Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – May 16, 2020
Sookti
Compiled by: Parimala Eshwarla
Vidyā vivādāya, dhanaṃ madāya, shaktiḥ parēṣāṃ parapīdanāya
Khalasya sādhōḥ viparītametat, jnānāya dānāya ca rakṣaṇāya ǁ
Meaning: The wicked use their entire knowledge purely for quarrels and litigation. They behave arrogantly on the strength of their wealth. They use their physical might to harm others. On the contrary, virtuous people use their knowledge to obtain self-realization. They use their wealth only for charitable purposes. They use their body strength to protect the needy.
The same tool in the hands of the virtuous leads to well-being of the society while in the hands of the wicked it causes unimaginable harm to the society.
The merit generated from the various good deeds performed across innumerable past births translates as the intelligence in this birth. Knowledge is an extremely powerful, mighty weapon. A noble saint, worthy, virtuous man, a person who has the proper wisdom to segregate real from unreal objects in the creation and who is dexterous in the completion of the tasks engages in extremely supreme meritorious deeds for the well-being of the entire society.
A virtuous will, using his intelligence coupled with dexterity, find ways to divert river waters in the fields and through this deed ensures bountiful crop. The same intelligence, if possessed by a wicked, egoistic man, who is a slave to all vices, will be used to produce deadly weapons that can destroy the world. Through this deed he derives demonic pleasure.
The noble saints impart their knowledge, which showers benefits both in this world and the next, to others in society. Considering the well-being of the society as their own well-being, and obtaining delight from seeing joyful faces around them, they work to fill others with joy.
A wicked man, on the other hand, if he gets knowledge he will use it to create disputes, ill-will and misunderstanding between people and earning money through these techniques, and ultimately only receives abuses from society.
When a virtuous wealthy man is also knowledgeable, then he will ensure that his wealth is put to worthy, uses. He uses his wealth for meritorious purposes. He serves food and distributes clothes to all the poor, needy. He seeks refuge under a Sadguru and, donating money in accordance to the directives given by his Sadguru, gets uplifted. He is always eager to rush to help the needy. Egoism and pride never approach him. He financially supports those children who are unable to pay their fees. Even after endlessly contributing for social well-being, he never aspires for name and fame.
On the contrary, when a wicked man turns rich, arrogance in him increases significantly. He no longer reveres the elders and even abstains from giving them the basic courtesy. In his walk, talk, actions his arrogance is revealed. In him the thought that he has to provide for the basic food and clothing for the poor and needy does not even emerge. He wastes all his money on his luxuries, vices, good name and entertainment. He treats the ordinary as his servant and slaves. Due to all his actions, he is condemned by others.
To be blessed with a robust, healthy and strong body is the best gift given by the Lord. When a virtuous man also possesses a strong body, he uses his physical might to protect the weak from the merciless torture of the wicked. He uses his physical might to serve others thus earning merit.
On the contrary, when a wicked man obtains a robust, healthy body he uses it to harass saints, virtuous people and women. He derives joy from such wicked deeds. Using their might only to harm others they remain lowly and wicked.
Message in Bhakti TV Program telecast on May 16, 2020
Compiled by: Jaya Akkanapragada
Śrī mahāgańapatayé namaha
Śrī sarasvatyé namaha
Śrī pādavallabha narasimha sarasvati
Śri guru dattātréyāya namaha
Because of Corona, many of us have stayed home and strictly followed the rules of the lockdown. But some people have not, and they will later realise that if we do not follow what is being told for our good, we will be the ones who will face difficulties. This disease is going to be with us for some time since there is no cure or vaccine yet. At the minimum, it will be there at least for 6 months, so for the next 6 months, since it is not possible to simply stay at home under lockdown, there will be more people who will have to be rushed to the hospital. We must do everything we can to be careful and avoid getting infected. We tend to move in groups and go to the market. We must take every precaution to maintain a safe distance from others and not touch them. it is compulsory to wear the mask at all times when outside. In a small bag, carry a sanitizer as well. Do not forget to take these precautions, and please do not spit anywhere and everywhere. This reminds me of a big story.
