2015 Guru Poornima
Philosophy
Epitome of Graciousness |
Philosophy
Significance of Raksha Bandhan |
Kripalu Leelamritam
Obey Guru Unconditionally |
Kid's Story
Exemplary Guru Bhakti |
Philosophy
सीता राम दोनों एक, दो हैं नाम । चाहे सीता भजो चाहे भजो राम ।।
sītā rāma donoṃ eka, do haiṃ nāma । cāhe sītā bhejo cāhe bhejo rāma ।।
sītā rāma donoṃ eka, do haiṃ nāma । cāhe sītā bhejo cāhe bhejo rāma ।।
“Hansa” is a Hindi word for a bird called swan. Swan is endowed with a unique quality that enables it to separate milk and water when mixed together and only drink the milk, while leaving the water behind.
This world is made of Maya and has both good and bad elements in it. The one who ignores the bad and the unacceptable part of the world and embraces the good and acceptable part of the world can be compared to a swan (hansa).
This world is made of Maya and has both good and bad elements in it. The one who ignores the bad and the unacceptable part of the world and embraces the good and acceptable part of the world can be compared to a swan (hansa).
जड़ चेतन गुन दोषमय विश्व कीन करतार।
संत हंस गुन गहहिं पय, परिहरि वारि विकार॥ |
jaḍa़ cetana guna doṣamaya viśva kīna karatāra।
saṃta haṃsa guna gahahiṃ paya, parihari vāri vikāra॥ |
"God has created the world with mobile, immobile, good and bad elements. The saints choose only good things from them and ignore the rest as a swan chooses only milk and leaves the water".
Those saints, who constantly remain in a deep meditative state and hence do not perceive any good or bad part of the material world, are known as “Paramhans” (perfect-swan). Shukdev Ji was such an elevated saint, a Paramhans.
The Bhagavat says;
Those saints, who constantly remain in a deep meditative state and hence do not perceive any good or bad part of the material world, are known as “Paramhans” (perfect-swan). Shukdev Ji was such an elevated saint, a Paramhans.
The Bhagavat says;
गृहीत्वापीन्द्रियैरर्थान्यो न द्वेष्टि न हृष्यति ।
विष्णोर्मायामिदं पश्यन्स वै भागवतोत्तम: ॥ भा 11.2.48 |
gṛhītvāpīndriyairarthānyo na dveṣṭi na hṛṣyati ।
viṣṇormāyāmidaṃ paśyansa vai bhāgavatottama: ॥ bhā 11.2.48 |
Shukdev Ji Maharaj was a born “Paramhansa”. He stayed inside his mother’s womb for 12 years. When his father, the great sage Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj would recite a Sanskrit verse, Shukdev Ji would often correct Ved Vyas Ji from inside the womb
अशुद्धं नो वक्तव्यम
|
aśuddhaṃ no vaktavyama
|
One day Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj asked him, “Who are you and why don’t you come out?”
Shukdev Ji Maharaj replied from within his mother’s womb saying, “I am afraid that as soon as I come out of the womb, I will be dominated by the mighty power of God-Maya”.
Ved Vyas urged him to come out and assured him that he will bless him such that Maya will never be able to come near him and that he will be free from the clutches of Maya forever. Hearing this assurance from his father, Shukdev Ji finally came out of his mother’s womb and in a state of trance started walking towards an undisclosed location. Ved Vyas Ji called him several times, but such was the deep state of his Samadhi (meditation) that he was unable to hear his father’s words.
Shukdev Ji Maharaj replied from within his mother’s womb saying, “I am afraid that as soon as I come out of the womb, I will be dominated by the mighty power of God-Maya”.
Ved Vyas urged him to come out and assured him that he will bless him such that Maya will never be able to come near him and that he will be free from the clutches of Maya forever. Hearing this assurance from his father, Shukdev Ji finally came out of his mother’s womb and in a state of trance started walking towards an undisclosed location. Ved Vyas Ji called him several times, but such was the deep state of his Samadhi (meditation) that he was unable to hear his father’s words.
