharya is the one who practices and then teaches. Therefore, the name Acharya is given because the teacher is supposed to practice and then teach. First follow and then teach the children. Children may have some bad habits. The teachers must first of all control these bad habits themselves and then train the children accordingly. If the teacher himself sits in the college and keeps smoking, the children too would come smoking to the school, the next day. The teacher may shout at the student, “Aye, why are you smoking?” The student would reply, “Sir, you too are smoking”. What reply can the teacher give to this question? No reply. He can only apply, but no reply.

Therefore, if you want to teach the student, then you must not practice this bad habit in front of the student. If you practice any bad thing, the students too will start following you. Whatever you think is good and you want to teach to the students, you must practice first. Do good and teach good. This is the correct way of teaching and the right characteristic of education. With this, the goodness in the students will manifest itself. Such a student will come to the teacher and will confess on his own, “Sir, I have committed so many mistakes unknowingly. I have done this, I have done that….” Saying so, from that day onwards the student will turn into a good person.

I know this very well as I punish the student in many ways. I shout at them, I advise them, I love them, I give them everything; but at times, I am very stern. At such times, the children come on their own to Me and say, “Swami, I have committed a mistake. Please forgive me. I have not been able to follow what You have said. Now I am able to recognize the truth in what You said. Henceforth, I will not commit such mistakes.” Swami melts at this and responds, “Son, be good hereafter. Ensure that you do not change again. Whatever I do is for your own good.” Teachers also should teach their students like this.

21 November 2001

O2 September to 08 September 2013

What is the real purpose of human birth?

What is the real purpose of human birth-1.12-1999 November 18

Serve the world. We are born in this world for undertaking service and not for wielding authority. What is this authority? We are born mainly to serve others. God made us take birth (in this world) only for the purpose of service. Therefore, understand the truth that we are born for service. Service does mean government service or this or that service (i.e. your jobs). You can do your respective services (jobs). But the real service is service to humanity, service to the world. Help the poor. Serve the sick people. Give strength and empower the weak people. Life is not meant for earning money to fill our stomachs alone. Recognize the truth that there are crores of people out there who also have a stomach that needs to be filled. They go through so many difficulties. We must take the initiative to help and serve such people. Then alone will our lives be truly fulfilled.

18 November 1999

28 August 2013 – Krishnaashtami Special

What is the significance of the Gopikas churning the curd to get butter?

What is the inner significance of the Gopikas churning the curd to get butter-3.25-1994 August 28

Yashoda said, “Krishna, you do not eat what I am offering to you. You go to the houses of the cowherds and collect fistfuls of butter from their pots and eat it. The matter has come to the knowledge of all on the streets. What is this madness? Is there no butter in our house? Why should you not eat when I offer to you? Why does the butter from other houses appear so tasty for you? Because you steal that butter, the whole village is full of noisy complaints. Your full mouth has the smell of butter. The entire village is protesting with so many complaints. You are such a small child. Why are making so much mischief in this Gokulam? You should not do this.”

Krishna replied, “Mother, I am not taking the butter. I am taking away their hearts. The heart is pure. Mother, do you know how their hearts are? Nirgunam (attributeless), Niranjanam (blemishless), Sanaatanam (eternal), Niketanam (ever immersed in oneself), Nitya (permanent), Shuddha (ever pure), Buddha(ever illumined), Mukta (totally free), Niramala (immaculate) Swaroopinam (embodying all these). Such butter (heart) is not available in our home.

You ask me as to why I find the butter of their houses so tasty. In the early hours of the morning, the Gopikas insert the churning rod into the curd inside the pot. They wind the rope around the rod, and as they churn the curd taking the name of Krishna, their bangles (hit against each other and) give the right taalam (music beat) to the chanting of the name of Krishna. The swirling of the rope around the churning rod is like the shruthi (musical note). With this shruthi (musical note) and taala (beat), they churn the curd. After the churning, the one which floats on the top is the butter.

Therefore, mother, the hearts of the Gopikas are like the pots. They immerse the churning rod of the buddhi (intellect) into their heart; tie the rope of love around it; and churn with the chanting of the name of the Lord; The nectar that emerges from their heart is the very essence of all the Vedas and that is the real butter. This butter is the nectar that emerges from the churning of all the shastras(scriptures). Does this happen in our house? Do you chant the name of Krishna? You get the curd churned by somebody else in the morning. The butter of the Gopikas is so very tasty.”

28 August 1994

What is the inner significance of Krishna stealing the Butter?

What is the inner significance of Krishna stealing the Butter-6.00-2002 May 29

Krishna is the stealer of hearts!!

Not all can recognize the reality of Krishna. We think, “Oh! He is the son of Yashoda, who indulges in silly acts like taking butter from one house and dropping it in another’s house.” Why should Krishna indulge in this type of “cheating”? We consider this as “cheating”. No, it is not cheating at all. There is a lot of significance in this. What exactly is butter? When milk (after curdling and transformed into curd) is churned and the essence is extracted from it, it assumes the form of butter. Similarly, to bring forth or manifest God (as unity), who resides in all forms of life (as diversity), such churning has to be carried out. There is Divinity in such unity.

Wherever Krishna went, people thought that He had committed theft. “Theft” is a very bad word (bad accusation). If he were to be a thief, why would he leave traces of butter smeared all over his face? No, no, no. Yashoda herself had this doubt, and asked, “O Krishna! Your entire mouth smells of butter, the whole village is agog, and there are complaints galore. You are so small. Can you be the cause of such trouble? What is this mischief? Is there no butter in our house? Will I not give you if you ask? Why should you take butter going to all their houses?”

Krishna replied, “Mother! It is not that we do not have butter in our house. Butter represents the (spiritual) heart. The butter inside the hearts of those people is very sacred. The butter (hearts) in our home acts as it wishes. The butter outside is very pure and not just that; it has sacred aroma.”

Mother Yashoda pleaded, “Son, please do not go out anywhere. How much ever butter you want, it is available at home and I will give you.”

Krishna replied, “That would not be necessary. I find the butter from all these houses very special! And I am not stealing. I am taking it away right in their very presence.”

That is why devotees sing “Bada Chitta Chora, Brindaavana Sanchaara”. They call Krishna as Chitta Chora (the thief of hearts). When called so, Krishna used to feel very happy. Actually if you call someone a thief he would get into a fight with you and question you, “What, am I a thief?” But with Krishna it is not like that. He has to be called out loudly, full throated – Bada Chitta Chora, Brindaavana Sanchaara. You are a thief. People sing like this with appropriate beat and feel so happy. When we refer to God as thief, it means He is Chitta Chora (stealer of hearts). He shines forth in the hearts of all. The Chitta or awareness within the heart is symbolic of the butter. Krishna is the one who steals such hearts.

29 May 2002

What is the meaning of the word Krishna?

What is the meaning of the word Krishna-5.09-1990 August 14

We must understand properly the meaning of the term Krishna. The word has three meanings. One is “Krishyathi Iti Krishnah”(The one who cultivates is Krishna). Krishimeans cultivation. What is it that has to be cultivated? Krishna cultivates the Hridayakshetra (field of the heart). He removes the unwanted weeds of bad qualities, waters it with the water of love and softens it, ploughs it with the use of sadhanaand sows the seeds of devotion to God. This is how Krishna cultivates the field of our hearts. This is “Krishyathi Iti Krishnah”.

