Speech by HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji in the evening on the occasion of 1st anniversary of the temple – November 16, 2014 – Hanuman Dwarka Mandir, New Delhi
Sri Ganeshaya Namah
Sri Saraswatyai Namah
Sri Padavallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namah
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namo Namah
Om Namo Hanumate Namah
Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama
It is very nice to be in the Dwarka Ashrama. It is nicer to meet you all. It is a joyous moment. We are very happy. Before Navaratri, many devotees from New Delhi, had visited Mysore Ashrama. They invited us to come to Dwarka Ashrama. Then, I had said, to go & pray to Appaji. “Swamiji, may come. Who knows? Inviting Him, is our duty.”
Shankarji had said – Swamiji, it seems Appaji won’t come. I had replied, “Why do you say so? Try, invite & see.” Ok Swamiji, we will invite. They invited Sri Appaji to Hanuman Dwarka Mandir. Sri Appaji, had replied – “No, I cannot come. You know that, I cannot come. There are many tasks. I have to go to many places. Have to run, sit, stand. So, I will not visit this year.” Shankarji, came back again to me. He said that Appaji scolded them. I had said – Sadguru’s words are never forceful, they are always a blessing. “Sadguru ka aagrahanahi hota hai, anugraha hota hai.” If He doesn’t scold, who else will scold. It is Sadguru’s duty to scold. He scolds out of love. He loves you, so He scolds. Let us see, what happens. You be ready. From then, they all have been ready here.
A miracle happened. What Miracle? In Mysore Ashrama also no one knew that Naga Phani Sharma, a poet, will visit the Ashrama & will invite Sri Swamiji to come to Delhi & not Hyderabad. He is from Hyderabad. He speaks in telugu. Everyone thought, he had come to invite to Hyderabad. Here, in Delhi, he had arranged a gathering of poets (Kavi Samelan) at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan at Delhi. He had invited Sri Swamiji to this function. He is avery old devotee. Sri Swamiji blessed & consented to come to Delhi. Still, it was not sure, if Appaji would visit Dwarka Ashrama.
This is indeed a miracle. Navagraha Havan/Homa, was in progress at Mysore Ashrama, then. He left the Navagraha Havan. As a part of the puja rituals, Sri Swamiji had tied the sacred thread to His wrist (Kankan Dharana). During, this time, they do not go out. He handed over the Kankan to me & asked me to wear it, for He had to come to Delhi. Still, it was unsure, if Swamiji would visit the Dwarka Ashrama. Before going to the AP Bhawan, Sri Swamiji came here & blessed. Sri Swamiji’s special blessings are there for the Dwarka Ashrama & for all the devotees here.
Sri Swamiji commenced the celebrations of the First Anniversary. Tomorrow, will be the Maha Poornahuti. Sri Swamiji started the celebration & tomorrow, with all the Pundits who have come here – Pavamana Homa, Aanjaneya Homa, the Lord’s Abhisheka, all the programmes, we will witness.
This is a miraculous blessing. Sri Swamiji visited & blessed you all with His Darshan on the 8th of November. The 4th of this month, was the date of the anniversary, as per the Hindu Calender (Nakshatra & thithi). That was the day of the consecration of Lord Hanuman at the Dwarka Ashrama. One year went by. During the consecration of the temple, I was unable to come. I visited the temple in April, after the consecration. We all conducted satsang together here in April. Unknowingly, one year passed by. It seems as if the consecration of the temple took place this month.
