Discourse on Sivananda Lahari
Day 20, August 19
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityor ma amrtam gamaya
Om Santissantissantihi
Please lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. May there be peace.
Bhajan: Palaya gananatha …
Verse 38:
Prak punyāchala mārgadarshita sudhā murthih prasanna shivah
Soma sadguna sevito mrugadharah poorna stamo mochakah
Chethah pushkara lakshito bhavathi chedanānda pātho-nidhih
Pragalbhyena vijrimbhate sumanasām vrithistadā jāyate
Yesterday we learned about purifying our bodies and minds with Punyaha, using devotion as the thread that decorates the sacred pot. We pray for the wellbeing of ourselves, our families and kith and kin. We have to churn the teachings of the Vedas in our minds to obtain Amrita/Nectar of knowledge. The manner in which scholars gain wisdom, we pray that we may also obtain wisdom by Lord Siva’s grace.
A mountain is a great landmark for those who lose their way. Some village, some house will be found if you follow that landmark usually. The mountain here is described as being situated in the east – where both the sun and the moon rise. When they rise like that over the eastern mountain, you give vision in my heart appearing in a very pleasing mood, in a beautiful form, in the company of Mother Goddess Parvati. You are accompanied by all the stars like the full moon, with your entire entourage, holding the deer in your hand. You are full and complete with wisdom, dispelling our inner darkness. I pray that my lotus-like mind should become your home. I envision you there.
Whoever may speak wise words, we should always listen with full attention. Those who do so will acquire similar wisdom as those who experiences such wisdom. The ocean of bliss will then well up from within the heart. Lord Siva is appearing like the full moon, creating great joy in the heart.
By the merit earned in some past lifetimes, we have now the enjoyment of this vision. The mountain is the heart. The sun or moon rising over it, is you O Lord Siva. You show us the path. You caution us not to waste this precious life that has been gifted to us. If we follow the path shown to us by Guru, we will earn the proper reward called eternal bliss. If we look towards the west instead, we miss the glorious sunrise and the moon rise.
We must face Guru and do our spiritual practice. The Mountain does not move. Our merit that we have earned before, will keep increasing by our continued effort. It is our responsibility to see that we do not exhaust it with worldly enjoyment, but keep it growing with spiritual sadhana.
Rama went to the forest in his later life. He could not find any of the old landmarks. Not only was Sita missing, but all the other familiar sights were also missing. Finally he saw just one hill that he recognized. Seeing that, he felt relief and gained some strength of mind.
These days due to excessive mining, even hills and mountains are disappearing from the face of the earth.
Because of our past punya we are now blessed with the presence of Sadguru in our lives.
This verse described both the moon and Lord Siva in their pleasing appearance. Unless He is peaceful, how can we be peaceful? The Guru Gita warns us that only such a Guru who is enlightened, can light the way to others. Be careful when you choose Guru. If Guru Himself is unhappy, how can He make others happy?
Each Full Moon is different. We talk about the differences. It is as important to have the moon rays fall on us as it is to have the sun’s rays shine upon us. The moon’s rays nourish the mind.
On Vinayaka Chaturthi festival we are supposed to stay indoors and worship Lord Ganesha. We must offer to the moon a piece of cotton thread as an offering.
Just as the sun causes rain, the moon gives strength and vigor to all vegetation.
Siva – the word itself means that you are a giver of benefits. Siva means good. It means auspiciousness, wellbeing. The moon is called Soma. Since you are with Uma, you are also Soma; Sa plus Uma is Siva/Soma.
What do you see in the full moon? Some see a deer, some see a rabbit, and some see an old woman making dosas sitting under a tree. Brahma, when he created Mother Sita, took a portion of the beauty of the moon to complete the creation and to add to her beauty, said a poet. The stain on the moon is said to be the handprint of Brahma.
Our mind that is always running is the deer that you have captured and hold in your hand, Lord Siva.
Including the Adhika masa/extra month as per the Indian almanac, those who have lived to see 1000 moons celebrate the event as Sahasra Chandra Darshana/witnessing one thousand moons. Our Sadguru will be celebrating it soon.
During full moon nights we should sit outside, make a picnic of it, and also save some electricity. It is not good to stay out too long under the open sky. Be careful that you do not catch a cold.