The second meaning of the word is “Karshathi Iti Krishnah” (The one who attracts is Krishna). Karshameans the one who attracts. Krishna attracts you with His eyes, His speech, His actions and His flute. He attracts you with every aspect of His. By His (soothing) words, He cools down the hearts filled with anger and makes them cheerful. Once when Krishna was a small child, He went to the house of a Gopika, climbed up a pillar and took the curd that was kept in a pot suspended from the ceiling. The Gopika approached him with all anger. She caught hold of the pillar and said, “Let me see how you will get down now. I will take you to your mother Yashoda right now. She always claims that her son never commits any mistakes. Now I will expose you to her red handed”.

Looking at the Gopika coming with all anger, mother Yashoda (went with her and) questioned Krishna, “Krishna, what are you doing?” Krishna replied (most innocently), “The calf in our house is missing. I was seeing whether it has come here by any chance. The Gopika could not contain her laughter at this answer. Can a calf ever be found in a pot tied within a basket? Thinking so, she laughed loudly and covered her face with her hands. The moment she let go, Krishna jumped down and ran away. Thus in every act of His, there is attraction – “Karshathi Iti Krishnah”.

A third meaning of the word Krishna is “Kushyathi Iti Krishnah” (one who is always blissful). Kush means happiness, the one who is always blissful and joyful. Krishna is always in a state of overwhelming bliss. It was because He embodied the principle with these sacred qualities, that sage Garga named Him Krishna. The ordinary meaning of the word Krishna is “one who is dark”. We generally think only of this meaning and forget the deeper and inner meanings of the Lord’s name. The funny part was that He preached the Truth to the world, manifested and declared the eternal reality, but yet with humour in life; He gave joy to the people all around.

14 August 1990

26 August to 01 September 2013

What is Samskrithi–Refinement-Transformation?

What is Samskrithi –Refinement-Transformation-4.16-1990 May 20

Samskrithi is the culturing process

Samskrithi means the one that is refined or transformed. The word samskrithi, originates from the root samskritham. It refers to the process of refinement of every object that is in its natural form, before it is made fit for human use. A small example; we eat rice every day. But consider how many transformations are undergone by paddy before it reaches this state and becomes fit for consumption. Threshing the paddy grains from the sheaves, winnowing and separating grains from chaff, pounding or milling to remove the husk from the grain, cleaning the rice by removing extraneous matter like small stones and weed seeds, etc., soaking the raw rice in water, and finally cooking over fire to get cooked rice that we can eat. Such samskrithi (refinement) makes it possible for us to consume the rice. Samskaaram(transformation) also enhances the value of things. For instance, the value of paddy is, say, one hundred rupees per bag. But, when it is dehusked and cleaned in the milling process and made fir for consumption, the value of one bag of rice becomes six hundred rupees. What is the reason for one sack of paddy costing a mere Rs.100, to assume the value of Rs.600 when it is converted into a sack of rice? The value comes from the process of transformation.

We wear a watch on our wrist. If a wrist watch made of stainless steel is crushed and thrown into fire, the resulting mass of stainless steel will not be worth even a quarter of a rupee (2 annas). But what is the reason for you to pay Rs.1000 and buy the watch? It is the process of refinement. It has been made into a form that we can experience meaningfully. Bolts, nuts, screws, pins, alarms, all have been assembled in the right way in the course of the transformation process. This is what causes the value to rise.

Since ancient times, Bharatiyas subjected all objects to the process of transformation and enjoyed them. Here is a cloth. But what all processes of transformation it has to undergo to become a cloth. Cotton harvested from the cotton plant has to be dried, the unwanted calyx removed, and then put in a ginning machine to separate the seeds from the lint; the lint has to be spun into yarn in a spinning machine, and the yarn has to be woven into cloth in a weaving mill. We are not enjoying cotton as cotton itself. We subject it to a number of refinement processes and then don the same as cloth.

Likewise, it is futile for man to remain in the same state in which he was born. He should manifest his inherent divinity that is beyond humanity. We must make an attempt to undergo such individual transformation.

20 May 1990

19 August to 25 August 2013

What is true unity?

What is true unity-3.19-1985 August 15

True unity is unity with God

First of all, you must develop purity. When purity develops in you, unity will come to you naturally. When there is unity, Divinity will manifest itself. So long as there is no purity, we will never get unity. Unity with whom? Is mixing with and connecting to our friends, unity? No. no. Primarily, unity must be with God. Once you achieve this (Divine) unity, you will, in a very natural way, get worldly unity.

Worldly unity is only about “Hello, hello, hello, hello”. Is this unity? When there is money in the pocket, when your father’s position is very good, when everything is fine, all will come to you saying “hello, hello”. When the money is gone and the position is gone, there will not be anyone in the world to even say goodbye to you. So long as there is water in the tank, there will be thousands of frogs over there. Once the water dries up, there will not even be one frog over there. Therefore, unity related to the world is all based on money, money and money. Money makes many things, money makes many wrongs. With respect to God, it is “Mann” (mind) and with respect to the world it is money. We must seek unity through the mind. Mind to mind, heart to heart, love to love; not body to body. If we truly wish to achieve unity, we cannot do so by any path other than the Divine path. All things (in this world) undergo change but Divinity never changes. Only when we follow the Atma that never changes, the world can be safe and secure.

15 August 1985

15 August 2013 Special

What is true freedom-1.19-1985 August 15

What is the meaning of Swatantram (freedom)? Tantram means Atma (Self). Swaa-Tantram means following the Atman, coming under the control of the Atman (Self). Paraadheenam Dukham Atmaadheenam Sukham – One who is under the control of others will be full of sorrow, while one who is under the control of the Atman will be full of happiness. Therefore, it is called Swaatantram, i.e. follow your heart (not physical heart but spiritual heart symbolic of one’s inner/higher Self). Your heart is your Guru; your heart is your God; your heart is your Master. Therefore, it is said – Follow the Master, Finish the Devil, Fight to the End, Finish the Game. Those who follow their heart will gain victory. Thus, follow God.

15 August 1985

12 August to 18 August 2013

Why do we face difficulties in life, though we think of God?

Why do we face difficulties in life though we think of God-4.00-1998 April 26

Anusmarana – Think of Me constantly

At one point of time Arjuna made a prayer (to Lord Krishna), “Krishna, I am thinking of you continuously, then why should I face these problems (in life)? Why do I need to fight this war? Why do I need to face all these family related anxieties? Why are you bestowing all these difficulties on me?”

Krishna smiled and said, “It is true that you have made Me sit on your chariot. You have made Me sit on the external chariot, but why do you not make Me sit on the inner chariot of your heart? That which is external is Yantra (machine), while that which is internal is Mantra (sacred formula). I am the Mantraswaroopa (personification of Mantra) and not Yantraswaroopa (the personification of Yantra). You feel that you are thinking of Me constantly. Maam Anusmarana Cha – you are doing Smarana but not Anusmarana. Smarana or contemplation is bound by a particular time, discipline and place. But Anusmarana is Sarvada Sarva Kaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam – contemplation of God always, at all times and everywhere. You will be able to recognize My Divinity only when you practice and experience Anusmarana. Then, these worldly problems will not affect you anymore. Maam Anusmarana Cha. Think of Me even during the war. When you contemplate on Me thus, you will not face any problems in life.”