In countries like Singapore, there is a very heavy fine for spitting and littering, and even imprisonment. It would be nice if we could follow this here as well. Like tuberculosis and polio, this disease will also be in our midst. If someone comes home, use a sanitizer and disinfect the space. If they feel bad, tell them you are doing it for their own good.
There is a big story about why we must not spit. When we spit, and someone steps on it, they end up carrying that infection wherever they go.
gurōr vidyātmanō nānyat
satyam satyam na samśayaha
tallābhārtam prayatnastu
kartavyō hi manīśibhihi
Verse 13 of Guru Gita
There is none other than the Guru who is the very embodiment of gñāna or knowledge. There is no doubt about this, so the wise one must leave no stone unturned in understanding Guru tattva. Sadguru always has a great purpose and constantly performs good deeds (sat kāryās) and keeps moving forward. To ensure that whatever they envision gets accomplished, they identify some very good disciples and put them through some very difficult tests. They keep testing the disciple’s resolve, courage, strength and intelligence from time to time. At such times, the disciple must never lose courage or become weak. He or she must always have complete faith and trust in the Guru, especially in such times and complete whatever task is given by the Guru. Let us now hear the story of Gaya and how Sadguru blessed him.
Once Sri Krishna went into the river to offer oblations to the Sun god. As He put his hands together to offer water, someone from the sky spat, and the spittle landed in Paramātma’s hands along with the water. You can imagine how wrong this is. Paramatma became very angry and bellowed “which wretch has dared to spit into my hands? No matter who he is, I shall kill him.” The one who spat was a Gandharva king named Gaya. He was a great Shiva devotee. Every day he would go in his vimāna (aeroplane) to Kailāsa, and offer padapuja to Shiva, and return. On one such occasion, while returning from Kailasa, he felt an irritation in his throat. Making sure that no one was around, above or below, he spat.
In the olden days, there would be a designated spittoon filled with sand kept outside the house where people could spit. Those who were bedridden and could not walk outside, would keep a cloth into which they would spit. This cloth would be washed outside every day. When the spittle fell from such a height from the aeroplane, it should have ideally dried up as it travelled through the air, but instead it landed in Krishna’s hands. Gaya did not know about Krishna’s resolve to kill the person who had insulted him so he continued on his journey to Gandharva loka, merrily singing and dancing.
Akashavani (wind in the form of sound in the sky) bellowed and said “O Gaya Maharaja, stop singing and dancing, and be solemn. Your life is coming to an end. Your spittle has landed in Paramatma’s hands, and he has taken a vow to behead you. How can you be smiling and enjoying like this? Be careful at least now.” Gaya began trembling in fear and cursed his fate. He wondered how his spittle travelled so far to bhūloka. He also wondered how the All-compassionate Paramatma could take such a decision to behead him? Realising the death sentence which was hanging over his head, Gaya went to Brahma and narrated everything. Brahma felt very bad for him and consoled him saying “Don’t feel bad Gaya. Maha Vishnu knows everything, but I cannot preach to him since I am not as great as he is. Let me tell you about his greatness.”
Gaya remarked “my life is hanging in the balance, and you want to give me a discourse? I don’t have time for this.” Saying these words, Gaya ran to Shiva and held his feet.
Shiva said “Gaya, do you not know that Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are the same? Why are you separating us and seeing us as different? First, fix your attitude. We may appear to be different, but first accept your mistake. Let me teach you about our tattva. Forget whatever has happened, and come sit. I will also teach you how to meditate.”
Gaya said “ O Deva, Krishna wants to chop off my head. This is not the time to meditate. My life is almost over and you want to impart some teaching now? I realise that you will not be able to help me. Let me instead go to Krishna Paramatma Himself. I will happily accept whatever punishment he gives me.”
