49th & 50th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

japa tapa niyama joga nija dharmå, sruti sambhava nånå subha karmå |

gyåna dayå dama tiratha majjana, jaha° lagi dharma kahata sruti sajjana ||1||

ågama nigama puråna anekå, paRhe sune kara phala prabhu ekå |

tava pada pamkaja priti niramtara saba sådhana kara yaha phala sumdara ||2||

chutai mala ki malahi ke dhoe°, ghrta ki påva koi båri biloe° |

prema bhagati jala binu raghuråi, abhiamtara mala kabahu° na jåi ||3||

soi sarbagya tagya soi pamdita, soi guna grha bigyåna akhamdita |

daccha sakala lacchana jutasoi, jåke° pada saroja ratihoi ||4||

All Religious Observances Lead to Lord Rama

Japa (incantations), austere penance, religious observances, yogic practices, the performance of one's duties as per the class and stage of life, various pious acts recommended by the Vedas like spiritual enlightenment, compassion, self-control (restraining the senses), bathing in sacred waters and whatever other religious obligation have been recommended by the Vedas and holy men (following them) And O Lord! The supreme fruition of recitation and hearing of various Tantric texts, Vedas and Puranas is the same. And the topmost glorious reward of all spiritual endeavours is to forever have loving devotion for Your lotus feet. Can dirt be cleansed by washing with dirt? Can anyone get butter by churning water?

Bhakti of Lord Rama, Washes Away our Impurities

O Raghunath ji! (In the same fashion) Except by cleaning with the water of lovingly tender bhakti or religious devotion, the impurity accumulated in our heart can never be washed away. He alone is omniscient, knows the real nature of things and is learned. He alone is the repository of virtues and possesses indestructible knowledgeable; He alone is clever and endowed with all auspicious attributes, who is lovingly devoted to Your lotus feet.

Doha:

nåtha eka bara mågau° råma krpå kari dehu |

janma janma prabhupada kamala kabahu° ghatai jani nehu ||49||

The Lotus Feet of Lord Rama

O Lord! I ask one boon from You, kindly grant it to me, O Lord Rama! in Your mercy, Råma. May my love for Your lotus feet, O Lord, never diminish in the course of my future births.

Chaupai:

asa kahi muni basista grha åe, krpåsimdhu ke mana ati bhåe |

hanumåna bharatådika bhråtå, samga lie sevaka sukhadata ||1||

puni krpåla pura båhera gae, gaja ratha turaga magavata bhae |

dekhi krpå kari sakala saråhe, die ucita jinha jinha tei cåhe ||2||

harana sakala srama prabhu srama påi, gae jahå° sitala ava°råi |

bharata dinha nija basana dasåi, baithe prabhu sevahi saba bhåi ||3||

mårutasuta taba måruta karai, pulaka bapusa locana jala bharai |

hanumåna sama nahi baRabhågi, nahi kou råma carana anurågi ||4||

girijå jåsu priti sevakåi, båra båra prabhu nija mukha gåi ||5||

Horses Distributed to the Deserving

So saying, the sage Vasistha returned home. The Ocean of mercy, Lord Rama was very pleased with him in His heart. Thereafter, Lord Råma who imparts delight to His servants, took Hanumåna, Bharata and His other two brothers (Laksmana and Shatrughna) with Him. And then the merciful Lord Rama went outside the city and ordered elephants, chariots and horses to be brought. Seeing them, being kind to them, He praised them all and distributed them, giving each person what he deserved and wished for. The Lord, who is the reliever of all worldly fatigue, Himself felt tired (while distributing the elephants, horses and so on) and retired to a cool mango grove (to relieve his exhaustion).

Lord Rama & Sita, Served by Bharata, Laksmana, Shatrughana & Hanumana

That is where Bharata spread out his own scarf and the Lord sat on it with His brothers attending to His needs. Lord Hanumana, the son of the Wind God began to fan Him now. His body was ecstatic and tears of joy filled His eyes.

Lord Shiva Narrates the Tale of Rama to Girija

(Says Shiva) O Girija! (mountain-born, title of Parvati) Neither is there anyone as fortunate as Hanumana nor so lovingly devoted to Lord Råma's lotus feet. Whose love and service, have been repeatedly raved about by the Lord with His own mouth.

Doha:

tehi avasara muni nårada åe karatala bina |

gåvana lage råma kala kirati sadå nabina ||50||

Narada Sings of Lord Rama's Glories

At that very moment came Nårada with the lute in his hand. He began to sing of Lord Råma's glory which is forever beautiful and eternally fresh.

