Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Bhagavad Gita: Introduction

Krishna Reveals the Nature of Time & Duty to Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra

I am ecstatic because going through the ' Bhagavad Gita', has truly been a blessing. Now all of the 18 Chapters will be available for Her devotees and Adi Shankracharyaji has beautifully expressed this sentiment as"Amba twaam" or "Oh Ma Gita!"

A philosophical poem, the Gita is sung first for the benefit of Arjuna, the archer-warrior who is a devotee of Krishna, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and then for all living beings who might follow in Arjuna's footsteps.The Bhagavad Gita is indeed Krishna's song that describes the cause of all incarnations of the divine.

The sacred text is:

  • An intrinsic part of the Mahabharata, the Gita begins about one-third into the larger epic.
  • The text consists of a lengthy dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Krishna answers Arjuna's question as to what he should do since he is committed to two kinds of duties; Kshatriya-dharma where he must protect the innocent and Kula-dharma or duty to the family.
  • The content is compiled of 745 verses and slotted into 18 chapters.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXIV

Shri Manohar Baba


A virtuous man used to live near Manohar Baba's kutiya. His daughter used to play in front of Baba's hut and she would even come to take medicine from Baba at times. Therefore Baba had developed affection for her. Some insane dog had bitten her, several days after she had got married. Baba himself hired a taxi and took her and her husband to many medical practitioners but they could not save her life. He was dejected about this mishap throughout his life.There are just a handful of people who have such a highly benevolent disposition in this world.

Invariably revered Manohar Baba knew a person's inner thoughts and feelings. The incident dates back to the time when he used to stay in his kutiya situated on the Jugal Ghat in Vrindavan.


Shri Usha Bahen ji or Bobo as She was Fondly Called


One fine day revered Usha Bahenji woke up a bit late in the morning because of which the seva or attending to the needs of her Thakurji (Lord's svarupa) was also delayed. She could not tolerate the slightest laxity in the schedule of her daily regime. Thus she remained without food for the sake of punishing herself. Bobo neither ate a morsel nor drank anything.


The River Yamuna in Vrindavan


When she was going in the evening to the river Yamuna for doing aachman (sipping water from the palm of the right hand as a ritual purification), Manohar Baba standing outside his hut, beckoned her by clapping his hands.The roti which he had got from bhiksha (begged food) was kept with Baba at that point of time. Therefore he kept the roti (the bread-cake)in front of Shri Usha Bahenji knowing fully well that she would not be able to refrain herself from having it. This is precisely what happened ultimately.

It is a matter of great amazement of how Baba got to know of Usha Bahen ji's abstinence from food. Actually speaking Thakur ji himself had made his bhakta eat the roti through the medium of Baba because He just could not bear His devotee going hungry.

Another miraculous incident of this kind dates back to those days. Once Manohar Baba was going back after having darshan of Usha Bahenji's Thakur ji when suddenly he stopped at the door. Turning back he asked Bahenji ji,



Shri Radha-Krishna or the Thakurji Svarupa Worshipped by Usha Bahen ji


“Did you put attar on Thakur ji, today?” Usha Bahenji replied in the affirmative, “ Yes Bhaiya, I did.” 

Baba confirmed, “Did you apply attar on the flute too? I saw Thakur ji smelling his flute.” 

Ever since that day Usha Bahenji religiously began dabbing attar on Thakur ji's flute.

Ghatampur


Once it so happened that revered Manohar Baba went to Ghatampur (Kanpur). There he stayed at a saint's place, whose name was Tatiya Baba. He would give four rotis got in bhiksha (begged food) to Baba and was least concerned, thereafter. Once while lifting a weight Baba's waist had a strong jerk because of which his old pain of sciatica resurfaced. Every act of his getting up, sitting down and walking around the place became an ordeal.

