Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji at Jnana Sagara Dattatreya Kshetram – January 2, 2005 – Anantapur
Deva Dwija Guru Praajna Poojanam, Soucha Maarjavam – Respects to the deities, honourable souls, Master and venerable learned souls; Cleanliness and Straight forward no nonsense honest behaviour are the virtues of Physical Penance; Anudvegakaram Vakyam – a conversation or speech which does not hurt or cause anxiety to the listener is a sort of Verbal penance = Bhagavdgeeta asserts. Every person is endowed with 1440 minutes every day by the almighty. A human can utilise 1400 minutes, according to his whims and fancies. But cannot he allot 40 minutes to the Almighty who has blessed him with ample time???
His Holiness asserted, “Knowledge is infinite. The subject dealt by the scholar is often preached about. But, it is not that we should be disinterested in the lecture. Every time, you tend hear to the subject, you can unearth new underlying principles. As you draw more water from a well, you get fresh water. Similarly, leaves and flowers are plucked by the gardener for the fresh vegetation. Likewise, it is apt for a seeker to listen to enlightening lectures.
Sri Swamiji has continued the subject, listing the religious or spiritual malpractices and describing the original meaning, which the practices are intended for. He said, “Of late, it has been a fashion for people to make Namaskaram with one hand fashionably and cryptic inexpressive blessings. What is that you wish to convey or should feel about Namaskara. You need to know the significance of Namaskaram.
“Namaskaram is done with folded hands, and head bows down. This posture of joining the palms means that a seeker is desirous of realising the union of Jeevatma with Paramatma. This is nothing but craving for the realisation for the highest. For that, knowledge is required. By bowing down, you show your Sahasraara to the Guru or Deity, invoking their benediction to fill his mind with pure nectar of Gnanam.”
“The reaction of Guru or the posture of the Deities is Abhaya Mudra or Varada Mudra. Abhaya Mudra, conveys the message to the seeker, to stop the wandering for object of desire. This posture also allays the fear of the seeker, getting embroiled in the cycle of Birth and death, which is the fright of the greatest sort”.
Citing an interesting example of Markandeya, His Holiness continued, “Markandeya got the benefit of Namaskara (prostration). As you are aware, Mrukandu sage was crest fallen, as he was not blessed with children. Ultimately he had resorted to penance, which yielded a boon from Lord Shiva. But to his despair, Lord has put forth 2 options before the sage; i.e.100 wicked sons with complete life (Poorna Ayush) or one pious and chaste son with 16 years of noble life. Mrukandu sage selected the latter option, for the reason that the existence of human birth is to render service to others. Markandeya was born. As days passed, the boy mesmerised the parents and those around him, with his unsurpassed devotion to Shiva and virtues. His parents have also forgotten the fact, that their son would demise would expire and their joy would be short lived.”
When Markandeya completed 15, Sage Narada suddenly arrived at the hermitage. Impressed by the devotion of Markandeya and hospitality of his parents, he has reminded them about the impending death to the young sage. Shocked by this reminder, they seek Narada’s solution for the longevity of Markandeya’s life. Narada gave an excellent idea – Prostrate to any creature on this earth for 1 year. Be it the Brahma or an ant. Do not feel belittled. Try to identify the Para Brahman which is omni present in every creature either moving or static. In the last 7 days, worship Lord Shiva without any break. This would save your life, sage Narada averred.”
Markendeya heeded to the Suggestion of Narada. He started to prostrate to all and sundry. As is our custom, every one blessed him for longer life. Interestingly, when Sapta Rishis (The seven great seers) visited the Tapo Vanam (hermitage), Markandeya prostrated. The seers have not yet seen the face of the boy, but blessed him – Deerghayushmaan Bhava (Long live). When the boy got up, they had understood that their blessing could go waste, as death is imminent to him. They were shocked for their blessing.”
That is why it is said that, one should not bless any person, without seeing their face or without listening to their request of plea. “Saptarshis were committed to their blessing and determined to save the boy’s life. They took Markandeya to Brahma and made him prostrate to the creator Brahma. He too had blessed the same way, even before looking at the boy. Then he understood the ploy and regretted the involuntary words of blessing, that came out of his mouth. He then reaffirmed the idea of Narada, saying, do not stop Shiva Puja for any reason.”
Rest is known to you through mythology. Yama came to take the life of Markandeya. Unable to find him alone, he has tried to fix noose around Markandeya, embracing the Shiva Linga he worshipped. Incidentally, the noose also covered Shiva. Furious, Lord came out of Shiva Linga and ended the reign of Yama and exterminated him. Markandeya was blissful by the divine sight of the Lord, he has composed Mrunjaya Stotram, a hymn praising the Lord who conquers and helps his devotees live long and lead quality life. Shiva has finally blessed the boy with Immortality. Later, urged by the sages and deities, He has restored Yama and advised him to be cautios with the pious devotees.
Sri Swamiji then explained, “Namaskaaram could invoke the blessings of innumerable souls, which transformed a short lived mortal into an immortal. Namaskaaram without a selfish motive always benefits.”
Continuing his tirade on the malpractices in the worships and insincerity, Sri Swamiji narrated various practices that are committed in our daily life.
We go to temples or Swamiji. After waiting for those many hours, days, months or even years in some cases, we tend to quarrel with the volunteers or security personnel as they ask you to move.
We seek larger quantity of Prasadam.
We worry about our slippers (Chappals), which may get lost.