(Arjuna further asked Krishna) “Swami, I am an ordinary family man. When I am facing all these challenges with my wife and children, with all this property and assets and with the responsibility of ruling a kingdom; how can I think of you constantly?”

“(Arjuna) these are your duties and you need not give them up. Take care of your wife and children, your property and assets and discharge your duties. These are duties bestowed on you by God. You must necessarily discharge the responsibilities given to you by God. However, even as you do all this, consider it as the prasaadam (gift) of God. If you thus think of Me properly in this manner, you will recognize the Divinity and none of these problems will affect you.”

26 April 1998

05 August to 11 August 2013

What must be the two banks for the river of human life?

The two banks of the river of life-2.15-1990 May 26

Two banks for the river of human life

The Bhagavad Gita has laid down two banks to channelize the flow of its message. In the absence of these banks, the river of life will be subject to many problems, difficulties, and hazards. On one side is an eight lettered mantra and on the other side too there is an eight lettered mantra. The inner meaning is that when the river of life flows in between these two banks of mantras, it will be blessed with peace and happiness and will ultimately reach the sea of Divine Grace.

On one side is the eight lettered mantra – Shra-ddha-vaan-La-bha-the-Jnaa-nam(Shraddhavaan Labhathe Jnaanam: the man of faith acquires supreme wisdom).

On the other side is the eight lettered mantra – Sam-shay-Aat-ma-Vi-nash-ya-te(Samshayaatma Vinashyathi: the one filled with doubts will perish).

Human life can reach its goal only when there is Shraddha(faith) on one side and Nisamshayam (doubtlessness) on the other side. Thus, the Gita declares that faith and freedom from doubts are very essential for human beings.

26 May 1990

July to 04 August 2013

What is the role of Buddhi (Intellect) in human life?

What is the role of Buddhi (Intellect) in human life-3.28-1990 May 26

Intellect is like the charioteer of our life

Dear students, according to the declaration of the Upanishads, we have recognized that the human body is like a chariot, the sense organs are like the horses, and the mind is like the rein. The principle of the body, mind and senses, by themselves, are useless. However beautiful the chariot may be, however dependable the horses, and however firm and secure the reins, all of these are of no use if there is no charioteer. (Similarly, however efficient the body, the senses and the mind may be, they serve no purpose in the absence of the charioteer, namely, buddhi-intellect).

Therefore, in the journey of life, the intellect is of prime importance. It is called Nischayatmika Buddhi, which means that the intellect has the decision-making capacity. In daily life, many difficulties, problems and disturbances arise from time to time. It is the prime duty of man to overcome these obstacles. But then, what is the key to the solution for these problems? It is the Buddhi(intellect). Without the intervention of the intellect, none of our problems and difficulties can be solved. “Samshayaatma Vinasyathi”, (meaning that a man filled with doubts will perish – Bhagavad Gita). Because the Buddhi destroys doubts, it is said (in the Gita) “Buddhi Graahayam Athindriyam”. As the intellect transcends the senses, it takes the form of the one that dispels doubts.

26 May 1990

22 July to 28 July 2013

Who is the true Guru?

Who is the true Guru-3.26-2001 July 05

God is your true Guru

Who is a (true) Guru? Not the Gurus of today! Whispering a Mantra into the ear and stretching one’s hand for money – is this the Guru principle? This is not the Guru principle. Gu-Ru – Gukaro Gunateethaha Rukaro Rupavarjithaha. We must consider the principle that is beyond attributes (attributeless) and that transcends the form (formless) as the Guru. Therefore the Guru is very essential for us to understand this principle, which is beyond attributes. Since it is difficult to get such Gurus, consider God as your Guru.

It is stated in the Vedas, Shastras, Itihaasa (history) and Puranas, and quoted by Shankara:

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu,

Gurur Devo Maheswara,

Gurur Saakshat Para Brahma,

Thasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu,

Guru is Lord Maheswara,

Guru is verily the Para Brahman,

My salutations to such a Guru.

Guru is everything for me. He is Vishnu, He is Shiva, He is Brahma, He is everything. Therefore, in this world, everything is a manifestation of Divinity. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (verily all this is Brahman). Whomsoever we see, they are embodiments of Divinity. Whomsoever we see, they are verily the form of Vishnu. We are witnessing the Vishwa Viraata Swaroopa (Cosmic form of the Lord). The Vedas have said, Sahasra Seersha Purushaha Sahasraaksha Sahasra Padh (With thousands of heads, thousands of feet and thousands of eyes, Divinity pervades everything). Whomsoever we offer our salutations, Easwara Sarva Bhutaanaam – it amounts to saluting God Himself; this was their practice. Sarva Bhuta Namaskaaram Kesavam Pratigachchati, Salutations to all beings reach Keshava and Iswara (God). Why? Because, Eswara Sarva Bhotaanaam (God is the indweller of all beings); Isaavaasyam Idam Jagath (the entire universe is permeated by the principle of God).

Therefore, one cannot restrict Divinity to a particular place. Here, there and everywhere, there is only one Atman (God) present everywhere. There is only one who resides in the heart. The same Iswaratva(Divine Iswara principle) exists in all. The Vishnutwa (Divine Vishnu principle) in all is the same. We are developing differences only out of our delusion, but there are no differences in Divinity. Sarvam Khalvidam(everything is Divine). Gurus in those days were created to propagate such principle of oneness. Today there are many good disciples, but it is very difficult to find a true and noble Guru.

05 July 2001

15 July to 21 July 2013

What is the true meaning of surrendering to God?

What is the true meaning of surrendering to God-1990 May 24

Do your best and leave the rest to Him!

Just because you surrender to God, does it mean God will take care of everything? The duty that you need to perform has to be carried out. Kartavyam Yoga Muchyate – You must discharge your duty properly. It is sheer laziness to give up your duty and consider that God will take care of everything.

To ensure that the food in the plate reaches your stomach, is it not necessary to make use of your hands and mouth? Just looking at the food in the plate if you keep repeating “potato chapatti” any number of times, will it ever fill your stomach? You do have the strength. In case you do not have the strength, then at least it may be fine to just leave everything to God. Whether you have the strength or not, perform all your activities as an offering to God.

24 May 1990

Mar

2013

Tongue Management – Part-IV: Control of the Tongue

Bhagawan has spoken extensively about the role of sense organs and their control in a human being’s spiritual journey. However, among all sense organs, Bhagawan has stressed the most on the control of the tongue. It is not without reason that the tongue has been extolled so highly by Bhagawan. He says that the tongue is unique among all sense organs as it is the only sense organ that has been bestowed with two important roles. One is talking and the other is tasting. Control the tongue and you can succeed in controlling all other sense organs, says Bhagawan. Taming the senses and making them subservient to our command is a prerequisite for the spiritual journey of man. Unless the senses are drawn inwards and weaned away from the temptations of the external sensory objects, the mind cannot be directed inwards towards the Self. And unless the mind cannot be turned inwards, man cannot begin his spiritual journey. Therefore, one can understand in this context, the reason behind Bhagawan’s explicit focus on the tongue and its management.

