Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on day 2 of the 5th Volunteer camp – September 23 , 2013 – Mathura
Discourse to SDHS Volunteers
Do you know why Swamiji has taken the mike now? For discourse? No. For a message? No. To correct volunteers? No. Not even that. Not always. For blessings? No. Blessings are over. They are not every time. Blessings once done by Guru is sufficient for a life time. You are doubtful. So you keep on asking for blessings everytime. You think blessings are like a daily three time meal. Since, you have to fill your stomach, you eat so many times. Why do you need blessings again and again ? That means you do not believe in it. So you come and ask for it every time. Like the food taken is digested in few hours, you think blessings taken once also gets digested and every time you speak to Swamiji, you ask for blessings again. The blessings you have taken is sufficient. When we see Swamiji, we come to report to Him. We should come only to seek solution to our problem, to clarify our doubts or seek answers for our questions. We don’t need to ask about one subject in this when ever you talk to Swamiji. You don’t need to ask for blessings. You just casually even without your own knowledge ask for blessings. Because you do not believe in the blessings given to you. You think it gets exhausted by night. A blessing, an Upadesham, a Hasta Sparsha or a Pada Sparsha is only one for a life time. So, should we not seek them when given a chance ? Ofcourse, you can. But, one Sparsha is sufficient for a life time. When given the second time intentionally, it removes the previous one. Sparsha patha – the touch, Drusya patha – through eyes, Vaak Patha – through words all these when given intentionally for the second time erases the previous transfer of energy and from then, the current level of energy continues. The kind of energy that is transferred depends on the tatva of Guru on that particular day. So, is it good or bad? It is neither good nor bad. It is an effort. An effort for both. When a plant is watered, it absorbs the water and spreads to its branches. Water is the support for the plant. But for man, the nectar poured by Sadguru in the form of blessing will exist forever. We dont need to doubt about it. You drink nectar and you doubt on it. With this doubt, you ask for one more glass of nectar. You think it is like drinking coffee. Those who ask for blessings repeatedly are doubting their Guru. This doubt is there like a satan inside. You feel, did Swamiji bless me ‘STRONGLY’ today or not ? I dont understand what is ‘Strong’ here. Should I give you a tight slap and say Jaya Guru Datta so you fall down ? Is that what you call strong ? What is strong in a blessing ? Do you think it is a strong coffee so you can order 1 strong coffee, 2 light coffee , 2 1/2 black coffee ? No. This is a blessing called nectar. Do you need 1 1/2 glass of nectar to feel the divine ? One drop is sufficient. It is not to fill your stomach. It is to save your life. It fills the life with just one drop.
It is said that no mantra should be given without any source. No Upanishad should be described without a source. It is called Shastra aadhara – Supported by Shastras. It may be an upanishad, shastra or the Veda, source is must. It is said that no homa should be done without any mantra. While bathing in Ganga, unless you bathe with a dhyana or a mantra or devotion, no result is found. It only cleans but does not give any merit. It is as good as a buffalo having bath. The buffalo is just cleaned. It does not remove the hunger of that buffalo. A buffalo just thinks of its food. It only waits for it. It cannot have any other thought. Some animals do not have this thought also. These animals feel man needs me, so he will anyway feed me. So, one must be careful in having bath in Ganga, without a selfish thought. Upasana and Anushtana – the process of worship also has to be done in the same way. Some people come to me saying that they have done so many millions of mantra japa. You must not repeatedly mention this. You will lose its merit. They bring people that they have done mantra japa for 6 crores. When they agree to it, then also its merit is gone. They use this mantra japa count as a recommendation to come to Swamiji. So, Should I bless them specially ? Similarly some others come and say he has 20 houses. Some others say, he is some great Director who can provide employment to some 10 people. So, should I immediately change and seek a job for my boy ? The actual people do not talk all this. Only people around them stress on these points. The actual person is so humble that they say, it is by your grace Swamiji that I could employ so many people. This is called Nivedana – offering. Not ego. There are some more people who bring their secretaries to talk on behalf of them. These people exaggerate so much and talk. They even go to an extent of talking about their previous posts. What is my situation then? Should I bless them both and treat them equally?
So far we spoke about the strongness in a blessing. We often doubt, did I get a strong blessing or not. We feel, did I get strong nectar or the lighter one ? Was Sugar added to it ? These kind of doubts pop up in our minds. Nectar is only one. There is no need to add anything to it. Sadguru’s word also is similar to that. There are no add-ons required. All that is required is to strengthen these words with the source of shastras. You must have a strong faith that your Guru will not talk anything without the support of shastras. It may appear baseless temporarily. But you should not leave it there. With strong faith, you must try to find the source of it.
