Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in the evening at Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University – July 21, 2000
Each Mantra is conversation with God. It is merging of the Soul with super Soul. When Swamiji does Puja (worship), Swamiji uses Herbal water to pour on the idols. These idols represent the Greater soul Puja is a science. Tomorrow I will explain what is Puja. That is Karma Yoga. Jnana Yoga is the discussion of self. It is a blissful act. It is also called as the search in Atma Jnana. I don’t know if it is my good or bad Karma to be here. Any way, I have come here as I had promised Kali Ray. Words cannot explain why I am here. Some approach me for music. Some for Atma Vidya. Some for their upliftment of self. There are many approaches. Some like Music, some like speeches, Some the Vedanta discussions. Some Kriya Yoga. Some call me as His Guru. Some as friend. Any way I have some Instructions from the invisible force. Therefore I am here talking and singing. So many people call Swamiji as a mystery power. Some call me musician. Some magician. It all depends on your approach. My struggle is to explain to you all, the path of knowledge, love, truth and affection.
Bhajans is not mere singing. Indians like Bhajan singing. Bhajan singing is the cry of the soul for God.
Sri Swamiji sings Bhajan “Gam Gam Ganapati”
What is Ganapathy? Who is Gam? Who is this man?
In these vast creation of this universe. Many forces interact. The energies that cover the smooth function of this universe are attributed to one energy called Ganapathy. Hindus worship snakes, monkeys, dogs, elephant etc. They even worship a monkey? Why is this? Why do Hindus worship these funny creatures?
All the creatures are equal. In Narasimha incarnation, the God had to circumvent the weird boon under which the demon was hiding from being punished. It was done to protect a great devotee called Prahlada. Why are weird boons granted in the first place? It is because of the power of penance. It does not matter who does penance. Whether it is a demon or a sage or a common man. If they perform it with austerity, sincerity and discipline, they stand to gain. What they wish for end result is their choice. So demons do good penance, it is all that matters.
Elephant is the face of Ganapathy. Elephant is one of the strongest animals around. It is vegetarian. It has small eyes, which takes care of the huge body. It shows the subtlety of the intellect. He represents Om.
Om is the primordial sound. It represents creation. Ganapathy’s mouse represents that size does not matter to be important. Will is important.
Monkey God, Hanuman represents servitude. It shows that sacrifice and service to the needy is very important. Read the scriptures and you will understand the importance of these animals. Also many ask why Hindus worship so many Gods. It caters to every taste that is possible among devotees. But I have no personal choice. I pray all the Gods equally be it Allah, Jesus or Rama. It represents unity among variety. It is the universality of Hinduism.
Who is Dattatreya? Why does he have three heads? Maintaining one head is difficult. How can he maintain three heads? Each head is a part of the trinity. Trinity here is the three forces of creation, Sustenance and delusion. Datta literally means ” Gifting ” or saying, “I am yours”. The Lord gave Himself to the mankind.
Sri Swamiji sings “Dattatreya Atreya Putra”
This Bhajan speaks on the compassion of Datta.
Sri Swamiji sings “Ehi Paahi Moha Daayi”
O Mother Goddess, O Mother of nature. Please be with me. You have made me respectful and full of humility.. I bow down to you.
You have been caring me in all my births and you have guiding me on my spiritual path. May my tongue always talk and speak about you. I carry the heart given by you to spread your light and love in the world.
Sri Guru Datta