Spiritual Calendar, February 2012

Lord Krishna, Narada & Yudhishtira

3^rd February, 2012: Jaya Ekadasi is on a Friday. It is observed on the eleventh day of shukla paksha in Magh. Though Magh is an auspicious month for propitiating Shiva, this Ekadasi is also auspicious for Vishnu Puja. On this day, Lord Vishnu and Shiva are both worshipped. Keeping the Jaya Ekadasi Vrat gives devotees an opportunity to get rid of their sins and attain salvation.The legend of Jaya Ekadasi Vrata is explained in the Padma Purana as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhistira.

Ekadashi comes twice a month, about four days before every amavasya and purnima. Devotees wake up early in the morning and offer arghya (water) to the Sun God, Lord Shiva and the tulsi plant. No cereal or rice is cooked and just milk and fruits are taken. Sadhakas chant at least 16 malas of the mahamantra

hare ram hare ram ram ram hare hare
hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare

Lord Shiva

5^th February, 2012: Lord Shiva's Pradosha Fast in the auspicious month of Magh. Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept for propitiating Lord Shiva. With His blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment. People generally observe the Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening. Please offer plain water and bel patra to Lord Shiva. The bel patra or leaf of the wood-apple tree represents the three eyes of Shiva and the three gunas.

Kindly bring your copy of 'The Bhagavad Gita' and join us in recitation/Kirtan from 5 pm onwards at revered Bharti ji and Vikasji's residence under the instructions of Prabhu Dhananjay ji.

Devotees Bathe at the Triveni in Allabhabad

7^th February, 2012: Magh Purnima is on a Tuesday. Magh Purnima is the full moon day in the month of Magh (January – February) during which the famous Kumbh Mela and annual Magh Mela take place at the Triveni Sangam in Prayag, Allahabad. Thousands of Hindu devotees converge to take a holy dip at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Allahabad. It is an important day to bathe and for some Hindus, the last date of Magh Snana. Please take a dip in the Ganges, Yamuna or any other sacred river. There will be a great rush at Goverdhan/Vrindavan and Kamad Giri at Chitrakoot for parikrama or circumambulation.

It is believed that Vishwamitra II performed a ritual bath during the Kumbh Mela on a Magh Purnima in 2382 BCE. Maghi Purnima usually falls at the end of Magh and signals the end of the Kumbh Mela. Most Kalpvasis start their return journey from the Sangam on this day.

Saint Usha ji fondly Known as Bobo

9^th February, 2012: Saint Ushaji's Punya Tithi (anniversary of her death) falls on a Thursday and will be observed at Gaura Nagar Colony , Vrindavan. Born on 30th July,1925, Usha Bahenji gained entry into Gauloka (where Lord Krishna forever dwells) in 1992 after Basant Panchami but before Sri Shivrtari. In this way both the festivals were unaffected, a truly sublime happening! Highly revered Susheela Bahenji requests everyone to reach Vrindavan in time as the program starts sharp at 9 am.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa were secular saints of India and inspired Saint Usha ji fondly known as Bobo. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Haridas sji, a Muslim whereas Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa though a great devotee of goddess Kali, actually practised Islam and Christianity for some months.

Lord Brahma & Narada

18^th Februay, 2012: Vijaya Ekadasi is on a Saturday. It is observed during the krishna paksha of the Phalgun Month as per the North Indian calendar. Those who observe this Ekadasi are said to triumph. This fact is highlighted in the Skanda Purana and narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada.

Lord Rama Wanting to Cross the Ocean

Legend has it that Lord Rama and his army comprising of monkeys and bears was searching for a means to cross the ocean to reach Lanka.That is when Lakshman spoke of a great Saint living nearby, who could provide them with a solution. It is this sage who raved about Vijaya Ekadasi and said that observing it would make Lord Rama victorious.

It is said that demon Mura found a place to dwell in grains of rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the day of Ekadashi, avoid food made from grains and rice

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa Worshipped Goddess Kali

18^th February, 2012: Jayanti of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa He was born on 18th Feb 1836 in West Bengal in Kamarpukur, some 70 miles from Calcutta. Later Swami Vivekananda, Brahamanada and others became his disciples and set up Ramakrishna Missions, Ramakrishna Maths and hospitals all over India and the world. He lived in this mundane world for 50 years and worshipped Goddess Kali. Swami Ramakrishna also practised Christianity and Muslim rituals to endorse that all religions lead to one God if one is sincerely unbiased, in his commitments.