For the purpose of easy reading and comprehension, the posting is presented in four parts, viz Glory of the Tongue (5 clips + 1 extract), Misuse of the Tongue (5 clips), Teachings of the Tongue (3 extracts) and Control of the Tongue (6 clips + 5 extracts). The verse by the poet Jayadeva that describes the glory of the tongue and appeals to the tongue to sing the name of the Lord, has been sung by Bhagawan any number of times. It gets repeated in many of the clips. It only goes to show how Divinely inspired Jayadeva must have been to bring forth this verse to the world.

This part of the posting focuses on the control of the tongue. The 6 audio clips and 5 extracts (without audio) for this part have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan in the years 1969, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1996, 2011.

Control of the Tongue: In Clip-1 Bhagawan advises us to keep the tongue under check. Clip-2 declares that if we can control our tongue, we would be able to control the whole world. Extract-3 elaborates on the unique feature of closing devices provided only for the eye and the tongue. Extract-4 talks about the three types of silence to be practiced by seekers. Extract-5 advises us to use our discrimination in what we choose to eat and speak. Clip-6 describes the proper method of talking and conversing with others. Extract-7 talks about how to use the tongue for the good of others and our own selves. In Clip-8 Bhagawan again reminds us not to misuse the tongue. In Clip-09 Bhagawan focuses on the need and importance of singing Bhajans. Extract-10 explains how God can be bound by the devotee through singing Bhajans. Finally, in Clip-11 Bhagawan narrates the wonderful content of the letter written to Philip Sydney by his father, stressing on the need to control the tongue.

You may also wish to read the following three posts relating to the tongue and the power of speech posted earlier.

Always Speak the Truth

Always Speak the Truth – Case Studies

Talk less – Work More – Observe Silence

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan’s Message from these extracts.

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

Control of the Tongue

01-Keep the Tongue under check-4.13-2001 July 05

Keep the tongue under check

The tongue has 3 lakh taste buds. Overcome by taste, getting addicted to different types of tastes, eating all these tasty items, experiencing the happiness thus, we are losing the power of the tongue. Not just eating tasty food items; we also use the tongue to utter unpleasant words. We cause pain to others’ hearts. We wound others’ hearts by using harsh words. Therefore, on account of the tongue, our life span reduces further. In the same manner, every sense organ loses its power on account of excessive use, and in turn we lose our very life.

Thus, first of all, we must make an effort to control our looks and our taste. A new and novel strength emerges within us when we control these two. The power of penance may not grow on account of other penance you do, but it will definitely increase through control of looks, taste and speech. We are often mistaken and we use (all types of) words thinking that they are after all small words. Therefore, we do not have proper taste.

Jihve Rasagne Madhura Priyetvam

Aavaranaeta Madhuraaksharaani

Govinda Daamodara Maadhaveti

O tongue, O tongue full of taste, O all powerful tongue, O tongue – the knower of taste, you must speak in all awareness. You are unable to recognize what words cause pain to others. The other person is not truly other. It is you who exist in him also. The physical bodies may be different, but the Atma in both is one and the same. The one who causes pain and the one who suffers pain is the same individual. Therefore, we must not talk in a manner that hurts the other person. That is why Bhagawan often tells us “talk less”? But we take this advice very casually. You do not know, how much in the future, the impact of this will affect you.

02-Control the Tongue-You can control the World-Kathopanishad-3.10-1990 May 23

Control the Tongue
You can control the whole world

Among all sense organs, the most important one is the tongue. If we can control just the tongue, all other sense organs will easily come under our control. The Kathopanishad compares the senses to a horse. If we take the horse as an example, we will be able to understand the relationship, the bond and the commonalities between the tongue and the horse.

There may be a very good, strong horse that runs very fast. Though the horse may run very fast, when a small metal piece is placed inside its mouth and is bound to the reins and when the reins are tightened, the entire body of the horse comes under our control. How does this small piece of metal control such a strong horse that runs so fast? For the horse, the mouth is very important. When the mouth is controlled the whole horse is under control. Therefore, for the horse of the five sense organs, the mouth is the most important.

With a small compass, even when there is a fierce storm, we can protect the ship. We can develop a raging fire with just a small spark of fire. Thus, the word is like a spark of fire. We can make an attempt to control and use this spark in many different ways. Therefore, if we can just control our word, it would amount to controlling the entire world.

03-Eyes and Tongue alone have closing devices-1988 March 13 (No Audio Clip)

Eyes and Tongue can be closed
Image Source

Among the senses, two are most important: the eyes and the tongue. Because of their exceptional importance, the Lord has provided them with the means of restraining their activities. The Lord points out: “You silly man! Take note that I have provided natural means for closing the eyes and the mouth.” If you do not want to see anything undesirable, you can close your eyes with the eyelids. The ears and the nose have no such devices for closing them. The mouth has lips which can seal the tongue.

Observe, therefore, restraint in speech and control the tongue. Control your eyes. When you control your eyes and tongue, you can easily control all other senses. When the eyes roam freely, the tongue begins to wag without restraint. When the tongue is engaged in endless talking, the eyes want to look at every conceivable thing. When both these organs combine without restraint, life can become a calamity. Therefore, direct your eyes on good things alone.

Students should realize that only when they have control over what they see, what they hear and what they speak will they be able to live happy and meaningful lives. Observe moderation and sweetness in speech. Do not engage in purposeless and evil talk or in scandalous gossip.

04-The Three types of Silence-1994 February 02 (No Audio Clip)

Three types of silence
Image Source

The ancients practiced three kinds of silent penance to control speech. The first was Vaak-mounam (silence of the tongue), the second one was Mano-mounam (silence of the mind) and the third was Mahaa-mounam (Supreme Silence).

Vaak mounam (Silence in speech) meant confining one’s speech to the limit and the needs of the occasion. By this discipline, excessive talk was avoided. As a result, the power of their speech was conserved and enhanced. Discipline in speech also resulted in truthfulness. Truth speaking served to purify their thoughts. By this means they acquired Siddhi (Realization of truth) and Jnaanasiddhi (acquisition of the highest wisdom). Therefore purity in speech is vital. It has to be achieved by restraint in speech.

Then, there is Mano-mounam (Silence of the mind). The mind is a bundle of thoughts and fancies. These thoughts have to be reduced gradually. When thoughts are reduced, the mind naturally comes under control, like a clock that is unwound. When the activity of the mind is reduced, the power of the Atma manifests itself. As a consequence Buddhi (intellect) becomes more active than the senses. When control of speech and control of the mind have been achieved, the state of Mahaa-mounam (Supreme Silence) is easily realized. Students should strive to reach the third stage by the disciplines of the first two stages.

