Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami – August 17, 2014 – Hyderabad
Speech in the morning
Jaya Guru Datta
The scientists (in Japan) had requested Swamiji to inaugurate the Bullet train during the World Fair thirty years ago. They honored Swamiji, placed a crown on him and had him inaugurate it. But the train did not move. Swamiji got off the train and walked away. After ten minutes they were able to start the train. But Swamiji had left by then. He said he will ride on the train some other time. With Swamiji everything has to happen exactly as per schedule. If things get delayed, he simply walks away. He rejects the program. He will not touch it. As per schedule, things have to be spoken, done, and executed. There is no question of compromise. There is no question of persuasion. In Swamiji’s service, one has to be extremely alert, attentive, and meticulous. He waits for no one. People tend to take things easy assuming that Swamiji will adjust, no matter what. Swamiji puts on a front like that as if he is very accommodating and very forgiving. It is only an appearance that makes people assume that after all he is our Swamiji and we can behave as we like. But inside, Swamiji is sharp as a knife. Everything has to go exactly as per plan.
Time blesses you. You should not insult time. It is a curse against you if you do.
Sometimes Swamiji gives permission to touch him. Sometimes he tells you not to touch him. It is to protect you. It is not for him to protect himself. If I needed protection, I would not be here. I would be somewhere else. I come here to protect you. Swamiji gives very simple and easy solutions to you when you share with him your grave problems. There is great meaning in those simple words or suggestions. You do not realize that. He simply says chant the Hanuman Chaleesa or the Datta Stavam.
You think that your problems are so serious that he should spend hours listening to you, asking you lots of questions, sympathizing with you, blaming those who have done you harm, and further elaborating on your troubles. After all of that, he has to anyway offer you a solution. That solution he gives you right away. Is it necessary for you to waste so much of his time on your problems?
You have come to Swamiji because your prayers were answered. You had fervently prayed for his grace. You prayed for an opportunity to see Swamiji and to speak with him. As a result Swamiji has come to you. But now, if you trouble him, you will lose the fruit of your prayers.
The volunteers keep making announcements: do not touch Swamiji. Please keep your distance.
After 30 years I rode on the Bullet train. All the Yoga students accompanied me.
How many of you here have visited Japan? Please raise your hands. One thing I can tell you. To learn discipline, you must visit Japan. Each person bows to the other. Each recognizes the divinity in the other. In India, this tradition was there 200 years ago. Now it is lost. We do not exchange courtesies any more. At least hereafter Datta devotees must greet one another with Jaya Guru Datta, to non-devotees do Namaskaram. Not only to Guru, but to every individual you must give respect. You must recognize the divinity in each person. If you acknowledge that truth that there is divinity present in everyone, you must show it in your practice. These days there is no exchange of respect and courtesy even between a husband and wife, between a parent and child, between a Guru and disciple.
Where is Namaskaram in us? There is only Taskaram/stealing in us. This lesson I have learned in Japan.
If there is one place that you must visit, it is Japan. You must go there to work. You must go at least to clean the bathrooms in Japan. Since a long time, Swamiji has had this high regard for Japan. Not merely that I read about the country, but now I have directly experienced it. Every person is so helpful, so humble, and so courteous. If we ask someone for directions to the bus stand, they stop what they are doing, escort you to the bus stand and then only leave. It is unimaginable.
Here, if we are approached by someone for directions, we show irritation. We snap at them: I am busy; I am on the phone; and I am otherwise engaged. If someone asks for a glass of water, you rudely answer that you are not keeping a drinks stand to serve beverages to everyone. Even if one is dying of thirst, we do not give them water. We not only refuse to give, but we scold the person for asking for water. Have I nothing else to do, except dispensing water to you? There is no kindness, no generosity.
I wanted to speak with Kuppa Krishnamurthy about this that the real Nanda Gokulam seems to be located in Japan and not in India as we thought. When the landmass was one in the ancient times, perhaps Nanda Gokulam was located there and not here. We must recalculate, and do research.
When Swamiji visited Japan, he was impressed with their helpful nature and their discipline. The bullet train travels from Tokyo to Kyoto – 500 miles in one and a quarter hour. I had a desire to ride in that train. I had to satisfy the desire of the 40 devotees who wished to ride with Swamiji. Can you tell how long it stops at a station? It stops for just one minute at the station. During that time people have to get in and get out with their luggage.
How nicely they maintain the queue system, how beautifully they help others who have luggage to carry!