He would somehow manage to have a dip in the pond nearby at four o' clock early in the morning and bathe. Soon after, he would put out the wet clothes which had not been squeezed, on a bush to dry. The next day he would pick up the dried clothes from there itself. Tatiya Baba was not bothered about the tough time Manohar Baba was going through. (page 374 of 'Smriti Kaumudi, the memoirs of Manohar Baba)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XXIII

The 'Rasa Panchadhyayi'


Once Manohar Baba dropped in to visit Usha Bahen ji in the evening. Suddenly dense clouds gathered and it began to rain heavily. Baba was incapable of returning to his kutiya in this deluge. Therefore revered Usha Bahenji arranged for his stay in a room near her own. It was Baba's regimen to bathe in the middle of the night everyday and do paath by reading the 'Ras Panchadhyayi' (a quintet of chapters in the Bhagavata Purana on the theme of Krishna's relationship with the gopis).


Thence when he sat down to read the scripture, Usha Bahenji saw from her room that Baba was in gopivesh or had been completely adorned as a gopi. Baba would never hide any matter of his from Usha Bahenji. Early in the morning when Bahenji narrated this amazing incident to Baba,



Thakurji Doing Baba's Shringara



he readily accepted the fact that Thakurji had braided his hair and done his shringar by decking him at night.



Gopibhava of Total Commitment to Krishna


Revered Manohar Baba would never talk of his gopibhava of madhurya, the sweet and total commitment and love for Krishna. Although while singing the glories of Thakur ji, some glimpse of his adopted svarupa (of a nayika in search of Krishna) would certainly be found in his talk. 

 Once while speaking of Thakur ji to his close ones he had revealed,“The actions performed by an individual's body of bhavas (love flowing towards the Lord) has an impact on the tangible body as well. Its sketches are also stamped. The gross body can not be separated from the subtle body which is enjoined by religion for sure.



Sakhis Searching for Lord Krishna


Once it so happened that a couple of sakhis and I went out to search for Shri Krishna, the supreme lover. Selling curd was just an excuse. We thoroughly looked for Him and the entire day passed by. The sun was about to set but He was not to be found. The fatigue of that body of bhavas had repercussions on this earthly body for three days at a stretch.There was such weakness as if the physical body had become lifeless and frozen into immobility.” 

 With this confession his throat became hoarse and eyes streamed with tears, the anguish of not being able to meet dark-hued Krishna was apparent on his face.


The Calf Fell Into A Well


Baba was of a courageous disposition and extremely fearless. An incident occurred during the days when he used to live in his kutiya at Jugal Ghat. There was a well nearby and a cow of some person used to be tied near this particular well. One day somehow the calf of this cow fell into the well. When Baba heard the sound of the cow bellowing, he was distressed. Instantly he stepped out of his hut and tying one end of his dhoti  to the pulley like a rope, he went down into the well with its support. Thereafter he somehow managed to get the calf and come out of the well.



A Neem Tree


There was a neem tree which grew near the hut of revered Manohar Baba. One fine day when Baba saw a huge snake close to the tree he was worried. Shri Banwari Sharan ji used to live with him and he was virtually blind. 


A Slimy Snake


Concerned, Baba caught the snake with a huge pair of tongs. Soon after, he went and left the slimy snake at a great distance on the banks of the Yamuna.



Shri Manohar Baba


Very often it is found that the hearts of ordinary spiritual aspirants or sadhakas becomes very unfeeling when they do their sadhna or long standing devotion to the Divine and distance themselves from the joys and sorrows of others. But Manohar Baba was an exception to this rule.

('Smriti Kaumudi' pg373)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Marriage of Sri Ram & Sita, Baal Kaand of Shri Ram Charit Manas-5

Do.: puni puni råmahi citava siya sakucati manu sakucai na,

harata manohara mina chabi prema piåse naina.326.

Sita ji Lovingly Gazes at Sri Ram

Again and again Sita lovingly gazed at Lord Råma and was self-conscious but her heart refused to shy away. It ardently longed to see the moonlike beauty of her beloved, and her eyes thirsting for love outshone the captivating fish.


Råma's dark-hued form was naturally graceful and the beauty of His limbs put millions of Cupids to shame.


Sri Ram's Lotus Feet

His lotus feet stained with mahavar (a scarlet dye used to stain the feet of married couples) wherein the capricious bee like minds of sages forever wander, looked lovelier.