05-Use Discrimination in what you eat and speak-1969 May 16 (No Audio Clip)

Check what you eat
Image Source

The tongue can do two jobs, and not one. And both the jobs that God has given to the tongue are big jobs. Just think for some time about the first job – tasting! If a thing tastes bad, you do not like to eat it. Of course, if you are ill, you have to take the drug, even though the tongue says that it tastes bad. So, you should not spit out all things that taste bitter. Some of those things help to cure your illness quickly and well. Remember another fact also; if a thing tastes nice, it may not be good for your health. The tongue tells you that a thing tastes bitter or sweet, or saltish. It cannot tell you whether a thing is good for you or bad. So, you must care not to eat too much and spoil your health. When the body is ill, the mind too becomes weak, and the brain cannot work properly.

Now, about the second job that the tongue is given – speech. It is a tool that you can use in order to give vent to your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, your desires, your prayers, your joys, your sorrows. If you are angry, you use it to speak out harsh words very loudly. If you are pleased, you use it to speak soft words in a low pleasant voice. I want you to use your tongue only for your good and the good of others. If you speak harshly to another, he too talks loud and harsh; angry words cause more angry words. But, if you use soft and sweet words when another is angry towards you, he will calm down, he will be sorry that he used his tongue in that way.

Do not shout, do not talk longer than necessary, do not talk when there is no need to talk; when you speak to someone or some group of friends, raise your voice to the pitch that is just right for the listener or listeners and not more. Why should you waste your energy to talk louder and longer than necessary?

06-Proper manner of conversing and talking-1.20-1990 May 23

Conversing and Talking

When you are talking to your friend, your sight should be focused towards the friend only and you should not talk looking this way and that way. The sight should not be dispersed in ten different directions. This can be very dangerous for youth. We must try to keep our vision proper and correct. When you talk to somebody, you keep on moving all the limbs of your body. Some people, when they talk or when they give lectures, it is like a big dance; they move the hands and the legs, and it all takes such an ugly form. We must talk without moving any of our limbs. When we keep on making such effort, gradually, on account of habit, the sense organs will start functioning on the right path.

07-Use the tongue for your good and good of others-1969 May 16 (No Audio Clip)

Use the tongue for your good

Never use foul words against another. Such words should not rise from your tongue, nor should they enter the ear of the others. Remember that there is God inside your heart, as well as in the hearts of all the rest. He hears and sees all things. Do you not say, “My head, my hands, my eye, my mind, my idea.” Now, who is this “I”, that owns the body, the mind, the brain? That “I” is the spark of God that is in you. That spark is in every one. So, when you use harsh, cruel, angry, foul words against another, the God in you and the God in the other person is hurt. The tongue is a tool, as I said. You can harm yourself and harm others with it. So, be very careful; use it only for your good and for the good of others. If you use it for talking kind words, for repeating the Name of God or singing His Glory, or praying to Him, then it is put to the best use.

08-Do not misuse the Tongue-Put it to right use-4.30-1996 July 16

Do not misuse the tongue

Time is God. Time waste is life waste. Don’t waste time. Boy and girls of today are wasting their time excessively. They are misusing their time through meaningless gossip. They are not using any good words. They are not giving any scope for good thoughts. What are their games, their songs?

When you go and see youth of this age in the outside world, you do not know how troublesome it is. It is only in Prasanthi Nilayam that you are all happily making good use of time through worship, Bhajans and singing the name of Rama, Krishna and Govinda. Once you go out, they do not even know what these songs mean. They sing meaningless songs. What are these songs? No one can ever understand.

Chal chal re naujavan, Chod de re mera kaan (o common young man, leave my ears). Is there any meaning in this? There are other humorous songs that are nice to hear. Da-da-da, Da-da-da, Dadda, Dadda. What is this Da-da-da? Che che che che (an expression of disgust), is this why the tongue has been given to us?

Do you know why this tongue has been given to us? To make the name of God dance on it. Such a tongue is being misused by us. Chaitanya and many other devotees have described thus:

Jihve Rasagne Madhura Priyetvam

Satyam Hitam Tvaam Paramam Vadaami

Aavaranaeta Madhuraaksharaani

The tongue has been given four titles – Jihve (tongue), Rasagne (knower of taste), Madhura Priyetvam (the one which speaks sweetly) and Satyam Hitam Tvaam (the one which speaks truth in a comforting way). O sweet tongue, O comforting tongue, O sacred tongue. Why should we use such a scared tongue to speak such unsacred words?

These days, we are using the tongue to speak unsacred words. Every student must exercise control over his words. We must engage ourselves in singing Divine songs that bring joy to others, melt the heart of others, intoxicate their minds and make them forget themselves. When you sing any song about God, be it a theist or an atheist, a theistic atheist or an atheistic theist, they start swinging their heads (in joy) without their own knowledge.

09-Why Bhajans-Guru Nanak started concept of Collective Bhajans-2.27-1996 July 16

Guru Nanak started the concept of
Collective Singing
Image Source

We must make fulfilling use of our time by remembering, repeating and singing the sweet name of the Lord. Why were Bhajans started? Earlier, it was Guru Nanak who started this concept of collective singing. All voices have to be united, and as one single voice, the Lord has to be attracted (drawn closer). Bhajans have been started to invoke this unity in diversity. It is not one individual who invokes God, all the people singing in chorus are invoking God.

Therefore, keeping our ancient culture in mind, at least to some extent, we must make the sacred feelings emerging in every heart as an offering to the Lord. God is the embodiment of Love. Love needs Love only. To see the shining moon, we do not need a torch light, a hurricane lamp or a petromax light. We need to see the moon only with the moonlight from the shining moon. Therefore, it is only through Love that we can see the embodiment of Love. There is no light greater than Love in this world. This light has to be lit on the tongue.

10-God will yield to your prayers and get bound-1969 May 16 (No Audio Clip)

God can be bound by His devotee
Image Source

Some of you may know how elephants are caught and tamed. In the forests, the elephant is a wild beast, moving in herds and charging anyone who dares to go near. Such a mighty elephant is trapped, roped, and tied to a strong post, so that it cannot run away; it is made so tame that it stands on a small round three-legged stool, in the circus tent; or drags huge logs of timber, at the bidding of the mahout!

When the elephant is tied to the post, all its strength and skill becomes yours, for you can use them for your own need. The tongue is a post; Bhajan of the Name is the rope; with that rope, you can bring God Almighty near you and tie Him up, so that His Grace becomes yours. God is so kind that He will yield to your prayers and get bound. You have only to call on Him, to be by your side, with you, leading you and guiding you.

11-Story of poet Philip Sydney and his father’s advise to control speech-3.51-1990 May 23

Sir Philip Sydney
Image Source

You all know the great philosopher, Philip Sydney (Sir Philip Sidney – 1554 to 1586, was an English poet, courtier and soldier, and is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the Elizabethan Age. An affectionate letter of advice from his father and mother, written about 1565, was preserved and printed in 1591, A Very Godly Letter…). When he was a young boy, he was studying in a nearby village. His father wrote to him a beautiful letter. “Son, you pray to God whole heartedly every day. Make an attempt to take your mind into the Divine proximity of the Lord. Interact with your co-students and teachers with all humility and obedience. Do not give any scope for anger or disappointment. If anybody criticizes you, do not sink. If others praise you, do not get bloated. You too should not criticize others”.