यं प्रव्रजन्तमनुपेतमपेतकृत्यं द्वैपायनो विरहकातर आजुहाव ।
पुत्रेति तन्मयतया तरवोऽभिनेदुस्तं सर्वभूतहृदयं मुनिमानतोऽस्मि ॥ भा 1.2.2 |
yaṃ pravrajantamanupetamapetakṛtyaṃ dvaipāyano virahakātara ājuhāva ।
putreti tanmayatayā taravo'bhinedustaṃ sarvabhūtahṛdayaṃ munimānato'smi ॥ bhā 1.2.2 |
As Shukdev Ji was walking, he crossed a pond on his way, wherein some celestial nymphs were taking a bath. Being in a state of Samadhi, he did not see them or pay any attention to them. Ved Vyas who was following his son, also crossed the same pond. The nymphs immediately covered themselves with clothes. Ved Vyas scolded them saying, “Ladies! Firstly, you are offending Varun Dev by entering into the pond without wearing any clothes. Secondly, you did not cover yourselves when my young son passed by and are now throwing a pretense, by trying to cover yourselves seeing me!”
The nymphs answered, “We beg your pardon Sir; your son is a great ‘Paramhansa’. He looked at us but saw nothing. There was no expression of lust, anger, hatred or guilt in his eyes. On the contrary, when you saw us, you got angry. It means that you see the difference between male and female, good and bad. That is why we started covering up our bodies upon seeing you.
The nymphs answered, “We beg your pardon Sir; your son is a great ‘Paramhansa’. He looked at us but saw nothing. There was no expression of lust, anger, hatred or guilt in his eyes. On the contrary, when you saw us, you got angry. It means that you see the difference between male and female, good and bad. That is why we started covering up our bodies upon seeing you.
दृष्ट्वानुयान्तमृषिमात्मजमप्यनग्नं देव्यो ह्रिया परिदधुर्न सुतस्य चित्रम् ।
तद्वीक्ष्य पृच्छति मुनौ जगदुस्तवास्ति स्त्रीपुम्भिदा न तु सुतस्य विविक्तदृष्टे: ॥ भा 1.4.5 |
daṛṣṭvānuyāntamṛṣimātmajamapyanagnaṃ devyo hriyā paridadhurna sutasya citram ।
tadvīkṣya pṛcchati munau jagadustavāsti strīpumbhidā na tu sutasya viviktadaṛṣṭe: ॥ bhā 1.4.5 |
One day Shukdev Ji Maharaj, was sitting in the forest in a deep meditative state. He was completely unaware of the external surroundings; in fact he did not have any realization of his own body. One of Ved Vyas Ji’s student who was out at the forest to cut wood for cooking food, saw him and was attracted by his good looks and intrigued by his stillness. He approached Sukhdev Ji Maharaj and recited a verse from the Bhagavat Maharapuran in his ears.
In that verse, Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj had described the ineffable divine beauty of Shri Krishna.
In that verse, Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj had described the ineffable divine beauty of Shri Krishna.
बर्हापीडं नटवरवपु: कर्णयो: कर्णिकारं बिभ्रद् वास: कनककपिशं वैजयन्तीं च मालाम् ।
रन्ध्रान् वेणोरधरसुधया पूरयन्गोपवृन्दै- र्वृन्दारण्यं स्वपदरमणं प्राविशद् गीतकीर्ति: ॥ भा 10.21.5 |
barhāpīḍaṃ naṭavaravapu: karṇayo: karṇikāraṃ bibhrad vāsa: kanakakapiśaṃ vaijayantīṃ ca mālām ।
randhrān veṇoradharasudhayā pūrayangopavṛndai- rvṛndāraṇyaṃ svapadaramaṇaṃ prāviśad gītakīrti: ॥ bhā 10.21.5 |
The words of this beautiful verse had a deep impact on Shukdev Paramhans and he came out of his Samadhi and asked the young student, where had he learnt the verse from?
The student told him that it was a verse from the great scripture Bhagwat Mahapuran composed by his own father, the great sage Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj. Hearing this Shukdev Ji was overwhelmed and said, “Please take me to my father.”
But then, a disappointing thought crossed his mind He thought, if Shri Krishna is so good-looking and charming, why would He appear before me? Shukdev Ji sat down in meditative trace again. The student came back and narrated this incident to Ved Vyas, who then taught another verse of Bhagavat to the student and asked him to narrate it to Shukdev Ji.
The student told him that it was a verse from the great scripture Bhagwat Mahapuran composed by his own father, the great sage Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj. Hearing this Shukdev Ji was overwhelmed and said, “Please take me to my father.”
