Sri Krishna Katha

Chaturmasyam 2013

Dashavataras Sri Rama Katha Sri Krishna Katha Bhagavad Gita

Highlights of HH Sri BalaSwamiji’s 7 days discourse on the 10th chapter of Srimad Bhagavatam August 25 – August 31.

Day 1, August 25

Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Ganesaya Namaha – Sri Saraswatyai Namah – Sripada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namo Namaha.

Sravana month is called Krishna’s month because on the 8th lunar day of the waning fortnight (after full moon), Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami is remembered and celebrated at midnight to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. We are commencing this program here at KPDT grounds in Eluru by the abundant blessings of Sadguru. God’s and Guru’s intentions are wondrous. Swamiji is now in Russia where Bhagavad Gita was once appealed in court for banning from the country when it appeared in the Russian language, declaring it as a work that promotes violence. The case went on for some time. The person who filed the case in the court lost his claim finally. The country upheld the sacred nature of this great scripture. Today Swamiji is celebrating Krishnashtami in Russia. Every word and action of Guru has a very deep, significant meaning. It will become evident much later.

Bhagavatam is a great science that teaches devotion. Everyone should pray for Krishna’s darshan/vision either directly or indirectly. We pray for the removal of our ignorance and our troubles. Sri Sivagopal Lunani had put in a tremendous effort towards the rendering of this Bhagavata discourse. The Lunani family has suggested that this program should be conducted at these public grounds so that even their departed brother will be able to attend in a subtle form to listen to this discourse. May this discourse on Bhagavatam for 7 days bring peace and welfare not only to this town and this region, but to the whole world.

Prayer: Om asato maa sadgamaya … – Lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to Light, from death to Immortality. May Peace prevail in all 3 worlds.

Bhajan: Vinayaka Vinayaka – summary – Prostrations to Lord Vinayaka who removes all obstacles. He is known by the mantra syllable Gam. He grants Sachchidananda.

Slokas for meditation – The mind is focused on Ganesa who is radiant as the moon to remove all hurdles in our path. Saraswati is prayed to, to awaken our minds and remove all dullness. Sage Vyasa, the composer of Bhagavatam is offered obeisance. Sage Suka is offered prayers for blessing mankind with this story. Bhagavatam is worshiped for leading humanity toward Liberation. Great devotees like Prahlada are revered. Sadguru Sachchidananda is offered prayers. Lord Krishna is prayed to for removal of all sorrows.

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Jaya Hari Govinda – Victory to Lord Krishna, the greatest Guru. He was born in a prison. He removes all our shackles. He grew up in Gokula. He displayed great miracles. He drank from the breast of Putana. He was the darling of Nanda and Yasoda. He is the charioteer (of Arjuna). He destroyed the demon who appeared in the form of a tornado. He destroys all evil spirits. He went to home after home, leaving His footprints everywhere. He stole butter most adorably and stole the hearts of all. He is won over by devotion. He showed the universe in His mouth (to His mother Yasoda). He felled the two mighty trees to release celestial beings from their curse. He killed the demon that appeared as a calf, and subdued the great serpent (Kaliya). He played in Brindavan.

Bhagavatam is intertwined with Bharata, the country India. India is rich in spirituality. Vedas, Upanishads, all originated in India. Vyasa recorded the Bhagavad Gita just as narrated by Krishna. After composing many works, he still lacked peace. Dejected he sat on the banks of the Saraswati River. What will give me peace and satisfaction? He pondered. Narada came there and inquired what the problem was. Vyasa sought advice from Narada. Narada gave him 4 verses taught to Brahma by Vishnu. He told Vyasa to understand the essence of those verses and to compose the story of Lord Narayana. Vyasa decided to compose the Bhagavatam.

Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavatam are the 3 eyes of India. Indians should view life through these three eyes. This Bhagavatam is the third spiritual eye through which God should be envisioned. Ramayana teaches Dharma. Mahabharata teaches worldly affairs. Bha ga va ta mu is a special word, especially to Telugu people who end the word with mu.

Bha= bhakti/devotion, Ga=Jnanam/knowledge, Va=vairagyam/detachment, Ta=tapassu/penance or tyagam/sacrifice, and Mu= mukti/Liberation. It grants liberation.

After writing the brahma sutras, Vyasa was not satisfied. He had directly seen Krishna but did not clearly understand His Supreme divine principle. The brahma sutras are not easy to understand. This Bhagavatam is a commentary on the Brahma Sutras. It also contains the childhood miracles of Krishna, the descriptions of the 21 incarnations, and also a garland of stories of the greatest amongst pious souls. We are born, we are involved in household affairs. The doubt arises as to whether liberation is possible. Bhagavatam assures that even at the end, if one concentrates the mind on God, liberation can be obtained. King Pareekshit spent only the last 7 days of his life listening to the Bhagavatam with rapt attention and obtained salvation. So powerful is this spiritual science. We have time. We should not waste it. We must use our time to pray to the Lord. That is the teaching of Bhagavatam. It has 12 chapters, which are like the branches of a tree. We may land on those branches as eagles, or parrots, or whatever species of bird we choose. We, who have perched on this tree, will eventually fly away transformed into divine swans. Sri Krishna is the Supreme Soul. His principle is difficult to grasp. He is formless and is without describable attributes.

The 10th chapter is divided into 2 parts. The first part describes the childhood and youth of Krishna. The 2nd part shows him in His middle age and advanced years. Sage Suka is a Yogi, and Avadhoota. He spoke as a parrot, in enchantingly sweet words. Swamiji is raising hundreds of parrots in Mysore ashrama and having them chant the divine names of God.

King Pareekshit questioned Suka after hearing the description of his ancestors of the Sun and the Moon dynasties. Knowingly or unknowingly we have fallen in this ocean/world. We get exhausted after swimming for a long time. The 9th chapter is like the neck portion of the Lord. The 10th chapter is the face. Listening and uttering are most important. The face is the most important part of the human body consisting of eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Krishna Krishna, you chant, that is sufficient. Some say, chant Rama Rama. Both are the same. It depends on one’s taste. All are boats to cross the river. The boat is not important. Crossing the river is important. Earlier we got on the boat called Rama. Now we are on the boat called Krishna. God’s name is the boat. We must cross the river with its help.

The word Krishna has three parts, Kri sh and na. Of these 3 parts, just saying Krish is sufficient. By the time that first syllable is uttered, all sins get destroyed. Those who chant this syllable earn the merit of performing countless rituals and visiting numerous pilgrimage centers. Like a lotus erupts out of mud, Lord Krishna comes to rescue those who chant His name.

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Jaya Hari Govinda – Victory to Krishna.

In the state of Maharashtra, the pious souls used to go from house to house, begging the householders, O gentlemen, we will prostrate at your feet and beg you to please join us in singing the names of God to proper rhythm as we chime the cymbals.

As they did in those earlier times, I now beg you all to join me in singing the names of God. The powerful sacred vibrations will spread into the atmosphere and will protect the entire planet.

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Jaya Hari Govinda – Victory to Krishna.

Why do you worry about not knowing this or that, or not performing this ritual or that, when this great work Bhagavatam, composed by the great sage is available to us? Whosoever serves this work, serves – it has two meanings. In Sakuntala’s story, her adoptive father sage Kanva gives her the advice to serve the elders. Revering is one meaning, listening to them and following instructions is another meaning. At once God will put His permanent stamp on your heart, if you do these two.

At the outset the dynasties of the Sun and the Moon are described. The king now asks for further details about the life of Sri Krishna. When we question the Guru, the answers will come from him. The Bhagavatam teaches us how to present our questions. If we do not seek answers, we remain with doubts. Those who are highly self-controlled, and have a noble temperament question about Him, who is to be praised, and Him, who is the protector. Only the evil and the cruel-minded persons do not feel such an inclination to hear such holy stories.

Krishna protected the fetus of Pareekshit from getting destroyed by the spiritual missile employed against his life by Aswatthama. Krishna prevented the miscarriage. The Pandavas crossed the ocean-like army of the Kauravas as if it were the footprint of a calf filled with water, by the help of Krishna. When we are stuck, Krishna releases us from our predicament and blesses us with success.

The moment Pareekshit heard of the curse of the sage, he, with determination gave up food and water, and he stopped pampering his body. Harischandra said, if there were no hunger or thirst, the earth would be like heaven. All efforts are directed towards satisfying these needs. Pareekshit is now able to even withstand the pangs of hunger. I am now consuming the sacred nectar that is flowing from you in the form of this divine story. I am eager to listen to more and more of the glories of Krishna, in the utmost detail, he said.

Sage Suka complimented Pareekshit on his eager questioning. You have demonstrated your reverence towards the Lord.

Bhagavatam will destroy the flaws of this Kali Yuga. Luxuries are rampant and they spoil the mind. But through the singing of the glories of God, the weakness caused by luxuries is overcome. The desire to sing of God is created in the mind by Guru. One should not keep the desire simply as desire. Action must follow.

Suka began the story. Of all devout souls, Suka Avadhoota is an incarnation of Brahma perhaps. He extolled the glory of this extraordinary story.

The request made by the Eluru devotees that this story must be told here, is a very special request. It gives happiness and purity to the narrator. It gives purity to the one who makes the request, and to the listeners. Like Ganga that cleanses all the three worlds, this Ganga flow of this sacred story purifies all of us. Right now the worship of the Ganga river of Bhagavatam is taking place. Following this, we will take a dip and enjoy the holy bath in the flow of the story itself. We will immerse ourselves in the divine stories.

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Jaya Hari Govinda – Victory to Krishna.

The birth of Krishna: what was the aim of this incarnation? Was Vishnu bored in Vaikuntha? What made Him take birth here? To give the background, Suka described bow Kamsa and other cruel kings were tormenting the good people of this earth. Mother earth assumed the form of a cow and prayed to Brahma. Creation is wonderful, but the demon population has increased and I am unable to bear their weight. Brahma and other deities chanted the Purusha Sooktam that predominantly describes the incarnation of Vamana and prayed to Vishnu. A subtle voice was heard by Brahma that Lord Vishnu would be born as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva and would reduce the weight of the earth. Assured, Mother Earth returned home. The demon Kalanemi was born as Kamsa. He tormented all pious souls. He was riding a chariot once. He let the horses free, and summoning the 7 rishis, had them pull the chariot for him. While they were pulling the chariot thus, Kamsa whipped them. Once of the rishis cursed him, that the Supreme Soul, Paramatma Himself would come down to the earth and kill him. The effect of that curse inflicted on Kamsa was also instrumental in making Lord Vishnu incarnate as Lord Krishna. This is mentioned, not in the Bhagavatam, but elsewhere in other scriptures.