You dust off our pent up dirt in the mind, O Lord Siva. We envision you in the lotus of our heart.
A mountain, a lake, the rising sun and a blossoming lotus are often depicted by artists. Similarly, a moon rise is also a common favorite of artists.
When we see you in this manner in our mind’s eye, we feel overjoyed.
During the new moon and the full moon, even fishermen avoid going out to sea. The waves will be high and tumultuous. It is not safe.
What is most important is to awaken to the teachings of Sadguru. With the power of the teachings of Guru, the ocean of joy in the heart will overflow.
When you see a painting, listen to a song, or see beautiful scenery, you wish to remain immersed in that experience.
In this verse, a painting is presented to our imagination. It comes alive.
Sumana is a deity with great Satva Guna. On full moon noble souls offer arghya/sanctified water to the moon. Siva wears the crescent moon on his head. He is identified with the moon because Siva’s face excels the beauty of the full moon.
Bhajan: Jyotirlingakara (Kedareswara)
Verse 39:
Dharmo me chaturamgrikah succharitah pāpam vinasam gatam
Kāma-krodha-madādayo vigalitāh kālāh sukhā viśkrithāh
Gnānānanda mahouśadih suphalitā kaivalyanāthe sada
Mānye mānasa pundareeka nagare rājāvatamse sthite
Anarchy destroys a nation. It is described in the Ramayana; as to what happens to a kingdom when there is no ruler to guide the citizens. The world becomes chaotic. If parents leave the home in the custody of naughty and unruly children what will be the condition of the house? The roof will be brought down.
O Siva, if you are the ruler of my mind, I will be blissful. You are Rajarajeswara.
There is a place called Vemulavada near Karim Nagar. The deity there is called Rajarajeswara. His consort is Rajarajeswari. There, instead of a charity of a cow, an ox is given in honor of Lord Siva. An ox represents Dharma. Dharma must walk on all four legs.
A Kingmaker is happier than the king. The minister is happier. Examples are ministers like Chanakya. They say that the king should not ask for counsel from the ministers in the court, in the presence of the citizens. Then the people will lose their respect for the king. The king must appear as if he has all the answers and that he is the decision maker. But in private, the king consults the ministers. Dasaratha did that. Rama did that.
You are the king of kings, O Lord Siva.
The citizens follow the example set by the king. Swamiji is there. Swamiji is in the prayer hall. Swamiji is in front of us. We behave properly in fear and joy. But the moment he is absent, we become undisciplined. It should not be that way.
O Lord Siva, if you are absent, my life will become unruly.
We must think of you, praise you, and discuss your virtues, because you are the Supreme Emperor, who grants Liberation. You equip us with the instruments with which we can earn salvation. You are Kaivalyanatha ever. Please become the ruler of my heart. Then in all three phases of time, Dharma will rule, with truth, kindness, purity, and Dharma, moving on all four legs. In Kali Yuga it is said that Dharma runs on one leg only and even that leg is lame.
All my sins will then be destroyed. Only happiness will remain in my life. Greed, Anger, Lust, and Arrogance will be destroyed. Even during troubling times, I will live happily, undisturbed by any turmoil.
The rains should occur in a timely manner.
Kale varshatu parjanyaha ..
There should be timely rains, … Brahmins should be properly cared for. ..
We all must pray every day –
Sarve cha sukhinassantu …
that everyone should be comfortable, healthy, safe, and free from troubles.
Earlier, the Vedic scholars were living in dire poverty. Our Sadguru Sri Swamiji is making great efforts to improve their living conditions. Unless the Veda practitioners are properly taken care of, the world will suffer from calamities. Such positive power there is, in the Vedic mantras.
In the reign of noble kings, the country flourishes.
Pundareekanagara is Pandaripura. This is our heart. God should rule this kingdom.
Dharma is most important. A king must follow Dharma. This, Sri Bhagavatpada is emphasizing here. When Anaghashtami Vratam is performed, Amrita rains upon us, it says in the puja song composed by Swamiji.
We have to be the servant of the servant of the servant, when Siva is the Emperor of the world. He is the king of this body, this lifetime, and this mind.
Our Sadguru should be the emperor in our lives. Let us offer prayers.
This verse is most important for the wellbeing of the individual, the society, nation, and the world.