Sometime back, Swamiji wrote Navavarana keertanas. During this time, I have asked Sri Deekshitulu to stay back and he did. He was to go somewhere that day. But he stayed back. That year, Swamiji sang daily one navaavarana keertana. Some keertanas cannot be narrated. He came across a new word which he didn’t know. He didn’t leave it there. He started searching for its meaning. He was sure that Swamiji will not use a wrong word. In this process, he had to read all the books that he did right from his childhood. He then came to a conclusion that there may be grammatical errors but the meaning will be correct.
Sometimes, under certain circumstances certain words can be used. But they should not be used everytime. For example, Shankara Bhagavatpada wrote Bilvashtakam. We get a doubt did He write or others next to him ? Or since it is not possible for Shankara bhagavatpada to write, did His disciples write recollecting His words ? Or Did He write a few only and we found only few of them ? It is going back to the topic of source.
Some people have very good memory in remembering Swamiji’s words. They can tell us point by point. They can even remember and tell us as to how many times a particular word is used in the speech. They have such good memory. After studying Vedas for 12 years, the Veda boys can complete their graduation in one attempt. Our kids who study in school right from LKG fail sometimes. But these Veda students can clear it in one attempt. This is just based on their memory. All they need is to have some practice of writing since they are not used to it. They merely depend on their memory power. Why don’t we have such memory power ? Because the food that we take makes us drousy. So where ever we sit, we sleep. Our breakfast, lunch & Dinner are all alike in quantity. We dont take any light food. People fight for the quantity of food and talk as if their eating adds to our punya. They say today I’m asking you to give me 10 rupees in a good muhurtham. This will make you prosper. All this is magical life. But this is not possible in Swamiji’s words. His words have to be sourced. It should satisfy every one.
Swamiji’s every word gives us answers. We must observe that. People who has good dhaarana shakti – memory power will observe this. What is dhaarana shakti ? Concentration ! Contemplating on a topic ! When can you contemplate ? Only when your mind is present here. What does this mean ? Now you are sitting here. One you are sleeping. Two, you are hungry. Three, your mind is on the shopping program you planned in the evening. Four, you say you couldn’t sleep well last night. So you are sleeping now. You show that as a reason. Forgetting all this and sitting with concentration is dhaarana shakti.
We dont need to read Bhagavat Gita or Puranas. If you read the meaning of Swamiji’s bhajan one a day, that itself is purana. Not many knew about the book that contains the meaning of Swamiji’s bhajans. So we are posting that in Bhaktimala. You can also download them on website. Some books you forget now itself. So, how to carry them to next generation ? Hence, Swamiji made a website.
So, I shooted the second question also. Those who do not have dhaarana shakti – memory power, would forget this second question also. Very few remember this after talking so much. Because we dont have concentration. We need to learn the techniques of remembering Swamiji’s words.
We say Volunteers camp. What is volunteers camp ? It is not like a picnic. Such camps are over. We went for boating once, we went to hill stations. All those are over. Now we cannot climb hills. All are having knee pains. We do have some youngsters but many are aged. So Swamiji arranged this camp accordingly. He selected Mathura. This place is such that you cannot even go for shopping. We thought Brundavan is a garden, we can stay happily. Many trees would be there. Many cows would be there. Ofcourse cows are there. Some monkeys would be there. We find butter all around. We have many opinions about this place. When you say Ashram, you have an opinion that, there would be a peeple tree, a yogi would be sitting like Yogi vemana, 2 deers would be there, 2 pigeons would be there, 4 peacocks would be there. Some people would be chanting veda there. You find one hut where you can go and eat. If you come with these kind of opinions, our Mysore ashram is a high tech center. We have both environments there. It is like a kids story. Puja happens at one place, bhajan happens at another place. Homa somewhere else and food else where. We wander all the places and in the meanwhile you are hungry and will start eating. Swamiji has given what ever is required to the current world. We need both.
Jaya Guru Datta !!
Bhajan session in the evening
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Jayalakshmi Mata brought me here. Again at age 9 Swamiji came here. In this lifetime, devotion got stamped on this heart. It was there in a previous lifetime and that is why it is here now. Swamiji will not reveal His true identity, His past or future lifetimes. After reading the Bhagavatam, when you compare each and every miracle, you may recognize the similarities. (Swamiji’s life story ) Birth on the other side of Kaveri/Arkavati, crossing the waters by the help of the tribal folk, the region filled with elephants and other wild animals, snake pits and shrubs, boulders and rubble.
