E Bhagavad Lesson 16

LESSON 16LESSON 16

CHAPTER 9, CHAPTER 9, RÄJAVIDYÄRÄJAVIDYÄ--RÄJAGUHYARÄJAGUHYA--YOGAYOGA (PART II)(PART II)The Path of Royal Knowledge and Royal SecretThe Path of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret

9.109.10 Return Ticket to Heaven Return Ticket to Heaven (9.20, (9.20,1616 9.21 9.211717))Everyone wants to be always happy. We see that earthly life has both joys Everyone wants to be always happy. We see that earthly life has both joys and sorrows. The scriptures of all religions talk of a heaven which is full and sorrows. The scriptures of all religions talk of a heaven which is full of subtler and higher forms of pleasures and no pain. With an aim to feast of subtler and higher forms of pleasures and no pain. With an aim to feast in heaven, some people fast over here! They live an austere life, do good in heaven, some people fast over here! They live an austere life, do good actions, perform rituals, special worships and do whatever their scriptures actions, perform rituals, special worships and do whatever their scriptures and religions prescribe. Their actions remove all obstacles (päpa) and endow and religions prescribe. Their actions remove all obstacles (päpa) and endow them with merits (puëya) which makes them eligible for entry into higher them with merits (puëya) which makes them eligible for entry into higher realms of experiences like heaven. They assume celestial bodies and enjoy realms of experiences like heaven. They assume celestial bodies and enjoy the pleasures in heaven that they have paid for on earth. Time flies when we the pleasures in heaven that they have paid for on earth. Time flies when we are happy. Even our long stay in heaven comes to an end all too soon; are happy. Even our long stay in heaven comes to an end all too soon; puëya puëya exhausted, we must return to continue our journey.exhausted, we must return to continue our journey.

Prajäpati Raivata once went to Brahma-loka for some work. The Creator, Prajäpati Raivata once went to Brahma-loka for some work. The Creator, Brahmä was listening to music, so he joined Him. Yugas (centuries) passed Brahmä was listening to music, so he joined Him. Yugas (centuries) passed and he thought it was but a few moments when the show ended. He had and he thought it was but a few moments when the show ended. He had completely forgotten his work and later regretted his absorption in pleasure.completely forgotten his work and later regretted his absorption in pleasure.

Having worked hard throughout the year, a man goes for a vacation to Having worked hard throughout the year, a man goes for a vacation to the Caribbean Islands. However much he may love to stay on and continue

16. ÇEiv*a ma< saempa> pUtpapa y}Eir:qœva SvgRit< àawRyNte, te pu{ymasa* sureNÔlaekmîiNt idVyaiNdiv devÉaegan!. traividyä mäà somapäù pütapäpä yajïairiñövä svargatià prärthayante, te puëyamäsädya suren-

dralokamaçnanti divyändivi devabhogän. (9.20)17. te t< ÉuKTva SvgRlaek< ivzal< ]I[e pu{ye mTyRlaek< ivziNt, @v< ÇyIxmRmnuàpÚa gtagt< kamkama lÉNte. te taà bhuktvä svargalokaà viçälaà kñéëe puëye martyalokaà viçanti, evaà trayédharmamanu-

prapannä gatägataà kämakämä labhante. (9.21)© Chinmaya International Foundation 2011

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18. AnNyaiíNtyNtae ma< ye jna> pyuRpaste, te;a< inTyaiÉyuKtana< yaeg]em< vhaMyhm!. ananyäçcintayanto mäà ye janäù paryupäsate, teñäà nityäbhiyuktänäà yogakñemaà vahämya-

ham. (9.22)

to enjoy, he has to return when his vacation period is over and he runs out of to enjoy, he has to return when his vacation period is over and he runs out of cash and credit. Similarly, once one’s merits are exhausted, the stay in heaven cash and credit. Similarly, once one’s merits are exhausted, the stay in heaven ends and one has to return to earth or wherever one’s fructifying karmas take. ends and one has to return to earth or wherever one’s fructifying karmas take. Finite actions can give only finite results! One cannot stay eternally in heaven.Finite actions can give only finite results! One cannot stay eternally in heaven.

MantraMantra]I[e pu{ye mTyRlaek< ivziNt,

kñéëe puëye martyalokaà viçanti. kñéëe puëye martyalokaà viçanti. (9.21)(9.21)What goes up must come down. When the merits get exhausted, What goes up must come down. When the merits get exhausted,

one returns from heaven to earth. one returns from heaven to earth.