A great saint inspired by Swami Ramkrishan Paramhansa to renounce this world was Sri Sri Balkrishan Das ji Maharaj of Vrindavan. He had experienced the highest ideal of religious rapture by relishing Shri Radha-Krishna's madhurya or sweet romance.

Lord Krishna

18^th February: Lord Krishna leaves earth A truly interesting fact is that about 5100 years ago, Lord Krishna left this material world and scholars have found that the date in the English calendar was 18th February, 3102 B.C.! The period after his disappearance marks the beginning of Kaliyuga.

20^th February, 2012: The Maha Shivratri Fast is on a Monday.

The Festival of Mahashivratri

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day of the krishna paksha or waning phase of the moon in Phalgun. Along with keeping a fast, cold water and bel patra (leaves of the wood apple tree) are offered to the lingam during the day. The festival is celebrated by traditional offerings such as bathing Shiva in milk, panchamruta (milk,curd,ghee,sugar and honey [the symbols of sustenance]),one after the other in succession; or anointing the lingam with vermilion (kumkum), white consecrated rice and askshata, (symbols of fertility or creation), when Shiva is worshipped as the god of dissolution.

The three principal reasons for Shivratri are:

Sadashiv, the Cosmic Form of Shiva

1] Sadashiv, the cosmic form of Lord Shiva, appeared as 'Lingodbhav Moorti' precisely at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why all Shiva devotees keep vigil during the night of Shivratri and do abhishek of the Shivalingam (the form in which Shiva is worshipped). It is the night when Shiva performed the tandava nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

Lord Vishnu is Born as Krishna

It is believed that Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna, was born in Gokul in the middle of the night on Janamashtami, 180 days after Shivratri. Amazingly the circle of one year is divided into two by the festivities of Shivratri and Janamashtami.

Marriage of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati

2] Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati on Shivratri. Shiva without Parvati is an absolute 'Nirgun Brahman' (formless static God), whereas with Parvati, or purna-shakti, the most complete form of divine feminine energy, He becomes the 'Sagun Brahman' for his dedicated devotees.

Shiva as Neelkantham

3] On Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-throated one by swallowing the deadly poison, halahala, that came up when the devas and asuras churned the sea to obtain the nectar of immortality. Even a drop of the poison would have annihilated the entire world but Shiva held it in His neck, which turned blue with its impact.Ever since Shivratri is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from destruction.

At highly revered saint Sushila Bahinji's Gaura Colony the festival is celebrated with Thakurji. At our residence that is 'Hari:Vrinda Dham', chanting of Om Namah Shivay and Lord Shiva-Parvati vivah from Baalkand doha 88 to 103 ( Goswami Tulsidassji's Sri Ramcharitmanas) given on pages 28 to 37 of the new edition of the Sankirtan & Stuti Dhara will be read from 2 to 4 pm. Due to my Dialysis on the same day from 4 pm onwards, co-operation is requested and all are cordially invited.

Shri Banke Bihari in Vrindavan

21^st February, 2012: Phalgun Amavasya On this amavasya or new moon day, devotees throng to the Sri Banke Bihari Temple and since this is the holy month of Phalgun, the rush will be much greater. It is the last day of krishna paksha or waning phase of the moon. The Amavasya is also popularly known as the Maha Shivaratri Amavasya as the day prior to Amavasya is celebrated as the festival of Maha Shivaratri.

21^st February, 2012: Gaulok Gaman Diwas of revered Kamda Bahen ji (mother of Sri Piyush and Shalini Aggarwal). As Bobo was being taken for union with the divine, Shri Kamda Bahen a devout recipient of Usha Bahenji's grace, made an obeisance and prayed, “Bobo! Do take me along too.Take me along.” And Kamda Bahenji also departed when Bobo was being taken to be consigned to the Yamuna's water, as if she had come readily prepared in advance.

' Lokpavan Bhaijee Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar '-VI

Storehouse of Bhaijee's Spiritual Wealth-II

Lord Krishna Resides in Everyone

Keep in Mind: God resides in everyone. The Almighty is manifest in all living beings. Therefore whichever form of His needs any object at any time and if you have it, then sans arrogance hand it over to Him with loving tenderness with this feeling ' I am offering God's possession back to Him'.