As Gaya ran from there, he was intercepted by Narada Maharshi.
Narada: Come let us sit on this stone and discuss what you are so worried about.
Gaya: I am trying to save my life, and you want to sit and talk? Brahma wanted to give me a discourse, and Shiva wants to teach me yoga and how to meditate when I am about to die. What use are these things? Please let me go. I have to save myself. I do not have time for your stories and your music right now. Please bless me and let me go to Krishna Paramatma, who has taken a vow to kill me.
Narada: You have kept such a great secret from me. I should not have made a mistake holding you back. Let me give you some advice.
Gaya: please tell me soon. My life is at stake.
Narada: I know now that Brahma and Shiva cannot save you. You must go to Vishnu.
Gaya: Please stop fixing the strings of your veena and tell me soon what I should do.
Narada: Go immediately to Sri Krishna, but do not tell him to take your life. First of all, stop saying that. In the past, Narayana came as both God and man (Nara and Narayana). That God is Sri Krishna and that devotee is Arjuna. You must go and catch hold of that Narayana in the form of the human for your work to be done.
Thrilled with the advice, Gaya Maharaj fell at Narada Maharshi’s feet and agreed to go see Arjuna. As he proceeded to meet Arjuna, he was stopped again. Narada said “do not say anything. Simply surrender to him and say sharańu sharańu. Do not say anything else.”
Gaya went to Arjuna, and did as told. “O Arjuna, please save me. Sharańu sharańu.” Fed up with the constant pleas, Arjuna wanted Gaya to let go off his feet and said “enough with the pleas. Stop this already! Okay, I shall protect you. what is it you need?”
Gaya then narrated “O Arjuna, I am a gandharva and I do not like fights and arguments. I have no enemies and my mind never goes towards pointless things. I am always praying to Hari and Hara, but unfortunately, I made one mistake unknowingly. Due to my carelessness, my fate has now been sealed. I should have spat inside my aeroplane. But now Sri Krishna has vowed to kill me.”
Arjuna: How could you do such a terrible thing? Could you not tell me this first? Now I have unknowingly promised to protect you. How can you – who has made an enemy of Sri Krishna say you have no enemies?
Gaya: Please forgive me. I know I have done wrong and I am willing to apologise and hold his feet in the presence of all the elders. I came seeking your help so that you would take me to Krishna and also protect me. If you cannot take me, I shall go alone and have my head chopped off like a melon. After all both Hari and Hara whom I worship are one. Let him decide my fate. I went to both Brahma and Shiva, and they both said that they are all One. So I feel it is best I offer my head.
Arjuna: You went to Shiva’s abode?
Gaya: O King, Shiva is my God. I went to his abode. I also went to Brahma’s abode. But neither of them showed any compassion on me. You please take me to Sri Krishna. I want to tell him my story. I prefer to die at His hands. Kindly do me this one favour. This is why I asked you for refuge (śarańu).
Dharmaraja who was also present there said “ Arjuna, a kshatriya’s dharma is to protect others. Since Gaya has asked for refuge, you must protect him. I feel that upholding dharma is the most important thing to do at this moment. Sri Krishna is the One who protects all who seek refuge – śarańāgata rakśaka. Let us pray to Him to protect us all. Let us send Bhima to him tomorrow and send the message.”
Just then Satyaki appeared and said “O King, we have come to know that Gaya is hiding in your home. He has insulted Sri Krishna. If you hand him over to me, I shall take him to Sri Krishna.”
Dharmaraja thought for a while and said “ O Satyaki, we have no disagreements with Sri Krishna. I shall also come with you.” They all got into the chariot and proceeded to Dwarka. As Dharmaraja was about to set foot into Krishna’s abode, the sentinel present there announced “You alone may not have darshan of Sri Krishna today.”
Dharmaraja realising that it was futile decided to go meet Balarama and convince him. Balarama then proceeded to meet Sri Kishna with all the elders in tow. Sri Krishna refused to budge from his stand and said Gaya must be beheaded. Dharmaraja returned to his kingdom and told his brothers that he was unsuccessful in the work he had set out to do. Gaya immediately stood up and said “Sirs, please forgive me” and ran away from there.
Arjuna became furious with Gaya and said “Stop! I gave my word to protect you. If you move from here, I myself shall behead you with this sword.” Pointing the sword to himself, Arjuna said “ O Gaya, if you move one step from here, I shall chop off my own head.”
Gaya feel at his feet and said “ I shall do as you command.”
Arjuna: Then come with me, and stand behind me. In the battle, only after I am killed can you be beheaded. I give you my word. But at no point must you step in front of me.
In the battlefield, Arjuna and Sri Krishna’s chariots faced each other. Arjuna offered his namaskaras to Sri Krishna and said “ O Sri Krishna, You are my master and protector. It is with this gratitude that I humbly make a request of You.”
Sri Krishna not paying attention to Arjuna’s words, cut him short and said “ Arjuna, I want Gaya’s head. Let us not prolong the discussion.”
Arjuna: Prabhu, in that case, please first chop off my head and then you can have Gaya’s head.
Krishna: I see you have come prepared for a battle. Fine, then let us fight.
The battle which started with arrows now included other weapons as well. Krishna became very angry and used the Narayana astra. Arjuna used the Pārshavata astra.
As the battle was raging, both Brahma and Shiva appeared before them and started chanting shānti mantras. Brahma begged Krishna to become peaceful again.
Shiva: Krishna, why are you putting Arjuna to such a great test? He is only human. Why is this Gandharva king Gaya facing such a great difficulty? I know that peace (śānti) is your real form. Please put aside this anger and show that peaceful form of yours, O Deva.
Sri Krishna once again went back to his Śāntirūpa, set down his weapons, and offered his prostrations to Shiva and said “Prabhu, you do not keep any secrets. In this drama, you have played your part well.”
Gaya came forward and offered his prostrations to everyone.
Shiva: Gaya, there is no more danger to your life. Do you believe at least now?
Gaya: O Lord, I was unable to shake off the delusion that this body is me. Afraid of death, I ran everywhere. Even though I had your blessings, I was unable to realise the Truth. These 5 Pandavas knowing full well that they cannot win against Sri Krishna still stood and protected me in the name of dharma. My being and powers are nothing in front of this dharma. With this incident, some realisation has dawned on me now. The illusion that I am this body is now gone. May Sri Krishna’s proclamation be true!
Saying these words, Gaya went towards Sri Krishna.
Narada Maharshi appeared and offered his prostrations to Krishna.
Krishna: O Maharshi, please tell my brother-in-law Arjuna and all the others present here the meaning of this incident.
Narada: Sirs, please hear the sankalpa of Sri Krishna. Shiva knowing that evil must be removed chose Dharmaraja for this task. Krishna who wanted this task to be successful chose his dear friend Arjuna. Both Sri Krishna and Shankara discussed whether Dharmaraja and Arjuna were qualified and had all the necessary qualities to undertake such a task. They also wanted to bestow their Grace on Gaya who was under the illusion that he is the body. He became afraid of death and feared for his life. Therefore both Sri Krishna and Shankara took a sankalpa to help him overcome this fear of death. Shankara wanted to retain Gaya in his abode and bless him. Knowing both their intentions, Brahma helped them. it is because of the sankalpa of the Trinity that the battle began. I was also blessed to be able to play a small part in this yagña in which Gaya, Arjuna and Dharmaraja have emerged victorious.
Everyone offered their grateful prostrations to the Trimurtis, and proceeded to their respective places.
When one performs seva with their mind, speech and body, without desiring anything, dehabhrānti (the illusion that I am this body) disappears. This is the essence of this story. Therefore, we must understand the inner meaning of the stories in the Purāńās.
We must be careful never to spit anywhere because of fear of Corona.
Jaya Guru Datta.