But then, a disappointing thought crossed his mind He thought, if Shri Krishna is so good-looking and charming, why would He appear before me? Shukdev Ji sat down in meditative trace again. The student came back and narrated this incident to Ved Vyas, who then taught another verse of Bhagavat to the student and asked him to narrate it to Shukdev Ji.
अहो बकी यं स्तनकालकूटं जिघांसयापाययदप्यसाध्वी ।
लेभे गतिं धात्र्युचितां ततोऽन्यं कं वा दयालुं शरणं व्रजेम ॥ भा 3.2.23 |
aho bakī yaṃ stanakālakūṭaṃ jighāṃsayāpāyayadapyasādhvī ।
lebhe gatiṃ dhātryucitāṃ tato'nyaṃ kaṃ vā dayāluṃ śaraṇaṃ vrajema ॥ bhā 3.2.23 |
Shri Krishna is so merciful that He blessed the demoness, Pootna, for eternity by sending her to His divine abode, Golok. She had smeared deadly poison on her breasts and fed the poisoned milk to baby Krishna, with an intention to kill Him. When Shri Krishna was asked the reason for this graciousness, He made an excuse and said, “I drank her milk; that makes her My mother. Where else would I send My mother, other than My abode”?
Hearing this verse, Shukdev Ji was convinced that none can be more gracious than Shri Krishna Himself. Then why would he seek any other refuge?
Thinking this, Shukdev Ji followed the student back to the ashram of Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj and listened to the entire Bhagavad from him.
Shri Krishna is an embodiment of utmost graciousness. Hearing this story of Pootna, even the worst of sinners will be encouraged to love God. This story gives the devotee a reason to have faith that Shri Krishna will accept them too and they too will attain the highest bliss.
Hearing this verse, Shukdev Ji was convinced that none can be more gracious than Shri Krishna Himself. Then why would he seek any other refuge?
Thinking this, Shukdev Ji followed the student back to the ashram of Ved Vyas Ji Maharaj and listened to the entire Bhagavad from him.
Shri Krishna is an embodiment of utmost graciousness. Hearing this story of Pootna, even the worst of sinners will be encouraged to love God. This story gives the devotee a reason to have faith that Shri Krishna will accept them too and they too will attain the highest bliss.
Bibliography - Learn More
Philosophy
“Raksha bandhan” is a famous Indian festival dedicated to celebrating the loving relationship between a brother and sister. "Raksha" means protection and "bandhan" means bound or binding. On this special day, siblings pray for each other’s well-being and wish for each other’s happiness and goodwill. On this auspicious day, brothers make a promise to their sisters to protect them from all harms and troubles and the sisters pray to God to protect their brother from all evil.
This festival falls on the day of “Shraavan Poornima” which comes generally in the month of August. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called “Rakhi” on their brother's wrist and pray for their well-being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters.
In ancient times, the spiritually elevated souls (sages, saints etc.) used to tie a “Rakhi” on the wrists of theirdisciples or loved ones. This was a sign of saints vow to protect them. The Rishis also tied “Rakhi” to the people who sought their blessings.
There have also been numerous examples in history where the sacred thread of “Rakhi” was tied by a wife, daughter or mother, as a sign of “raksha” or protection.
The day of “Raksha Bandhan” is by all means the “Paap Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva” or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins. There are many legends pertaining to the significance of this festival in our holy scriptures, which reveal why sisters started to tie this band on their brother’s wrists.
An episode of “Raksha bandhan” is depicted in the “Bhagavat Mahapuran”. A mighty demon Bali successfully performed 100 “Yagya” (A vedik ritual performed in front of fire), with a desire to conquer heaven. This created panic in heaven as the throne of Indra was now in jeopardy. To protect themselves from being overtaken by Bali, all the heavenly Gods went to Lord Vishnu to beg for protection. Lord Vishnu promised to help them. He disguised Himself as a little Brahmin boy and reached King Bali’s “Yagya” site to beg for alms and asked for three steps of land. Bali was a very benevolent king and never said No to anyone who came to his doorstep. Though Bali was very surprised at this unusual request of just three steps of land, yet he willingly agreed to grant him the three steps of land.