The Glorious Shri Ram

His sacred pitambar or yellow silken clothes outshone the rising sun and lightning.The girdle round His waist adorned with a zone of bells was most enchanting. His long arms were adorned with beautiful ornaments like armlets and metal bracelets.The yellow brahmanical sacred thread greatly enhanced His charm while the ring on His finger seemed to be enchanting the heart. He was decked with all sorts of wedding embellishments; an ornament to be worn over the heart, beautified His broad chest. A yellow upper garment which had gems and pearls tacked on to both its ends, was draped over his shoulders.


The Immensely Attractive Shri Ram

He had lotus-like eyes and beautiful kundals (large hoop like earrings) dangling from his ears while there was a beautiful tilak (sectarian mark) on His forehead. His head was adorned with the lovely maurh (a crown worn by a bridegroom at marriage) which was studded with pearls, gems and other precious stones.


Shri Ram Passionately Draws our Hearts

All of His soft limbs passionately drew the heart. On sighting the Bridegroom (Lord Råma) women of the city as well as celestial ladies plucked blades of grass (in order to avert the evil eye). After scattering ornaments, clothing and gems( which had been passed over Rama to ward off evil), the women did arti and sang festive songs.The gods rained down flowers whereas minstrels sang His glories.


Married Women Sing Festal Songs

After having brought the brides and bridegrooms to the kohbar (room in which the family deities are kept at the time of marriage), and performing customary rites, married women sang festal songs with loving tenderness.


Goddess Gauri

The marriage rite of lahkaur (in which the groom and bride put food in each other's mouths) was taught by Goddess Gauri to Råma


Goddess Sharada

and Goddess Shåradå to Sitå. Absorbed in relishing the joyous merriment, everyone in the gynaeceum was regarding his own birth as fruitful.


Shri Ram & Janaki

In the gems adorning Her hand, Jånaki saw the reflection of Lord Råma, the repository of beauty. She did not dare to move Her arms for fear of losing sight of Him. The wile, amusement, rapture and tender love of Sita ji at that point of time can not be expressed. Solely her sakhis knew of Her ecstatic state.


As soon as assembled sakhis escorted the four grooms with their brides to the janvasa or palace allotted to King Dasaratha and his party, enthused blessings of, “Long live the four lovely couples!” were heard from all directions of the city and the heavens. On beholding Shri Ramchandra ji, yogis, siddhas, eminent sages and the gods beat kettledrums and rained down flowers. After giving benedictions, the gods went to their respective realms.


Soon after, all the four princes approached their father along with their brides. It appeared as if the janvasa (lodgings of the bridegroom's party) abounded with beauty, auspiciousness and joyous abandon, at that point of time.


The bridegroom's party was welcomed with various spreads of sumptuous banquets (as at a wedding) at Janaka ji's place.

Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya

With his own hands Janaka washed the feet of Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya, Rama and his three other brothers. As the feast was on in full swing, the women sang melodiously and even raillery seemed welcome at the opportune time of marriage.


Do.: dei påna puje janaka dasarathu sahita samåja,

janavåsehi gavane mudita sakala bhupa siratåja.329.

Offering betel-leaves, Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, paid homage to King Dasaratha, the monarch of Awadh, and his social group. Thereafter Dasaratha cheerfully retired to his apartments.


Marriage Procession of Rama and Sita

The celebrations of Shri Ram's wedding ceremony are truly extraordinary. Sages and poets have tried to describe the joyous festivities in several ways. The summarised version given above has been written on the basis of Mahatma Tulsidas ji's words. By devoutly narrating or listening to this account, the auspicious desires of mankind are said to be easily fulfilled.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Marriage of Shri Ram and Sita, Baal Kand of Shri Ram Charit Manas-4

Cham: bara kua°ri karatala jori såkhocåru dou kulagura karai,

bhayo pånigahanu biloki bidhi sura manuja muni åna°da bharai.

sukhamula dulahu dekhi dampati pulaka tana hulasyo hiyo,

kari loka beda bidhånu kanyådånu nrpabhusana kiyo.3.