Also, when heaven itself is impermanent how can our stay over there be Also, when heaven itself is impermanent how can our stay over there be eternal? (ref. 8.16)eternal? (ref. 8.16)

9.119.11 Living in Bliss Living in BlissEarthly joys are sorrow-ridden. Heavenly bliss is also short-lived. Both are Earthly joys are sorrow-ridden. Heavenly bliss is also short-lived. Both are accompanied with anxiety of getting and retaining. Then where can we accompanied with anxiety of getting and retaining. Then where can we enjoy care-free and eternal Bliss?enjoy care-free and eternal Bliss?

The verse 9.22The verse 9.221818 is like the centrepiece in an exhibition of masterpieces. It is like the centrepiece in an exhibition of masterpieces. It is like the central jewel of a studded pendant in a priceless necklace. In this is like the central jewel of a studded pendant in a priceless necklace. In this famous verse which is in the centre of the priceless famous verse which is in the centre of the priceless GétäGétä, Çré Kåñëa reveals the , Çré Kåñëa reveals the secret of living in Bliss right here and now and always! The following is a secret of living in Bliss right here and now and always! The following is a brief summary of the essential thoughts of this verse.brief summary of the essential thoughts of this verse.

God is Bliss absolute. He is infinite and eternal. When we unite with Him, God is Bliss absolute. He is infinite and eternal. When we unite with Him, connect with Him, become one with Him, we too are in Bliss. How can we connect with Him, become one with Him, we too are in Bliss. How can we do so? When He alone becomes our means and goal, He alone is our shelter, do so? When He alone becomes our means and goal, He alone is our shelter, support, and strength, He alone is our Master, provider, and nourisher, support, and strength, He alone is our Master, provider, and nourisher,

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when He alone becomes the love of our life, the object of all our desires, when He alone becomes the love of our life, the object of all our desires, the fulfilment of all our dreams, we live in Bliss. His thought becomes the the fulfilment of all our dreams, we live in Bliss. His thought becomes the most valuable possession and His work our only duty. Then all our actions – most valuable possession and His work our only duty. Then all our actions – physical, verbal, and mental – become His worship (physical, verbal, and mental – become His worship (paritaù upäsateparitaù upäsate) we are in ) we are in Bliss. This is called ‘ananyatä’ – love without otherness, that is unswerving Bliss. This is called ‘ananyatä’ – love without otherness, that is unswerving love. Then His joy becomes our joy and we are in Bliss. The Gopés of Vrindavan love. Then His joy becomes our joy and we are in Bliss. The Gopés of Vrindavan sang for Him, danced for Him, waited for Him, made butter for Him and, to sang for Him, danced for Him, waited for Him, made butter for Him and, to put it simply, lived for Him.put it simply, lived for Him.

After Çré Kåñëa had left Vrindavan, once Çré Uddhava went to Vrindavan. After Çré Kåñëa had left Vrindavan, once Çré Uddhava went to Vrindavan. When he saw the Gopés in intense pain at the separation from the Lord, When he saw the Gopés in intense pain at the separation from the Lord, he told them, “Why don’t you forget Him and worship someone else. He he told them, “Why don’t you forget Him and worship someone else. He so heartlessly left you all.“ They replied, “We would do so if we could. so heartlessly left you all.“ They replied, “We would do so if we could. Unfortunately we have one mind and that has been stolen by Çré Kåñëa. With Unfortunately we have one mind and that has been stolen by Çré Kåñëa. With what then shall we worship anyone else?”what then shall we worship anyone else?”

But what about our worldly needs? Who will worry about our children’s But what about our worldly needs? Who will worry about our children’s education, parents’ health, cost of living, social commitments, car loans, education, parents’ health, cost of living, social commitments, car loans, and mortgages! and mortgages!

If we dedicate our lives to Him, God promises to take care of all our needs.If we dedicate our lives to Him, God promises to take care of all our needs.

MantraMantraya eg]em< vhaMyhm !, ya eg]em< vhaMyhm !,

yogakñemaà vahämyaham. yogakñemaà vahämyaham. (9.22)(9.22)I will take care of your needs. I will take care of your needs.

I will carry the responsibility for your well-being. I will carry the responsibility for your well-being. You do your best and leave the rest to Me. You do your best and leave the rest to Me.

Not for God!Not for God!A person asked Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, “We hear that God provided A person asked Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, “We hear that God provided food to great saints, who went for penance in dense forests. If I go to the forest, food to great saints, who went for penance in dense forests. If I go to the forest, will God also give me food?”will God also give me food?”


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Püjya Gurudev replied, “No! Because you are going for food, not for God!” Püjya Gurudev replied, “No! Because you are going for food, not for God!”