On the occasion of the Anniversary, you all chanted the Sundar Khanda. It is very good, peaceful & joyous. It felt nice to listen to the Sundar Kaanda. Sundar Kaanda is one mantra. It is known as ‘Mala Mantra’. It is a separate mantra like, ‘Om’, ‘Dram’, ‘Ram’, ‘Aim’, ‘Hreem’, ‘Shreem’, ‘Kleem’. This type of ekaakshar (one letter) is called beejaakshar (seed syllables). It is known as Ekaakshar Mantra. ‘Ra-ma’ is a two letter mantra (dwi-akshar).‘Datta’, is a two lettered mantra (dwi-akshara mantra). There are three lettered mantras (tri-akshara) also – Sri Ma ta. There are four lettered(Chatur-akshar) mantras also. We all are aware of five lettered (Pancha-akshar) mantra – Namah Shivaya. Six lettered (Shadakshari) mantras are liked by Lord Subrahmanya. ‘Dram Dattaya Namah’, ‘Sri Ramaya Namah’ – all are Shadakshari mantras. There are longer Mala Mantras, which are known as ‘Danda Mantra’.
‘Dattatreyaya Smaranamaatra Samthushtaaya, Mahabhaya Nivaaranaaya’, this is the Datta Danda Mantra. Like a stick, it is very big. Sundar Kaanda is a Mala Mantra, like a garland. From the first to last verse, it is a powerful mantra. Many practice reading seven verses of the Sundara Kaanda daily. Many read seven chapter sections daily, in southern India. This is a Maha Mantra. Today, as you all chanted the Sundar Kaanda, entirely in one day, is also a practice. By chanting the Sundar Kaanda, all desires are fulfilled. The Lord’s full grace is bestowed on us.
Srimad Valmiki Ramayana, is a mantra. In this, Sundar Kaanda,is a very important mantra. It is mantra in a mantra. In this, ‘Twamasmin Karya Niryoge,’ is a very significant mantra, in Srimad Valmiki Ramayana.
Why is Sundar Kaanda, given so much importance? In the Sundar Kaanda, Lord Hanuman himself teaches the Ramayana to us. The entire Ramayana is taught in the Sundar Kaanda. Therefore, by chanting the Sundar Kaanda, we get the benefit & fruits of chanting the Sundar Kaanda & by listening to the Sundar Kaanda, we reap the benefits of listening to Ramayana. We get the blessings of Lord Rama, Mother Sita & Lord Hanuman. Take the book & randomly open any page. That, which opens, that is the mantra for that moment & that day. That is the mantra, which the Lord & Sadguru have given to you. You have the Sundar Kaanda books at home. After performing puja, open the Sundar Kaanda book, read the entire page that opens,that is the mantra & Lord’s message for you, for that day. That will determine your life for that day. You will understand, what will happen that day, how will the day be, you will see that in the Sundara Kaanda. Such, a powerful (Maha) mantra is Sundar Kaanda.
I just took the Sundar Kaanda & opened it. This page talks about Lord Hanuman’s message to Ravana. (Devotees in the audience say – “We are all Ravana & You are Hanuman,” to which Sri Balaswamiji replies.) I didn’t say so! This you say. We all have Ravan in us. But, we are not Ravan. If we become Ravana, we need ten heads, we will have twenty hands. We are Ram. Sometimes,Ram also has Ravan in Him. We have to remove it. We are not Ravan. If not entire Ram, we are an aspect of Ram. But, Ravan is also seated. Ravan has ten heads. He has put all sense organs (indriya) on the top. That is why, it is difficult for him to balance. Wonder, how he balances ten heads. Out of the ten heads, one is placed in the centre, four on one side & five on the other.
Lord Datta has three heads, which is very well balanced & is good to lookat also. Lord Karthikeya has six heads – five are around & there is one head above. The one above is known as urdha mukha. In the Panchanana, Lord Shiva also has many faces. In four directions, He has four faces & one face above, which can be verywell balanced. But, this Ravana, his mind is not proper. That is why it is not balanced. How, he walks, we don’t understand. Maybe, he falls (due to pride), but, still he manages. He doesn’t know that the sense organs should not be put on the top, above the head. So, what happened? He didn’t have balance. He fell. How did he fall? He saw Lakshmi. One must worship Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi has many aspects (Sampada). He desired that He must have all aspects at home. This will not bring peace, it will create restlessness(ashanthi). He caught Lakshmi & kept her at home. He seated Lakshmi on the head. He saw Lakshmi, i.e. Sita Mata lustfully. Therefore, it was not balanced.