At the end, he wrote one very important line. “If you need to give a word, you must do so only to God. Never give a word to any ordinary human being. Word is the sound of God. You do not need to give a promise to anybody else other than God. Nor do you have the right to do so. It would amount to misuse of your word. Only when you live thus, your effulgence will manifest and shine. Your discrimination power will develop. You will shape into an ideal student in society. Therefore, keep your tongue under your control. Do not let it free at any point of time”. Having fulfilled the advice given to him, Sydney went on to become a great philosopher.

Excessive talk will ruin the minds of students. Students should not enter into any field other than their studies. Vidya Arthetaithi Vidya. You have come here as a seeker of Vidya (education) and not as a seeker of Vishaya (sense objects). After achieving complete mastery over education, you can enter into the world of sense objects. Even then you have to act with moderation. Thus, do not use the tongue for excessive talking.

A Short Quiz

01-How according to Bhagawan, must we keep a check on the use of our tongue?

02-How does Bhagawan explain the importance of controlling the tongue through the example of a horse?

03-What does Bhagawan mean when He says that the word is like a spark of fire?

04-What unique feature bestowed specially on the eye and the tongue, does Bhagawan talk about? What is the significance of providing this feature?

05-What are the three types of silence that we need to practice to reach the state of realization?

06-Explain how the power of discrimination is to be used in speaking and eating food.

07-What is the proper method of conversing and talking with others?

08-What is the real duty of the tongue? How does Bhagawan explain the misuse that people subject the tongue to, through singing meaningless songs?

09-Who started the concept of collective singing of the name of the Lord?

10-What is the significance of collective singing of the name of the Lord (Bhajans)?

11-Explain the analogy of the elephant and the post (pillar) given by Bhagawan to explain how a devotee can bind God through singing the name of the Lord.

12-What are the main points covered in the letter written to Philip Sydney by his father?

To read the previous part, click here – Part III

You may also wish to read the following three posts relating to the tongue and the power of speech posted earlier.

Always Speak the Truth

Always Speak the Truth – Case Studies

Talk less – Work More – Observe Silence

Jan

2013

Anger Management – Part-IV: Anger in God-Devotee Relationship

Anger is the second of the six infamous vices that inflict the mind of human beings, the other five being desire, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy. Swami has spoken at length about the ill effects of anger and the intense need to control one’s anger. He says, “In our daily lives, we know that when we become angry, our nerves become weak and feeble and we lose grip over ourselves. Even a moment of anger takes away our strength that we gather by eating good food for three months. Anger not only debilitates us and takes away the merit of our good deeds, but also enfeebles our condition.” (Summer Showers – 1972). Swami says, “Anger is the fuel for all varieties of sin. Just look at yourself in a mirror, when you are attacked by anger, and you will discover that you are then akin to Soorpanakha (sister of king Ravana and granddaughter of the demoness Thataki) or Lankini (a powerful demoness who guarded the city of Lanka) of ancient times. The Rajo guna that is over-powering you then is the Raakshasa (demon) trait you must learn to avoid” (23 November 1966). Spiritual aspirants, specifically, need to control anger.

This post presents a compilation of various aspects of “Anger” expounded by Bhagawan in His Discourses. For ease of reading and understanding, it is presented in four parts. Part-I of the post starts with an introduction to anger and other related vices. It presents the need to eliminate anger from oneself. Part-II covers the various tips given by Bhagawan to control one’s anger. Part-III deals with anger in connection to the relationship between children and parents. The post ends with Part-IV that explains how God is beyond anger. Swami gives His own example to illustrate the need for patience and equanimity. He jokingly states that He does express anger at times, but it is nothing more than a modulation of voice with the pure intention of saving His devotees. The five audio excerpts in Part-IV of this posting have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan in the years 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2008.

In Clip-1 Bhagawan explains how God never gets angry but He only pretends to get angry for the purpose of saving Hid devotees. In Clip-2 Bhagawan talks about the tremendous patience He has. Clip-3 also elaborates on Bhagawan’s patience. In Clip-4 Bhagawan gives His own example to demonstrate how one must face criticism with equanimity and without getting angry. Finally in Clip-5 Bhagawan describes how modulation of voice (which may appear as anger) has been used by every Avataar as a technique to save the devotees. He narrates the story of how Lord Krishna used the same strategy, through the instrument of sage Durvasa, to save the Pandavas.

01-God never gets angry-Swami only pretends to be angry to save devotees-2.37-2004 September 18

Swami never gets angry
He only pretends to get angry

God alone is transcendental and He transcends all qualities (attributes). Though it may appear to us that He is angry, it is not truly anger. God pretends to be angry in order to bring back the devotee onto the right path. The devotees will not pay heed if harsh words are not used. That is why He puts up the drama of being angry, to bring the devotees onto the right path. It is all only a drama and not reality. God has no anger. He does not give any scope for anger at all.

When we commit mistakes, we think that God will get angry. But God pretends to be angry only to remind you of your mistakes. At certain times, when Bhagawan does not talk to you, you feel, “Oh, Swami must be angry with me, why is He not talking to me?” Swami has no anger at all. In all aspects, there is only the principle of Love. But even this Love, when expressed with harsh words appears as anger. In our day to day life, we find that we commit so many mistakes. “Son, come here”, if called that way (in a very soft and loving tone), it will appear as Love. “Son, come here” (said very sternly), will appear as anger. This is only a modulation of voice (change in tone) and nothing else.

02-Swami has tremendous patience-At times He hisses just to protect devotees-0.46-2000 May 18

At times He hisses only to protect devotees!

Swami’s patience is such that, mountains may move, but His heart will not move. My heart is so full of peace! But now and then I do hiss! In order to correct some children, I use such (harsh) words. If not, these children will not listen to Me. If I say, “Son, Gold (meaning dear one), please sit down, please sit down”, no one will listen. If I say, “Hey, sit down”, then they will listen. The voice has to be modulated. With this voice modulation, devotees will be protected (by God).

03-Swami never gets angry-He has tremendous patience-1.18-2008 October 09

Swami is always smiling!!

You all must have known all these days. I keep smiling always, whatever anybody may speak about Me, or against Me. I never get angry with anybody. Even if I do, it is merely acting. In fact many students themselves say, “Swami though we vex You, though we disregard what You say, yet You are always smiling. It is so strange. From where have You got so much patience?”

04-Swami the perfect example for equanimity and absence of anger at criticism-1.39-1992 May 24

Swami – Perfect example of equanimity

Students, I am the right ideal for Myself. My life is My message. Many people admonish Me. Many people praise Me. I do not get bloated (elated) with praise nor do I get deflated (depressed) with abuse. I do not worry about that which is not in Me. I do not need to worry about anything that is told, when it (blemish) is not in Me. When they keep saying things which are not in Me, why should I get worried? Here is a small example for this:

When people call Me Buttatale Sai Baba (Sai Baba with a basket like head), I have to accept it. I have a head with basket like hair. Therefore, it is in Me, I have to accept it. But if they call Me Pattatale Sai Baba (bald headed Sai Baba), why should I accept it, as it is not in Me? Therefore, even if someone comes right in front of Me and points out defects that are not in Me, I will not accept it. That is the right type of determination. You must have self-confidence. Without self-confidence you will wax and wane in response to anything that is said to you. This will be like the bumps and jumps in an airplane.

05-Techniques of Avataars-Voice Modulation by Durvasa to save Pandavas-4.24-2000 May 18 and 2004 September 18

Pandavas were saved by Krishna through Voice Modulation
Image Source

Son, come here – if called like this (in a soft tone), it amounts to calling in a loving way. When told, Son come here (in a harsh and loud voice), it appears to be full of anger. This is just change in the tone of the voice and nothing to do with the reality. This is what Durvasa came to be known for. Durvasa had no anger as such. But people in the world think that Durvasa was a person full of anger.

Aswathamma took an oath. Pandavas were not to be seen anywhere. Now Krishna had to rescue them. He had to put up so many acts. The actions of God are all mysterious. For every situation He has to act. The scene has to be changed each time. The drama has to be enacted each time. Krishna ran to sage Durvasa. Durvasa bowed to Krishna and received Him with great respect. He asked, “Swami what brought You here to my Ashram?” Krishna said, “I have a simple task. I have come here to get it executed through you”. Durvasa said, “I am duty bound by your command. I am ready to do anything”. “In that case”, Krishna said, “You have to save the Pandavas tonight”. Durvasa replied, “It is only You who can protect. How can I protect anyone?” Krishna replied, “My doing is different. Getting the work done through you is different. My protection can be in various forms. You have to carry out one task”. “What is it that I have to do?” asked Durvasa.

Krishna said, “Dig a pit. Make the Pandavas sit inside that pit. Then cover the pit with a plank. Place your chair over the plank and sit on it. In the meantime, Duryodhana or Dushashana or some others will come by. Possibly, the son of Dronacharya (Aswathamma) may come. They will come and ask you – O Swami you are omniscient. Please tell us where the Pandavas are.” Durvasa immediately responded, “Swami, I cannot tell a lie”. Krishna replied, “O foolish ascetic, did I ask you to tell a lie? I will never ask you to tell a lie. Satyanaasti Paro Dharma. Truth is My Dharma. Tell the truth. But change your tone (modulate your voice).

Aswathamma came and very humbly asked (Durvasa), “Swami, where are the Pandavas?” Durvasa shouted with fury, “Pandavas are below me!” He just changed his tone. The moment he heard this voice (of Durvasa), Aswathamma ran away from there. Thus, the life of the Pandavas was saved. Similarly, it becomes necessary for Me also at times to change My voice. By modulating the voice, certain tasks are accomplished. In all Avataars, this practice (voice modulation) has been going on in a natural manner.

Sages, saints and aspirants; just by changing the tone of their voice have been bringing about protection or punishment. Sage Durvasa also brought about protection and punishment by modulating his voice. Many ignorant people criticize Durvasa, stating that how can such a great saint have anger in him. But only those who understand the inner significance of anger will enquire into this truth. God has no anger of any kind. The one who gets angry can never be God. But, He changes His voice to protect people. No sage or saint can have any anger in them.

A Short Quiz

01-Bhagawan says that God never gets angry but at times He only pretends to be angry. What is the need for God to pretend to be angry?

02-Bhagawan gives His own example to show how one must abstain from getting angry and must manifest equanimity when criticized by others. Narrate this example.

03-Voice modulation is a means used by every Avataar to protect His devotees. Explain how the modulation of voice was deployed as a strategy by Lord Krishna through sage Durvasa to save the Pandavas.

Part-IV of this post explains how God also uses anger as an instrument to protect His devotees. With this we conclude the posting on Anger Management.

Nov

2012

Pleasure is an Interval between two Pains – Part II – Simple Prescriptions

Pleasure is an interval between two pains. This is a phrase Bhagawan has used so often in His Discourses to drive home the fact that we live in world that is dual. It is impossible to get joy without sorrow or profits without loss. Duality is the very nature of this creation. It is not without reason that Bhagawan states, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains” and not “Pain is an interval between two pleasures”. This conveys the truth that life is essentially full of difficulties and challenges. That is why Lord Buddha too, after all his spiritual investigations, came to the conclusion that – Sarvam Dukham Dukham, Sarvam Kshanikam Kshanikam – Everything is sorrow and ephemeral. But then, what is life all about? The goal of life is to transcend these opposites and acquire bliss which is permanent and everlasting. Bhagawan gives us several prescriptions about how to lead our life in this world of duality and how to go beyond the opposites.

This blogpost is presented in two parts. Part-I with seven audio clips deals with the Underlying Philosophy and explanation of the context in which Bhagawan uses the statement, “Pleasure is an Interval between two Pains”. In the six audio clips of Part-II, Bhagawan gives simple prescriptions of how human beings can transcend the duality of life and go beyond joy and sorrow to experience everlasting bliss. In all the thirteen audio extracts in this blog post, spanning across Discourses delivered in the last 2 decades, Bhagawan refers to the phrase, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains”, and highlights different aspects about the same. The seven audio excerpts in Part-II have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan during the years 1990, 1995, 1999, 2000 and 2003.

In Clip-1 Bhagawan states that whatever happens in our life is for our good only. In Clip-2 Bhagawan explains how we need to draw the water of bliss from the well of sorrow, just like a bee sucks the sweet nectar from a bitter flower. Clip-3 talks about how good people always face more challenges, whereas Clip-4 describes how Mother Kunti prayed to Lord Krishna to always giver her difficulties, so that she could keep her mind on Him at all times. Clip-5 talks about how we must welcome everything that comes in our way, with Love. Clip-6 reminds us that the true goal of life is to transcend all dualities. Finally in Clip-7 Bhagawan concludes giving His own example of how He is always happy irrespective of situations and circumstances in life.

SIMPLE PRESCRIPTIONS

01-Consider all that happens is for our good-Develop desire for God-2.34-2000 November 23

Whatever happens is for our Good

Today, in the world, qualities like hatred, jealousy and ostentation are on the rise. To get rid of all of them, it is enough if we have Love. We must recognize the truth that whether our desires are fulfilled or not, it (whatever happens) is for our good; and we must act accordingly. I desired for a task, but that did not materialize. So, why should I hate somebody for that? Because of that hate, we will lose the positive results too. (We must think) “Oh! These difficulties are for my own good. There is something good even in this”. Whatever we come across, there is something good in it. Good and bad always go together. There can be no effort, without these two.

Therefore, good cannot come without bad. Bad cannot take place without good. There is bad in good and good in bad. We must see the unity in the two.

Sukhaduhkhe Same Kritva Labhalabhau Jayajayu (Bhagavad Gita, 2.38)

Treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat with equanimity.

The pleasure is an interval between two pains. We get happiness only between two difficulties. Therefore, we must not keep multiplying our desires. If we reduce our (worldly) desires and increase Divine desires, we will get so much comfort and happiness. As you take up more worldly responsibilities, they will keep increasing continuously. We think that we are taking up these worldly responsibilities to reduce our difficulties. No, that is very wrong. The more you increase your desires, the lesser will be your happiness. The lesser your desires, the happier you will be. If you feel that I have no happiness, I have no happiness, then what is the reason? You are going on increasing your desires, increasing your desires. That is why happiness is decreasing. You reduce your desires and your happiness will increase.

