A DIVINE MESSAGE
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Philosophy
Additional Benefits of Doing BhaktiIn addition to giving you the greatest gift - eternal opportunity of serving Shri Krishna - Bhakti also bestows additional gifts as well.
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Kripalu Leelamritam
Don't Get Duped !In this world of counterfeits, how to not get duped when seeking divine bliss.
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Kids Story
Obeying Guru is Serving GuruA story to illustrate the meaning of seva
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Philosophy
So far in the series of articles on bhakti, Banchary Didi established that sadhana bhakti removes all material attachments from the mind[1]. Then Guru [2] bestows divine love[3]. With that divine love, one does seva of Shri Krishna and that is the true fruit of bhakti [4].
The bliss of selflessly [5] serving Shri Krishna [6] is unsurpassed [7]. And yet that is not all that bhakti bestows. There are many other additional benefits that one gets when bhakti bestows the primary fruit of devotion.
To understand this concept, consider this example. Imagine that a beggar wins a billion dollar lottery. No sooner does the beggar become a billionaire, he automatically gets million dollars and thousand dollars. Because a billion has all those lower denominations in it. Similarly, as soon as God’s supreme power is bestowed upon the jiva, he gets all the lower achievements as well. Those are called ancillary benefits (आनुषंगिक फल), or additional fruits that a bhakt (surrendered devotee) gets without even asking.
Some of those ancillary benefits of doing bhakti are being described here in this edition.
The bliss of selflessly [5] serving Shri Krishna [6] is unsurpassed [7]. And yet that is not all that bhakti bestows. There are many other additional benefits that one gets when bhakti bestows the primary fruit of devotion.
To understand this concept, consider this example. Imagine that a beggar wins a billion dollar lottery. No sooner does the beggar become a billionaire, he automatically gets million dollars and thousand dollars. Because a billion has all those lower denominations in it. Similarly, as soon as God’s supreme power is bestowed upon the jiva, he gets all the lower achievements as well. Those are called ancillary benefits (आनुषंगिक फल), or additional fruits that a bhakt (surrendered devotee) gets without even asking.
Some of those ancillary benefits of doing bhakti are being described here in this edition.
Yogis can attain 8 sattvik siddhis but only to an extent. After attaining Siddha bhakti, all these miraculous siddhis and others serve the bhakt, but secretly. Why secretly? They serve the bhakt secretly because a bhakt does not want to attain these siddhis.
For instance, Sant Namdev was a bhakt and Sant Gyaneshwar was a yogi. Once they were traveling on foot through a desert. On the way, they felt thirsty. They kept walking for a long time in search of water. Finally, they saw a well, but the water-level was very low and there was no bucket or rope to draw water from it.
For instance, Sant Namdev was a bhakt and Sant Gyaneshwar was a yogi. Once they were traveling on foot through a desert. On the way, they felt thirsty. They kept walking for a long time in search of water. Finally, they saw a well, but the water-level was very low and there was no bucket or rope to draw water from it.
Saint Gyaneshwar was a yogi. He used his anima siddhi to take a tiny form and entered the well to drink water. Then came back up, and assumed his original form. Then he mocked Namdev, “See, I am a yogi. So I was able to assume a tiny form to descend in the well and drank water. You always chant 'Radhey Shyam, Radhey Shyam' and never practiced yoga. Therefore, you have no siddhi. How would you quench your thirst”?
Before sant Gyaneshwar could complete his taunting comments, they saw the water level in the well rise to the brim. Seeing the graciousness of his Lord, sant Namdev’s eyes welled up with tears and his voice choked with emotion. He lamented, “O my Prabhu! You came to serve your insignificant servant. O my Lord! Could I not have survived just for one day without water? Alas, You took the trouble for such an insignificant jiva !”
Proof was in the pudding! Sant Gyaneshwar had perceptual evidence of how gracious God is towards his devotees. He lamented at his folly of practicing Yoga rather than doing devotion to Shri Krishna. That day onwards sant Gyaneshwar left his path of Yoga and became a devotee of Shri Krishna.
Shri Krishna is the Master of all 23 siddhis. When Shri Krishna serves His own devotees [9][10][11] like a bonded slave [8], then it is self-evident that the siddhis too will try to please their Master by serving the bhakt !
Before sant Gyaneshwar could complete his taunting comments, they saw the water level in the well rise to the brim. Seeing the graciousness of his Lord, sant Namdev’s eyes welled up with tears and his voice choked with emotion. He lamented, “O my Prabhu! You came to serve your insignificant servant. O my Lord! Could I not have survived just for one day without water? Alas, You took the trouble for such an insignificant jiva !”
Proof was in the pudding! Sant Gyaneshwar had perceptual evidence of how gracious God is towards his devotees. He lamented at his folly of practicing Yoga rather than doing devotion to Shri Krishna. That day onwards sant Gyaneshwar left his path of Yoga and became a devotee of Shri Krishna.
Shri Krishna is the Master of all 23 siddhis. When Shri Krishna serves His own devotees [9][10][11] like a bonded slave [8], then it is self-evident that the siddhis too will try to please their Master by serving the bhakt !
Vedas have described three other paths of spiritual upliftment e.g. Karma, Jnana and Yoga. While describing the litmus tests from Nyay darshan to ascertain the undisputable path, it was proven using scriptural evidence that those paths cannot bestow the fruit of its own path. It is Bhakti, which grants the recompense of those paths. And that recompense is dharm (deeds prescribed in Vedas), artha (wealth), kaam (passion) and moksha (also called mukti aka liberation from Maya), and these anyway do not lead us to our ultimate aim of life, which is to attain the sweetest form of divine bliss [12]. The Bhagwat says –
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यत् कर्मभिर्यत्तपसा ज्ञानवैराग्यतश्च यत् । योगेन दानधर्मेण श्रेयोभिरितरैरपि ॥
सर्वं मद्भक्तियोगेन मद्भक्तो लभतेऽञ्जसा । स्वर्गापवर्गं मद्धाम कथञ्चिद् यदि वाञ्छति ॥भा 11.20.32-33 ॥ |
yat karmabhiryattapasā jñānavairāgyataśca yat । yogena dānadharmeṇa śreyobhiritarairapi ॥
sarvaṃ madbhaktiyogena madbhakto labhate'ñjasā । svargāpavargaṃ maddhāma kathañcid yadi vāñchati ॥ bhā 11.20.32-33 |
“Everything that can be achieved by fruitive activities, penance, knowledge, detachment, mystic yoga, charity, religious duties and all other means of perfecting life is easily achieved by My devotee through loving service unto Me. If for some reason My devotee desires swarg, liberation, or residence in My abode, he easily achieves such benedictions.”
And those things are bestowed without even asking !
And those things are bestowed without even asking !
Many people think one has to exert effort to attain jnana (knowledge) [13] and develop vairagya (total detachment) to attain Bhakti.
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वासुदेवे भगवती भक्तियोगः प्रायोजितः । नयत्याशु वैराग्यं ज्ञानं च यदहैतुकम् ॥
भा 1.2.7 |
vāsudeve bhagavatī bhaktiyogaḥ prāyojitaḥ । anayatyāśu vairāgyaṃ jñānaṃ ca yadahaitukam ॥
Bhagwatam 1.2.7 |
“Through bhakti, Knowledge (jnana) and detachment (vairagya) come automatically, you don't have to make additional effort for them”.
In reality, Bhakti is the mother of both Jnana and Vairagya. Ved Vyas in Bhagwat and also saint Valmiki in his Ramayan proclaim -
In reality, Bhakti is the mother of both Jnana and Vairagya. Ved Vyas in Bhagwat and also saint Valmiki in his Ramayan proclaim -
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भक्ति: परेशानुभवो विरक्ति-रन्यत्र चैष त्रिक एककाल: ।
प्रपद्यमानस्य यथाश्नत: स्यु-स्तुष्टि: पुष्टि: क्षुदपायोऽनुघासम् ॥ भा 11.2.४२ |
bhakti: pareśānubhavo viraktiranyatra caiṣa trika ekakāla: ।
prapadyamānasya yathāśnata: syustuṣṭi: puṣṭi: kṣudapāyo'nughāsam ॥ 11.2-.32-33 ॥ |
“Three things occur simultaneously for the one who has taken shelter of the Supreme Lord, by His grace - 1. Bhakti, 2. Experience of the Supreme Lord and 3. Detachment from the material world.
This happens in the same way for a person engaged in eating - he gets satisfaction, nourishment and relief from hunger simultaneously and increasingly, with each morsel.”
Adhyatama Ramanayan proclaims the same
This happens in the same way for a person engaged in eating - he gets satisfaction, nourishment and relief from hunger simultaneously and increasingly, with each morsel.”
Adhyatama Ramanayan proclaims the same
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अतो मद्भक्तियुक्तस्य ज्ञानं विज्ञानमेव च । वैराग्यं च भवेच्छीघ्रं ततो मुक्तिमवाप्नुयात्॥
आ.रा 4.78.51 |
ato madbhaktiyuktasya jñānaṃ vijñānameva ca । vairāgyaṃ ca bhavecchīghraṃ tato muktimavāpnuyāt॥
ā.rā 4.78.51 |
“Therefore, one who is devoted to Me gets jnana and detachment and thereafter attains mukti from Maya.”
Some people believe that God can be attained only upon decimation of the five sheaths of mind which are referred to as Panchkosh.
For that Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran says -
For that Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran says -
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अनिमित्ता भागवती भक्तिः सिद्धेर्गरियसी । जरयत्याशु या कोशं निगीर्णमनलो यथा ॥
भा 3.25.33 ॥ |
animittā bhāgavatī bhaktiḥ siddhergariyasī । jarayatyāśu yā kośaṃ nigīrṇamanalo yathā ॥
bhā 3.25.33 |
Bhakti burns away the five sheaths that cover the mind
“Bhakti slowly incinerates the Panchkosh of the jiva without jiva exerting any extra effort or even any desire of burning those sheaths.”
The digestive fire in the belly digests the food into the seven elements rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), māṃsa (muscular tissue), medā (adipose tissue), majjā (bone marrow), haḍḍī (bone) and vīrja/raja (sperm/ovum) . One does not need to know the process of digestion to get energy from that food. One just needs to eat healthy food and digestive fire does its job to nourish the whole body. Similarly, one only needs to do bhakti and increase the longing to meet Shri Krishna. Fuel the pangs of separation by doing roopdhyan of both separation from beloved (virah) and meeting the beloved (milan). That intense yearning for Shri Krishna will burn the five sheaths automatically. One does not need to put in any extra effort to burn away those five sheaths.
The digestive fire in the belly digests the food into the seven elements rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), māṃsa (muscular tissue), medā (adipose tissue), majjā (bone marrow), haḍḍī (bone) and vīrja/raja (sperm/ovum) . One does not need to know the process of digestion to get energy from that food. One just needs to eat healthy food and digestive fire does its job to nourish the whole body. Similarly, one only needs to do bhakti and increase the longing to meet Shri Krishna. Fuel the pangs of separation by doing roopdhyan of both separation from beloved (virah) and meeting the beloved (milan). That intense yearning for Shri Krishna will burn the five sheaths automatically. One does not need to put in any extra effort to burn away those five sheaths.
Philosophy
The scriptural name of Hinduism is sanātana dharma (सनातन धर्म). Literal meaning of sanātana is eternal. dharma means “something that should be adopted”. So sanātana dharma means the eternal practices that should be adopted.
The basis of sanātana dharma are Vedas. These are called vinirgata grantha (विनिर्गत ग्रन्थ) [1] or the eternal rules of God[2]. In the whole wide world, Hinduism is the only religion where IF God Himself were to speak against the Vedas, then even His words are not accepted. But why would God speak against His own rules? He might or might not. But the point here is even if He Himself speaks against the Vedas then those who follow Hinduism will pay obeisance to Him and yet discard His words.
And the same was done as well. About 3000 years ago in this Kaliyuga, Lord Buddha, the 9th incarnation of God denounced the Vedas. So the conscientious followers of Hinduism offer salutations to Lord Buddha and yet reject His precepts.
The basis of sanātana dharma are Vedas. These are called vinirgata grantha (विनिर्गत ग्रन्थ) [1] or the eternal rules of God[2]. In the whole wide world, Hinduism is the only religion where IF God Himself were to speak against the Vedas, then even His words are not accepted. But why would God speak against His own rules? He might or might not. But the point here is even if He Himself speaks against the Vedas then those who follow Hinduism will pay obeisance to Him and yet discard His words.
And the same was done as well. About 3000 years ago in this Kaliyuga, Lord Buddha, the 9th incarnation of God denounced the Vedas. So the conscientious followers of Hinduism offer salutations to Lord Buddha and yet reject His precepts.
The 1st Jagadguru in Kaliyuga Shankaracharya came 2500 years ago. He was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He was instructed by Lord Shri Krishna to use His own imagination to turn people away from the Personal form of God. Being the greatest devotee of Shri Krishna, He obeyed His orders and contorted the meanings of many Vedic hymns. We accept only those of His words that are in sync with the Vedas but discard those parts that are contrary to the Vedic philosophy.
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not considered authentic Vedic scripture merely because those are words of Shri Krishna. Instead its authenticity is upheld because the philosophy of Gita is in sync with the Vedas. Similarly, the philosophy of Ramcharitmanas, written by Saint Tulsi Das is acceptable because it is in sync with Vedas.
This is the uniqueness of sanātana dharma.
Till early 1970s, Shri Maharaj Ji used to speak in spiritual conferences. This is a narration of one of those conferences.
A pretty renowned story-teller of Ramcharitmanas announced on the microphone “pick any couplet from Ramcharitmanas and I’ll explain it”.
Shri Maharaj Ji threw the challenge back and requested on the microphone, ”Saint Tulsi Das has said that every couplet in Ramcharitmanas is in congruence with the Vedas. Please pick any couplet of your choice and explain how that matches with the Vedas”. The story-teller responded in a hand-written note, “this challenge was for the general public. NOT for you”. Means, I really don’t know what is written in the Vedas, I just make up my own meanings !!!
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not considered authentic Vedic scripture merely because those are words of Shri Krishna. Instead its authenticity is upheld because the philosophy of Gita is in sync with the Vedas. Similarly, the philosophy of Ramcharitmanas, written by Saint Tulsi Das is acceptable because it is in sync with Vedas.
This is the uniqueness of sanātana dharma.
Till early 1970s, Shri Maharaj Ji used to speak in spiritual conferences. This is a narration of one of those conferences.
A pretty renowned story-teller of Ramcharitmanas announced on the microphone “pick any couplet from Ramcharitmanas and I’ll explain it”.
Shri Maharaj Ji threw the challenge back and requested on the microphone, ”Saint Tulsi Das has said that every couplet in Ramcharitmanas is in congruence with the Vedas. Please pick any couplet of your choice and explain how that matches with the Vedas”. The story-teller responded in a hand-written note, “this challenge was for the general public. NOT for you”. Means, I really don’t know what is written in the Vedas, I just make up my own meanings !!!
Don’t let those imposters beguile you
Nowadays, the effects of Kaliyuga are so vigorously prevalent in the society that thousands of fictitious paths [3] in the name of God are being articulated and propagated in a fanciful style in the world by the so-called teachers, preachers, sadhus, yogis, gurus, monks, mahants, pontiffs and masters. People fall for them and thus remain bereft of the true devotional benefits in spite of their faithful services which they offer to their teachers. This is such an age where a true aspirant finds it hard to find the true path to God [4]. Don’t let those imposters beguile you. Anytime any “holy man” tells you something that doesn’t make sense or makes you suspicious, ask him ,”where in the Vedas does it say that this is right”?
If you have decided to not be duped by those imposters and you long to attain eternal life, limitless knowledge and everlasting/ever-increasing bliss, please do listen to Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Please recall that He was given the title of Jagadguruttam by a 200-year-old august assembly (Kashi Vidvat Parishad) of Vedic scholars.
If you have decided to not be duped by those imposters and you long to attain eternal life, limitless knowledge and everlasting/ever-increasing bliss, please do listen to Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Please recall that He was given the title of Jagadguruttam by a 200-year-old august assembly (Kashi Vidvat Parishad) of Vedic scholars.
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Kashi Vidvat Parishad is a 200-year-old association of top-notch Sanskrit scholars who have spent their whole lives in study of Vedic scriptures. Even though those scholars had invited Shri Maharaj Ji for a scriptural debate to seek sweet revenge [5], yet after listening to him for merely a few hours over a couple of days they endorsed the validity of Shri Maharaj Ji's views and joyfully honored him with this title. Jagadguruttam means the best among all the Jagadgurus. Shri Maharaj Ji was honored by this title on 14th Jan, 1957 [6][7] despite the fact that his philosophy was contrary to the theology practiced and preached by contemporary scholars and priests.
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Given below are a few options to listen to authentic Vedic knowledge by Jagadgurutaam Swami Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
In his lectures Shri Maharaj Ji presents his view and proves the authenticity of that viewpoint with quotations from the Vedas . Then cites verses from Gita, Bhagavat and Ramcharitmanas along with several other scriptures to further foster the same idea [8]. Hearing Him one is convinced, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he provides authentic guidance according to the Vedas and not hoodwinking the masses to fulfill His own ulterior motives. His words are for your spiritual upliftment and not purely fictional material meant for entertainment. So, listen attentively, ponder, contemplate. If you find them beneficial then put them into practice to avail the benefits of bhakti listed above.
- Visit Kripalu Nidhi site or Download the app from Google Play Store or App Store
- Subscribe to YouTube Channels
- #Jagadguru_Kripalu_Parishat_Helpline +91 8882480000, choose option 3 and listen to this week's divine message from Shri Maharaj Ji.
- Read
- Prem Ras Siddhant - English
- Prem Ras Siddhant - Hindi
In his lectures Shri Maharaj Ji presents his view and proves the authenticity of that viewpoint with quotations from the Vedas . Then cites verses from Gita, Bhagavat and Ramcharitmanas along with several other scriptures to further foster the same idea [8]. Hearing Him one is convinced, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he provides authentic guidance according to the Vedas and not hoodwinking the masses to fulfill His own ulterior motives. His words are for your spiritual upliftment and not purely fictional material meant for entertainment. So, listen attentively, ponder, contemplate. If you find them beneficial then put them into practice to avail the benefits of bhakti listed above.
Bibliography - Learn more
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[5] Kripalu Sudha Ras
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Kid's Story
Sikh Guru Amar Das Ji had two daughters. Guru’s eldest daughter, Bibi Dani was married to Rama who was a zealous Sikh. He used to work in Guru’s kitchen and administer to the needs of the pilgrims. His younger daughter Bibi Bhani was married to Jetha.
One day the Guru asked Rama and Jetha, "I want each of you to make a platform on each side of Bawli (a well with descending steps). I will sit on one in the morning and on the other in the evening." When the platforms were completed, the Guru went to inspect them. Rama showed his work and thought that he had done well. The Guru told Rama, "Your platform is not straight, raze it to the ground and rebuild it." Rama dissented internally, but rebuilt another one. However, even the one he rebuilt failed to please the Guru. After a long argument, Rama pulled the platform down but refused to build it a third time.
Likewise, the Guru inspected Jetha’s platform and said, ”Jetha, I do not like it. Demolish it and build another one.” Jetha built the second one which was also not of Guru’s liking. He demolished it and rebuilt it. The Guru continued to find fault with it until it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times. Jetha then fell at Guru’s feet and begged, “I am an ignorant being and lack understanding. You possess all knowledge. Kindly bless me with the wisdom so that I may be able to build the platform to your liking.”
One day the Guru asked Rama and Jetha, "I want each of you to make a platform on each side of Bawli (a well with descending steps). I will sit on one in the morning and on the other in the evening." When the platforms were completed, the Guru went to inspect them. Rama showed his work and thought that he had done well. The Guru told Rama, "Your platform is not straight, raze it to the ground and rebuild it." Rama dissented internally, but rebuilt another one. However, even the one he rebuilt failed to please the Guru. After a long argument, Rama pulled the platform down but refused to build it a third time.
Likewise, the Guru inspected Jetha’s platform and said, ”Jetha, I do not like it. Demolish it and build another one.” Jetha built the second one which was also not of Guru’s liking. He demolished it and rebuilt it. The Guru continued to find fault with it until it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times. Jetha then fell at Guru’s feet and begged, “I am an ignorant being and lack understanding. You possess all knowledge. Kindly bless me with the wisdom so that I may be able to build the platform to your liking.”
Jetha became Guru Ramdas by surrendering to the lotus feet of his Guru
On hearing this the Guru smiled and embraced Jetha and bestowed the divine bliss on him. He later succeeded Guru Amar Das as Guru Ram Das.
Moral -
It is rather easy to be surrendered to a bonafide saint when he is favorable to you. But the true test of surrender [1] is when he acts adverse and unreasonable[5]. At that time getting hold of the reins of your mind and keeping that mind surrendered to him is the real test. This level of surrender won't happen suddenly. Repeatedly ponding on the tattvagyan and Sadhana - Daily Devotion will gradually take you there. But until the day you reach the state of complete surrender, you will have to practice over and over again to stay surrendered no matter what the Guru's behavior might be [5][6]. Always remember the fact, that whatever the Guru says is right, no matter what. You already know how to be determined in attaining your goal [2][3]. You learned to roll over, walk, run and everything else in the world by persisting in your practice. That too when you were ignorant and physically weak. Now, you have been empowered with knowledge of your real goal and are a lot stronger. So stay steady and steadfast. Success will be yours.
Moral -
It is rather easy to be surrendered to a bonafide saint when he is favorable to you. But the true test of surrender [1] is when he acts adverse and unreasonable[5]. At that time getting hold of the reins of your mind and keeping that mind surrendered to him is the real test. This level of surrender won't happen suddenly. Repeatedly ponding on the tattvagyan and Sadhana - Daily Devotion will gradually take you there. But until the day you reach the state of complete surrender, you will have to practice over and over again to stay surrendered no matter what the Guru's behavior might be [5][6]. Always remember the fact, that whatever the Guru says is right, no matter what. You already know how to be determined in attaining your goal [2][3]. You learned to roll over, walk, run and everything else in the world by persisting in your practice. That too when you were ignorant and physically weak. Now, you have been empowered with knowledge of your real goal and are a lot stronger. So stay steady and steadfast. Success will be yours.
Bibliography - Learn more
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[2] Stay focused
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[3] Aim of Life
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यह लेख पसंद आया ?
उल्लिखित कतिपय अन्य प्रकाशनों के आस्वादन के लिये चित्रों पर क्लिक करें
दिव्य संदेश - सिद्धान्त, लीलादि |
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शब्दावली - सिद्धांत को गहराई से समझने हेतु पढ़ेवेद-शास्त्रों के शब्दों का सही अर्थ जानिये
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