Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Sachchidananda Satya Sandesha – weekly message in Prajavani, Kannada daily – March 6, 2021
Compiled by: Shruthi Jagadish
Ups and downs in life are the spirit of creation
Hindu scriptures have scientifically elucidated the creation of this universe. They also describe the fickleness of human mind. Of the 18 Maha Puranas written by Sri Vyasa, in Shiva Maha Purana, the third chapter of first Samhita called ‘Vidyeshvara’ describes the ‘Parabrahma’ principle. Lord Brahma describes the nature of Nirguna (without qualities) Parabrahma to the Shatkuleena (6 banks of the three rivers of the confluence at Prayag) Rishis of Prayag. When the qualities of Sattva-Rajas-Tamas were balanced in Parabrahma, the creation was dormant. When these aspects became volatile in the Nirguna Brahma, the creation of this world began.
According to Lord Brahma, in every object, the qualities of Sattva-Rajas-Tamas exist. When there is variation and movement in these qualities, creation of life begins. This can be compared to the movement of proton-neutron-electrons as described by the scientists. This can also be compared to the good and bad in the human mind. The good and bad in man are never constant. The differences of opinions about various subjects cause ups and downs that create conflict in the human mind. Time and again, this has led to the emergence of Rama-Ravana. And Ramayana and Mahabharata continue in every household to this date!
The Lord enforced the rules of creation, preservation and destruction to this world created due to the 3 qualities. These rules are also varying. Similarly, variations in an ECG done by the doctor indicates life, a flat line implies death. This means that the variations seen each moment, is the essence of this creation. When this nature of change is lost, there is no radiance or luster in this creation. Hence, the Earth moves around the Sun and receives the enthusiasm for life. The revolving wheels of a machine generate energy, our wheel of life also goes around pumping in energy.
When the essence of this creation has been identified as the quality of continuous change, the hardships and happiness in human life are also, very similarly, a sign of life! If man fears hardships and only expects happiness, he cannot achieve anything in life. The strength for life lies in the determination to move ahead and achieve something. The varied qualities of man, his confusions, eagerness are what make life real. Life is interesting only when there is happiness-sorrow, sweetness-bitterness. There is no excitement or fascination if there is, either, only happiness or only sorrow.
Within us, outside us, till the horizon, the ups and downs are the source of strength. Difficulties and joys contribute to our power. They take the form of challenges. These challenges make us determined and give us strength. Greater the hardships, stronger the man becomes. One may think that sitting without having to work is happiness, moving around or walking is difficult. But, sitting idle implies disease, ability to move around implies being disease-free! Hence, to face these peaks and valleys of life, we need divine support. For this, we must engage in mediation and Yoga daily.
Those who are knowledgeable, should not blame God in difficulty, or praise Him only during happy times. They must worship God, with a balanced mind, always. In the presence of Guru, one must realize the true form of the Lord, assimilate this understanding, and sing in praise of God. Sri Vyasa has said that such a person obtains the vision of Shiva, who personifies ‘Sachchidananda’ and then merges with him. One must use Bhakti or Devotion as the means to realize the incomparable Parabrahma who is of the form of Sat-Chit-Ananda.
Jaya Guru Datta