Bali’s Guru, Shukracharya recognized Lord Vishnu in the guise of a little Brahmin boy. He tried to prevent King Bali from granting him the three steps of land, but Bali was a man of his words. He allowed Lord Vishnu to measure three steps of land. Lord Vishnu, in the guise of Vaman measured heaven in the first step and earth in the second step. Then the question arose, as to where would He put His third step? Bali offered his head to Lord Vaman to put His third step. As soon as He placed His third step on Bali’s head, Bali went down to the underworld. Bali then requested Lord Vishnu to stay in front of him all the time. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Vishnu agreed and stayed outside his palace as a gate keeper.
Lakshmi Ji was not too pleased when She learnt about this episode. She was concerned about what will happen to “Baikunth Lok” now? Upon Narad Ji’s suggestion, Goddess Lakshmi went to King Bali and tied a thread of “Raksha Bandan” on his wrist and accepted him as Her brother. When Bali asked Her what would She like as a “Rakhi” gift, She asked him to release Lord Vishnu. Thus both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi came back to “Baikunth Lok” on the auspicious day of the full moon night of the “Shraavan” month (rainy season in India). Since that day, sisters started celebrating this day as “Raksha Bandhan” day
According to Mahabharat, Lord Krishna promised Shishupal’s mother to pardon her son’s 100 offences against Him. Once Shishupal crossed that limit, Shri Krishna beheaded Shishupal with His Sudarshan Chakra in the court of King Yudhishthir on the special occasion of “Rajsooya Yagya”. While doing so, His index finger got hurt with His own Chakkra. Draupadi immediately ripped the edge of her expensive sari and tied it on His finger to stop His bleeding. This happened on the full moon night of the month of Shraavan. Several years later, when Dushashan tried to pull Draupadi’s sari in an effort to disrobe her, Shri Krishna appeared in the form of a sari (Ambaravatar) to protect Draupadi and repay the debt,. This is also one more reason for celebrating “Raksha Bandhan” on full moon night of “Shraavan” (rainy season).
According to “Bhavishya Puran”, once a fight between the celestial Gods (Devatas) and demons went on for 12 years with no end and no clear winner in sight. Indra, the King of heaven, concerned that the Gods may get defeated, approached his Guru 'Brihaspati' for guidance. Guru Brihaspati asked Indra to get a “Rakhi” tied on his wrist by his wife Indrani. He also said that this wristlet tied by Indrani should be empowered by the sacred mantras intoned on the full moon day or “Shraavana Poornima”.
As per their Guru’s suggestion, Indra's wife - Indrani empowered the thread, by observing strict Vedic rituals and leading a pious austere life. She successfully accomplished her mission on the day of “Shraavan Poornima” and subsequently recited “Swastivachan” (mantra to bring auspiciousness) in the presence of an elevated Brahman and tied the thread in the right wrist of Indra. Due to the spiritual power of the thread, the demons could not kill Indra in the war and Indra along with all other devatas won the battle. Thus the power of the sacred thread called “Raksha – sootra” or “Rakhi” helped the Gods win the battle against the demons.
There is another story about Alexander's wife tying a Rakhi to his mighty Hindu adversary Porus and seeking an assurance from him to spare her husband’s life on the battlefield. And the great Hindu King, in the true traditional “Kshatriya” (those who belonged to the brave warrior class) style, made her a promise and as the legend goes, when Porus raised his hand to deliver a mortal blow to Alexander, he saw the “Rakhi” on his hand and remembering his promise did not strike a blow on Alexander.
A more emotional story is that of a princess belonging to a small Rajput (those who belong to the state of Rajasthan) clan. She sent a “Rakhi” to the Moghul Emperor Humayun to save her honor from the onslaught of the Sultan of Gujarat who had seized her kingdom. Emperor Humayun, who was at that time engaged in a war against Bengal, turned back and hastened to rescue his “Rakhi” sister. But alas, to his utmost sorrow, he found that the kingdom had already been destroyed by the invader king and the princess had committed “Jauhar”, i.e. leapt into a burning fire to save her honor.
This story glorifies the significance and acceptance of “Rakhi” beyond the followers of Hindu religion.
This festival falls on the day of “Shraavan Poornima” which comes generally in the month of August. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called “Rakhi” on their brother's wrist and pray for their well-being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters.
In ancient times, the spiritually elevated souls (sages, saints etc.) used to tie a “Rakhi” on the wrists of theirdisciples or loved ones. This was a sign of saints vow to protect them. The Rishis also tied “Rakhi” to the people who sought their blessings.
There have also been numerous examples in history where the sacred thread of “Rakhi” was tied by a wife, daughter or mother, as a sign of “raksha” or protection.
The day of “Raksha Bandhan” is by all means the “Paap Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva” or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins. There are many legends pertaining to the significance of this festival in our holy scriptures, which reveal why sisters started to tie this band on their brother’s wrists.
An episode of “Raksha bandhan” is depicted in the “Bhagavat Mahapuran”. A mighty demon Bali successfully performed 100 “Yagya” (A vedik ritual performed in front of fire), with a desire to conquer heaven. This created panic in heaven as the throne of Indra was now in jeopardy. To protect themselves from being overtaken by Bali, all the heavenly Gods went to Lord Vishnu to beg for protection. Lord Vishnu promised to help them. He disguised Himself as a little Brahmin boy and reached King Bali’s “Yagya” site to beg for alms and asked for three steps of land. Bali was a very benevolent king and never said No to anyone who came to his doorstep. Though Bali was very surprised at this unusual request of just three steps of land, yet he willingly agreed to grant him the three steps of land.
Bali’s Guru, Shukracharya recognized Lord Vishnu in the guise of a little Brahmin boy. He tried to prevent King Bali from granting him the three steps of land, but Bali was a man of his words. He allowed Lord Vishnu to measure three steps of land. Lord Vishnu, in the guise of Vaman measured heaven in the first step and earth in the second step. Then the question arose, as to where would He put His third step? Bali offered his head to Lord Vaman to put His third step. As soon as He placed His third step on Bali’s head, Bali went down to the underworld. Bali then requested Lord Vishnu to stay in front of him all the time. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Vishnu agreed and stayed outside his palace as a gate keeper.
Lakshmi Ji was not too pleased when She learnt about this episode. She was concerned about what will happen to “Baikunth Lok” now? Upon Narad Ji’s suggestion, Goddess Lakshmi went to King Bali and tied a thread of “Raksha Bandan” on his wrist and accepted him as Her brother. When Bali asked Her what would She like as a “Rakhi” gift, She asked him to release Lord Vishnu. Thus both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi came back to “Baikunth Lok” on the auspicious day of the full moon night of the “Shraavan” month (rainy season in India). Since that day, sisters started celebrating this day as “Raksha Bandhan” day
According to Mahabharat, Lord Krishna promised Shishupal’s mother to pardon her son’s 100 offences against Him. Once Shishupal crossed that limit, Shri Krishna beheaded Shishupal with His Sudarshan Chakra in the court of King Yudhishthir on the special occasion of “Rajsooya Yagya”. While doing so, His index finger got hurt with His own Chakkra. Draupadi immediately ripped the edge of her expensive sari and tied it on His finger to stop His bleeding. This happened on the full moon night of the month of Shraavan. Several years later, when Dushashan tried to pull Draupadi’s sari in an effort to disrobe her, Shri Krishna appeared in the form of a sari (Ambaravatar) to protect Draupadi and repay the debt,. This is also one more reason for celebrating “Raksha Bandhan” on full moon night of “Shraavan” (rainy season).
According to “Bhavishya Puran”, once a fight between the celestial Gods (Devatas) and demons went on for 12 years with no end and no clear winner in sight. Indra, the King of heaven, concerned that the Gods may get defeated, approached his Guru 'Brihaspati' for guidance. Guru Brihaspati asked Indra to get a “Rakhi” tied on his wrist by his wife Indrani. He also said that this wristlet tied by Indrani should be empowered by the sacred mantras intoned on the full moon day or “Shraavana Poornima”.
As per their Guru’s suggestion, Indra's wife - Indrani empowered the thread, by observing strict Vedic rituals and leading a pious austere life. She successfully accomplished her mission on the day of “Shraavan Poornima” and subsequently recited “Swastivachan” (mantra to bring auspiciousness) in the presence of an elevated Brahman and tied the thread in the right wrist of Indra. Due to the spiritual power of the thread, the demons could not kill Indra in the war and Indra along with all other devatas won the battle. Thus the power of the sacred thread called “Raksha – sootra” or “Rakhi” helped the Gods win the battle against the demons.
There is another story about Alexander's wife tying a Rakhi to his mighty Hindu adversary Porus and seeking an assurance from him to spare her husband’s life on the battlefield. And the great Hindu King, in the true traditional “Kshatriya” (those who belonged to the brave warrior class) style, made her a promise and as the legend goes, when Porus raised his hand to deliver a mortal blow to Alexander, he saw the “Rakhi” on his hand and remembering his promise did not strike a blow on Alexander.