02-Draw water of bliss from the well of sorrow-See good even in bad-1.35-1999 July 28

Draw Water of Happiness from the Well of Sorrow
Image Source

What great luck is it for the bee to suck sweet nectar from a bitter flower! We must see good even in bad. That is the true form of Love. Draw the water of bliss from the well of sorrow. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. God created the world with these two (opposite) aspects. Recognize your own physical form. God kept the Divine face that is beautiful, happy and smart; in front. The face is very attractive. But behind this, He created pitch black darkness. The black and dark hair behind gives beauty and happiness to the white face in front.

Therefore, good and bad is intertwined in everything. However, today man sees only the bad but does not attract good unto himself.

03-Good people always face challenges-Life is a challenge-Meet it-0.59-1995 May 20

Good People always face Challenges

Good people will always have many obstacles. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. Difficulties are more for good people only. Nobody will even look at bad people with their eyes. It is only a good diamond that gets the cuts. It is only the good gold that is put into fire and heated. The more the gold is heated in the fire, the more pure it becomes. The more the cuts in the diamond, the greater is its value. Therefore, when difficulties come to good people, their value always increases and never comes down. But we need to face those difficulties.

Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a game – play it. Life is love – enjoy it. Life is awareness.

04-Good acts always face obstacles-But it is for our good-Mother Kunti-2.48-2000 January 14

Mother Kunti to Lord Krishna – Give me difficulties always

Therefore, have firm faith in God. Anyone may create an obstacle in the way, but you must move forward unmindful of that. Good acts always face lots of obstacles, but nothing comes in the way of bad things. Therefore, when many obstacles come your way, you must understand that it is for your own good. At time, some students fail in the class. Just because they have failed, do they leave the class and go? No; they must study sincerely the second time and pass the same. It is said that the pleasure is an interval between two pains. You get joy only between two pains. Vyasa declared, “Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham” (you cannot get pleasure out of pleasure). You cannot experience happiness out of happiness. Only through difficulties you can experience happiness. Without difficulties, happiness has no value. Without darkness light has no value. Hence, difficulties must be considered as very natural to man.

At one point of time, when the Pandavas were preparing for the war, mother Kunti bowed to Lord Krishna, and prayed, “Krishna, I want you to fulfill my one desire”. Krishna asked, “what do you want?” Kunti replied, “I want to have the devotion that will never allow me to forget You and the body that will be able to experience all difficulties. Give me difficulties all my life. It is possible to remember You only at times of difficulties. In happiness, I will not think of You. I experienced all happiness when king Pandu was there. In those days I never remembered You. After king Pandu passed away, rearing the children by my side and watching all the difficulties they went through, I felt that it is good to have difficulties only. In these difficult times, I was able to remember You several times. I am ready to bear any amount of difficulties. But my Love for You should not waver even a little bit”. Thus, she (Kunti) had her whole life centered around Krishna.

05-Welcome everything in life with Love-1.39-2000 May 30

Welcome everything with Love

We must utter words with Love. We must perform all our actions with Love. Whatever loss or difficulties come your way, experience them with Love. Just by saying “No” to them, they will not go away. Welcome everything – welcome-welcome-welcome. Sorrow comes – welcome it. Happiness comes – welcome it.

Sukhaduhkhe Same Kritva Labhalabhau Jayajayu (Bhagavd Gita, 2.38)

Treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat with equanimity.

The pleasure is an interval between two pains. If there is no pain, there is no pleasure. If there is no darkness, there is no value for light. So whatever we get, it is for our good only. Criticism also comes for our good only. Without criticism, how can you get happiness? Because of criticism, you will get happiness. This world is full of duality. It is not possible to have one without its opposite. This duality leads to half blindness. A man with dual mind is half blind. You are half blind. This is the world. It is full of duality. It cannot be non-dual. Therefore, we must derive happiness even in non-dualism.

06-The goal of human life is to transcend all dualities-1.51-2003 January 01

Transcend all Duality

Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaat Purnamudachyate

(Ishavasya Upanishad, Shanti Mantra)

That is complete, this is complete. From that completeness comes this completeness.

This Divine completeness is present in every man. But he is not making an effort to recognize this. Who is protecting this body when man sleeps closing his eyes? How does the principle of this body go on? No one knows that. God is the cause for creation, sustenance and dissolution. Inspite of having this power within himself, man is buckling down under difficulties and troubles. He gets elated when there is happiness. The true goal of man is to go beyond this elation and depression. What is the origin of happiness and sorrow? Nobody is able to determine that. Human life exists at the point where both happiness and sorrow take birth. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. Happiness lies only between two difficulties. We do not need to search for happiness anywhere. Happiness is with us, behind us, in front of us, above us and below us.

07-Swami is always happy-Never worry about anything-After pain there is joy-3.08-1990 August 14

Swami is always Happy!!

Lord Krishna was always blissful. Whether it was a burial ground, a safe place or a battle field, He was always happy. Or else, (just imagine) a war was going on, on one side 11 lakh soldiers and on the other side 40 lakh soldiers had assembled. Krishna was standing right between them and singing a song! That is Gita. Gita means a song. Can there be an opportunity for anyone to sing at such times? Only when we are very happy, we sing a song. When we are happy, we sing a song in the bathroom. Happiness is the cause for singing. Because Krishna was always blissful, He could sing a song even in the battle field. That is why, happiness is union with God. Divinity lies in happiness. For everything God is happy.

You may or may not know the principle of Swami. When someone says, “Swami my stomach is paining a lot, I am not able to bear”, Swami says, “Anandam, Anandam”. When someone says, “Swami, I lost my husband”, Swami says, “Chaala Santosham (very happy)”. Swami is always happy. Therefore, happiness is the nature of the Divine. By merely crying what is it that we can achieve? All these are passing clouds. There is not even one cloud which is permanent. Therefore, it is not necessary to worry about this. We should not worry at all. This is the message of the Avataar. We must not be troubled by anything. If there is some problem, there will be happiness later. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. Therefore, after this (problem), happiness will come. We should carry out our life with this firm faith.

A Short Quiz

01-What are the various prescriptions that Bhagawan gives us to help us transcend happiness and sorrow?

02-According to Bhagawan, what is the relationship between desires and happiness?

03-What is the analogy that Bhagawan gives using the example of a bee sucking nectar from a bitter flower?

04-What does the bright face in the backdrop of dark black hairs convey?

05-What lesson does the diamond teach us?

06-Give the four line quote about life, given by Bhagawan Baba.

07-What message does Bhagawan convey to us through the example of the student who fails in an examination?

08-What was mother Kunti’s prayer to Lord Krishna? Why did she make such a strange prayer?

08- Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaat Purnamudachyate – Where is this phrase sourced from and what does it mean?

09-What is the primary message of the Avataar?

Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK-2

Tongue Management – Part-IV: Control of the Tongue

Anger Management – Part-IV: Anger in God-Devotee Relationship

Pleasure is an Interval between two Pains – Part II – Simple Prescriptions

Calendar

Articles

About This Site

Calendar

Articles

Keywords

About This Site