Wedding Rites of Shri Ram and Sita Being Performed

Joining palms of the bride and the bridegroom, the two family priests recited the genealogy of both the families. Paanigrahan or the wedding rite of joining of the hands of bride and groom by the bride's father was performed as per customary norms.The king and queen were so thrilled gazing at the groom who was the very source of joy, that their heart was rapturous and the hair on their body stood erect. King Janaka did kanyadaan (gave his daughter in marriage) as per the religious observances sanctioned by the Vedas and the family.


Himavan Gave Girija to Lord Shiva in Marriage

Just as Himavan gave away Girija to Lord Siva, and the Ocean God handed over Shri to Hari so did Janaka give Sitå to Råma. Seeing Rama, the icon of beauty, King Janaka truly became Videha or forgot everything about his own body.The nuptial knot with garments of the bride and the groom was tied as per the conventional norms and the couple began to circumambulate the sacred fire (five or seven times at the conclusion of the marriage ceremony).


The Kalpavriksha Showering Flowers

Shouts of rejoicing, recitation of Vedic texts, the merriment of festal songs, glories sung by the bards and several musical instruments sounded all around. Deities were delighted to hear them and rained down the flowers of kalpavrikshas (one of the fabulous trees of paradise that grants all desire.)

With adulating eyes everyone feasted on the bride and groom circumambulating the sacred fire. Beautiful images of Rama and Sita were reflected on the bejewelled pillars and shone.


Madan and Rati Eagerly Witness the Marriage of Shri Ram & Sita

It seemed as if Madan (the god of love) and his consort, Rati, had assumed several forms in that scene and come to witness Lord Råma's wonderful wedding.Their ardent longing plus shyness to sight the spectacle was equally great that is why they repeatedly revealed themselves and vanished in quick succession. Other spectators were also enraptured like Janaka and forgot about themselves. Joyously, the sages made the bride and groom circle around the fire. All the rites were duly concluded along with neg (the custom of giving presents at marriages).


The Majestic Beauty of Lord Rama & Sita

The majestic beauty of the scene when Lord Råma was about to apply vermilion on Sitå's forehead, was unearthly. It seemed as a if a dark-hued serpent greedy for nectar was decking the moon with a lotus filament full of reddish pollen. Thence the bride and groom resplendently sat together on the same seat as per the directions of Vasistha.


Shri Rama & Janaki

King Dasaratha was overjoyed to see Lord Råma and Princess Jånaki sitting next to each other on a grand seat. He considered this event to be a fruition of the meritorious deeds of his surtaru or wish-yielding tree. The Mahotsav or grand ceremony of Rama's marriage was accomplished and there were merry rejoicings all over the universe. Thereafter on receiving Vasistha's order, Janaka sent for the other three princesses, Måndavi, Srutakirti and Urmilå.


The Marriages of Rama, Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughana

Mandavi was given in marriage to Bharata, Urmila to Laksmana and Srutakirti to Satrughana. When all the brides and grooms found that they were *well-matched, they shyly looked at each other but were delighted in their heart of hearts.


*Dark-hued Råma and Bharata were married to Sitå and Måndavi who were both fair; while fair-hued Laksmana and Satrughana were married to Urmilå and Srutakirti who were dark in colour.


The four brides majestically shone with their handsome bridegrooms on the pavilion of Janaka; as if the four states of consciousness( waking, dream, state of complete unconsciousness and a condition in which the soul has become one with the supreme spirit) simultaneously reside with their four svamis (vishwa or the universe, tejas or glory, pragya or the wise and brahma or all-pervading spirit of the universe) in the heart of a living being.


The king of Awadh, was so delighted to see his four sons along with their brides, as though a human being is rapturous on having realized the four ends of life, (worldly riches, religious merit, sensuous enjoyment and liberation) along with the four processes of spiritual evolution (sacrificial performances, piety, practice of Yoga and spiritual exercise).


Ram, Bharata, Laksmana & Satrughana Circling the Sacred Fire With Their Wives

All the other princes were married according to the same rites which were observed in Lord Råma's marriage.The dowry given was of such magnitude that the whole pavilion was loaded with gold and precious stones. Rare blankets, priceless silken garments,elephants, chariots, horses, male and female servants, cows which were like kamdhenu (the cow of plenty) and many other gifts were given in dowry, seeing which even guardians of the different realms were envious.