A more emotional story is that of a princess belonging to a small Rajput (those who belong to the state of Rajasthan) clan. She sent a “Rakhi” to the Moghul Emperor Humayun to save her honor from the onslaught of the Sultan of Gujarat who had seized her kingdom. Emperor Humayun, who was at that time engaged in a war against Bengal, turned back and hastened to rescue his “Rakhi” sister. But alas, to his utmost sorrow, he found that the kingdom had already been destroyed by the invader king and the princess had committed “Jauhar”, i.e. leapt into a burning fire to save her honor.
This story glorifies the significance and acceptance of “Rakhi” beyond the followers of Hindu religion.
Bibliography - Learn More
Kripalu Leelamritam
Mahabani Ji was a fully surrendered devotee of Shri Maharaj Ji and lived with his family in Pratapgarh, India. Once his ten year old daughter (who is now a Preacher known as Nagari Ji), insisted on getting something that her mother refused to give. She had started to develop a habit of throwing a tantrum to get her way. Shri Maharaj Ji’s noticed the habit and decided to address it.
One fine day, as per her habit, Nagari Didi started crying and throwing a tantrum. Shri Maharaj Ji told Mahabani Ji not to give in to her tantrum. After crying for a long time she suffered an asthma attack and she started gagging after sometime. The servants in the house ran to help her, but per Shri Maharaj Ji’s instruction, Mahabani Ji did not allow anyone to help her. The servants kept pleading with Mahabani Ji to let them help her, but he was adamant. Eventually his daughter choked and fell unconscious. Mahabani Ji still did not pick her up or let anybody else lift her or help her.
After sometime she regained consciousness and did not ever throw a tantrum. Another amazing thing that happened after this incident was that her asthma attacks disappeared forever.
During the satsang that evening, Shri Maharaj Ji, commended Mahabani Ji in front of other devotees, saying, “Mahabani passed a very difficult test today. His daughter was dying in front of him, yet he was completely unaffected and followed my instructions to the fullest.”
Moral
Sometimes, saints test their devotees to see how far they have progressed on the path of devotion. Saints are extremely pleased to see the devotee’s progress on the path of devotion and their spiritual ability to pass the test. Such incidents also set a practical example for other spiritual aspirants on how to follow the Guru’s instructions.
One fine day, as per her habit, Nagari Didi started crying and throwing a tantrum. Shri Maharaj Ji told Mahabani Ji not to give in to her tantrum. After crying for a long time she suffered an asthma attack and she started gagging after sometime. The servants in the house ran to help her, but per Shri Maharaj Ji’s instruction, Mahabani Ji did not allow anyone to help her. The servants kept pleading with Mahabani Ji to let them help her, but he was adamant. Eventually his daughter choked and fell unconscious. Mahabani Ji still did not pick her up or let anybody else lift her or help her.
After sometime she regained consciousness and did not ever throw a tantrum. Another amazing thing that happened after this incident was that her asthma attacks disappeared forever.
During the satsang that evening, Shri Maharaj Ji, commended Mahabani Ji in front of other devotees, saying, “Mahabani passed a very difficult test today. His daughter was dying in front of him, yet he was completely unaffected and followed my instructions to the fullest.”
Moral
Sometimes, saints test their devotees to see how far they have progressed on the path of devotion. Saints are extremely pleased to see the devotee’s progress on the path of devotion and their spiritual ability to pass the test. Such incidents also set a practical example for other spiritual aspirants on how to follow the Guru’s instructions.
Kid's Story
In the rich spiritual history of India, Jaidev is acknowledged as a great saint and devotee of Shri Radha Krishna. He has composed many devotional songs elaborating the highest form of divine bliss called the Madhurya bhav.
Once, as Jaidev was travelling through the forests, he was held captive by robbers. Jaidev placed all his possessions in front of the robbers. The robbers took away all that he had and also left him incapacitated by cutting off his arms and legs and left him to die. But since the time of death is pre-determined and it was not yet his time to die, Jaidev survived the assault
Several years later, as the king of Bengal, Raja Lakshman Sen (AD 1175-1200) was passing through the same forest; he sawJaidev and immediately recognized the divinity in him. He accepted Jaidev as his Guru and requested him to come and live in his kingdom. It is obvious that the king must have performed some great pious deeds in his previous lifetimes to recognize a saint by seeing him just once and also accepting him as his Guru.