Serve Mankind with Loving Tenderness

Do Remember: The one who does true service, forever perceives the Almighty in every being, everywhere in this mundane world. It his innate nature to attend to the needs of others. He is not affected by the superior and inferior, one's own and another's, friends and foes. He considers it his good fortune whenever he gets an opportunity to serve.

Keep in Mind: There is neither any publicity nor any shop which opens for seva or service. Attending to others' needs is an instinctive nature of the servitor. The purpose of seva is—whatever resources-stock-body-wealth, knowledge-wisdom one is endowed, and whatever energy one has, is intended for seva. Having no sort of personal desire, humbly use these assets in attending to others.

Be the Thread & Not the Needle

Do Remember: Arrogance distances us from God whereas humility transports us to the feet of the Supreme Being. Instead of highlighting others sins be good-hearted and conceal them. A needle makes a hole but thread gives a portion of its body and fills that gap. In the same fashion offer your body to fill the cavities (drawbacks) of others and do not excavate them. Become a thread and not the needle.

Soothe the Wounds of Others

Keep in Mind: Speaking in a haughty voice and treating a poor person, in a harsh and uncouth manner is akin to offending God; because the Almighty is present in front, in the form of that needy person. Thus speak to everyone in a sweet voice and tenderly; 'Through your humbly tender nectarine voice and behaviour, make the sweet cool flow of ambrosia gush forth. Pouring ambrosia into hearts burning with the poison of sorrow, make them cool, calm, sweet and stripped of venom. And do all this for the sake of serving God and considering it to be his energy, motivation and possession. God will be very pleased with your seva which is sans pride and so generous, and His pleasure will make your life supremely fruitful.

The Supreme Soul Dwells in Everyone

Do not ever let the feeling of revenge creep into your mind. Even if someone does wrong to you, abuses you, defames you and hits you, do not either harm anyone, wish for their downfall, or be thrilled to see them hurt. Forgive them, deep within your heart. Just as one does not want to punish oneself for any fault he has done—and wishes to be pardoned. In the same manner, considering that our soul exists in everyone like us, pardon every being. Harbouring revenge is very evil. A person who wants to take revenge does not ever get peace, joy and love in this material world and becomes a fiend after death. He drowns himself and spreading the evil atoms of enmity in the atmosphere, brings harm to others, as well.

Sorrow is the means from which humaneness evolves. A true human being's life blossoms in grief just as the sheen of gold shines when it is heated.

Fruition for Our Deeds has Been Ordained by the Supreme Being

Do Remember: Whatever fruition we attain whether it is most wanted or least desired by us, has been auspiciously ordained by the Supreme Being, for certain. Do not wish for anything which is contrary to this fact, do not ever be discontented but regarding it to be the sacred prasad of the Almighty, exalt it. In case you want anything from God or desire anything from Him just ask and wish for 'O auscipicous God, may your wish be fulfilled. May I have no desire apart from what you wish and in case I do at any point of time, do not fulfill the same.

Be Kind to Lepers & the Disabled

Keep in Mind: When anyone hurts you even slightly, you are so grieved or suffer so much. In the same way the other person also suffers. Therefore do not harbour a feeling of causing harm to others even a bit. Forever keep praying to God that 'O God! Grant me such good sense that I do not became the reason for bringing sorrow or hurting any child of yours in the material world which is your creation.' Always work and long for the true well-being of others and adopt the conduct of serving others, as far as practicable. Seeing lepers, the disabled, wretched-poor understand--' they are bearing the bhoga (fruit) of their karmas (deeds). You reap exactly what you sow.' Do not scorn them, hate them and do not ever hurt them by being rude. However great a sinner he may be because of his past deeds, your task is not to look at his sins, your duty is to work for his good and serve him as per your energy.

Attend to the Needs of Others

Forget About: If any living being is served through you then do not be proud of the fact that you have been of help to him. However certainly consider that the joy he has got by the seva which has been done by you is certainly the fruition of some virtuous deed of his. You have just been used as a medium for this reason. Be grateful to the Almighty, who made you a medium for bringing happiness t youo someone and be thankful to that living being who accepted your service.

The Law of Karma

If any harm comes is wrought to you by someone, do not be miserable on this account and regard it to be the fruition of some earlier deed done by you. Do not ever let this thought come to mind that a certain person has wrought harm to you. Firmly believe that in the durbar (royal court) of the Supreme Being there is never any injustice. Believe that the adversity which has struck you is surely the fruition of some deed done by you in the past.