Therefore, Lord Hanuman teaches to Ravana. Did Ravana,listen to the message (Upadesha)? Did he listen? He heard it, but, he did not understand it. Everyone hears, but, only few understand. Only, some use it in their experiences. We must listen, understand & experience it. These are three steps in order in spiritual practice (sadhana). Listen, understand & practice it. Ravan heard with his twenty ears, but, he did not understand. He never listens, but, he sat & listened to Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is not ordinary, He sat a higher altar & taught Ravana. Ravana’s throne, is placedvery high (from the ground). Lord Hanuman with the help of His tail, sat higher to Ravana & from that height gave darshana to Ravana. Hey Ravan, Has anybody seen you like this? Nobody had seen Ravana from such a height above him, before. Lord Hanuman, at Ravana’s kingdom Lanka, looks at him, from above. Sadguru is always above. Not, only is He seated above, He is above everything. In the Sundar Kaanda, Lord Hanuman is the Sadguru. He is teaching. Whom is He teaching? He is teaching Ravana. He is teaching the Ravana, that is inside us.
This is a very nice message.
Verse from Sundar Kaanda:
Sunu Ravana Brahmaanda Nikaaya, paayijaasu bala, birachati maya.
Hey Ravan, listen. Leave this illusion (maya). Understand that this universe (Brahmaanda) is a miracle of the Lord. Understand & see. You are not able to understand this illusion. That is why, you have kidnapped Mother Sita &kept her in the kingdom. Hey Ravan, listen.
Jaake Bala Biranchi Hari Eesaa, paalatsrijata haratha dara seesaa.
What should I explain about Lord Rama. Ravana, He is the creator. He is the sustainer. He is the destroyer. That is why Lord Rama is not only the incarnation of Narayana. He is Trimurti (Trinity). That means, Lord Rama is Lord Datta. When Lord Rama, in the Ayodhya Kaanda (Conlcuding Chapters of Ramayana), visits the Atri Ashrama, to take darshan of Atri Maharshi & Anusuya Mata. Atri & Anusuya are the foremost couple (Adi Dampati). They looked at Rama. Mother Anusuya tells Rama, “Hey Rama, looking at You, the feeling in the heart arises, that I am looking at Lord Datta. There is a desire that, I see Lord Datta. But, by Your Darshan, we have had darshan of Lord Datta. I feel, I am looking at my son.” Lord Datta, is Himself Rama.
Jaa Bala sees dharathsahasaanana, Andakos samet giri kaanana.
Dharaee Jo Bibidha Deha Surathrathra, Tumha Se Satanha Sikhaavanu Datha.
Hara Kothanda Katin Jehin Bhanjaa, Tehi Samet Nripa Dala Mada Ganjaa.
Khara Dooshana, Trisira Aru Baali, Badhe Sakala Atulita Balsaali.
Lord Hanuman speaks about the strength of Sri Rama. Do you know what Lord Rama did in Janasthana? Khara Dushana Demons had come. Lord Rama killed all of them. You know about Lord Rama, still, why are you doing this? We all also know. But, we forget. This all happens, because we forget. That is why do not forget, remember the glories of the Lord always (Smarana). Sadguru reminds us to remember the Lord. ‘Smartrgaami Sanovatu’, ‘Smarana Maatrasantushtaaya’, the Lord is satisfied merely by remembering. What do we remember – we remember, all that should not be remembered. We must always remember the Lord, but, it does it happen. Therefore, Sadguru keeps telling us to remember the Lord, to chant the name of the Lord, again & again. In happiness, in joy, in sorrow & in difficulties, we must remember the Lord. When in sorrow, the difficulty will pass. Remember the Lord in joy, the happiness will increase. Therefore, remember Lord in happiness & joy.