In Kali Yuga, even the one leg of the Ox called Dharma is lame. We are now living on leftover food. We treat that as amrita and consume it with a pickle on the side. We must not complain that this is Kali Yuga. We must transform ourselves. We must chant God’s names. We must lead pious lives. Then even Kali Yuga will not hurt us. Otherwise what is the use of being Datta devotees?
The reason Rama left Sita in the forest was only to protect Dharma. Yes. She did lament her fate. But Rama and Sita were extraordinary human beings. Their strength of mind is remarkable. Even to this day we pray for Rama Rajya/Rama’s reign. No one ever prays for Ravana Rajya.
If you become the emperor, Siva, everyone will only be speaking about you and honoring you alone. You alone are the energy and strength in everyone.
Scholars refuse felicitations sometimes. But it is not the individual but the Goddess Saraswati who resides in him, who is offered the honors.
You are the one and only Paramatma, O Siva. Ekamevaadviteeyam Brahma. Brahma is one and only one, with no second.
For convenience, we have created this world of multiplicity. But you alone exist, O Lord Siva.
The paths to salvation include bhajans, homas, pujas, scriptural study, discourses, and mantra chanting. All these fuel the vehicle that takes us towards liberation.
I will then gain the merit of following Dharma on all four legs, if you take up the kingship of my heart, O Siva.
The Bhakti Mala magazine’s recent issue has explained the concept of Dharma very clearly.
Satya is truth. Speak the truth without hurting feelings. Express it in a pleasant manner. If you are too blunt, it is not right. Do not speak falsehood just to please others. Do not flatter by exaggeration. That is untruth.
This is the eternal changeless Dharma. Such Dharma is unchanging. Hindu Dharma is Sanatana Dharma/Eternal Dharma. The first rule is Truth.
Suchi is cleanliness. Daily bath is essential. If possible, two or three times a day. If you bathe once a week, you will become weak. Who will take care of your health if you do not? You must protect yourself. The mind, home, surroundings, clothes, and body should be clean.
Daya is kindness and compassion. Sympathy and empathy are most important. When someone is in danger, it is safe to go and offer help. Do not be afraid of court cases. Do not simply stand and make rash judgments instead of stopping to help. Lend a hand. Do not criticize.
Daana is charity and sharing. We should share our food with others.
These four are the most important to follow and practice in daily life. If you follow these, life will be smooth and disciplined.
With regard to one’s relationship with God/Guru, fear is as important as devotion. Excessive intimacy and frivolous attitude should be shunned. One should not insult and cheapen the relationship with Guru/God.
Etc. does not mean etcetera. It means: end of thinking capacity, when it comes to describing the virtues of God.
The dog that drives sheep is very capable. Krishna is not a shepherd but a protector of cows. Cows are gentle, intelligent and have positive energy due to their Satva Guna. Do not stray away like sheep. Do not behave like ignorant children.
God will either bless or will remain still. But Guru will not remain still. He is ever busy guiding and teaching us. We must not abuse the freedom given to us by Guru.
Only a few days after Rama left for the exile, Dasaratha left his body. Bharata was away. He was called back. He performed the obsequies. Then the kingdom suffered from anarchy.
God has given us everything and remains invisible. He is hiding inside our heart. There we do not search for God. We wear a necklace and look for it everywhere.
God indirectly educates us. He makes teachers and books available for us to increase our knowledge. We must make good use of our opportunities to uplift ourselves.
God knows that the heart is the safest place where he will not be disturbed.
We give freedom to the children until we hear a complaint against them. Then we take action and try to discipline him.
Every individual must feel the responsibility and the fear that God is always watching our every action.
All my sins and troubles have vanished by your grace, O Lord Siva, says Sri Bhagavatpada. All my inner enemies/vices have been banished. Life is now comfortable and happy.
When the king is good, the people will be good. Nature will cooperate. When Dharma is practiced, it will cause timely rains and plentiful harvests.
When there is drought these days, the government takes the initiative to have rituals performed to pray for rains. 3 times a month it is supposed to rain for proper harvests.
O Lord Siva, you make knowledge grow within my heart and come to harvest. If you are seated as the king on the throne of my heart, all good things will happen to me, O Lord Siva.
We must pray similarly for our Sadgurudeva to be seated firmly to rule our hearts.
Bhajan: Valli vallabha mam pahi
Sri Guru Datta