King Dasaratha accepted it all and gave beggars whatever they liked and only what was left came to the janvasa or residential palace of the bridegroom's party. With folded hands Janaka honoured all the baraatis (members of the bridegroom's party) spoke in gentle tones, and respectfully greeted the great sages. Appeasing the gods, he addressed everyone with joined palms, "The gods are satisfied with bhava or love flowing towards the Lord. Just as no one can appease the ocean with jalanjali (an offering of water with cupped hands) in the same we can not please you with articles.”


Janaka Humbly Addresses King Dasaratha

Similarly with folded hands Janaka informed the great king Dasaratha, “ O, Rajan! Our prestige and standing has been enhanced in every respect because of being connected with you. Alongwith our kingdom and all that we own, regard us as your slaves bought without paying any money. Taking these girls to be your attendants, bring them up.


I have been very presumptuous to have called you here from such a distance. Kindly pardon this offence of mine.”


King Dasaratha, a Jewel of the Solar Race

Thereafter King Dasaratha, the ornament of the solar race, flooded Janaka with all sorts of honour. Their mutual courtesy can not be narrated since both the king's hearts were loaded with love and voices were ecstatic. The gods were showering down flowers when king Dasaratha proceeded to the palace where he and his party had been put up, amidst the sound of kettledrums, shouts of victory and the chanting of Vedic texts. An spectacular show was going on in the sky and town, in full swing.


Cham: aba sakhi° mamgala gåna karata munisa åyasu påi kai,

dulaha dulahininha sahita sumdari cali kohabara lyåi kai.4.


That is when on the orders of Vasistha, chief of the sages, the sakhis or friends of the brides sang auspicious songs and took the brides and grooms to the kohbar (a house where the family deities are kept at the time of marriage).

The Marriage of Shri Ram & Sita, Baalkand of Shri Ram Charit Manas-3

Cau.: nayana niru hati mangala jåni,parichani karahi mudita mana råni.

beda bihita aru kula åcåru, kinha bhali bidhi saba byavahåru.1.


Vedas Being Read by Ganesha

Firmly stopping her tears since it was an auspicious occasion, Queen Sunayanå happily did arti and completed all rites prescribed by the Vedas as well as the family. The sound of Vedas being read, glories sung by family bards, shouts of triumph, blast of conches, and beat of the drums could be heard while festal songs were sung. Lovely carpets of different textures were spread on the way.


Shri Ram Seated on The Pavilion

After arti and the queen's giving of arghya (a respectful offering of water to an honoured guest in which rice, curds or milk are mixed) to Lord Råma, He proceeded to the pavilion and got seated along with the majestic Dasaratha and his followers. Bråhmans chanted the Shanti Paath appropriate for the occasion. After arghya Shri Ram was made to sit on the seat particularly reserved for Him and arti was done. Overjoyed, the women generously scattered loads of gems, clothes and ornaments (to ward off the evil eye) and sang festal songs. Disguised as brahmans, Brahmå and other gods also witnessed the spectacle.


Having gathered the offerings, barbers, torchbearers, family bards and dancers were delighted and gave their blessings.


The Majestic Grandeur of King Janaka & King Dasaratha

The relatives Janaka and Dashratha after observing the Vedic and customary norms, met each other very fondly. Seeing both the monarchs embracing each other, poets began to search for comparisons but could find none. Finally it was decided that the duo could just be likened to themselves.The gods raved that they had seen many marriages but it was only today that they saw pompous grandeur so well balanced on both sides and fathers of the bride and the bridegroom so well-matched. Hearing the deities everyone seconded their opinion.

Sage Vasistha

The pavilion had also been made in a unique and beautiful manner. Janaka worshipped sage Vasistha as if he were his own family deity


Sage Vishwamitra

whereas the paying of homage to Vishwamitra was inexpressible.


In the same way Vamadeva (another spiritual preceptor of King Dashratha) and the other sages were venerated.


Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya

Thereafter Janaka did the honours to Dashratha, the king of Ayodhya, as if he was equivalent to none other than Shiva. He admired his own fortune and rank which had been enhanced because of his relationship to Dashratha with folded hands.


Brahma. Vishnu, Shankar, Indra & Other Gods Witness the Spectacular Marriage

King Janaka worshipped all members of the bridegroom's party with the same honour as he had paid to Dashratha and assigned proper seats to them. Brahmå, Vishnu, Shankar, Indra, guardians of eight quarters of the world and the Sun God, all of whom had true knowledge of Lord Råma's glory, witnessed the spectacle in the guise of brahmans. Janaka gave them full respect without recognizing them.


The Omniscient Shri Ram

The omniscient Lord Råma identified the gods and worshipped them mentally. And like the chakor (a type of partridge supposed to live on moonbeams) their eyes were delighted to perceive the moonlike face of Ramchandra ji.


As per the orders of Vashisth ji, Shatananda gleefully went to get the daughter of Janaka.The wise queen was very pleased to hear the priest's message and called for bråhman brides and elder ladies of the family who performed the family rites and sang festal songs. Without recognizing them the queen honoured Uma, Rama and other goddesses who were naturally very beautiful and in the prime of their youth, but disguised as mortals.


Shri Sita is Innately Beautiful

Having decked themselves and singing melodiously they took the beautiful Sita to the pavilion. Innately lovely-looking Sitå seemed majestic amongst the bevy of ladies just as a woman who is beauty incarnate is enshrined amidst a gathering of picture-perfect women.


Do.: sohati banitå brmda mahu° sahaja suhåvani siya,

chabi lalanå gana madhya janu susamå tiya kamaniya.322.

Goddess Sita's Beauty Defies Description

Shri Sita's beauty defies description because her charm surpasses a poet's wit. When the bridegroom's side saw Sita, an abundance of beauty and extremely pious, approaching they respectfully greeted her in their hearts. King Dasaratha along with all his sons was also very pleased to see Sita ji.


The Gods showering Flowers

With auspicious songs, showering of flowers and other customary norms all family rites of both the sides were performed.


Goddess Gauri with Son Ganesha

The Gurus (Vasishta and Satananda) were delighted and made the bråhmans worship Goddess Gauri and Her son Ganesa.The gods appeared visibly, accepted the homage and gave their blessings. Whichever auspicious ingredients such as the madhuparka (consisting of curds, clarified butter, water,honey and sugar) were needed by the sages they were instantly presented to them by attendants in golden trays. The Sun God himself pointed out His family observances and they were all followed respectfully. Thus making Sitå worship the gods in this fashion, the sages assigned Her a beautiful throne.The tenderness with which Sitå and Råma adulated each other and their eternal love is beyond reach of the mind, intelligence and speech. It can not be expressed in any way.


Who can possibly describe the grandeur of queen Sunayana, the principal queen-consort of Janaka and the mother of Janaki? It seemed that the Creator had sculpted her by gathering all the auspicious virtues of fame, religious merit, joy and beauty. The great sages sent for her and queen Sunayanå came and stood dazzlingly on Janaka's left.


The Lotus Feet of Shri Ram

The king and queen brought gold vases on which bejewelled bowls filled with pure, scented and auspicious water were kept and placed them before Lord Råma. As the sages were reciting the sacred Vedas joyously, the royal couple adoringly beheld the Bridegroom and began to wash His holy lotus feet lovingly.The same lotus-feet which forever dwell in the heart of Lord Shankar. By thinking of them just once our inner faculties become pure and sins of the Kali Yuga are driven away.


Chhand: je parasi munibanitå lahi gati rahi jo påtakamai,

makarardu jinha ko sambhu sira sucitå avadhi sura baranai.

kari madhupa mana muni jogijana je sei abhimata gati lahai,

te pada pakhårata bhågyabhåjanu janaku jaya jaya saba kahai.2.


Ahilya Attains Salvation by the Touch of Lord Rama's Feet

Sage Gautama's wife who was a sinner attained salvation by their touch.


River Ganges Adorns Shiva's Head

Their nectarine juice in the form of river Ganges adorns Lord Sambhu's head. Ascetics transform their minds into bees and attain their desired goal by revolving around these lotus feet. It is these very feet that the most fortunate Janaka washed. Seeing this scene everyone shouted in joyous abandon.