Kamsa’s sister Devaki was married to Vasudeva. On their wedding day, Kamsa was taking the newlyweds on his chariot. While they were proceeding thus, a voice was heard, O king, you are taking your sister so lovingly, but the eighth pregnancy of this sister will result in the birth of one who is certainly going to kill you. Kamsa, who had thus far been very affectionate that day, suddenly turned cruel. Why did this voice suddenly disrupt everything? Kamsa’s demonic traits were always very evident. He at once picked up his sword and was going to kill them both or at least his sister, who was going to bear the child. Fury destroys discretion. Vasudeva begged Kamsa to preserve the life of this sister. He was very resourceful and suggested a solution, that he would give up to Kamsa all the children born to her. Kamsa put them both in prison. Kamsa would get each child as soon as it was born, and would kill it. That was the agreement. Kamsa did not realize that death cannot be prevented. Vasudeva gave the first child to Kamsa. Kamsa saw the innocent child and said, I only fear the eighth child. I do not wish to kill this child. Sage Narada arrived there. We do not know why he does what he does. He seems to create quarrels. Such people, who sometimes speak harshly, have very soft feelings in their hearts. There are many people who are like Narada Maharshi, who create needless troubles.

Narada had a special purpose for what he did. Because the 7 rishis were going to be born to Devaki as her sons, they needed to be released from their predicament on earth quickly. Narada created fear in Kamsa’s heart. Kamsa recalled the infant and mercilessly dashed it to the ground to its death. Devaki and Vasudeva felt deep anguish. It is but natural. Kamsa left. Like that 6 children perished. During the seventh pregnancy, the Supreme Soul felt pity for the mother. He thought of a way to preserve her children. He wanted the parents to do the Naga Pratishtha, the consecration and worship of the Serpent God to preserve the life of progeny. Adi Sesha was conceived as the seventh child and the conceived fetus was transferred into the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva – an out of the ordinary medical procedure. Because of the Naga Pratishtha ceremony/ritual, the seventh child of Devaki survived. Since then Naga Pratishtha became a popular remedy to preserve progeny. Sankarshana was the name given to the child because it was attracted and transferred. (Balarama is the popular name).

The gods prayed to Vishnu to take birth as the eighth child of Devaki. Vishnu begged Mother Durga to incarnate as Yoga Maya in Nanda Vraja, the cow town. Kamsa will try to kill you when you are placed next to Devaki as her child. You show him your divine power. Durga and other names are used to glorify you. Shyama Sastri, the great Carnatic music composer refers to Mother Goddess as Shyama Krishna Sahodari – a sibling of Krishna.

Bhajan: Dum Dum Durga – summary – Durga of the seed letters Dum and Lam, you rescue devotees from distressful situations, you destroy wicked minds and evil beings, you are radiant as a hundred suns, you are pleased by Ganapati, and you are served by all the celestial beings. You are a purifier, and a destroyer of sins. Please protect me. You reside in the Himalaya Mountain; you give benefits to the pious and cause misery to the wicked. You are Sat Chit and Ananda. Victory to Mother Durga and Mother Lalita.

Yoga Maya accordingly was born in Nanda Gokula. Afterwards, by His power of intention Vishnu entered into Vasudeva. The womb of Devaki carried Him. All the gods came in their subtle forms to praise the Lord residing inside the womb. The praise stirs the unborn baby when pregnant women listen to good music, good prayers and good narrations. The gods praised thus: You are found only as Truth in Truth. Life’s truth is Soul. Because ’I’ am, life is there. Even after life departs, we remain. The life force/prana is like a tail attached to the Soul. Because the Soul exists, life attaches itself to it. Life comes and goes but the Soul is eternal. All the praises that occur in the Bhagavatam are most superb. They reveal many secrets. The root tree of the world, what we think of samsara as worldly life is not the correct meaning, how this whole concept of birth, and life’s journey came into being, that is Samsara. By our nature we are born, so that we can be rid of the individual nature given by Nature. It comes from the seed. Our previous inclinations have given us this particular lifetime. What about the very first Janma/birth? We have no answer. Joy and Sorrow are the two fruits that this tree bears. Satva, Rajas, and Tamo gunas are its three roots. One has one attribute more than the others, each is different. Those who are predominantly of Satva are sattvic. The juice/sap of the tree is the 4 goals – dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. The 5 sense organs are there and along with mind, intellect and memory, it has eight branches. The 6 changes that occur, birth, living, growth, transformation, deterioration, and decay are its features. Hunger, thirst, sorrow, delusion, old age, and death are its attributes. The 6 sheaths are there such as skin, flesh, bones, marrow and such other parts. A tree is not just what you see. Inside, unseen, are many processes and divisions. There are nine holes/hollows. They say nine holes in the human body, similarly. There are 10 life forces as leaves for this mighty tree. O Lord, You are the foundation, the root cause for this world existence. Whoever listens, utters, remembers, and alerts others of Your names and forms, will attain salvation. Please show the world your great glory, the time has come.

Now we are speaking of Krishna’s birth on this auspicious day in Vijaya year, in Sravana month, in the waning phase of the moon, Krishna paksha, close to the eighth lunar day’s midnight.

The atmosphere was calm. The rivers are flowing smoothly. The breezes are gentle. Soft chanting of the Vedas was heard. Without causing any discomfort to Devaki, the Lord appeared before Devaki with His four arms. Vasudeva was taking good care do Devaki who had reached full term. The Lord was a child and yet was divine with four arms, all the weapons, the yellow silk robe, and all adornments.
(The child was taken to Gokula by Vasudeva and Yoga Maya was brought and placed by Devaki’s side.)

Putana kept the Lord in her lap, holding a snake thinking it to be a rope and gave Him her breast milk. He sucked her life force and all her evil out of her. Using drinking milk at her breast as an excuse, Krishna destroyed the evil in her. She resumed her original form and fell to the ground huge as a mountain. The child innocently played nearby. The poison contained in her that He had sucked out is insignificant to the Lord.

The parents quickly picked up the child, afraid to see the mountainous corpse. They removed the evil eye by chanting the names of Vishnu, praying that each and every part of the child be well protected by God. That is the proper way of removing the evil eye. A protective shield is placed on the child by the chanting of these powerful names. By listening to these names now, we are getting protected. Many are jealous and envious and wish ill upon others for no reason. Evil eye falls on people and causes harm. We need to protect ourselves from it as we walk, eat, sleep and so on. Thus the gods prayed and removed the evil eye. The child looked on with amusement.

Nanda came, remembering the words of caution given by Vasudeva. They all cut the huge body into small pieces and cremated it. A fragrance emanated from the body as it burned. Everyone was surprised at it. The Lord on the 14th day after His birth gave salvation to Putana. That is the reason for the fragrance.

Whoever listens to the childhood glories and miracles of Krishna, especially the story of Putana’s attainment of liberation, are released from all sins and bondages.

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Jaya Hari Govinda – Victory to Krishna.

Today is the first day of the 7 day discourse; we discussed the birth of Krishna, and the first miracle. 90 chapters are there in the 10th Skanda of the Bhagavatam. Our pace is slow. We should speed up from tomorrow and also begin earlier.

Sri Guru Datta

Day 2, August 26

Jaya Guru Datta

The childhood, youth, and adulthood of Lord Krishna are totally unrelated. He present completely different personalities. He changed Himself as required by the circumstances. He appears to each of us as per our state of mind or purity of heart, just as water or mercury takes the shape of whichever container it is poured into.

All other creatures soon after birth are able to survive, even without mother, except humans. Now we are still discussing Lord Krishna’s infancy. Babies are protected from the evil eye by the placement of spots of Katuka, collyrium (the black paste) all over the body. One must never neglect the care of a child while busy socializing. Yashoda, the mother of Krishna, placed the child under a cart and got preoccupied attending to her guests. She was too busy to heed the crying of the child.

The baby lifted His tiny foot and kicked the cart in frustration. The vehicle toppled and crashed with a huge sound. How did that helpless child manage to kick the huge cart so hard? Yashoda was aghast. She ran to the child, relieved that the baby was safe and cuddled Him. Some scriptures claim that the cart was harboring a demon who was killed by Krishna by this act. Another version says, Krishna belongs on top of the cart, not under it. He is the famous charioteer (of Gita Upadesha). Destiny runs the chariot, with husband and wife as the two wheels, who keep it in balance. When God is made the driver, the charioteer, the cart of life moves smoothly. The couple has to live amiably for life to progress in the right direction.

Krishna once suddenly enlarged His body and became extremely heavy. In deep meditation, when one identifies with the entire Universe, it is difficult to get up at once. One should never force one to quickly get up after meditation. That is what happened to Sage Kapila who was disturbedd by the sons of Sagara and hence he cursed them. Not out of needless anger. Suddenly a tornado occurred, a whirlwind. The spiraling wind picked up the child high up into the air. All the witnesses were shocked and were breathless.

Krishna entwined the wind with his powerful arms and smothered the demon that took the shape of the tornado. The demon fell dead. God always makes the impossible possible. Incarnation=God comes down to earth forgetting His divinity.

Once Krishna yawned. One must cover the mouth with the hand, to prevent the life energy from escaping. After yawning or coughing one must also touch the ear and press it. Germs escape and affect others also if one does not cover the mouth. There is health science behind these statements given in the Sastras, our scriptures.

Yashoda, who was feeding her child, looked into the mouth of Krishna as He yawned and saw all the countless spheres in the Universe. The mother forgot herself and began singing the praises of God. Krishna took form like this baby to enjoy the love of mother. He decided to bring His mother back from her trance. The mother became normal and hugged the child.

The child was not yet named. The parents waited for the arrival of their family Guru. Since He was dark- skinned, He already was called Krishna. Sage Garga arrived at their house one day. He was requested to give a name to the child.

Sage Garga said, the naming ceremony should take place in secret, with no publicity. Otherwise, Kamsa, the evil king will come to know and may cause harm to the divine child. The naming ceremony happened in the cowshed. Balarama was fair skinned. The older brother of Krishna, the son of Rohini. He was named Balabhadra. He represents the waxing phase of the moon, Sukla paksha. Krishna represents the waning phase of the moon, the Krishna paksha. He was named Sri Krishna. The brothers were perhaps like black and white walking together. Sri Krishna removes our dark ignorance.

Sage Garga also declared that He is given the name of Vaasudeva, since He is the son of Vasudeva since past lifetimes. That is a divine name. Sri Krishna has many names, said the Sage. Sri Vishnu Sahasrnama lists 1000 names. His names in fact are countless.

Nanda and Yashoda were very happy. They were told by the sage that Lord Vishnu, Srimannarayana Himself was born now as this child.

After the name was given, the child’s naughtiness increased. He responds to OM and He responds to ‘thief of butter’. Sisupala never understood Krishna’s real nature and hence drew Krishna’s wrath. You call him ‘thief’ with devotion, not as a bad description. Krishna was stealing butter from the homes of all the people in Gokula. All the housewives came to Yashoda to complain about the child. He is the son of the chief of Gokula. He visits homes either when no one is home. Or he comes just to greet, and refuses butter when offered, as if he does not like the stuff. The Supreme Soul, who is most elusive even to the most devout sages, entered the homes of all those innocent persons of Gokula. The description given by Sage Vyasa is extremely endearing and heartwarming.

The clay pots containing milk, curds, ghee, and butter are suspended from the ceiling to protect from cats. But how to protect from these mischievous children? Krishna would go with friends, break the pots, and smear the white butter all over His body, to appear fair skinned! He did not like to be called dark. His immense radiance cannot be matched even by a thousand suns.

Krishna saw the pictures of deities in the homes and got insulted. I am the greatest God. Why do you worship these gods? He smeared butter that he had contaminated with his saliva (because He had eaten a part of it) all over the walls that bore these pictures. One’s saliva should never be applied anywhere. It must never be offered to God, or shared with others. It is bad for health since it contains many germs.

Yashoda’s love for Krishna is immeasurable. How to handle these complaints? If she does not control her child’s behavior, the rest of the citizens are threatening to leave the community. She would see Krishna’s innocent smile and find it impossible to show anger towards Him. With His feet smeared with butter, He would slip and slide and appear enchantingly beautiful. On Sri Krishna Ashtami, we invite the Lord with white designs (muggulu) on the ground in the shape of baby feet. The Lord certainly comes when He is invited thus.

Once, Krishna ate dirt (from the earth). His brother Balarama saw it and complained to the mother.

All other children also complained. When Balarama also affirmed, the mother got angry. There was a bit of dirt sticking to the mouth. She demanded why He was eating dirt, as if He were not fed at home. The first words of Krishna in the Bhagavatam – Mother, I have not eaten. Others are telling lies. If you don’t believe, look at my mouth. This is the superficial meaning. The Vedanta meaning, No, I do nothing. I am not the doer. I do not sin or merit. Those who refute this, have not understood the principle of God. The mouth represents the Upanishads. The Bhagavatam is the commentary on the Brahma Sutras.

Yashoda took a look at the mouth. She drew closer. She herself was entering the mouth, it appeared like. The entire Universe appeared there. Is this real, or an illusion, is this a hallucination? Is this the truth? Am I unable to perceive the truth? Am I not even Yashoda? Am I in Gokula or am I elsewhere in a different time zone, another plane? What is the reason for the entire Creation to appear inside the mouth of this child? Yashoda swooned. Krishna withdrew the vision. Yashoda recovered. In her previous life, she was Dhara Devi and Nanda was Drona. They prayed to be parents of the Lord. Yasodhara is her real name.

This bee, with the six feet, 5 senses plus the mind, must land on the lotus called the Supreme Soul. Because Yasoda became totally devout from knowledge of Truth, the Lord became submissive to her. That is why she was able to tie Him down with a cord. Without Bhakti, devotion, Jnana and Vairagya – Knowledge and Detachment, are ineffective. Seeing no difference between oneself and God is true bhakti.

To obtain God, only Bhakti is the instrument. Power and Cleverness are useless tools to capture God.

Bhakti is Yoga, Bhakti is Meditation. Bhakti is Knowledge. Bhakti is everything. There is no method superior to Bhakti, declares the Bhagavatam.

With wealth, scholarship, and self-importance, one cannot win God. Once Krishna was in Yasoda’s lap while she was churning butter. He wanted to help. She allowed Him to help. The milk kept for boiling on the stove, was boiling over, so she suddenly put the child down and rushed to save the milk. Krishna got angry. Am I less important than milk to mother? Is saving the milk that important? He broke the pot and began feeding the butter to the monkeys. He remembered his past life as Rama.

At bedtime the mother has to tell stories, continue even when the child fails to respond, with ‘hm’. Yasoda was telling the story of Rama. By the time she told the incident of Sita getting abducted by Ravana, The child abruptly got up, shouting, “Lakshmana, bring my bow.”

Yasoda saw the mischief of Krishna. She picked up a stick and chased Him. He ran and made the mother run all over Gokula, the entire town. When she dropped the stick, Krishna stopped running. Yasoda caught him, and tried to tie Him up with a rope. No matter how long a rope she got, it was still 2 inches short. Mother got exhausted. She got all the available ropes, and still could not tie Him up. He, is Krishna, who controls the entire Universe. Yasoda got frightened and frustrated. She started to cry out of helplessness. Then out of His free will Krishna allowed Himself to be tied. He did not wish to give unhappiness to His mother. If one submits and surrenders, God Himself will come and will become submissive.

Scholars spend time in intense study, trying to learn about God. But one who merely surrenders to God wins God’s favor effortlessly. Krishna got the name Dama=rope. Udara=belly. The rope was tied around His belly. The other end was tied to a stone grinding stone. The mother left. The baby moved, the grinding stone rolled, and went between two huge trees growing like twin trees. The trees crashed to the ground. The parents came rushing to see with wonder! Two celestial beings emerged out of the trees and rose to the skies. They disclosed their past lives. They were beautiful and talented Gandharvas (demi-gods). They were arrogant of their bodies and insulted Sage Narada. Narada cursed them to turn into mighty trees. Ancient mighty trees in a forest are perhaps cursed souls suffering long term suffering. Now released from the curse, the two souls prayed for eternal devotion and humility and disappeared.

O Krishna, we cannot know your true form. You appear in all different forms. With all tongues singing your praises, all ears hearing your glories, all hands serving you, may our minds dwell upon you. May our focus be on you, may our heads bow down before you, may the tears of joy shower from our eyes, O Sachchidananda!

Vedanta meaning: You have no form. Hence that Supreme Form is invisible. All that exists is the embodiment of the Supreme Soul.

The Lord appears as if He is bound, so that He can release us all from our bondage. The childhood pranks of Krishna are most adorable and endearing. Now Gokula sings the praises of Krishna. All the cowherds constantly remember His name. Once a fruit vendor was going on the street. Krishna wanted to eat fruits. The vendor asked for payment. Krishna took some grains from the house in His tiny palms and offered the few grains that were left there after all the rest had fallen to the ground as He ran with His tiny legs. She loved the gesture of the child and gave Him plenty of fruits. When she got home, she found that her basket was filled with precious gems. For a small favor, the Lord gives us immense benefits.

The people of Gokula held a meeting and decided to move with bag and baggage to Brindavanam, because this present location is being troubled by many evil beings. Now Gokula Krishna will change to Brindavana Krishna. The entire community changed their residence. By now the boys was grown enough to take the cattle for grazing. Krishna killed a calf shaped demon and a stork shaped demon. Victory to Lord Krishna!

How to repay Krishna for His wondrous acts of heroism to protect the entire community from harm?
Bhajan: Kathalu vinaga randi: Meaning – Let us hear the enchanting stories of Krishna. Even in infancy He killed Pootana and gave her salvation, to the wonderment of all witnesses. All troubles and anxieties will vanish from the mind by this listening. Yasoda got angry that Krishna ate mud. She saw all the worlds in His mouth. Krishna used the excuse of stealing butter.He in fact stole the sins from the hearts of all devotees. His glories are endless. Those who listen to His glories give Him permanent residence in their hearts. He dwells there forever. Victory to Lord Krishna.

Now, Aghasura’s killing. this demon took the form of a python and his mouth appeared like an open cave. The cowherd boys rushed in to explore. By now, they developed faith that Krishna would always save them from harm. The poisonous flames inside were scorching the children. Krishna rushed in, killed the python by tearing its body. He saved all the cowherd boys. A divine light emanated from the serpent’s body and merged into Krishna. The celestial beings witnessed this event with astonishment. Suka Yogi went into Yoga meditation while narrating this story to King Pareekshit. The king was amazing. After much time the sage recovered. 3 times such an incident happened.

Vishnu Maya, the illusion of Vishnu is greater than the illusion of Brahma. Now Krishna began playing the flute. He gave up the other primitive musical instruments like wooden trumpets and such (booralu). Krishna would tie fruits, and a bundle of yogurt rice in his garment. They gathered for lunch eating with other cowherd boys. Krishna sat in the middle and appeared like a huge divine glow. The other children went to fetch the cows that had disappeared. That day Balarama did not go to graze the cattle. The boys did not return. Krishna went to look for the boys. Krishna realized that Brahma was playing a trick and had hidden the cows and the boys. Krishna decided to teach Brahma a lesson. He turned Himself into all the cows and the boys, with every single detail replicated. All returned home. Their voices, ornaments, feature, sizes, characteristics all were replicated. he held this for a year. The people’s love for their children increased multi-fold. Balarama noticed that something strange was afoot. He used his divine vision and realized the trick played by Krishna and questioned Him. He saw only Krishna in all the beings. After a year of hiding the cows and boys, Brahma came to the earth to see what was going on. He was amazed at Krishna’ s power and fell at His feet in remorse. Brahma praised Krishna in a magnificent eulogy. These cowherd boys who are here on earth are most fortunate. As a fetus kicks the mother who is at once forgiven, I beg that you forgive me for my great blunder, Brahma prayed. Krishna withdrew His illusion. From Brahma Loka, the cows and boys returned. They forgot the year’s happenings. They only remembered going into the python’s mouth and getting saved by Krishna.

Pareekshit asked Sage Suka: How could the parents begin to love their children more than they loved Krishna during that year? We do not love anything in the world as much as we love our own souls. Krishna became each one’s soul (of the cowherd boys whom He had created out of His power to duplicate the boys abducted by Brahma) and hence was loved more than anything else. Whoever listens to this story will succeed in all their efforts, said Sage Suka. This incident is one of the most magnificent and powerful episodes. Please read this section when troubled by long-term frustrations of unfulfilled tasks.

Please perform Sri Krishna’s Birthday on Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Please keep chanting the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram. We are immersed in the ocean of the glories of Lord Krishna.

Victory to Sri Swamiji, Sri Bala Swamiji, and to Sri Jayalakshmi Mata. Prostrations to Datta Sadgurudeva who is of the form of all divinities. Sri Guru Datta

Day 3, August 27

To attain Salvation, keep reading and studying the Bhagavatam. That alone is sufficient even for the greatest scholars of Sastras. Bhagavatam brings you face to face to God. Swamiji also highly encourages the study of Bhagavatam. For Dharma, read Ramayana. For worldly knowledge, read the Mahabharata. To know God, study the Bhagavatam. God is most important. Bhagavatam is the noblest scripture.

Daily the cowherds were taking the cattle for grazing. They would lovingly take with them some parched rice with them along with some jaggery. One day they went to a palm orchard. Nobody was entering the forest because there were some demons there. The boys wanted to eat the palm fruits. Balarama and Krishna promised to make them available to them. Dhenukasura was in the form of a donkey. Balarama and Krishna decided to deal with him and get rid of him. Generally donkey is associated with laziness. That is not true. It works very hard, but does not think. It blindly bears its burden. The brothers killed the demon. Then other smaller demons attacked them and got killed also. Victory to Krishna.

Dancing on the serpent Kaaleeya is a delightful sight. Krishna assumes the aspect of Lord Siva and dances the Thandava dance on the hood of the venemous serpent. There is a beautiful image in Vishwam museum. Please see it. This incident destroys all sins.

Always make sure that the food you eat is safe to eat and is not poisonous. The Veda prescribes Parisechana ritual, of sprinkling the food with water, sprinkling water around the food, setting some aside to examine later, etc. If rice is blue, never eat it. Eating too much rice with Avakai is bad for health. The cowherd friends of Krishna entered a poisoned lake against the caution given by Krishna, to quench their thirst and fell down in a swoon. Krishna rescued them.

Krishna is Lord of all Yogis. His glance is very powerful. Swamiji’s glance, touch, and conversation are most glorious. Hundreds of thousands can receive His glance at one time. Once in Hyderabad, in some huge grounds where thousands had gathered, even those in the last row felt the power of Swamiji’s personal glance upon them.

Krishna revived the boys who fell down as if dead. The boys praised Krishna. They began developing devotion towards Krishna. The waters of the lake which should benefit all, is now poisoned. Rama says in the Ramayana that one who poisons drinking water and one who poisons the food of children are unforgivable sins. Krishna removed his upper garment and tied it tight around his waist. He climbed a high spot and took a dive into the pond and saw the mighty serpent, Kaaleeya. Krishna fought against him.

For a few moments Krishna appeared as if he was losing strength. Soon He recovered and subjugated the serpent and jumped on to the serpent’s innumerable hoods and stomped on them with immense power. He kept changing the rhythm, and jumped from hood to hood. The serpent could not adjust to the movements or anticipate the beats and rhythms. All the efforts of the serpent to sting Krishna, failed.

Once it was thakadhimi, then thakita thakita, then it was thakita thakadhimi, Krishna was changing the beats and rhythms, and His position rapidly to confuse the serpent. After the dance concluded, Krishna played the flute, gracefully standing on the hood of the totally defeated Kaaleeya. His posture is known as Tribhangi, with three curves of the body. Very enchanting and graceful to view.

That night all the boys slept on the lake shore. A wildfire spread all of a sudden all around them. When we become noble and good is that good enough? What if the world around us is on fire with worldliness? How do we protect ourselves? We should not blame others, or praise ourselves. We must pray with deep devotion for protection. Pray that we are protected. Don’t pray that the world should change entirely. Along with nectar, poison has to co-exist. That is Nature. Perhaps poison has its benefit. What happens if poison expires? Does it ever expire? Does it then turn into nectar? Everything in creation has a an expiration date. Poison is illusion. It is permanent. We have to escape from it. That is the real truth. Poison cannot be destroyed. We have no right to demand that wildfires have to lose existence.

God’s intention is beyond our comprehension. After a mighty wildfire, life sprouts anew and results in lush vegetation. After great floods and total devastation, life thrives again. Only pray for personal protection. You cannot pray to stop rain to protect your program. If everyone prays like that, there will be famine as a result.
Krishna swallowed the wildfire into Himself, and protected all His companions. Nanda alone recognized that Krishna is Lord Narayana Himself. Others could not, although they loved and prayed to Him.

A game was played. The boys had to carry another on the shoulder and run a race. A demon got on the shoulders of Balarama and was killed by Balarama. Krishna Praised him. Lakshmana served Rama without sleep for 14 years. Rama felt sorry and said, next lifetime, you be my older brother and I will serve you. That is why Krishna is the younger brother now. Krishna again protected everyone from another wildfire. In danger, close your eyes and pray, said Krishna. He absorbed the fire and took them all to the shade of a tree, a Bhandeera tree. This tree gives spiritual knowledge. Victory to Lord Krishna!

We don’t know which of these divine stories will appeal to us. Why so many names and stories? Why not just one? We don’t know which name or story we will find appealing. When needed, we may not remember even one. That is why we have to keep remembering the stories and the names. Then suddenly one of them may pop into our head. If we remember, then the Lord will come and take residence in our hearts. Summer ended. Rainy season began. That also ended and autumn with clear skies began. Krishna began his absorption in Nada Upasana by playing the flute.

Krishna was about 8 years old. He decorated His head with a peacock feather. He took the seeds with red, white and black and used as ornaments. He used bunches of flowers and a garland of a variety of flowers of different colors, the Vyjayanti Mala to decorated Himself. He played the flute with rounded lips, in Brindavana. He would never leave the flute. The flute playing Krishna was a totally different personality. Only God can completely change His form instantaneously. Just like Swamiji, who becomes Nada Brahma the moment He touches the synthesizer. In Switzerland, they showed a video how the cows were attracted to the music. Instead of calling the cows and friends by name, with just music Krishna, like Swamiji, attracted all beings. Music transcends religion.

Swamiji began small by experimenting with a keyboard. Now it has grown beyond imagination and music envelopes everything. Krishna sat on a rock, crossed His legs, one foot in the waters of Yamuna. With a mark on the forehead, decorated with natural elements, He played Raga Chakravaka. On Veena listen to Madhyamavati and Revati. Krishna forgot Himself playing the flute. We should visualize. If I begin visualizing now, I will fall in absorption totally. Krishna kept playing all day. The Sun sent a cloud cover so that Krishna would remain cool. Krishna was oblivious. Even the river Yamuna kept stopping its flow, absorbed in the music. Our minds that keep running like a river, should stand still, with listening to music. She kept gently keeping rhythm by touching His feet with lotuses. An enchanting vision.

The bamboo tree that produced the flute that touched the lips of Krishna is praised. The Gopikas, the women of Brindavana were attracted by the music of Krishna. Krishna appeared a little older than His actual age of 6-8 years. The women would leave all their duties and chores and would stand still, listening to the music of the flute. The men folk noticed this and wanted to ban His music. But could not. Krishna was the son of their chief. The women prayed that in their next life they should have Krishna as their husband. A sage prescribed from them the Katyaayani Vrata, an austerity. Krishna is husband and protector to all, women, men, young, and old.

One month, the women performed the austerity. At the conclusion, they entered the river Yamuna for a bath. Krishna learned of this. They are doing the austerity, but unless they follow all the rules, they will not receive the benefit. They should totally give up even their sense of shame and ego and pray to God. Krishna stole their clothes and sat on a tree. When the women begged for their clothes, Krishna said, If you raise your arms and pray to me, I will return the clothes. Don’t have the feeling that you are women and I desire your bodies. Identify with God as if you are one with Him. Krishna is not male here, looking with desire. He is God. You must perform worship even if you have no desires, to demonstrate to others. Have desire, not for physical closeness, but for Liberation. This secret of spiritual Truth, the cowherd women understood and giving up their identification with their bodies, they prayed. Krishna returned the clothes to them. The women requested Krishna to give them a concert. As we pray to Swamiji for concerts. Krishna promised them that He would fulfill their desire.

Once the cowherd boys were hungry and wished for some good food. Krishna heard Veda mantras from afar and sent the boys to go to the venue and ask for some food. He wanted to teach some lessons to the scholars. The boys asked the Vedic pundits for food and were refused. The boys returned disappointed. Krishna said, go to the kitchen, to Annapurna Mandiram, tell them that Krishna and Balarama had sent them and ask for food. When the boys went there, before they could finish the sentence, they were given food by the womenfolk. They asked where Krishna was, and ran to meet Him, carrying the food items. The men watched with amazement.

Krishna enchanted them, with His vision holding a lotus and twirling it gently. His face and eyes were even more enchanting. The women fed Him. As they were returning to their duties as per Krishna’s wish, the men wanted to have the darshan of Krishna also. But they were deprived of it. The men realized their arrogance and their mistakes. But they were afraid of the wrath of Kamsa.

Now the lifting of the hill of Govardhana. They were discussing how to make it rain because the land was dry. They realized that they had forgotten to offer worship to Indra, the giver of rains. Krishna did not approve. By shaving off all the trees, if one performs rituals, will it help? Near the Himalayas, there are no more woods, only industries. How will Nature sustain herself? The trees hold the earth together with their roots. If 600, 000 trees are uprooted all at once, will Nature keep quiet? That is what caused devastation in the north. What is the use of doing this atrocity and pouring ghee in fire in rituals? Krishna said, first protect Nature, that will restore the natural balance. So they planted trees and took care of nature. Indra was witnessing all this and got angry out of arrogance.

During Pralaya, it is said that it rains rocks, blood, and thunderbolts. When such a deluge descended, by the wrath of Indra, Krishna offered protection by lifting with His little finger, the entire hill of Govardhana as if in sport. Everyone took shelter under it. Indra exhausted his stock and the rains ended. The gods and celestials came down and prayed for forgiveness, recognizing the divinity of Krishna. Victory to Krishna, the Purest Being.

The syllable Go=speech, diamond, Veda, cow, etc. it has many meanings. Krishna that day got the title, Govinda, the Lord of Go. Surabhi, the divine cow came down and performed abhishekam to Krishna with her milk. That is why we sing, Govinda, Govinda.