We worry about the safety of our house, whether it could be burgled in our absence.
We look at unwanted elements and aspects, such as the intemperate behaviour of an official or even about the demand of cabbie or an autorikshaw driver demanding few rupees more.
We worry about the containers, in which we have given the flowers, ornaments or fruits.
We are disturbed by the chat of a passer by or embarrassed by the mischief of children.
What is that are we gaining by this type of Puja?? Is it salvation?? Is it purest of merits?? Is it contentment?? No!!! No!! It only drains your purse and saps your energy. And alas, causes your mental disturbance. This type of pilgrimage is wastage of money and time. It is high time that Datta Devotees should stop this type of worship or pilgrimage. We should have the conviction about an action, we intend. We should be sincere and firm in our belief. Due to many hours, days, months or years of planning, expense of time and money you enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord or Guru. Then devotees close their eyes. Instead, try to take the snap of the Divya Mangala Swaroopa (Divine embodiment) through your eyes. Scan the image through your mind. Do not close your eyes for those precious moments in front of the Lord. When you come out then close your eyes and retrieve the image in your inner self. Relish it. Enjoy the presence. Be happy for the great opportunity God has bestowed upon you.
Do not quarrel with the volunteers or temple personnel. Stop worrying about petty things. Yes petty articles such containers, slippers etc. Compared to the chance to be in front of the Lord, all these things and persons are petty and trivial.
Be oblivious to the commotion around. Do not insult or abuse Temple workers. Then you cherish the full potential of the pilgrimage. A pilgrimage, duly undertaken caused the mind to be liberated from all the bondages and sins.”
Then Sri Swamiji has narrated a story in Kashi about conviction and sincerity. Once upon a time, Parvati Goddess curious about the number of pilgrims, who take a dip in Holy Ganga River on Mahashivaratri day and worship Shiva chanting Namsshivaaya. She asked Lord Shiva, “If all these souls are to be provided a place in Kailasa, how can we accommodate them?? How many of these souls actually deserve your grace??” Shiva has simply mooted an experiment to the Goddess. Mindful of the fact that only a handful of them are most committed, he became an old man on death bed. Parvati disguised as a wailing old woman, beseeching pilgrims to pour Ganga Water into the mouth of the dying nonagenarian. But the condition was that, one person should be free of all sins; otherwise the devotee’s head along with the old man’s head would split open.
Thousands came and became sceptical, whether they are freed from their sins by Ganga Snanam. Unsure of their chastity, they went away. Till evening, the old couple did not find person who was sure that Ganga Snanam and Shiva Smaranam have alleviated all the sins. Then a thief came for Ganga Bath. He was convicted for adultery and burglary and got his arms amputated as punishment. He was tired of the worldly matters, mistakes and affairs. He wanted himself to be free of all the sins and be liberated from this world. He had the conviction that Ganga Snanam and Shiva Smaranam would relieve him from his sins sure. Hearing the appeal of the wailing woman, the thief did not hesitate to bring water in his mouth (as he could not carry water because his hands were chopped off) and spat the water on the old man’s face. Shiva was waiting for this person and liberated him. Thus Lord Shiva made Parvati (thru her all the people) understand the importance of nerve and psyche of pilgrims and the philosophy and the consequences, results there of.
Sri Swamiji then explained the methodology how the Guru deals with his disciple. First it is Marjaala Koshora Nyaaya (Cat and its Kitten Logic). Second is Markata Kishora Nyaya (Logic of Monkey and its babies). Third is Meena Kishora Nyaya (Logic of Fish and its progeny).
In the first example, in infancy Mother Cat holds its kitten with her jaws and claws and protects them. Similarly, when a disciple is admitted in his fold, the Guru will have to hold him and carry him along. That is how, when a new person approaches His Holiness, Sri Swamiji enquires about his well being and family particulars, antecedents etc. He is advised to attend Puja and other Ashrama activities.
In the second stage, the disciple fascinated by the love and affection return to the Guru and clings to the philosophy and the preceptor facilitates him as in the case of a baby monkey. One or two or even three babies cling to their mother. And the mother takes them along and travels, but seldom looks bothered. In the same way, when person embraces to the ideology of Sri Swamiji, heeds to his advice and partakes in his activities and mission, His Holiness hardly looks at them. In fact, He is silently observing them and felicitates his following. In this stage, the disciple gets bemused and wonders, “Whether this was the same Guru, who wanted me to attend the activities. And when I am following his instructions, He hardly seems to care for me.” But this is the most important juncture, where one could fall prey to misunderstanding. You should realise that His Holiness has given you a promotion in His mind, so that you are functioning properly according to His manual, even in the absence of His direct instructions. You have become senior on the next day. Be accommodative. Let the Sadguru take more aspirants into his fold of divine path.
This leads to the third stage, where as Sadguru guides the disciples by his mere glance, as the Mother does guide the group of fish by mere eye sight. Here, the disciple does not require constant or even indirect prodding. He can gauge the direction of the master and silently follows. I hope that all of you qualify for this stage.
As a personal advice, I appeal all of you, not to become complicated. Try to be as simple as possible. Lead a life, helping others. Try to see the omni present God in the deprived sections of the society. We are not obeying the fundamental rules of the nature, for which we are suffering. If we do not correct ourselves, our misery increases. Anyhow, it is our duty to support and extend a helping hand to those who are hit by the fury of nature.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta