Srimad Bhagavatam – day 514
Swamiji explains: Just by touching a drop of Ganga water we get purified. There is no need to lament about the inability to travel and bathe in the River Ganga. If a few drops of Ganga are sprinkled on the head it gives the same purity as bathing in the river. All sins are destroyed in totality. The medicinal properties of Ganga water are tremendous. It is energized water. Just the sight of the crystal clear waters of Ganga in the deep Himalayas near Gaurikund is breath taking. All other mineral waters fail in front of this divine water. Bathing in those waters is a delightful experience. The water here is tasty. It is simply nectarous. The waters of Ganga were tested in laboratories. Its medicinal properties were hailed.
“The moment River Ganga flowed over the ashes of the deceased sons of King Sagara, they obtained heavens. This being the case, is there any specific necessity to mention that those who serve Ganga will definitely reach heaven?
The divine River Ganga has its origins in the lotus feet of Lord Srihari. To that River Ganga, which has the ability to destroy the repeated cycle of re-births in a person, this feat is not at all extra-ordinary!
The pure-hearted saints, who have with absolute dedication fixed their minds upon the eternal Lord, distance themselves from all forms of worldly bondages that are otherwise impossible to give up. Even when they are alive they merge into the Supreme Lord Ananta”.
Swamiji explains: To distance from these worldly bondages is almost impossible. Even on the death-bed the person laments that his child has not yet arrived to meet him. He worries that he is yet to divide the property amicably between his sons. He worries that he has not yet informed his sons of some investments secretly made. People are not fortunate to be blessed with a peaceful death. Neither do they live peacefully nor do they experience peace at the time of death.
One cannot get rid of bodily sufferings. While this is unavoidable, people also simultaneously undergo mental pain. They agonize for their children. They agonize that they have been cheated or ill-treated. They cry that someone has forcefully grabbed their property.
How can a person, who day in and day out worries about his wealth, ever obtain liberation? Such a person will perhaps be reborn as a snake that guards wealth or as a dog that guards the house. Be careful.
At the same time there are many who, despite unbearable bodily sufferings, focus eternally upon the Lord. Even to this day such persons are born. Immersed in singing divine glories they forget their pain completely. Such persons distance from these worldly bondages, that are otherwise impossible to give up, even when they are alive and merge into the Supreme Lord. Mentally one should distance from these worldly attachments and bondages.
“Emperor Bhagīratha had a son named Śruta. Śruta’s son was Nābha. He is not the Nābha who was described previously. Nābha had a son named Sindhudvīpa. Sindhudvīpa’s son was Ayutāyu whose son was Rtuparṇa. Rtuparṇa became a friend of Nala and taught him the art of playing the game of dice. In return Nala taught Rtuparna the tough art of taming horses”.
Taming and caring for animals is an art. Unless and until it is effectively learnt, one cannot deal with animals. When this art is mastered, the animals respond to the care we give. They can communicate with us. There are different methods by which different animals can be trained. For instance the method to catch snakes is an art.
When a person adopts that technique the snake responds lovingly to him instead of biting it. This rule applies to dog as well. Veterinary course is a dedicated course for training and curing animals. The students study for 4-5 years learning the art of dealing with animals.
“Rtaparna’s son was Sarvakama whose son was Sudāsa. Sudāsa’s son was Saudāsa or Mitrasaha”.
These ancient names also sound modern. When the children are given this name those divine qualities of the Devatas enter into them.
Mitrasaha was also known as Kalmaśagni. His wife was Madayanti. He remained childless for a long time. He incurred the wrath of Maharishi Vasiṣṭha as a result of which he became a demon”.
We should not get tired of hearing these names of this lineage. Even for a second we should not dread them. These names cause auspiciousness to us. Only when we listen to these names of Rama’s ancestors, Rama will be pleased. Bhagīratha will be pleased. It is mandatory to listen to all these names. Only this is moola Bhagawatam.
Narayana.