Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
July 2, 2016
Om Santissantissantihi
In Leela Devi’s story we are now speaking about the imaginary city of Padmaraja who is now reborn as Vidooratha. His wife is now again Leela Devi. She and Saraswati first entered the queen’s quarters in their invisible astral bodies, and then proceeded to the battlefield to see the king in action.
Sloka
In Vedanta, this is not so important. But in this mental city that is fabricated by the mind, the details are all seen very vividly Bad audio Those who die in a Dhamic battle go to heaven. The celestial dancers arrived there to invite those souls to heaven. The devils and ghouls came down to the battlefield to consume the flesh and blood of the corpses lying about of the wicked fighters. That is their food.
There are many courageous men protecting the borders of our country. We have to pray for them and their families. We must pray that we have no enemy nations. We should pray that everyone should become virtuous and there will no enemy invasions into our country. The ascetics are always praying thus for universal wellbeing. The celestial women are eager to give solace and comfort to the valiant fighters. The sun also turned cool like the moon at this juncture.
Sloka
Rama is addressing Sadguru as God, very reverentially, and is asking for the definition of the word, “Shoora”. In chess, all the different pawns are important. In certain battles where Dharma is not followed, those who fight for a bad cause will go to hell. Why are we speaking about a warrior in Vedanta? Why is Rama asking this question?
Sloka
Vasishtha is giving the definition of the word ‘Shoora’. He is one who will give up his life to protect Dharma. This is according to the Dharma Sastra. To attain Jnana, one must follow Dharma. One should not go against the rules of the world. A Jeevanmukta should not cross the boundaries of Dharma. Otherwise, the people of the world will go astray following his example. Sage Suka walked away naked. Others cannot and should not do that. He was an extraordinary soul. Others cannot be like him.
Sloka
The terrorists are under the misconception that killing for any cause is justified. When they go against Dharma, they cannot avoid going to hell. One cannot force others to abide by beliefs they do not accept.
Note compiler: Bad audio.
He, who fights to protect cows, brahmins, and pious souls and gives up his life in the process, will go to heaven. Brahmins who are sincere and pious in executing their unselfish duties deserve such sacrifices from the warriors, for their protection. Only such a one is a true brahmin who lives an exemplary life and he deserves to be protected at any cost. Bad audio During the great deluge, spiritual wisdom, food, and medicines were asked to be protected and preserved, in the Matsya incarnation of Lord Vishnu. If a good friend is in trouble, s warrior should protect him. A person who seeks refuge should be protected. We have seen how Hanuman had protected a sincere devotee, to whom he had promised refuge. In such instances, a king who sacrifices his life, or he does so to save his country, such a king will go to the world reserved for Valiant warrior.
There are some families, where one person from the family is dedicated and sent to serve for national security. We must learn the heroic stories of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Sloka
To support a king who torments his subjects is wrong. One who fights for such a king will go to hell.
Vidura went away on a pilgrimage because he did not wish to participate in a war that was fought for a wrong cause. He returned only after the war ended. Dharma goes with you always. Always protect Dharma. Do not fight for a wrong cause even if huge numbers of people are supporting it.
Sloka
The result is different for fighting a war for a worthy cause and for fighting it for a wrong cause. This is very important to remember.
Pen or gun? Man will grab the gun because it is shiny. Man’s mind goes towards poison, and not nectar. Unless one has earned great spiritual merit, the mind will not be attracted towards nectar.
Only if Dharma is supported, one goes to heaven. The king may be virtuous, whom you are supporting. But in the process of supporting him, if you are treading a devious path, you will go to hell.
Some contradictory statements we hear. We must use proper discretion in interpreting and properly understanding them.
Two souls are going through the Sun, breaking all barriers to reach heaven, an ascetic and a warrior. Just simply dying on the battlefield does not make one eligible to enter heaven, if he had either fought for the wrong cause, or fought an illegal battle for a good cause or for a good king.
Once, terrorists in the name of Dharma or religion have killed children and innocent persons. Such people will never go to heaven. People used to sacrifice another man’s life to appease a deity. It is a sin. Viswamitra explains the sin involved. Sunassepha’s story you must read. Viswamitra saved the boy’s life, whose life was going to be offered as human sacrifice in a yajna. Viswamitra released the boy, promising the king that by chanting a mantra he can attain the same benefit as sacrificing a human life. Mantras are so filled with power.
A two-year old child builds sand castles on the beach and then tramples upon them. The ill fought battle has similar insignificant results.
The celestial women are wooing the valiant heroes who have lost their lives in the war. The Vidyadhara (demi-god) women are singing melodious songs. The other demi-gods are making garlands to offer to the arriving heroes into heaven. The place looked festive. Leela Devi and Saraswati witnessed this scene.
The battlefield is like an ocean. It was a ferocious and frightening battle. The description is give because Rama wished to hear the details of the battle. He is a Kshatriya, a prince, and a future great warrior. After listening to the Yoga Vasishtha, Sri Rama accompanied Sage Viswamitra to kill demons to protect the yaga of Viswamitra. He fought for Dharma. This is the first battle fought by Sri Rama. Because of his upcoming challenges, he had to prepare himself with knowledge of warfare. That is why this lesson on warfare is being given to him and Sri Rama listened with great interest and eagerness.
note compiler: … buffering (occurred many times during the discourse)
Medical camps, and social activities were taking place in Nadu Palani. We wanted to install a large image of Lord Subrahmanya there.
Appaji has given the order to construct a large statue with cement. A sculptor has been commissioned to do the task.
I will be going to Nadu Palani tomorrow. From there I will be visiting Bhutan. That is the only country in the world that is totally free from air pollution. I have been wanting to visit the place for some time.
Toli Ekadasi, Chaturmasya, and Nagara Sankeertana will all be taking place. After Guru Purnima, we will resume the discourses on Yoga Vasishtha. For a fortnight, you are granted leave from Yoga Vasishtha. This topic is like a relief subject, which is of general interest. After the description of the battle, Leela Devi’s story will conclude. Vedanta topics and symbolism of this story will then be explained. It will be continued during the Chaturmasya. Keep pondering over the subjects taught so far. Do not be concerned about concepts not properly or fully grasped.
Keep contemplating on the topics discussed so far.
Now chant the Hanuman Chalisa and witness the Sri Chakra Puja.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi