A DIVINE MESSAGE
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2016 New Year
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Philosophy
Impediments to Devotion |
Kripalu Leelamritam
Saints Don't Perform Miracles |
Kids Story
Power of Devotion |
It is the undisputed perspective of the Vedas and all other scriptures that the only goal, of every soul, is to attain selfless divine love-bliss of Shri Radha - Krishna. And the only way to achieve it is devotion (bhakti). That bhakti can be done in three way
1. Arop Siddha bhakti (आरोप सिद्धा भक्ति) devotees engaged in this type of bhakti perform Vaidhi Bhakti (following very strict rules as prescribed in the Vedas) while abandoning desire of attaining fruit of one’s actions.
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भक्ति आरोप सिद्धा गोविंद राधे । सर्व कर्म अर्पण रूपा बता दे ॥
राधा गोविंद गीत 3713 |
bhakti āropa siddhā goviṃda rādhe । sarva karma arpaṇa rūpā batā de ॥
rādhā goviṃda gīta 3713 |
2. Sang Siddha bhakti (संग सिद्धा भक्ति): devotees following this type of bhakti follow the precepts of karma and gyan i.e. follow rules of Vedas (Varnashram Dharm) and offering those actions to God for fulfilling their own desires.
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भक्ति जो संगसिद्धा गोविंद राधे । कर्म ज्ञानादि मिश्रित बता दे ॥
राधा गोविंद गीत 3714 |
bhakti jo saṃgasiddhā goviṃda rādhe । karma jñānādi miśrita batā de ॥
rādhā goviṃda gīta 3714 |
3. Swaroop Siddha bhakti (स्वरूप सिद्धा भक्ति) devotees engaged in this type of bhakti love Shri Radha-Krishna spontaneously with overpowering thirst of serving Shri Radha Krishna to please Them by keeping Their interests in mind. This is also called Raganuga bhakti
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भक्ति स्वरूपसिद्धा गोविंद राधे । सर्वश्रेष्ठ निषकाम रूपा बता दे ॥
राधा गोविंद गीत 3715 |
bhakti svarūpasiddhā goviṃda rādhe । sarvaśreṣṭha niṣakāma rūpā batā de ॥
rādhā goviṃda gīta 3715 |
Of these three styles of bhakti Swaroop Siddha bhakti is the easiest as one does not toil to follow precepts of karma, gyan, yog along with doing devotion. Yet it yields the highest result. That is why Shri Maharaj Ji motivates everyone to follow this path.
This bhakti could be attained by performing Navadha Bhakti (नवधा भक्ति). Out of the nine ways proposed by Prahlad, following three are considered to be the most important ways
This bhakti could be attained by performing Navadha Bhakti (नवधा भक्ति). Out of the nine ways proposed by Prahlad, following three are considered to be the most important ways
1. Shravanam (श्रवणम्) - Listening to God’s name, form, pastimes, attributes, virtues, pastimes, philosophy etc. while keeping the mind focused on God.
2. Keertan (कीर्तनम्): Singing God’s name, form, pastimes, attributes virtues, pastimes, philosophy etc. while keeping the mind focused on God.
3. Smaran (स्मरणम्): This means mental remembrance of God, also called roopdhyan. This is the life force of all modes of bhakti, hence mental remembrance is mandatory while performing any of the other eight ways. To stay focused, one may accompany other methods of devotion with this one.
2. Keertan (कीर्तनम्): Singing God’s name, form, pastimes, attributes virtues, pastimes, philosophy etc. while keeping the mind focused on God.
3. Smaran (स्मरणम्): This means mental remembrance of God, also called roopdhyan. This is the life force of all modes of bhakti, hence mental remembrance is mandatory while performing any of the other eight ways. To stay focused, one may accompany other methods of devotion with this one.
मनेर स्मरण प्राण
"Mentally loving remembrance of God is the life force of devotion".
Performing bhakti is vital to grow spiritually. Even more important is to abstain from those ills that rob spiritual earnings. Ills that rob spiritual earnings are called bad association or kusang. Kusang can be defined as “Any action or thought which obstructs devotion or slows the speed of devotion”.
Ajamil had total control of his senses. Once he saw a prostitute in conjugal relationship with someone. That single moment of kusang, made him an example of sinners in the Hindu history. [1] That is how powerful kusang is! Hence, safeguarding your earnings is even more important than earning. Consider an example: You earn $100 a day and save $1 per day. Another person earns $1000 and spends $1001. At the end of the year the other person, despite his higher earnings, will have a debt of $365 whereas in spite of your lower earnings you will have $365 of savings.
The first step towards safeguarding ourselves from those ills is to learn about them. There are 2 types of ills that rob your spiritual earnings -
Performing bhakti is vital to grow spiritually. Even more important is to abstain from those ills that rob spiritual earnings. Ills that rob spiritual earnings are called bad association or kusang. Kusang can be defined as “Any action or thought which obstructs devotion or slows the speed of devotion”.
Ajamil had total control of his senses. Once he saw a prostitute in conjugal relationship with someone. That single moment of kusang, made him an example of sinners in the Hindu history. [1] That is how powerful kusang is! Hence, safeguarding your earnings is even more important than earning. Consider an example: You earn $100 a day and save $1 per day. Another person earns $1000 and spends $1001. At the end of the year the other person, despite his higher earnings, will have a debt of $365 whereas in spite of your lower earnings you will have $365 of savings.
The first step towards safeguarding ourselves from those ills is to learn about them. There are 2 types of ills that rob your spiritual earnings -
1. Kapooyacharan (कपूयाचरण) is a conjugation of 2 words Kapooy means dirty and acharan means conduct. One has to strive to desist from all vices of Maya, by practicing daily devotion to receive divine grace of God and Guru. Without desisting vices one can toil for eons yet gain nothing. Understand this with an example; when you wish to clean a very dirty vessel, then you have to apply soap and scrub off the layers of filth. Also, you have to watch out that you don’t add filth in there. Similarly mind is like a soiled receptacle. Mental remembrance of God removes material attachments slowly but surely. While doing so, also pay attention to not add to your material desires. Don’t become callous.
Kapooyacharan are of 3 types
Kapooyacharan are of 3 types
i. Jihma bhav (जिह्म भाव): having conceit in the heart while practicing devotion. And Shri Krishna’s rule is,” I do not like conceit”
मोहीं कपट छलछिद्र न भाव
In the privacy of our minds, we harbor ill feelings towards others, with a firm belief that I am the only one who knows of it. Least of the secrets are shared with servants, something more personal is shared amongst friends, even more secretive information is shared amongst parents and children; even more private information is hidden from parents and children and is shared only with spouse. And the most private thoughts are kept to oneself. While harboring those private thoughts we forget that God is seated in our heart and notes every thought.
Devotees tell Guru, "Guru Ji you know everything” and yet hide their ill-doings from their Guru. Fake gurus might not know better, hence might like hearing deceitful words of praise but a real Guru knows the hidden conceit. Guru is pained to see that conceit. And this conceit ruins it all
for the devotee.
Devotees tell Guru, "Guru Ji you know everything” and yet hide their ill-doings from their Guru. Fake gurus might not know better, hence might like hearing deceitful words of praise but a real Guru knows the hidden conceit. Guru is pained to see that conceit. And this conceit ruins it all
for the devotee.
ii. Anrit bhav (अनृत भाव) Attempt to gain admiration while hiding one’s own faults. It involves endeavoring to be praised by others but not striving to be genuinely good, advertising one's own but a little good qualities while hiding the innumerable flaws and showing-off as if one is a pure devotee.
Divine love grows by hiding, hence as much as possible attempt to keep it concealed in your heart. Instead, while chanting God’s names, if one purposely screams and cries to show they have received the yearning for Shri Krishna equivalent to that of a Gopi, then this vice will rob you of any humility that might be there. And God loves humility.
Divine love grows by hiding, hence as much as possible attempt to keep it concealed in your heart. Instead, while chanting God’s names, if one purposely screams and cries to show they have received the yearning for Shri Krishna equivalent to that of a Gopi, then this vice will rob you of any humility that might be there. And God loves humility.
iii. Maya bhav (माया भाव): Performing devotion physically with no emphasis on engaging the mind. This behavior can be explained by the example of a drunkard who says,
शाम को खुबसी पी, सुबह तौबा कर ली । रिन्द के रिन्द रहे हाथ से जन्नत न गई ।
“See, I am so clever! I drink a lot every evening. But every morning, I visit the temple to seek pardon. Thus, I am famous amongst the groups of drunkards and am also considered a good devotee in God’s realm”.
God does not get duped.
2. Adhyatmik tushti (आध्यात्मिक तुष्टि)
Besides these three appalling bhav there are 4 kinds of tushti (तुष्टि) also which impede devotees’ progress on the devotional path. These devotees content themselves by accusing God, fate and time for one’s own lack of effort in actively pursuing the divine goal. For instance such people say: “When God graces me, I will perform devotion”, “I too will worship God, let the proper time come”. “Oh! It was my bad luck that I can't make time for going to the temple”. Under the pretense of these excuses they stay engrossed in material matters and try to prove that they are innocent. Saint Tulasidas Ji cautions them
Besides these three appalling bhav there are 4 kinds of tushti (तुष्टि) also which impede devotees’ progress on the devotional path. These devotees content themselves by accusing God, fate and time for one’s own lack of effort in actively pursuing the divine goal. For instance such people say: “When God graces me, I will perform devotion”, “I too will worship God, let the proper time come”. “Oh! It was my bad luck that I can't make time for going to the temple”. Under the pretense of these excuses they stay engrossed in material matters and try to prove that they are innocent. Saint Tulasidas Ji cautions them
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सो परत्र दुख पावै, सिर धुनि धुनि पछताय । कालहिं कर्महिं ईश्वरहिं मिथ्या दोष लगाय ।
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so paratra dukha pāvai, sira dhuni dhuni pachatāya । kālahiṃ karmahiṃ īśvarahiṃ mithyā doṣa lagāya ।
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One who wastes invaluable time in the human body while blaming time, past deeds and God, inflicts unimaginable sufferings upon oneself. Only in a human body one is allowed to perform fruit-yielding-actions. Hence, only as long as you have a human body you have the chance of freeing yourself from the bondage of Maya. If you waste time in the human body then the Vedas forewarn –
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इहचेदवेदीदथसत्यमस्ति न चेदिहावेदीन्। महती विनष्टिः।
केनोपनिषद २–५ |
ihacedavedīdathasatyamasti na cedihāvedīn। mahatī vinaṣṭiḥ।
kenopaniṣada 2–5 |
If you delay in realizing the significance of this human life, then be prepared to face a serious calamity.
इहचेदशकद्बोद्धुं प्राक्शरीरस्य विस्रसं । ततः सर्गेषु लोकेषु शरीरत्वाय कल्पते ।
कठोप २.६.४
hachedashakadboddhun praakshareerasy visrasan । tatah sargeshu lokeshu shareeratvaay kalpate ।
kathop 2.6.4
कठोप २.६.४
hachedashakadboddhun praakshareerasy visrasan । tatah sargeshu lokeshu shareeratvaay kalpate ।
kathop 2.6.4
“If in the present human form you don’t accomplish your aim in life then you will be sent to the lower species of life for billions of lives before God again gives you a human form”
After leaving this human form of life you may have to wander in the cycle of death and birth for billions of eras. Because,
After leaving this human form of life you may have to wander in the cycle of death and birth for billions of eras. Because,
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कबहुँक करि करुणा नर देही । देत ईश बिनु हेतु सनेही ।
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kabahum̐ka kari karuṇā nara dehī । deta īśa binu hetu sanehī ।
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There are no prescribed Vedic rituals that can guarantee human birth. If you waste your this human birth then only after billions of years God will grace you with another human birth. But, just like this time, due to your carelessness you might waste that life time as well. Don’t let this happen to you. Rise and take charge of your future. Attain the limitless, ever-increasing bliss that you desire
i. Bhagavat tushti (भगवत तुष्टि): A careless person, who never thought about his future says, “I want to practice devotion but God’s grace is lacking. Not even a leaf moves without God’s will. When He blesses me, then He will make me do sadhana”. Some people satisfy themselves with such logic and are lax about starting devotion. They spend all their life in material pursuits without spending a moment to contemplate, “what will happen if this was my last breath? This priceless human body will be wasted”.
ii. Sharan Varan tushti (शरण-वरण तुष्टि): One’s words show surrender to God, but the mind is not really surrendered. E.g. saying words like
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त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव ... । श्री कृष्णः शरणः मम ॥
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tvameva mātā ca pitā tvameva ... । śrī kṛṣṇaḥ śaraṇaḥ mama ॥
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You alone are my father, mother, friend, wealth. Shri Krishna is my shelter What are you saying? My Guru told me to recite this mantra. In the first chapter of Gita, Arjun too had surrendered in the same manner. He said, “I am surrendered to you, but I won’t fight”. That is how we surrender to God and Guru, “I am surrendered to you completely, yet I will follow whatever suits my interest. The rest I will ignore”. While Shri Krishna says in The Gita –
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मामेकं शरणं ब्रज ।
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māmekaṃ śaraṇaṃ braja ।
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Surrender yourself ONLY unto Me. Valmiki was such a sinner that he used to kill the travelers before searching their pockets. But when Guru Ji told him, “sit and say mara mara (मरा मरा) till I come back”, he had unflinching faith in Guru Ji’s words, to the extent that he did not ask, “what will happen by saying mara mara? When will you come back?” He obeyed and said “mara mara”. Termites ate up all his flesh and bones, yet he sat there saying “mara mara”. This strong faith in the words of Guru Ji, cleansed his mind of all ills. Then Guru Ji had to appear, to bless him with God-realization and give the title of Brahmarshi in that very birth. This is real surrender. Putting up a sham of surrender, while the mind roams independently in the world is not called surrender.
iii. Kaal tushti (काल तुष्टि): Kaal-Tushti is where one waits contently for the proper time to arrive to start practicing devotion.
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पुरुष बलि नहिं होत है, समय होत बलवान । भिल्लौं लूटि गोपिका सोई अर्जुन बान ॥
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puruṣa bali nahiṃ hota hai, samaya hota balavāna । bhillauṃ lūṭi gopikā soī arjuna bāna ॥
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Their excuse is that time is very powerful and no one can defeat the effect of time. Hence live comfortably and enjoy material gratification with family and friends. This recklessness is the primary reason for continuing to suffer in this world despite continued effort of infinite past lives.
iv. Bhaagya tushti (भाग्य तुष्टि): is where one depends on the destiny using the excuse ‘when it is written in destiny, I will automatically be inclined towards doing devotion’. They present arguments like
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हरिणापि हरेणापि ब्रह्मणापि सुरैरपि। ललाटे लिखितारेखा परिमार्ष्टुं नशक्यते॥
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Neither Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu nor Lord Shankar can undo what is written in their fate.
Uttara was niece of Shri Krishna, daughter-in-law of Gita gyani-Arjun and her wedding was accomplished by Ved Vyas (another descension of God). Three powers together could not save life of Abhimanyu, her husband. In the battle field Abhimanyu was unarmed. Yet, he was attacked by several accomplished and armed warriors and killed by them in the battlefield. In Vedic times it was considered an illicit act to attack an unarmed person or gang up on a single person in battlefield. Despite the unethical behavior Shri Krishna and Arjun didn’t take any action against those warriors. Instead they mourned for the loss. Uttara was destined to become a widow so she did. None could help.
So, sit tight, don’t strive for spiritual upliftment. These saints have nothing better to do. They keep telling us to do sadhana. I have only managed to amass 10 million dollars per child. I need to save at least 100 million per child then I can sit peacefully. I know when the time is right; it will make me do devotion.
There was a poor blind man in a village. He used to spin ropes from hay to earn a living. One day he was spinning and a water buffalo was sitting behind. As he kept spinning it and the buffalo kept chewing it. Since he was blind he didn’t realize that all this effort is being wasted. After several hours he thought he might have 15 feet of rope, now he can sell it and buy enough to eat that day. But when he tried to collect the rope, only 1 foot was left as buffalo had chewed the rest.
In the same way you have to watch out for your spiritual earnings and not let the Kapooyaacharan and Tushti eat up all you spiritual earnings.
You are not expected to let go of your bad-fruit-yielding thoughts at a moment’s notice. It is not something that you are holding in your hands that will fall away as soon as you open your hands. You will have to practice to get rid of them. Every night before sleeping reflect on “What did I do today? Today I allowed which impediment(s) to impede my devotion?” Cultivate a deep seated feeling that “all the time and effort I spent without remembrance of God/Guru was wasted”. Then next day be cautious and don’t let the same obstacle derail you. By reflecting every day in this manner you will one day not make these mistakes.
All those reading this article didn’t know to read in their childhood. Then you went to school practiced reading, then writing then learnt the grammar and then you one day become proficient at it. Some of you may even have authored a book or are lecturers or professors in universities. See what practice can do!
Just as you invest time in studies, you will have to invest time and effort in order to overcome these impediments to devotion. Additionally assess your progress by comparing your past behavior with current behavior e.g. a year back if somebody were to say a single ill word then for days I would burn in the fire of anger. But now I am calmer, I don’t feel the anger welling up within me.
Thus, with a keen desire to progress, when we reflect every day on our behavior, identify unproductive deeds/thoughts, resolve to not repeat them and tread with caution the next day then in the same life God realization becomes possible. Guru, who constantly watches our efforts, also helps us to continue such practice of purification of mind. Upon purification of mind, He will make the senses and mind divine and pour God’s love in that divine receptacle. Then the life’s aim will be accomplished.
Uttara was niece of Shri Krishna, daughter-in-law of Gita gyani-Arjun and her wedding was accomplished by Ved Vyas (another descension of God). Three powers together could not save life of Abhimanyu, her husband. In the battle field Abhimanyu was unarmed. Yet, he was attacked by several accomplished and armed warriors and killed by them in the battlefield. In Vedic times it was considered an illicit act to attack an unarmed person or gang up on a single person in battlefield. Despite the unethical behavior Shri Krishna and Arjun didn’t take any action against those warriors. Instead they mourned for the loss. Uttara was destined to become a widow so she did. None could help.
So, sit tight, don’t strive for spiritual upliftment. These saints have nothing better to do. They keep telling us to do sadhana. I have only managed to amass 10 million dollars per child. I need to save at least 100 million per child then I can sit peacefully. I know when the time is right; it will make me do devotion.
There was a poor blind man in a village. He used to spin ropes from hay to earn a living. One day he was spinning and a water buffalo was sitting behind. As he kept spinning it and the buffalo kept chewing it. Since he was blind he didn’t realize that all this effort is being wasted. After several hours he thought he might have 15 feet of rope, now he can sell it and buy enough to eat that day. But when he tried to collect the rope, only 1 foot was left as buffalo had chewed the rest.
In the same way you have to watch out for your spiritual earnings and not let the Kapooyaacharan and Tushti eat up all you spiritual earnings.
You are not expected to let go of your bad-fruit-yielding thoughts at a moment’s notice. It is not something that you are holding in your hands that will fall away as soon as you open your hands. You will have to practice to get rid of them. Every night before sleeping reflect on “What did I do today? Today I allowed which impediment(s) to impede my devotion?” Cultivate a deep seated feeling that “all the time and effort I spent without remembrance of God/Guru was wasted”. Then next day be cautious and don’t let the same obstacle derail you. By reflecting every day in this manner you will one day not make these mistakes.
All those reading this article didn’t know to read in their childhood. Then you went to school practiced reading, then writing then learnt the grammar and then you one day become proficient at it. Some of you may even have authored a book or are lecturers or professors in universities. See what practice can do!
Just as you invest time in studies, you will have to invest time and effort in order to overcome these impediments to devotion. Additionally assess your progress by comparing your past behavior with current behavior e.g. a year back if somebody were to say a single ill word then for days I would burn in the fire of anger. But now I am calmer, I don’t feel the anger welling up within me.
Thus, with a keen desire to progress, when we reflect every day on our behavior, identify unproductive deeds/thoughts, resolve to not repeat them and tread with caution the next day then in the same life God realization becomes possible. Guru, who constantly watches our efforts, also helps us to continue such practice of purification of mind. Upon purification of mind, He will make the senses and mind divine and pour God’s love in that divine receptacle. Then the life’s aim will be accomplished.
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Kripalu Leelamritam
Once there was a young Goyal couple in Allahabad, who had a very young son who was suffering from Marasmus (sookha rog) It is severe malnutrition causing the infant to be significantly underweight for his age) disease. Shri Maharaj Ji with several devotees visited that couple and stayed with them for a few days. The couple served Shri Maharaj Ji with great devotion and love. They were so engrossed in taking care of Shri Maharaj ji that they had no time to spend with their little ailing son.
The child was only few months old, very puny and counting his last breaths. Shri Maharaj Ji passed by and saw the child lying on the floor unattended. He playfully kept both his feet on the boy and started jumping on him like children jump on the bed. Thinking of the plight of the child, all others who witnessed it screamed. Shri Maharaj Ji laughed loudly, got off and walked away. He did not entertain any discussion on this topic.
A few days later the child miraculously started recovering and became perfectly well.
Moral: Mahapurush do not perform miracles (like ‘heal the ailing’ and ‘raise the dead’) to show off their miraculous powers. In their own endless wisdom they determine witnessing which miracle will usher the aspirant further towards God. Then they perform that miracle in front of those devotees. In order words Mahapurursh use their siddhis only to push souls further on the path of devotion.
The child was only few months old, very puny and counting his last breaths. Shri Maharaj Ji passed by and saw the child lying on the floor unattended. He playfully kept both his feet on the boy and started jumping on him like children jump on the bed. Thinking of the plight of the child, all others who witnessed it screamed. Shri Maharaj Ji laughed loudly, got off and walked away. He did not entertain any discussion on this topic.
A few days later the child miraculously started recovering and became perfectly well.
Moral: Mahapurush do not perform miracles (like ‘heal the ailing’ and ‘raise the dead’) to show off their miraculous powers. In their own endless wisdom they determine witnessing which miracle will usher the aspirant further towards God. Then they perform that miracle in front of those devotees. In order words Mahapurursh use their siddhis only to push souls further on the path of devotion.
Kid's Story
Mrikandu a great rishi and his wife Marudvati had no children.
The rishi prayed to God Shiva. God Shiva appeared to him, and said, "I am pleased with you, Mrikandu. Tell me,
Soon the rishi got a son and named him Markandeya. The boy grew to be very intelligent and handsome. The rishi invested him with the sacred thread. Markandeya learnt the Vedas and other scriptures easily. Everyone liked him.
As the boy was getting closer to being sixteen years old, Rishi Mrikandu’s worry started increasing by the day. Markandeya noticed it and one day he asked his father: "Father, why do you look so sad?"
The rishi said, "Son! What shall I say? When God Shiva gave you to me, He said you would live only sixteen years. You are now about to reach that age. How can your mother and I bear to lose you so soon?"
Markandeya said, "Father! Is that the reason? God Shiva is very kind to His devotees. You made me aware of this reality. He has saved many from death before. I have read about it in the Puranas. I shall therefore worship God Shiva day and night from today. I am sure, He will save -me too! “
Rishi Mrikandu was very happy to hear his son’s determination. Markandeya built a Shiva-Linga at a spot on the sea-shore. He started worshipping Shiva morning, noon and night. He sang bhajans, and often danced in joy. On the day of his sixteenth birthday, Markandeya was singing bhajans, when Yama, the God of Death, came to him riding on the buffalo. Holding a noose in his hand, he roared, "Markandeya! Stop your bhajan since your present life is over.”
Markandeya was not afraid. He clung to the Shiva-Linga as one clings to one's mother.
Yama threw his noose round the boy's neck, and pulled him along with the Shiva-Linga.
At this the Shiva-Linga burst open and God Shiva came out of it, and said, "Yama, go away! Don't touch this boy. He is my beloved devotee. He will live forever!"
Moral: A true devotee is never afraid of anything, because God Himself protects His devotees all the time. Even personified death becomes powerless in front of such a surrendered devotee.
The rishi prayed to God Shiva. God Shiva appeared to him, and said, "I am pleased with you, Mrikandu. Tell me,
- Do you want one hundred sons, who will live for a long time, but will all be foolish?
- Or, do you want one very intelligent son, who will live for only sixteen years?"
Soon the rishi got a son and named him Markandeya. The boy grew to be very intelligent and handsome. The rishi invested him with the sacred thread. Markandeya learnt the Vedas and other scriptures easily. Everyone liked him.
As the boy was getting closer to being sixteen years old, Rishi Mrikandu’s worry started increasing by the day. Markandeya noticed it and one day he asked his father: "Father, why do you look so sad?"
The rishi said, "Son! What shall I say? When God Shiva gave you to me, He said you would live only sixteen years. You are now about to reach that age. How can your mother and I bear to lose you so soon?"
Markandeya said, "Father! Is that the reason? God Shiva is very kind to His devotees. You made me aware of this reality. He has saved many from death before. I have read about it in the Puranas. I shall therefore worship God Shiva day and night from today. I am sure, He will save -me too! “
Rishi Mrikandu was very happy to hear his son’s determination. Markandeya built a Shiva-Linga at a spot on the sea-shore. He started worshipping Shiva morning, noon and night. He sang bhajans, and often danced in joy. On the day of his sixteenth birthday, Markandeya was singing bhajans, when Yama, the God of Death, came to him riding on the buffalo. Holding a noose in his hand, he roared, "Markandeya! Stop your bhajan since your present life is over.”
Markandeya was not afraid. He clung to the Shiva-Linga as one clings to one's mother.
Yama threw his noose round the boy's neck, and pulled him along with the Shiva-Linga.
At this the Shiva-Linga burst open and God Shiva came out of it, and said, "Yama, go away! Don't touch this boy. He is my beloved devotee. He will live forever!"
Moral: A true devotee is never afraid of anything, because God Himself protects His devotees all the time. Even personified death becomes powerless in front of such a surrendered devotee.
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