As his Guru, Jaidev instructed the king to serve the saints and offer them food every day. The king followed his Guru’s wish and started feeding sadhus and saints as instructed.
One day, the four robbers, disguised as saintly holy men (sadhus), came to partake in the king’s feast. Jaidev immediately recognized them. Recognizing their greed for money, Jaidev asked the king to look after them and bid them farewell with gifts and gold. His decision was prompted by the desire to grant them enough wealth so they do not have to rob anyone ever again. Everyone in the kingdom was surprised at Jaidev’s behavior.
When Jaidev was asked why he wanted to give gold to these saintly people (robber in disguise), he did not reveal anything about the character of these four robbers. When the robbers were asked if they knew anything about Jaidev, the robbers said that Jaidev was once caught red handed stealing precious jewels from king's palace. Hence the king ordered him to be killed. These saintly people, out of mercy for Jaidev, pleaded that he should not be killed; instead he should be left unattended with his hands and legs amputated.
Upon saying this, by some supernatural force, the ground split open and swallowed those four robbers. The king asked Jaidev why they were killed in such a manner. Jaidev replied per his nature he treated them with love and compassion, however, their intellect was so sinful and corrupt, that they could not develop faith in his goodness. And due to committing a spiritual transgression against a saint, they were killed by Kaal himself.
Moral
We perceive others as per our own intellect. Hence we fail to see the love and compassion of a true saint.
Therefore, it is important that we develop devotion. Without devotion, doubts and negativity persist, which result in our downfall causing us to attain hellish abodes and lower forms of life.
Once, as Jaidev was travelling through the forests, he was held captive by robbers. Jaidev placed all his possessions in front of the robbers. The robbers took away all that he had and also left him incapacitated by cutting off his arms and legs and left him to die. But since the time of death is pre-determined and it was not yet his time to die, Jaidev survived the assault
Several years later, as the king of Bengal, Raja Lakshman Sen (AD 1175-1200) was passing through the same forest; he sawJaidev and immediately recognized the divinity in him. He accepted Jaidev as his Guru and requested him to come and live in his kingdom. It is obvious that the king must have performed some great pious deeds in his previous lifetimes to recognize a saint by seeing him just once and also accepting him as his Guru.
As his Guru, Jaidev instructed the king to serve the saints and offer them food every day. The king followed his Guru’s wish and started feeding sadhus and saints as instructed.
One day, the four robbers, disguised as saintly holy men (sadhus), came to partake in the king’s feast. Jaidev immediately recognized them. Recognizing their greed for money, Jaidev asked the king to look after them and bid them farewell with gifts and gold. His decision was prompted by the desire to grant them enough wealth so they do not have to rob anyone ever again. Everyone in the kingdom was surprised at Jaidev’s behavior.
When Jaidev was asked why he wanted to give gold to these saintly people (robber in disguise), he did not reveal anything about the character of these four robbers. When the robbers were asked if they knew anything about Jaidev, the robbers said that Jaidev was once caught red handed stealing precious jewels from king's palace. Hence the king ordered him to be killed. These saintly people, out of mercy for Jaidev, pleaded that he should not be killed; instead he should be left unattended with his hands and legs amputated.
Upon saying this, by some supernatural force, the ground split open and swallowed those four robbers. The king asked Jaidev why they were killed in such a manner. Jaidev replied per his nature he treated them with love and compassion, however, their intellect was so sinful and corrupt, that they could not develop faith in his goodness. And due to committing a spiritual transgression against a saint, they were killed by Kaal himself.
Moral
We perceive others as per our own intellect. Hence we fail to see the love and compassion of a true saint.
Therefore, it is important that we develop devotion. Without devotion, doubts and negativity persist, which result in our downfall causing us to attain hellish abodes and lower forms of life.
संशयात्मा विनश्यति
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saṃśayātmā vinaśyati
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"a doubting mind causes destruction". Upon losing the human form, the next human form is granted only after millions of births. And in that lifetime, if we meet a true saint and sincerely follow all his instructions, then alone can we attain the highest goal of human life.
Love and compassion of saints is incomprehensible by human intellect.
Love and compassion of saints is incomprehensible by human intellect.
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