If it were here, we would forcibly delay the train. We would tie it up with ropes and make it stop until we load all our donkeys and chickens. We will turn the train into a pigsty.
Originally people of other countries were learning good manners from India. Now to see how Nanda Gokulam would have been, you have to visit Japan. For the historical location, you may visit the place in India.
Even in the villages, Swamiji noticed the same level of respect for rules and regulations and the same level of helpful nature and courtesy. During his one week’s stay he has seen a lot. I did not experience any type of discomfort there; no cough, no tiresomeness, and no pain in the legs.
There is a tremendous population in Tokyo. Yet everyone is very organized. They cross the streets only where it is permitted. They wait for their turn. Everything goes as per rules and schedule. Even in this Kali Yuga, there is a place that is much systematized.
You may ask: Why do they get earthquakes? They occur only in remote places. If an earthquake occurs in a remote area in the Himalayas, would we be concerned? Four years ago, a city was slightly affected where some of Swamiji’s bonsai devotees were residing.
Today is Gokulashtami, the birthday of our Jagadguru, Lord Krishna. Bhagavatam, the most important scripture was first taught by Siva. Then it spread to the people through Vyasa, Suka, and the sages in the Naimisharanya. The Dasama Skandam, 10th chapter alone is shown in the cinemas. If the entire Bhagavatam is made known to everyone, it will be wonderful.
After completing all the house visits, on this last day, I came here, with the special purpose of seeing all my dear devotees on this Sunday. I should have left yesterday. But I came here today.
I feel pained that your behavior is not disciplined. Before I could arrive here onto the stage, you people mobbed me and spoiled even the Godana (sacred cow donation ritual). If everyone were seated here, how nice it would have been. At least out of love for Swamiji, I do not wish that you should be afraid of Swamiji, at least out of love for Swamiji, you could have maintained discipline. What is extracted out of fear lasts only for a day. What is done out of love continues forever. At least in the future, all my dearest Datta devotees, I request you to please follow rules, regulations, and discipline. For just one moment, had you given way and had you taken your seats here properly, it would have been so nice. You are in such haste to see Swamiji. I am here right in front of you. You have been listening to my voice for so long. You have been looking at me for so long. You are all enjoying this bliss. This happiness do you find there (where you all crowded), where you were getting scolded by the volunteers? I cannot witness such misbehavior. You throw the barricade down. You create a stampede. Is that the way you express your love (for Swamiji)? It pains me a lot to see such undesirable behavior. Is that an expression of devotion? Do you wish to brag that you were the first ones to see Swamiji?
It is like everyone squeezing tight, jostling, and getting into a stampede to see the sky. The sky is sitting right here for everyone to see in comfort. A beautiful program there you have ruined. We should always remain in our assigned spots. Such discipline I saw in Japan. Even if they are called, they will not go elsewhere. Only those who are required to be there will be there. I really felt like it was Gokulam for me.
I visited a very old Shinto Temple. It was all gold-plated. People think there are only Buddha Temples. But this Shinto Temple is different. It has many compounds. You go in there. You have to wash hands in natural sweet, fresh clean water before entering. I did so, remembering our deities. The Indian people who accompanied me kept looking for the deity’s figure in the temple. In such a huge temple with so many thousands of people visiting, there were just 5 enclosures.
You know how Swamiji loves Nature. We offer worship to God in the form of the five elements in our ashram. We offered some small donation at that Shinto Temple. We visited a Veda (their type of Veda) school there.
Then we witnessed a Tea Ceremony – green tea without milk. With mantra chanting, they prepare. They offer a very small quantity. They gave to Swamiji in a special brand new cup. For our Andhra devotees the quantity will be just one sip or gulp. They will simply inhale it even from a distance. Such is their power. The tea tradition is the symbol of friendship for the Japanese. I was thinking what fine tea they make here in our restaurants. People have different traditions. It was very nice.
Today it is Krishna’s special day. While I was wandering about there in Japan, I kept remembering all of my mother’s songs about Krishna, all the beautiful compositions. Also I played a Japanese flute there when there was no one around. I thought they might get scared otherwise. I practiced a little bit and then played.
Today I am in your midst. We will have a ritual for Krishna worship. There are many books piled here. Do not feel scared that you will be asked to read all of these. These were compiled by a devotee of Swamiji. They contain the experiences of devotees. If you read them and your children read them, definitely devotion will fill your hearts. I guarantee it. You will wonder if really such great devotees exist. You will wonder if this is how true devotion should be. You will be amazed if this how service should be rendered! Is this how totally Swamiji should be trusted! This collection of experiences like a huge jungle similar to Naimisharanya, has been put together by Bharat, an American devotee. I just noticed that they have kept these books here (Bhakta Mala).
Please let only the sponsors for Visesha Homa line up here to receive prasadam. I request all the others to (proceed for lunch).
Sri Guru Datta
Speech in the evening
Jaya Guru Datta
You are making lots of noise. Should I leave or should I remain here quietly assessing the level of noise that you are making? The very highly devoted audience who is sitting in the front rows, since you cannot see the stage properly, please adjust your positions and be seated comfortably. I leave it up to you. Do not get up on the stage just because you are not able to see from there.
It has been a long time since I sang bhajans. Just for your sake, I am singing again today. In America, in all the cities we had very good bhajan programs. How many of you watched the programs on yogasangeeta? They get a count of the number of viewers. With more viewers, their costs go down. They have to pay for the server. Some people sponsor and pay for the expenses. You can see what is happening in each of the Datta Peetham branches. In America a big temple is getting constructed. You must watch the progress. In Trinidad they have constructed a big temple. They have been inviting me to go and see it, for the past two years. I have to go and inaugurate it. It is not good to neglect a temple that has already been built and waiting for consecration. In Dubai there is a concert. After the concert I have to go to Trinidad. In Memphis they have built a temple but it was not yet consecrated. Swamiji has told them that he cannot go there again for the consecration. They have to do it themselves.
With yogasangeeta you will feel as if Swamiji is right there in your homes. Right now many people are watching this program. All the viewers will be enjoying the Krishna Janmashtami programs. They will not miss these. Even foreigners like the Japanese, who do not know our language, will be watching keenly and eagerly. They do not follow a single word. And, yet they watch. They all experience the bliss. They have tried this and have personal experience of where they record Swamiji’s voice and play it for seriously ill patients and the sick persons recover and sit up. So they do not consider these sessions as if Swamiji is singing as a musician, or a devotional singer.
For them, Swamiji’s voice works like a medicine. Like an injection it works. They have had such experiences. They have enjoyed the benefits. They believe in it as a result. Only some of our ignorant people treat these as just songs to listen to. All others feel that like mantras, these bhajans enter into their bodies and thrash the evil spirits that trouble them and chase them out. When you go to attend or witness the programs, you must not be negligent.
Because of time changes (in different countries), the program timings may be sometimes inconvenient. It may be midnight or early in the morning. Sometimes you will find recordings at yogasangeeta.org, that you can watch at your own convenience.
sgs.links.com will give access to all Swamiji’s branches at one time. You can visit any of them on the laptop. Yogasangeeta.org is another link to remember. It is extremely easy. Even small children will be able to help you. Sgsbirds.com is easy to remember. Very simple.
Today is Krishna Janmashtami. Yogasangeeta is showing live webcast. I do not sing for Krishna, or for you, or to please the musicians. Never. I sing for my satisfaction. If Krishna listens, he is lucky. If you listen, you are lucky. These musicians are here to support me. I may scold the microphone system if it misbehaves.
Bhajan: Jaya jaya Ganapati Mangala Karin
Bhajan: Krishna sahodari
O Krishna’s sibling, Mother Durga, the destroyer of the wicked, Dum Durga, you reside in the Vindhya mountains. When Kamsa, became cruel and dashed you on a rock (when you were a newborn infant), you rose up to the sky like lightning. You are elusive to the evil-minded ones. You punish the wicked. You remove the difficulties of the virtuous. Those who are recipients of Sri Hari’s grace will find you right at their doorstep. You are the basis for all tone, melody, and rhythm. You are the underlying energy of the three great Mothers. You please grant me Sat Chit Ananda. I bow down to you.
Krishnaya Vasudevaya Devaki nandanaya cha
Nandagopa kumaaraaya Govindaaya Namo namaha
Bhajan: Kathalu vinaga randi
Please come to listen to the stories of Krishna. Please come. Your anxieties will vanish from your mind.
Even as an infant Krishna killed Putana (a female demon who tried to kill him). People became speechless witnessing this miracle.
The cowherd women were upset that Krishna was stealing butter (from their homes and carried complaints against you to your mother) Using butter as an excuse, he stole and destroyed all their sins. Yashoda (Krishna’s adoptive mother) got angry that Krishna was eating dirt. She had a vision of all the worlds in His mouth (when she angrily commanded HIm to open His mouth).
In the pond Kalindi, Krishna destroyed the arrogance of the venomous serpent Kaliya. All the people and sages went down on their knees to prostrate to Him in gratitude.
Krishna played amidst the women of Gokula. They all forgot themselves in the presence of Krishna.
The glories of Krishna are countless. Those who listen to these miracles will have Krishna established firmly in their hearts.
This is a Telugu bhajan, translated by Sri Bala Swamiji of the Kannada song composed by Sri Jayalakshmi Mata. There are four more stanzas. All the songs are being translated, to the extent possible. Sometimes it is difficult to find appropriate words in Telugu. May be some Sanskrit words have to be used. Simple Kannada language was used by Sri Jayalakshmi Mata. Jaitra and Mani have put in great efforts to help me in setting tunes for these songs. I simply remain as a witness.
(Jaitraji spoke: Sri Swamiji does everything. We learn from him and repeat as per his instructions. Whoever thinks that we support or help him in his singing is mistaken and is foolish.)
Namo kinchana vittaaya nivritta gunavrittaye
Atmaaraamaaya saantaaya kaivalyapataye namaha
To those who are struck with poverty, Krishna is their wealth. Those who love God/Guru are the most prosperous in this world. Those without devotion to God/Guru are eternally wretched and poor. Despite having money they are impoverished.
Those who follow the ancient traditions, and love God/Guru are the wealthiest. O Lord, your compassion is their wealth. As long as you are their shield, they are the richest. Those who follow Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha are equal to those who do daily fire worship. They, who do rituals, may go to heaven. But the first category takes an earlier flight to heaven. Paramatma/Supreme Soul is happy with Himself. His happiness is not derived from our service, worship, and rituals. If someone feeds 10,000 people, the donor feels happy because he feels the happiness of God that so many people are satisfied. Those who build a temple with great sacrifice and trouble, feel happy.
That happiness is a reflection of God’s happiness, when He resides in the temple. God resides in the tears of joy. Unless God is in your grief also, the grief will not get expressed through tears and give you relief. By shedding tears the grief is dispelled. Some, who are in shock, are unable to cry. They suffer in silence. But one day, suddenly, the gates burst and they have an outburst. That is required. Otherwise they will die if they continue to suppress their intense grief.
It is not the donor who feels happy. It is God alone who enjoys eternal happiness. Our happiness is very temporary. Immediately, some complaint or dissatisfaction occurs, causing grief. After one grief passes, people search for something else to grieve about. Otherwise they cannot rest easy. Without some excitement, some pain, some quarrel, they are not content. Sadists will sit in sorrow at the end of all celebrations, making everyone else around them also miserable. Every family has some sadists. They are committed to seeing that others are unhappy. They are not happy whether they are praised or blamed. Out of every ten people there is one sadist, either male or female. If both husband and wife are sadists, they act like crazy, drunk monkeys that are stung by a scorpion.
The few seconds that we spend here, let us be happy. When required, okay, be sad. But get over it. One minute or one blink of an eye is so precious. If you realize that, you will not waste time. You must keep chanting the divine names, Datta, Krishna. Narayana, who grants us salvation and Siva, who gives us the Narayana mantra as Guru, we must remember and praise. We must offer all our actions to Narayana.
Bhajan: Om Namo Narayana Krishna
So many Krishnas. Young Krishnas, cowherd Krishnas. All small Krishnas (in costumes) please come up on the stage.
In the olden days in the dramas, different age persons would play the roles of Krishna as the child Krishna, youth Krishna, and aged Krishna. At the end of the play, the aged Krishna would be required on the stage and he would be asleep somewhere. He has to be carried on to the stage. Suddenly he remembers playing the role of Rama, and he will burst into song, Sitaa..
Namah pankaja naabhaaya namah pankaja maaline
Namaha pankaja netraaya namaste pankajaanghraye
Bhajan: Kaliki gajje katti chetulato taalam patti
Tying the bells to the ankles. holding the brass cymbals in my hands, totally forgetting myself, I dance, O Lord Krishna!
You alone Krishna, are all my relatives, friends, father, mother; everyone is you. That is all I know, Krishna, O Lord Krishna!
My entire life energy is all yours Krishna. It is my promise, O Lord Krishna! To find you I have come taking this birth, O Lord Krishna! I do not wish to be reborn, Krishna. I call for your victory, O Lord Krishna!
Bhajan: Krishna Mazhee mata
Jai jai Vitthala Krishna Vitthala Vitthala
Sri Guru Datta