Some people talk ill, when they are in sorrow, like Ravana. Do not talk ill. In sorrow think, what is happening, what is this play of the Lord. What is the Lord trying to do? What is the aim of the Lord? What kind of Karma (cycle ofactions) have I brought? Due, to what kind of Karma, is all this happening? Think about all this. In sorrow, do not speak ill, but, remember the Lord.
In joy, also you must remember the Lord. In joy, we all forget, for happiness is a big illusion. Do not fall in such an illusion & forget. He was in lot of comfort & joy. Therefore, he forgot. But, Lord Hanuman’s message & effort, did not go waste. Sitting on such a height, Lord Hanuman taught the message, how is it possible that His effort was wasted? Do you all think, Lord Hanuman’smessage & efforts were wasted? No. When, did Lord Hanuman’s message come to use? When Ravana was dying, the teaching was utilised. At that time, Lord Hanuman’s message, taught on that day, was recapitulated by Ravana, at the time of his death. Ravana said, “Ram,” as he was dying. What happened when he said,“Ram,” he got salvation. By dying on the strike of Rama’s arrow, by taking Lord Ram’s name, Ravan got salvation. This is the power of Rama’s name & Rama’sarrow.
(Sri Balaswamiji in light humour talks about Rama’s arrow).
We all have the opportunity to take Rama’s name,but, we don’t want Rama’s arrow. We will just seek darshan of it. We will not touch Rama’s arrow & may Rama’s arrow not touch us.
Whom does Rama’s arrow touch? It touches Ravana. We all have a little bit of the aspect of Ravana in us. To remove that, chant the Sundar Kaanda. Chanting the Sundar Kaanda may be difficult, there may be paucity of time. Just chant, “Om Namo Hanumate Namah,” otherwise chant the “Twamasmin Karya Niryoge” mantra. This mantra has been given to us by Mother Sita. Mother Sita prays to Lord Hanuman in the Sundar Kaanda. Pray, chant this mantra. Lord Hanuman will give strength, knack & devotion.
It has been one year for ‘Hanuman Dwarka Mandir’. This is not a small child of one year. We all are seeing the Supreme Reality (ParaBrahma) in the form of a small one year old child. Now, we all have to become the Mother.
Mother Yashoda took care & brought up the Lord Krishna. Mother Kausalya took care & brought up Sri Rama. Jayalakshmi Mata took care & brought up Sri Swamiji. We all must become Mothers. All fathers present here should also become mothers. We all cannot become Father’s. Father is only One – Jagat Pita. But, let us all become Mother’s. Let all the males, also become Mother’s. Like a mother, Naivedya (food offering) is offered to the Lord. Like a Mother, we offer services to the Lord. A mother is very sincere. Similarly, sincerely offer services to the Lord.
It is nice to meet you all on the occasion of ‘Hanuman Dwarka Mandir’s’ First Anniversary. From Mysore after the Navagraha Maha Shanthi Havan, then Surat, then Ahmedabad, to Delhi, it was little difficult, but, we wanted to come. That is why we came. Time runs in high speed. Time doesn’t wait for anyone. It keeps running. Hence, we must have time sense. We utilize time appropriately. Divide & allocate time for various tasks. How will I do this, what time will I indulge in spiritual practice, what time I will go out, what time will I be at home?
There is a story of ‘Saku Bai’s’ from Maharashtra. She used to utilize time very wisely. Time doesn’t wait, it keepsrunning. What is the form of the Lord? Time is the form of the Lord. Time is very vast & big. Hence, it is called ‘Maha Kala’ or ‘Akhanda Kala’. We cannot see the Lord. Lord is without any attributes (Nirgun). If the Lord takes form (Sagun), it is the form of time. That is why, we must understand time – understand when, what should we do & what not to do. By this, everything good happens, growth occurs. So, this First Anniversary is an auspicious occasion for all of us. For the Lord, it is not much. We cannot say that it is the anniversary of the Lord. The Lord is Unique (Ajab), beyond conception (Nirvikalpa), formless (Niraakara), distinctionless (Nirguna), He is beyond. He is not born, He does not die, He is beyond. For, us to understand, Sadguru teaches us through time. We must have time sense, time does not wait foranyone.
‘Maha Kaal’, i.e. the Lord of Death, is also known as Yama. Some persons are fearful remembering Yama, they don’t even take the name of Yama. But, He is like Dakshina Murthy. He removes all flaws of untimely death. Once, Lord Yama came to a village, in a disguised form. He visited the house of a person, who was due for death, sat & spoke to Him, saying, “Come, let us go! It is your time to leave. You have to come. Let’s go.” The person was very smart, due to the impact of the Kali Yuga. He thought – The Lord of Death is calling me, what should I do? So,he offered a coffee to Lord Yama. Lord Yama was astonished & surprised – I am sitting here, calling him & He is asking about coffee. Lord Yama agreed to drink coffee. The person mixed sleeping tablets in the coffee & offered to Lord Yama. After drinking coffee, Lord Yama slept. He was carrying a book with Him. In the book, this person’s name was the first. The person erased his name from the beginning & wrote it in the end. Lord Yama woke up after sometime. He said, “I am very happy with you. Therefore, I will start from the end of the book. This is the glory of time. It has a great impact.
Time is Lord Hanuman. Yama, stays in His feet. The devotee who follows Lord Hanuman, His flaws of untimely death are removed. We all have to leave one day. What is to worry & fear in this? Untimely death should not happen. A complete life is to be lead, with joy, smiling, spreading happiness, with brotherhood.
Our Vedas teach us:
Satamanam Bhavati, Satayuh Purushas.
Satendriya Ayush Yevendriye Pratitishthati.
Pray to the Lord for a long life & good health. Pray that the good health can be used for the service of the Lord. “Bless us with such an opportunity & fortune. Otherwise, what is the use of such a full long span of life. Bless with the opportunity to utilize the good health for Your Seva. Search & bless me with service.” We must seek & search for service, but, we do not search, we have no time. “Oh! Lord, You bless me with an opportunity to offer service. Take service from us. Life is fulfilled, by offering service. This is the reason, we have had the birth. Service can be spiritual service or social service. Also offer services towards yourself. We call it Aatma Seva. You all sitting here & engaged in contemplation. This is Aatma Seva (Service towards oneself). Aatma Seva is essential. We must take out time for ourselves. By Aatma Seva, we get power, by power, we develop good fortune to offer services. This is a sequence in the spiritual parlance.
Pray to Lord Hanuman, as per this sequence. Today, we had Sundar Kaanda Chanting here. May all those who chanted & all those who heard, reap good fruits assosciated with Sundar Kaanda. These are prayers to Lord Hanuman.
Tomorrow is last Karthik Somavara. Come & have darshan of Lord Shiva. Offer abhisheka. Pavamana Homa, Aanjaneya Homa, will be in progress tomorrow. Have darshan of the Poornahuti’s of the homa. Then, proceed to Swaroop Nagar. It has been long time, that we visited Swaroop Nagar. We must have darshan of Lord Datta & from there will proceed to Rishikesh. In Rishikesh, silver jubilee is celebrated. 25 years have been completed, after the consecration of Lord Datta. From there, will proceed to Andhra, Nizamabad.
Now, Sri Swamiji is in Trinidad, West Indies. A new Ashrama is consecrated there, in Penal. Sri Swamiji is there for the consecration. May Sadguru’s grace be with you always. This we pray.
Jai Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
jai Bolo Datta Bhagvan ki – Jai.
Jai Bolo Pavana Suta Hanuman Ki – Jai.
Siya Var Rama Chandra Prabhu Ki – Jai.
Compiled by Y.S. Swarnaprabha