Some time ago, came to this Vrij (Brajbhoomi) region, speaking this Vrij language. Swamiji used to toss to the ceiling a lump of butter. It would fall on visitors who sat on the floor and they would be accused of eating the butter. Grandmother used to narrate this. Some great blessing is hidden in each and every event. It is not easy to understand the significance, but still, one should attempt to understand. This bhajan program, a longtime wish is today getting fulfilled. Many places are much cooler than this. Yet, this place was chosen, in spite of heat, mosquitoes, and other inconveniences as not having electricity. These should be ignored. Prasad and others made alternative arrangements such as accommodation in a hotel several miles away. A room was available. Swamiji was testing them. Everything was packed. Swamiji said, No, I prefer to remain here. They unpacked again. Despite the sultriness, once I have set foot here, I do not leave. Mathura is hell and Brindavan is heaven. Krishna was not at ease in Mathura. True devotees do not like Mathura. Krishna was very happy in Brindavan. It is the place of Rasakreeda. Mathura was filled with evil Rakshasa and Krishan suffered problems at the hands of Kamsa. Respect is given to Mathura but people do not like to stay overnight there. So many books, including Bhagavatam mention this. I asked which place in Mathura? Where are Ayyappan family and Kusumakka sleeping? If SGS changes His mind, they would also like to follow Swamiji to Mathura. It is not proper to disturb them. Some maya/illusion, some wrong things are being done. Prasad, open this door, this window. May be volunteers are sitting, keeping watch at the door. Some breeze will come. I will sleep here. Prasad told the hotel manager of the change of plan. Earlier he had said, there was no generator, there was no special room. Prasad also was shivering yesterday because of chills and fever. He was not well. Suddenly when Prasad told the manager that Swamiji has decided to stay right here. Said, there is in fact a generator and an a/c room is available for Swamiji. So Swamiji stayed in Brindavan itself. At least 10-12 people would have followed SGS to Mathura/hell. One should always move from Mathura to Brindavan, not the other way. There is sanctity in this place itself because Krishna lived here. It is not like there is a great shrine or anything like that here.
Bhajan: Sri Ganapati Kshipra Ganapati – summary – O Lord, Ganapati, the giver of instant boons, the Lord of all planes of existence, you are the Lord of the intellect and grant accomplishment, the protector of pious persons. You are pleased when you are worshiped first and foremost. You are easily pleased with the offering of the sweet dish Modaka, and the special durva grass/garika. When worshiped on the fourth lunar day/chaviti (of the waxing phase of the moon) you protect us from false accusations. When you are identified with the OM (the sacred syllable) you bless us with Sat, Chit, and Ananda, you are yourself the Light of Spiritual Knowledge. Victory to Lord Vishwaksena.
Mother Goddess arrived here ahead of time, before Krishna, and since all the demons like Kamsa are also Her children, she came to teach them a lesson and render help to Krishna. She is Maya Devi, the resident of Vindhya Mountain, the sibling of Krishna. When she is praised first, it gives happiness to Krishna.
Bhajan: Krishna sahodari – summary – . Dum is your seed syllable, O Mother Durga. The resident of Vindhya Mountain, the sibling of Krishna, Durga, you destroy evil forces. Kamsa dashed you to the ground and you flew up to the sky like lightning. You are like a comet to destroy the prosperity of Kamsa, and to bless Nanda Gokula with wealth and welfare. You condemn the wicked to hellish suffering. You protect the pious from all difficulties. You effortlessly grant us heavenly comforts. You are elusive both to gods and kings. Only those who are fortunate to receive the grace of Lord Vishnu have your presence in their homes. You are the root cause of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. You are the combined form of all the three mothers. I offer you my prostrations, please protect me from danger and grant me eternal bliss. Dum is your seed syllable, O Mother Durga.
Bhajan – Om Namo Narayana Krishna – summary – (Sri Jayalakshmi Mata’s composition – a torabandha kriti)
My prostrations to you O Krishna, Lord Narayana. (Victory to Lord Krishna – Krishna Jai). O son of Nanda, you alone are the protector. You alone bestow Liberation, O Krishna, please destroy this delusion. You are praised and worshiped by Narada and other sages. You adore music. You are lotus-eyed. You alone are Rama and Krishna. You alone are the crown adornment of the Yadu clan. Please release me from the fear of death. Nam is your seed mantra syllable. Victory to you, Krishna.