Once when Bala Swamiji went to Manasarovaram, on Swamiji’s Birthday, during the celebration, an elderly woman came and asked is we could sing, Srinivasa Govinda. We agreed. She had cancer and had to have chemotherapy for 30 times. But after 10 treatments only, i got cured and am able to even come to Manasarovar, because I kept listening to this bhajan repeatedly. Such is the greatness of the divine name of the Lord.

Tonight at midnight we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. We invite Him lovingly into our homes and hearts. Bhajan: nee roopamu theliyalemu – meaning: We cannot know your form, Krishna, all forms are yours. May all words sing your praises, all ears listen to your glories, all hands serve you. Please establish yourself in our hearts. May our heads bow down before you, may our feet go around your temples, may our eyes focus on you. May we obtain Sat, Chit, and Ananda. Victory to Lord Krishna.

Please everyone chant the Kesava names and the 1000 names of Vishnu. Please visit Krishna temples. Tomorrow a grand celebration here including Chandi Homa. Happy Sri Krishna Janmashtami to everyone.

Day 4, August 28

Jaya Guru Datta!

Ekadasi vratam is very important for Lord Vishnu. Swamiji has composed a bhajan on the glory of it. By following it mind is at peace, intellect is alert, body stays healthy. Strain of body should be minimal on that day. Meditation, japa and rituals and austerities should be performed. At least do one Ekadasi a month, although we have two. Jyeshta Suddha Ekadasi, is Swamiji’s Birthday. If you follow fast without even drinking water or swallowing saliva, it is most commendable. Please make a habit of performing the Ekadasi vrata. Afterwards the following day, on Dwadasi it should be concluded.

Nanda performed this and as he took a dip in the Yamuna river for bath on the concluding day, he disappeared. Krishna dove into the waters and rescued His father from the world of Varuna. He also gave darshan to all witnesses, a darshan of heaven, Vaikuntha itself. Vikuntha = unbroken bliss. Vishnu = all pervading. Vaikuntha gives unbroken bliss.

Rasa Kreeda is often misunderstood. You must properly understand the principle and the meaning behind this incident. In the Bhagavatam it is clearly explained. Sage Veda Vyasa has composed this. All our Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita are given to us by him. His intellect is supreme. We must not doubt his description. It is called Mahaa Raasa Kreeda. Vyasa remembered the Upanishads and wrote this section. When one is ill, no taste appeals. Once recovered, taste returns. The tast for the Supreme Soul is mentioned here. Rasa=taste.

Krishnaa nee begane baro is being played, Krishna, please come quickly. Please show your face. With ankle bells, with flute in hand, with a jingling belt, O beautiful dark Krishna, please come dancing. Wearing the lovely yellow silk clothing, with fragrant sandal paste smeared all over your body, please come, O Krishna. You have shown the entire Universe in your mouth to mother Yasoda. You uplift the worlds, O Sri Krishna of Udupi (Pilgrimage center in Karnataka). Please come quickly.

With wonderful flute music in different ragas, for hours on end, the women of Brindavan were dancing around Lord Krishna. They were not getting tired at all. They were playing the sticks to keep the beat. This dance was making them forget themselves, as they danced with closed eyes. But, after a while, they became arrogant and in ignorance felt possessive of Krishna. Krishna in mine. He cannot be with anyone else, they thought. Krishna felt sorry that His entire effort to remove their ignorance has in fact increased it and became expressed as this greedy feeling for Him. A wave cannot possess the ocean.

Suddenly Krishna vanished. The gopikas became frantic and panicked. They searched everywhere for Him. This body is like a boat that I have purchased at great cost to cross the ocean of the wordly life. If I misuse it, I will suffer the same fate as the gopikas, it is said in the scriptures. Now the gopikas lost their minds completely. They were behaving like mad persons. They were begging the trees and features in nature if they have seen Krishna. They began describing Krishna – He is glowing, dark, filled with compassion that He showers upon all, decorated with a peacock feather, with a permanent, enchanting smile.

Pleasures and pains are impermanent. Have faith in Sadguru Swamiji. Your pains will go away in course of time. We experience different feelings and emotions. We must not dwell on them. It is natural to express feelings. But do not cling to them. The gopikas were searching with pain filling their hearts. Finally they reached the sand dunes near the Yamuna river. Until then they saw only two foot prints of Krishna. Now they saw four foot prints. They realized that He was carrying Radha on His shoulder up until then. Now He put her down. They were filled with envy. Raadha is extraordinary. She is even greater than Rukmini. She is only mentioned as Aradhana, one who represents adoration of Krishna. Aradh radha dhara
One who adores Krishna as full support is a great devotee.

Krishna killed the demon Arishtanemi sent by Kamsa. Sage Narada told Kamsa that Krishna is born to kill him. Kamsa once again wanted to kill Vasudeva and Devaki. Narada stopped him. Kamsa gathered an army to fight against Krishna. He sent the demon Kesi to kill Krishna. Krishna killed Kesi and that is why He is called Kesiha.
Bhishma had witnessed all these events and hence he included many of Krishna’s descriptions in the 1000 names of Vishnu.
Narada called Krishna and told him in private: You have to kill Kamsa, and perform many glories and teach the Bhagavad Gita.

Sadguru notices only the virtues in devotees and enhances them by encouraging them. We see only faults in children, not their strengths. We discourage them. That is wrong. We must acknowledge the good qualities.
Krishna killed Vyomasura, a demon who considered himself to be the sky. He rescued the cowherd youth from him.
The Supreme Soul may only be compared with the all-pervading space, nothing else in Creation.

Kamsa, filled with fear, called Akroora and sent him to Krishna to fetch the two brothers to break a huge bow kept in his court. Just like Rama established His greatness by breaking Siva’s bow, now Krishna is also invited to break a bow. Akroora felt grateful for this privilege. I will be fortunate enough to have the darshan of Krishna in Brindavan. He hoped for Krishna’s blessings and love. Although he was a demon, Akroora was happy to go to Krishna. He prayed that Krishna should see him as a devotee, and not a demon. That is how we should pray while going to Sadguru or to a temple.

Akroora jumped from the chariot in excitement, when the saw the brothers approaching to receive him. He told them that Kamsa is evil. the brothers said they knew. Suddenly Krishna’s personality changed. He got ready to go to Mathura to kill Kamsa. Yasoda and others were grieving to see Krishna leave Brindavana. He obtained Nanda’s permission and left. He consoled his mother and proceeded. Akroopra, the charioteer wanted to do the ritual of Sandhya vandana in the evening in the waters of Yamuna. He kept hallucinating as if he was seeing Krishna everywhere. Finally he even saw Sriman Narayana reclined on Adisesha in the river. He sang the praises of God.

Akroora said, ‘All illusions originate from you, O Lord. How can I explain?’
The brothers were brought to Mathura. Akroora invited the brothers to his home. ‘Sanctify my home with the dust from your divine feet. Honor this slave.”

Krishna said, “If I come to your home now, Kamsa will torment you. After I kill Kamsa, I will come.” They saw on the street a laundryman carrying a bundle of washed clothes. They asked him for some good clothes. He insulted them calling them cowherd boys. Krishna destroyed his arrogance. Later a weaver gave them beautiful clothes to wear to the court. He was highly blessed. A flower vendor was making garlands. He gave the brothers nice ornaments gladly.
The vendor prayed, we should learn this: Grant me the service of your divine feet, friendship with other devotees, and love towards all beings, O Great Noble Soul!

A woman with a terribly distorted figure was seen. She looked up with difficulty at Krishna’s face with utmost devotion. Offered them gifts. Krishna cured her of her ailment in an instant. Some secret remedy is hidden in this orthopedic miracle. It is conveyed in one verse.
Krishna placed His feet upon her feet. He held her fingers and raised her. He held her neck and straightened it.
The hunchback Manthara from Ramayana who caused great difficulty to Rama and got punished by the citizens, is now forgiven and blessed by Krishna.

Krishna broke the bow at the court, effortlessly. He killed Chanoora, and Kuvalaya, the intoxicated elephant. A wrestling match was arranged. The audience was cheering the brothers and Kamsa got angry. He commanded that Krishna be killed. Krishna jumped on Kamsa like an eagle pounces on a snake and killed him.

Whether you are obsessed with God in love, fear, or anger, it does not matter. Kamsa feared Krishna and attained Salvation at Krishna’s hands.

Krishna saw His parents again who had been imprisoned all these years. On this auspicious Krishnashtami Day. How to embrace these children who are divine? The parents were confused. So the children withdrew their divine glow and appeared before them as ordinary children so that they could receive their loving embraces. Parents give this physical form. Their debt can never be repaid. One must serve parents lifelong with devotion. Those who do not, will suffer intolerable after death. The agents of hell make them eat their own flesh. Those who do not honor parents and others who deserve honor are the living-dead, said Krishna. Krishna established Dharma.

Victory to Lord Krishna on His Birthday! Reverential and grateful prostrations at the divine lotus feet of Sadguru Sri Swamiji, Sri Bala Swamiji, and Sri Jayalakshmi Mata.

Day 5, August 29

Parents are the first gurus. They give the body and the initial instruction and care. Guru gives re-birth. An elderly man says, I have only one son. I am only 15 years old. All I have is 200,000 rupees. I saw my Sadguru only 15 years ago. Of my 6 children, only one is on the right path. That is the only money that I have rightfully earned. We must utilize this lifetime by seeking a Guru and following the path that He shows to us.

What is this Time cycle that is supposed to keep repeating itself? In this lifetime we merely recollect our past lifetimes, like we recollect our dreams. Everything that is happening now, has happened countless times before. Guru also appears in the mind, as if in a dream. A Chinese saw a butterfly in his dream. Am I dreaming of the butterfly, or am I a part of the butterfly’s dream? Guru awakens us. In the Ramayana, Sage Viswamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana with him. He taught all the sciences of warcraft and other skills. Rama was the Supreme Soul born as a human being. Viswamitra sang the early morning wake up call for Him, Kausalya suprajaa Rama!

All the services we do to ourselves, we offer the same to God. Does God require our wake up alarm? Does He ever sleep? He transcends sleep. Guru gives us a spiritual wake up call. Gurukula is like a boarding school or a residential school, where the disciple surrenders to the commands of the Guru fully. Balarama and Krishna were sent to the Gurukula for instruction. In Gokula there was no opportunity. Just like now, in villages, education is neglected by the government officials, then, and now. Giving education is the best charity.

To those who are hungry, not only offer food, but also teach them how to earn their own food. Then society will improve. That is education. Children must be given education. It is mandatory. We must take the initiative and help poor children. In Mysore, every Thursday, Sri Bala Swamiji gives nutritious food and drink in the name of Swamiji in a school that is run. The attendance improved tremendously after this practice has commenced. We must pay attention to children and make sure that their studies are going on well.

Vasudeva donated hundreds of thousands of cows when he was a king. Kamsa stole all those cows. Krishna released them and restored them to the recipients. In Avantipura, near Ujjain Sandeepani Guru had his hermitage. It was a long distance. But Krishna went there for education. Sandeepani means one who lights the lamp within you. When students leave home for education, they give up all with determination. One has to be very careful in serving Guru. Guru is Siva, not a human being. Never entertain the wrong feeling in the mind. The boys adored the Guru as if He were God and obtained immense knowledge in various important fields. All the Vedas, Sastras, the six main fields of study, the 64 arts, all were learned. Overnight the arts were learned.

It was time to repay the debt to the Guru. The Guru, who was asked what would please him, consulted with his wife. He said, our son, many years ago, near Prabhasa pilgrimage center, drowned in the sea (near Somanath). Krishna was asked to bring the son back. Krishna went to the sea shore and sat down. Samudra, the ocean God got scared, remembering the punishment given to him by Rama. The Ocean came out and praised Krishna, recognizing Him as Lord Narayana. Krishna told the ocean of the errand he had to accomplish. The ocean said, I did not drown the boy, a demon called Panchajana has killed him. Krishna jumped into the ocean, killed the demon and got the divine conch Panchajanya that he obtained wrongfully. That became Krishna’s conch. The Kurukshetra battle began when He sounded the conch.

Krishna went to the Land of Death, Yamapuri and reclaimed the boy and returned the son to Guru Sandeepani. Guru’s compassion showered upon Him in abundance. As long as this Creation exists, your teaching as Bhagavad Gita will remain in existence. Bhagavad Gita conveys exactly the teaching of the Veda. Victory to Sadgurudeva!

True story: When I was 8-9 years old, I forgot all that I had learned, including my a b c’s. 6 months passed like that. Suddenly I had to write something. Swamiji wanted me to read a book. I had forgotten my alphabet. Swamiji got very angry. He made me serve the cows in the cowshed. Sri Bhagavat, a senior devotee was aghast. Swamiji was stubborn. He came to the cowshed. I was found asleep. Swamiji gave me a whacking. After that whatever I have learned, I have not forgotten even a word. For 9 years, every single day I recited the Saraswati Stavam of Yajnavalkya. 1000 Gayatri mantra chanting I did daily.

Had to prepare naivedya for Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, with patience and serve it. All I know now, is entirely the result of the compassion of my Guru. The brothers remembered the great service received from the Guru.
They also remembered the people of Gokula and the affection given by them in abundance. Uddhava was sent there with a loving message. Nanda and Yasoda were told of all the happenings that occurred since Krishna left them.

The adoptive parents are too attached to their children, more than biological parents, sometimes. Like a lightning, the child came into my life, and left. Uddhava disclosed to them the secret of Krishna’s birth. Uddhava is Brihaspati’s disciple, very intelligent. Krishna is God, he told them. The truth is, God has no favorites. No body identification, no ego, no enemies, no likes and dislikes. He regards everything as the same. No one is superior or inferior. (as Swamiji loves us all equally). That He is born as a human being, is a decoration to humanity. He has no special attachments to mother, father, wife, or son. This is all illusion. He appears very close towards some. Krishna did not go away from the war, like Balarama. He stayed and participated in the battle. His body is not a real body. He has no birth or death. He is immortal. He is the truth of Truth.

Yasoda shed tears. Why this Vedanta for me? I wish to see my son. Uddhava noticed her grief and said, He is not only your son. He is the child for all. He is the protector of all. If you think of Krishna or Subrahmanya Swami as your son and pray, you will beget children, it is believed. Krishna is the soul within all of us. Sixty years later, again Uddhava and Krishna met. Krishna never returned to Brindavan. He became involved in politics.

Krishna saw Sakuni inside a box, when he opened. (Maya Bajaar cinema shows this). Sakuni is my partner in the destruction of the evil Kaurava clan. Some people feel ashamed to introduce their parents to others. Yasoda felt inferior, now that Krishna had become king. Uddhava said, your thinking is wrong. The others in Brindavan came looking for Krishna, because Uddhava was sent in the guise of Krishna to Brindavan. As we hammer a nail into the wall, we have hammered our hearts into Krishna. Will He ever come back to us? A bee came there. The cowherds/Gopikas scolded the bee that searching for Krishna here is futile. Their song is famous as Bhramara Gita.

Krishna’s message sent through Uddhava to the folks at Brindavana: I love you as much or more than how much you love me. Meditate upon me with one-pointed focus. I am always with you. Don’t be attached to my body and physical closeness. Be close to me in your hearts. To teach you this, I have distanced myself physically. Everyone then prayed soulfully to Lord Krishna. Achyutam Kesavam, Rama Narayanam, Krishna Damodaram, Vaasudevam, Harim.

They thus praised Krishna. Uddhava returned, thinking back on the experience at Brindavana. I should be re-born as the dust of the feet of the cowherd devotees of Krishna. Their love is so pure. Even the trees and creepers there are so pious. The women left their homes and families and ran towards Krishna, when they heard the music of His flute. Their love is immense. Their devotion is superb. The folks sent back a message to Krishna through Uddhava. May our hearts be always filled with thoughts of Krishna, may our tongues ever sing His name, may our hands always be engaged in His service. Uddhava conveyed the message. Krishna showered His compassion upon them and granted to them the satisfaction that they would always feel His presence amidst them.

Krishna remembered the promise given to Kubja, the distorted woman and visited her home and received sandal paste from her. He also visited the home of Akroora and touched the seat offered to Him. Akroora said, You were born to establish Dharma. You were born as a son to Vasudeva as a play. Krishna praised His devotee Akroora. Getting the company of noble souls is very rare and difficult. Many are scared that the company of saints will change their ways. When you go for a holy bath, you must perform rituals, also to worship gods, there is procedure. The results come slowly. With the mere darshan, by seeing holy persons, you get uplifted at once.

The Pandavas and Kunti were praying for realizing their Self, the soul within, who is none other than Lord Krishna. Krishna heard their prayers and felt their grief. He sent Akroora him as his ambassador to king Dhritarashtra in Hastinapura. Kunti stotra is at the beginning of Bhagavatam. After that comes Bhishma’s praise of Krishna. She, the mother of the Pandavas, prayed, you come, but you leave. It gives us pain. First give pain, so that you will be remembered and you will be with us. In pleasure, you leave us and are far away.

Pandavas were living like deer in the presence of a lion, in deathly fear. Akroora went to Dhritarashtra and gave great advice to the blind king. You are wrong in thinking selfishly of giving the kingdom to the evil sons of yours, unjustly. The king refused to budge. The king’s unwise love for his sons was the cause. Krishna received Akroora’s reply. He Himself decided to try for peace by a personal appeal as an ambassador.

The 10th chapter of Bhagavatam is in 2 parts. This concludes the 1st part. Jarasandha is connected with Eluru. A Siva temple here is said to be consecrated by the demon Jarasandha. We honor and worship there. Keechaka, another evil king from the Mahabharata has also consecrated a temple here. Jarasandha’s daughters were the wives of Kamsa. They complained to their father about Krishna. Jarasandha attacked Krishna with an immense army. Krishna was enriching his kingdom, and protecting his kingdom against enemies. Innocent citizens should not be tormented. Battle should take place only between two armies. Jarasandha attacked the city of Mathura. It was adharma. Krishna raised land from the waters of the ocean and built the city of Dwaraka and moved there. 7 holy cities are there in India that grant salvation. They must be visited at least once in a lifetime. If physically not possible, remember them at night before going to sleep.

The city was constructed in a most beautiful manner. Instead of fighting against J, Krishna went to fight against Kalayavana who attacked at the same time. He suddenly ran away and hid inside a cave. Sage Muchukunda was alseep there. Kaalayavana went chasing after Krishna. When the sage got disturbed by him, he got burned to ashes as a curse from Indra. Then the sage saw Krishna and praised Him. Born as human, those who neglect to worship the lotus feet of the Lord, will suffer the fate of a beast fallen in a deep well. But if they glance at you, O Lord, they will follow a virtuous path. First see the holy saints, then follow their teachings, then be with them as much as possible, and finally reach God. Muchukunda gives the step by step path. Krishna blessed sage Muchukunda that in his following birth, he will attain Liberation.

Balarama and Krishna came to fight against Jarasandha without any armies. They suddenly ran away and climbed a hill. Jarasandha felt happy that they could now finally be easily annihilated, after 18 futile attempts. He decided to burn the entire hill that was in the middle of the ocean to burn them to death. The brothers dove into the ocean and swam safely to Dwaraka. Victory to Krishna!

Day 6, August 30

Jaya Guru Datta

Balarama’s marriage took place with Revati. Raivatha was a king in the Treta Yuga. He searched for a bridegroom for his daughter Revati. He rejected all alliances as ineligible. After wandering all the worlds, he ended up in Brahma Loka. Brahma was in meditation. After he came out of samadhi, Raivatha asked Lord Brahma to fix her a match. By then several eons had passed and Revati became very old. Brahma commanded that Balarama should be married to Revati. Revati was huge in size compared to Balarama. Balarama pressed her down with his plough and she shrank in size to match that of Balarama. They were then married.

Rukmi was a Krishna-hater. His sister Rukmini loved Krishna and would marry no one other than Him. Once when she was a little girl, Narada accosted her and read her palm.
These days many fake astrologers and palmists fool people traveling by train by telling their fortune. They instill fear in them and fleece money. God’s face is Astrology, a science to foretell the future and prepare us to face it. It also prescribes atonements.

Narada told Rukmini, ‘Your husband is Lord Vishnu.’ Narada said, ‘He has come down to earth as Krishna.’ Since that day, she became enchanted by Krishna. Father Bhishmaka wanted his daughter to marry Krishna. Rukmi had other plans for his sister. Desperate to escape the wedding planned for her by the brother, Rukmini wrote the first love letter in history to Krishna and sent it secretly through an elderly Vedic scholar. The letter said, ‘Rukmi has arranged for my marriage tomorrow with a king, against my will. Krishna, please defeat the opposing kings and carry me away and marry me. Please save me from this situation’. Krishna read the letter and sent a message back to her.’ I will come to Vidarbha tomorrow in secret. I will bring you with me, holding your fingers. I will make sure that none of those who oppose this arrangement will return to their homes.’ Rukmini received the message. She prostrated to the Vedic scholar. It means that Veda has joined Krishna and Rukmini. Rukmini paid her grateful tribute to the Brahmin.

It is wrong to copy the actions of Krishna and Rukmini. They are divine incarnations born for a purpose. It is wrong to give pain to parents because of selfish romantic love. I am opposed to such actions. Convince the parents and reconcile with them. The grandchildren need the support of grandparents. That situation of children losing touch with grandparents should not arise.

Rukmini went to perform the worship of Mother Goddess of Durga. She dressed up as a bride (to avoid causing any suspicion in anyone’s mind) and went to the temple to do the puja. She felt anxious that Krishna was nowhere to be seen. She fervently prayed to Mother Durga. Right after the worship the marriage ceremony was to take place as per brother Rukmi’s plan. Victory to Mother Durga. Rukmini was praying to the Goddess. Rukmi suspected trouble and got the army ready.

Balarama noticed that Krishna had set out to Vidarbha all by himself. Balarama got the army ready and followed him. He suspected that Krishna was up to some gallantry.
Bhishmaka accosted and greeted Krishna and Balarama and invited them into his city. Krishna addressed Bhishmaka as father-in-law and gallantly entered.
Rukmini said to Mother, ‘Mother, perhaps you are too busy to protect me. At least send your sons to protect me. I will only marry Krishna. You and the Lord are the oldest couple. Mother, you are an ocean of mercy. Why have you not sent Krishna here yet to rescue me? It is widely proclaimed that you never let down those who place their trust in you. Please make Lord Vishnu my husband.’ Rukmini looked exactly like Mother Goddess Lakshmi, fully decorated and dressed in her bridal attire.

She slowly stepped out of the temple. Her friends and companions detected Rukmini’s anxiety. She was walking very slowly to stall for time. No one knew how Krishna entered the scene. Like a whirlwind he came, grabbed her hand, placed her on his chariot and sped away. The marriage ceremony took place then and there in the Rakshasa tradition. Everyone was still rubbing their eyes to get rid of the dust from the chariot. Then they realized what had happened. Krishna won Rukmini by gallantry. Rama refused to marry Sita when she joyfully offered him a garland after he broke the bow of Siva. Rama said, they had to wait for his father to arrive before the marriage took place. Sita felt piqued. Now Krishna is compensating in this incarnation.

The enemy kings attacked Krishna in fury. Krishna fought against them. Balarama helped him. Rukmi was captured by Krishna. Krishna was going to behead him. Rukmini pleaded that her brother’s life be spared on her wedding day. Krishna agreed. He insulted Rukmi by shaving off his hair and beard half way and let him go. Rukmi never forgot or forgave Krishna. Balarama scolded Krishna for this behavior of humiliating Rukmi.

A grand wedding celebration took place in Dwaraka upon Krishna’s return. Rukmini Kalyanam, the marriage of Rukmini is a very special and sacred event, although Krishna is said to have eight wives.
Rukmini served Krishna with total devotion. They had a child named Pradyumna. His marriage is also described in the Bhagavatam.

There is a connection between Vinayaka (Lord Ganesh) and Lord Krishna. That story is narrated as a part of the worship on Ganesh Chaturthi. It tells the story of the Syamantaka gem.
Satrajit was given the gem as a reward for his worship of Sun god. Krishna saw Satrajit wearing this gem and thought the Sun was walking towards him. Krishna, who never ever asks for anything, for some reason, asked Satrajit to give him the gem. But Satrajit refused to give it because the gem was yielding him many tons of gold each day with which the kingdom was being supported.
Krishna said okay and left. Prasena, Satrajit’s brother one day borrowed the gem, wore it and went hunting. A lion killed him and took away the gem. A bear killed the lion and took the gem into its cave and gave it to its child Jambavati to play with it.

Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the gem. The whole world blamed him. Krishna himself set out to look for it. He found the skeleton of a man and then a dead lion. He followed the foot prints and entered the cave. He found the gem inside, took it and stepped out of the cave. He was stopped in his tracks by an enormous bear. A dialog took place between them and ended in a fierce battle inside the cave. The citizens looked for Krishna and noticing that he was engaged in a war inside a cave blocked the entrance to the cave so that the demon that was fighting against Krishna would not come out, because Krishna was finally assumed dead. His funeral rites were performed. Finally Krishna got tired. Later the bear got tired also. Then the bear saw Krishna as Rama of Ramayana and remembered the past lifetime when he had served him as Jambavan. Then the bear fell on Krishna’s feet, recognizing him to be none other than Lord Vishnu, and offered the gem and also his daughter in marriage to him. Krishna accepted because in the Ramayana Rama had promised to become the son-in-law of Jambavan at a future date.

Krishna restored the gem to Satrajit. Everyone felt remorse at falsely accusing Krishna of stealing the gem. Satrajit admitted his mistake and offered his daughter Satyabhama to Krishna in marriage. The eight wives are symbolic of the 8 spiritual siddhis. Satyabhama had many suitors but Satrajit rejected them all. Now she was given in marriage to Krishna. Krishna is described often as being accompanied by Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Krishna was accused of stealing the gem again, when it disappeared again from Satrajit. Unless one is completely detached from an object, its smell lingers with a person, like the aroma of food sticks to the clothes while one is cooking. Until it is washed with soap, it does not leave. For us, Guru’s word is the soap that removes from us our clinging to objects.

Akroora was given the gem for safekeeping by Satadhanwa who took it from Satrajit. Akroora ran away to Kasi with it and kept giving huge charities. Krishna suspected and found out that Akroora had the gem. Krishna made him confess it.
One should never covet what does not belong to one. Krishna experienced this and has taught us from his personal experience.

There was a curse that the moon should not be seen on the fourth day of the lunar phase. Krishna knew this but accidentally saw the reflection of the moon as he was milking a cow.
Ganesha, short and stubby was walking funnily and fell and his belly broke. All the celestials laughed. The moon laughed out in ridicule. Parvati got angry that her son was being made fun of and cursed the moon that those who looked at him will get falsely accused. On the day of Ganesh puja, one should mandatorily listen to this story or at least chant the shloka that narrates this story in brief. Then such a devotee will be spared from becoming a victim to any false accusations.

Once when Krishna was walking on the banks of the river Yamuna, Kalindi, the daughter of the Sun approached Krishna and insisted on marrying him. He married her. Then Mitravinda married Krishna. Naagnajati married Krishna after he assumed 7 forms and killed 7 wild oxen. Bhadra, the daughter of Srutakeerti was married to Krishna. Lakshmana, the princess of Madra also married Krishna after he won her by defeating all her suitors. That is how Krishna acquired his eight consorts.

Narakasura was a demon who tormented all the princesses by imprisoning them. Krishna went to Pragjyotishapura to fight against Narakasura. Satyabhama accompanied him and assisted him in the battle. Mother Earth thanked Krishna for killing the demon and reducing her burden. Narakasura forbade the lighting of lamps on earth. When he was killed, we celebrate Deepavali by lighting numerous lights and placing them in rows. This is a symbol to guide the ancestral spirits to their homes. On the new moon following the killing of Narakasura is the celebration of Deepavali. Victory to Lord Krishna.

Namo bhagavate tubhyam Vasudevaaya Vishnave , is a mahamantra – a powerful mantra given by Mother Earth. By chanting this shloka, those who had no opportunity to receive mantra from Guru will gain the benefit of chanting the mantra.
The princesses who were released by Krishna from prison, the 16,000 of them were protected by Krishna. Victory to Krishna. Krishna returned to Dwaraka. The young maidens cannot be simply let loose. For their protection, Krishna assumed 16,000 forms and married each of them. It is a special yoga feat. Usha Parinayam took place. Siva fought against Krishna. Jwara, sent by Siva, came to attack Krishna. She praised Krishna when she got subdued. It is called Jwara krita stotram. It will remove the poison of fevers like dengue and others. Krishna Vijayam is where Siva Himself proclaims the power of Krishna. Those who listen to this incident will be spared from defeat.

Once Samba and other children of Krishna dropped a ball in a well accidentally. Krishna was called to retrieve it. Krishna put his hand in. Instead of the ball, a magnificent man emerged. He used to be a chameleon. He used to donate cows. By mistake he gave the same cow twice. A Vedic scholar who was cheated out of the donation, cursed him for his mistake. The atonement was to feel the touch of Krishna. Nrigaraja was thus released from his curse. What is given must never be taken back. Promising a donation and cheating on it also incurs great sin.

Nrigaraja praised Krishna. The rules of donation and the sin of depriving a brahmin of a gift are described here by Krishna. Stealing or robbing what belongs to the gods or Brahmins accrues horrible sin. One should be very detached from objects and must never covet what belongs to others.

Poundraka Vasudeva impersonated Krishna. A demon was sent by him to burn Dwaraka. Krishna destroyed him.
The Pandavas and Krishna and Balarama became related by marriage.
Narada came. Krishna greeted him. Krishna was seen by Narada in many homes all at the same time. This explained to Narada how Krishna was able to be a householder with countless wives and households. Narada is said to have composed a work explaining the rules for a householder. That work is not available to us now. Those who listen to the householder miracles of Krishna will develop devotion towards Him.

Krishna would take a bath daily, meditate, and would chant the Gayatri mantra. He would sit like a rock in meditation. Yudhishthira got alarmed at the deep meditation of Krishna. Krishna declared that dhyana should be performed like that. He showed by demonstration. Krishna took Yudhishthira by hand to Bhishma to have him learn all the secrets of Statecraft.

During the Rajasuya yajna of Yudhishthira, all were assigned different jobs. Duryodhana, the egotist was given the safekeeping of the treasury. Krishna insisted that he would wash the feet of all the guests. Yudhishthira was shocked to hear this. Krishna joyfully did the job despite the ridicule hurled at him by the Kauravas. To wash the feet of the pious and to sprinkle that water on the head is highly meritorious. Senior devotees must take care of elderly devotees and the disabled ones. Krishna did pada seva to all, including to the arrogant ones.

Langar means cooking and serving food which is a great seva. Doing footwear protection and foot protection are the greatest sevas that destroy all sins. Bhishma knew that Krishna was washing feet. So he entered through the back door. Sisupala did not recognize Krishna’s greatness. He verbally abused Krishna a hundred times. Krishna forgave him. At the 101st abuse hurled in arrogance, Krishna employed His wheel and beheaded Sisupala and had his soul merge in Himself.

Listening to this story removes all sins. Victory to Krishna, the Universal Guru.

KUCHELA’S STORY OR THE STORY ABOUT PARCHED RICE

Krishna was ruling the kingdom of Dwaraka. Sudaama (one who wears beautiful clothes) was an old friend of Krishna’s. They studied together at Sage Sandeepani’s hermitage in their younger days. He became the victim of the most horrible poverty. His home was like a museum to demonstrate what poverty looks like. There was not even adequate clothing or even food for two square meals a day for his large family. The once well-dressed person Sudaama (or Sridaama as Vishnu worshipers wish to address him), had now earned the title, Kuchela (poorly dressed) because once his family grew he ended up with only torn and dirty clothes. He followed the austerity called, Aparigraha – not asking anyone for anything. If something was offered unasked, he would accept. His wife could not understand why her husband would not even use his great scholarship to fetch some income. One day in desperation, she urged her husband to go visit his old dear friend Lord Krishna and seek help from him. Unwillingly Kuchela set out to visit Krishna, with happiness that he would see the divine being. How could he go empty handed? The wife somehow found three fistfuls of stale parched rice. She made a bundle of it and gave her husband the gift to carry to Krishna. When you visit a pregnant woman, an old friend, or a child, you are not supposed to go empty handed.

Singing the praises of Krishna, Kuchela walked all the way to Dwaraka. He wondered how he could approach the royal court as shabbily dressed as he was. Luckily a group of Vedic scholars with whom he had acquaintance were going to the court and greeted him. Seeing his predicament, they invited Kuchela to join their group and enter the royal quarters. Kuchela hid behind a pillar in shame when they all reached the royal assembly. Krishna, who had been on an indoor swing along with his queen Rukmini, recognized Kuchela by the luster in his eyes. The man was emaciated from lack of food and was mere skin and bones. Krishna ran to his friend, embraced him affectionately and placed him on the swing where he had been seated earlier. Krishna most lovingly washed Kuchela’s feet and offered him the most elaborate hospitality. Krishna here has demonstrated the value of friendship and how friends should treat one another. He showed him around the palace including even the treasury. Then at leisure, Krishna inquired of Kuchela’s and his family’s welfare, after reminiscing the childhood days spent together. Krishna expressed surprise that Kuchela appeared totally at peace and contented. Kuchela appeared to Krishna as one with no desires. Krishna lamented his own situation of being amidst wealth and worldliness. Krishna still addressed his friend as Sudaama. He spoke about the greatness of their guru Sandeepani. He spoke of the glory of serving guru. One who properly serves Guru will earn the grace of Lord Krishna.

Krishna remembered the incident of how the two boys were sent to the forest one day by their guru to fetch the sacred firewood sticks or twigs for homa. They searched all day and failed to collect enough material. It was night. There was a fierce storm. They got caught in it. The boys got drenched to the bone and sat shivering under a tree. The guru got anxious and came looking for them. When they walked the long distance into the forest from the ashram, Sudaama had packed a bundle of parched rice to eat. As he ate by himself, Krishna asked for some, saying he was hungry also, but Sudaama refused to share. On another occasion also, while grazing cows in Gokula, Sudaama had refused to share the food of parched rice with Krishna.

Guru Sandeepani found the boys and appreciating their dedication to service to Guru, showered immense grace upon the boys. However, Sudaama had not always served his guru as he should have, and hence was deprived of the complete grace of his guru.

Krishna, without directly mentioning it, made Sudaama recollect his greed and miserliness in not sharing his food with his hungry friend. He detected the stale smell of parched rice and demanded to have some now to eat. He found the bundle that Sudaama had hidden in shame. Krishna took a fistful and ate it. As he was going to have a second helping, Rukmini stopped him by holding his arm firmly and saying, “Enough”. Had Krishna eaten the second helping, all of Krishna’s wealth would have been transferred to Kuchela and perhaps Rukmini would have become the servant to Kuchela’s wife.

Whatever you offer to God, be it very small, still brings multi-fold returns. Be it a fruit, a leaf, a flower, or even just water, if it is offered with total love and devotion, God accepts it as a grand feast and feels immensely pleased.

Krishna spoke loving words and bid farewell to Sudaama, who did not ask Krishna for any favors. Kuchela felt that Krishna did not offer him rich gifts because he was afraid that the riches would make him proud and arrogant.
Kuchela finally reached his town and looked for his home that had mysteriously disappeared. He could not fathom what might have happened. As he stood where his hut should have been, there was a huge mansion and a woman in rich attire came out to greet him. Kuchela recognized her to be his wife. The children then came out dressed in fine clothing and ornaments. The wife joyfully explained to Kuchela that by Lord Krishna’s grace they had now become affluent. Kuchela, however, did not wish to change his attire. He never put on silk garments. All he prayed for was to forever remain in contemplation of the divine lord. He ever sang the praises of Krishna and finally reached Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Those who listen with devotion to this story of Parched Rice or the Story of Kuchela, will be freed from all worldly bondages. Victory to Krishna, the friend of Kuchela! When you are in difficulties, remember this story with faith that Krishna will remove all difficulties and He will.

Sri Guru Datta

Day 7, August 31

Jaya Guru Datta.

Krishna’s incarnation is Jnana Incarnation. He gave us the Bhagavad Gita which is the essence of all the Upanishads. He milked the cow called Upanishads. Arjuna is the calf. The milk is spiritual knowledge. Those with a good mind are the recipients. The Gita is the nectar of immortality. Guru Gita tells of Guru principle. Bhagavad Gita gives the Life principle. Mind is Kunti. Draupadi is Intellect. The five sense organs are the Pandavas (note Hira: I think this is what is said). Lord Krishna loves His devotees. The greatness of Bhagavatam is extolled not only in the scripture itself but elsewhere also. Wherever this work is studies, Lord Krishna Himself is present, with absolute certainty. Sri Bala Swamiji feels the presence of child Krishna in Eluru. Sage Vyasa bring Him personally, holding the hand of Krishna. Even if Krishna’s name is chanted, that is enough.

It is tough to understand Vedanta and to experience it. Krishna Himself has manifested as the living form of Vedanta. All Vedanta secrets are given here as simple stories. The individual soul and the Supreme Soul are joined here, and are shown as only One, ever non-dual.

In the 11th chapter of Bhagavatam, Uddhava is taught by Krishna. This is another Gita. It teaches the secret of how to obtain Liberation. May we sing your praises, may our hands serve you, may our minds only contemplate upon you, may our heads bow down before you, may our feet circle around you, may our eyes see you alone, may we shed tears of joy out of knowledge and immortal existence and bliss. Your forms are imperceptible. All forms are yours, Krishna – the meaning of the bhajan, Nee roopamu teliyalemu Krishna.

Once you get immersed in the Bhagavatam, no other scripture appeals as much. Even great scholars and scientist leave everything else aside and study the Bhagavatam. The sound of it itself is glorious, to merely listen to it. It is not just a book of devotion. It is a science. It merges the soul with the Supreme Soul.

All branches of knowledge are contained here. Its study grants knowledge, power, and prosperity.

This science cleanses our hearts. Along with our breath when we focus on the sound of Soham, it is a spiritual practice, Hamsa mantra should be chanted. Such persons obtain good health. Devotion, knowledge, and detachment will be obtained to give ultimate happiness. These three are to be prayed for. Bhagavatam grants these. Selfless actions will become the nature, where all fruits are surrendered to God. All bonds and difficulties will fall away. One is freed from them.

The Ultimate Truth is taught by Bhagavatam, that deals with eternal Truth about God. Other worldly truths are different. They are not eternal. Brahma- Narada-Vyasa-Suka-Pareekshit- all of us – the Bhagavatam has come down to us in this lineage.

Kalige gajje katti – Bhajan meaning -We put on ankle bells, hold cymbals and praise Krishna, as our all, mother, father, and all that we cherish. You are our life itself, Krishna, we forget ourselves as we dance and sing of you, O Lord Krishna.

O Lord, I pray that I should not get a re-birth. What if we are born again? Please in every lifetime, grant us unwavering faith in you. You are our ultimate Lord. Singing your names, even in sport, will grant us blessings. Even without devotion, if we utter your names, we will gain benefit. Someday we will remember you, God. Instead of Srinivasa, we shorten it to Seenu. But for Narayana, when Nara is chanted, it still gives salvation, but not if you say it is straw. (naara=straw in Telugu)

Fire burns whether you touch it knowingly or unknowingly. Like that, God’s name grants bliss whether you chant it with devotion or not.

Neelamegha Shyama Krishna – Bhajan. Meaning – dark as a rain cloud, beautiful Krishna, an ocean of compassion, virtues, ever contented, of the highest abode. I desire to see you always. Please reside permanently in my heart as you reside in the heart of Lakshmi. You are immaculate and perfect, you give life to all the fine arts.

By the past merit of previous numerous lifetimes, we have earned this great good fortune that only the few of us are enjoying this bliss of listening to this Bhagavatam. By repeated listening of this story, we get the siddhi of fulfillment of developing firm faith in Krishna. May His grace shower upon all devotees to give them complete contentment. May all difficulties be removed.

Bhajan: Govinda Jaya Jaya – meaning – Victory to Govinda, Gopala, Radha’s beloved. Lotus in His navel, enchantingly beautiful Lord Vishnu, He is Rama, Krishna. He removes all sins. He speaks sweetly, He is the Lord of all the worlds. He is contained in the mantra Nam as in Krish’na’. Krishnam Narayanam Vande ..

Bhajan: Krishna Krishna Mukunda Janardana: summary – Krishna, the beautiful, wearing the garland of Tulasi leaves, various ornaments, holding the flute, the veena, is protecting all the worlds.

Victory to Lord Krishna, to Sadguru Sri Swamiji, to Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swami, to Lord Subrahmanya, Govinda, Govinda. Jaya Guru Datta.

With immense gratitude and reverence, I offer prostrations to Sri Swamiji and to Sri Bala Swamiji, the forms of Krishna singing and dancing joyfully for us. Salutations to Sri Jayalakshmi Mata. Sri Guru Datta