Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji during Navaratri on Vijaya Dashami day – 1998
‘Vijaya Dashami’ is a day of great significance. There are several incidents narrated in mythologies about the importance of Vijaya Dashami.
In Treta Yuga, Anjaneya, who went in search of Sita, was blessed by her Darshanam (vision) on Vijaya Dashami. The sacred anecdote is narrated in “Sundara Kanda” in Ramayana. It is highly beneficial to read this chapter.
Secondly, in Dwapara Yuga, Arjuna had the vision of the Divine Mother, whom he prayed to under a SHAMI tree. With the Mother’s blessings, he took his bow ‘GANDIVA’ and won the battle against Kauravas (his cousins). Thus he saved the cattle wealth (of Virata) which were about to be stolen by the Kaurava enemy. Vijaya is one of the ten names of Arjuna. The day on which Vijaya had the Darshan of the Mother became popularly known as Vijaya Dashami. It is a practice to begin auspicious projects on Vijaya Dashami. The SHAMI tree is worshipped on this day. Those who do Japa (repetitive chanting) of the Mantra given as initiation (Upadesha) by Sadguru, will be specially blessed by God on this day. The Divine Mother’s grace showers on such devotees.”
In the evening Swamiji sang this new Bhajan:
Pallavi: Devi! Vande Sri Lalite! Deva! Vande Sri Lalite!
Stanza 1: Devi Hey Shiva Ranjani Trahi Pahi mam
Devi Devi Vande Vande Trahi Pahi mam
Stanza 2: Sri Kale Hree Kale Girisha kale Chit kale
Sachchidananda Pahimam Ruchita kale
Meaning:
“Oh! Devi! Lalita! I prostrate to you. All the celestial beings worship you. You are the consort of Lord SHIVA. I pray to you for protection. You are the origin of all wealth, knowledge and power. You create everything in the universe. Your spiritual brilliance is ever fresh. Bless me with the realisation of SAT-CHIT-ANANDA (Truth- Knowledge-Bliss).
The Divine Mother is the originator of all the grace and power in the entire universe. It is by her Divine will, that all the creatures are empowered and energised to speak, to do or to think.
“Lalita Sahasra Nama” and “Lalita Trishati” are two sacred hymns which Hayagriva gave as initiation to the sage Agastya. In ’Trishati’, there are twenty names for each of the fifteen Beeja Aksharas (seed-letters) of the Divine Mother. These three hundred names reveal the philosophical significance of the Divine Mother.
Sun does not move. He does not do anything. However everything is visible because of his illumination. Looking at the Moon, we enjoy saying “Oh! How brilliant are the rays! How pleasant and cool they are!” Actually it is only due to Sun’s light, moon shines. Similarly, only by the brilliance of God, we get light and light of knowledge.
We say “Because of illumination, darkness vanished”. The brilliance is ever present. It is illusory for us to say that there is brilliance only when we see it. Sadguru’s grace and effulgence are always existent. It is for you to become eligible to receive.
Some people say “I am sad” and go on explaining the reason for their bad mood. They go on telling it to everyone even though no one is really interested in it. Their intention is to get a little solace. Alas! The actual result is the reverse. The listener’s mood also will be spoiled; he also becomes sad by these words. Hence it is wise not to spoil other’s happiness, but to bear one’s sorrow and to get rid of it by consoling oneself and take timely action for remedy.
Suppose one says “I am happy”, generally the response won’t be similar. It is easier to spread sorrow than happiness among others. Hence always try to increase happiness around.
Sadguru is an able preacher. Try to be enlightened by Him directly in the realm of philosophy. Stay in the presence of Sadguru in a peaceful, happy, friendly mood with pure love towards Him. Listen His precepts attentively for a few minutes. Your spiritual energy improves. This is not a business. Your heart is like a radio or television. Keep it in good condition to be able to receive the Sadguru’s preachings. Be a deserving disciple to the worthy Sadguru. Then you will be blessed by his grace.
It is easy to become confused and unsteady. Don’t hate the confusion and fickleness of your mind. Pay loving attention to these defects. Make a thorough study of the causes therefor. By timely and proper action, confusion and unsteadiness vanish. It is not enough to treat the patient for the outward symptoms. It is essential to find out the real cause of the disease and to remove it.
Yoga is not some effort to merely to get a degree or diploma. It is to be remembered always that the practices of Yoga must continue until the last breath.
Make others happy by sharing your joy with them. Don’t share your sorrow with others. Get over it, yourself. This is the message of Swamiji. Understand and follow this.
Faith is the basis of human life. Faith in God and Sadguru uplifts the devotee. Wife and husband; master and servant, a person and his neighbor; dealer and customer – like this all links and relations are based on faith. What happens to one’s deposit, if the Bank goes bankrupt? Then faith is lost. However, the Almighty God constantly showers his bounteous blessings on the faithful devotees.
Some of you may have a doubt? “Why only a few people are very close to Swamiji. Why they could be so much attached to Swamiji’s mission? How they could dedicate their lives in His service?” Of course some people visit Swamiji as mere casual visitors. The devotion of some of them is unsteady. Why it happens so?
The reason is that the Guru-Sishya (disciple) relation continues from birth to birth. Hence do not entertain silly doubts. One may get a little confused during His initial visits to Swamiji. The doubts get cleared in due course. But if you worry too much to clear them, they may actually increase. Therefore continue to do your good work silently and peacefully.
Whatever you do whether it be Puja, Yoga or Yaga, Dana (donation)or Dhyana, or any other work, do not do it with a mere physical attitude. Transcend the sense perceptions. Enlarge your vision. Elevate your attitude. Then you will improve. You have watched nice Pujas for the past ten days. This is a noble ritual meant for your spiritual enlightenment. May the Divine Mother bless you all!
Swamiji’s music is not for a mere formal concert. It is carefully tailored based on the time and date of the concert. Because of this, it becomes a fruitful flying spiritual ecstasy. This is not merely Classical Hindustani or Carnatic or Western Classical or folk music. It has no such labels. It is just the worshipful effort of Nada. It is Nada Upasana. This is the music for healing and meditation.
After you return to your homes, try to participate in the activities of Datta Ashramas close to your place. By doing so, you will obtain God’s grace.