Bhajan – Nanda Gokula bala – another composition of Sri Jayalakshmi Mata – summary
Our adorable child Krishna from Nanda’s Gokula has come to Brindavana, it seems. Radha has climbed the hills and boulders and is waiting for you, Krishna. The women folk of the cowherd families are churning the buttermilk and are waiting to offer you handfuls of butter. Drink milk to your satisfaction and like a calf come sprinting to us. You have earned the honored title of Butter Thief. O Krishna, come running to see me. I am yearning to see you. You are dark in complexion. Smiling, hopping, dancing, come quickly, Krishna. Grant me a good mind, accomplishment, and success, Krishna. Beloved of Radha.
Bhajan – Hey Krishna Vasudeva – summary
O Krishna, the life of the cowgirls! You have lifted the hill Govardhana, and slayed of the demon, Mura. You are so adorable, dark as a raincloud. My heart is overflowing with devotion and love for you, O Govinda. You have danced the Ras dance with all the girls of the cow town. Devotion itself had manifested as all those cowgirls. With a peacock feather adorning you, holding a flute, you lived and enjoyed in this land and made sacred the Vraj land. You have uplifted countless beings. I surrender at your divine feet O Sachchidananda Krishna. O beloved of Radha!
In every bhajan, each story (about Krishna) is beautifully woven. Each bhajan covers an entire chapter, giving the complete essence. Each bhajan is equal to an Upanishad. We should forget ourselves, we use this body as a means for doing this Nama Sankeertan, to praise God. Why has God given this body? Many times people wish for death as an escape from suffering. Death is certain once we are born. We must fulfill the purpose of this birth, and not wish to give up soon and depart. Those who know the divine taste of singing God’s names would truly wish for a longer life. They regret having to leave too early. Do not wish to live for children, money, fame, or to enjoy luxuries. Wish for a few more occasions to travel to holy places with Sadguru, pray for more time in the sacred company of Sadguru.
Even Hanuman wished to commit suicide, but only because he felt that he was failing in accomplishing the mission of Rama. He had not found Sita. He was not worried about getting his head cut off by his king, but felt that he could not bear to see the sorrow on Rama’s face. He searched every single place, including all the royal chambers. Being so close to the presence of Sita, and yet not finding Her, Hanuman felt desperate. He was not concerned about shame upon himself. But after pondering, he said to himself, No, I should brush off this feeling of dejection. He is immortal. He cannot die in any case. It is important to continue the effort and fulfill my Master’s mission. Suicide is a great sin. He suffered the consequence of this terrible thought because of having to search for the ring of Rama upon the command of Sita. Brahma made Hanuman suffer for thinking one time about suicide. You must do what pleases God. Not only in His presence, but indirectly, anonymously if you do it, God is immensely pleased. Not everyone can brush His beard or massage His feet. Once I suggest to such people who fight for such privileges, why don’t you sing bhajans or share divine experiences instead? In His residence, people may discuss wrong things. It is best to remain silent when a group gathers. After five minutes, bad topics and irrelevant talk ensues. Never speak anything that is displeasing to Sadguru, like talking politics and discussing frivolous matters.
In the proximity of Mother Sita, Hanuman contemplated committing suicide. He knew that it was an impossible task. Yet he indulged in that wrong thought. When alone, He could resort to it, definitely when a few people gather, unnecessary conversations take place. We all have to do our own work, our own duties. By talking of others, would those who are talked about, are they going to come to our aid? What does it matter, who wins or loses in politics, who gets married, or who does what? This is a pilgrimage center, wherever Sadguru is present. Because when you stay close to Guru you have to be very careful about what you say or do. You will incur sin when residing in the ashram people speak of matters of discontent.
Why does Swamiji retire right after bhajans or discourse? Because irrelevant topics come to your minds when there is a pause. Gossip and irritable behavior you engage in. You waste Swamiji’s company. You do not ask important questions. The talk becomes frivolous and displeasing to Guru. Whereas if you discuss His miracles, He will ask you to speak more and repeat more such stories. Hanuman engaged in irreverent topics and talk. We are remembering an incident from the Ramayana so that we can learn an important lesson from it. Sita is Mother Lakshmi, she is the same as Radha, the beloved of Krishna. We are all like the sages who became enchanted by Krishna. All who are given to desires are women. Krishna is the only Purusha/True Male. We must demonstrate to Krishna our true devotion and adoration.
Sri Guru Datta