Man spends time worrying about getting what he does not have (yoga) Man spends time worrying about getting what he does not have (yoga) and maintaining what he does have (kñema). It takes a lifetime’s earning and maintaining what he does have (kñema). It takes a lifetime’s earning to build a house and the rest of the life goes in maintaining it. Marriages to build a house and the rest of the life goes in maintaining it. Marriages may be made in heaven, but maintaining them is a tough responsibility. may be made in heaven, but maintaining them is a tough responsibility. Employers are always worried about getting the right employees and Employers are always worried about getting the right employees and more worried about how to retain them. Spiritual seekers are worried more worried about how to retain them. Spiritual seekers are worried about getting virtues like endurance and dispassion and equally worried about getting virtues like endurance and dispassion and equally worried about maintaining them. It is not work that tires us, but the burden of about maintaining them. It is not work that tires us, but the burden of responsibility and the loads of worries that we carry within us. Çré Kåñëa responsibility and the loads of worries that we carry within us. Çré Kåñëa urges us to have faith and not worry. Some feel that if we do not worry urges us to have faith and not worry. Some feel that if we do not worry for our family, then who will do so. The Lord’s assurance is not heeded. for our family, then who will do so. The Lord’s assurance is not heeded. Therefore, since two people are not needed to do the same tasks, the Lord Therefore, since two people are not needed to do the same tasks, the Lord steps back and leaves it all to them!steps back and leaves it all to them!

My Contract with GodMy Contract with GodA woman was always cheerful as she went about performing her worldly A woman was always cheerful as she went about performing her worldly duties despite facing tough financial challenges. She said, “I have a contract duties despite facing tough financial challenges. She said, “I have a contract with God. I do the work, he does the worrying!”with God. I do the work, he does the worrying!”

Is not the Lord taking good care of us right from our birth? For example, Is not the Lord taking good care of us right from our birth? For example, when we are born, we have no teeth. Then the milk teeth come one by one when we are born, we have no teeth. Then the milk teeth come one by one and go one by one without our knowing. A new set of strong teeth replace and go one by one without our knowing. A new set of strong teeth replace them, which last through our life. Imagine if we are born with all our teeth them, which last through our life. Imagine if we are born with all our teeth or if all the milk teeth came at one time or fell out all together! or if all the milk teeth came at one time or fell out all together!

When the Lord appeared before the five-year old Dhruva and granted When the Lord appeared before the five-year old Dhruva and granted him a boon, Dhruva said, "O Lord! I am but a child with little knowledge. him a boon, Dhruva said, "O Lord! I am but a child with little knowledge.

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You have graced me with your vision; now provide me with words to praise You have graced me with your vision; now provide me with words to praise you." The Lord touched his cheek with His divine conch and beautiful words you." The Lord touched his cheek with His divine conch and beautiful words flowed out. The Lord always provides what we need! (flowed out. The Lord always provides what we need! (Bhägavatam,Bhägavatam, Canto 4.9) Canto 4.9)

He Takes CareHe Takes CareA devotee complained to God. I always saw two sets of footprints behind me as A devotee complained to God. I always saw two sets of footprints behind me as You accompanied me through the happy times of my life. But I saw only one set You accompanied me through the happy times of my life. But I saw only one set when I went through the bad times. Where were You then? when I went through the bad times. Where were You then?

The Lord said, "I carried you on my shoulders through your bad times, so The Lord said, "I carried you on my shoulders through your bad times, so you saw only My footprints." you saw only My footprints."

Be assured He always takes care of us.Be assured He always takes care of us.

Even a company takes care of the employees’ needs and provides company Even a company takes care of the employees’ needs and provides company quarters, special loans, and medical facilities at company expense. Then quarters, special loans, and medical facilities at company expense. Then what shall we say about the ever-compassionate, all-capable Lord! He not what shall we say about the ever-compassionate, all-capable Lord! He not only provides for our physical needs but also takes care of our emotional, only provides for our physical needs but also takes care of our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. Has not a Guru always appeared in the life intellectual, and spiritual needs. Has not a Guru always appeared in the life of a true seeker?of a true seeker?

The Lord promises to take care of our needs, but not our greed. Also, The Lord promises to take care of our needs, but not our greed. Also, He knows best what we need and what we don’t. So He provides for us and He knows best what we need and what we don’t. So He provides for us and also makes sure it remains. He provides what He knows is good for us like a also makes sure it remains. He provides what He knows is good for us like a mother who does not give ice-cream to her sick child even when he screams mother who does not give ice-cream to her sick child even when he screams for it. She appears heartless when she gives away his ‘play station’ to someone for it. She appears heartless when she gives away his ‘play station’ to someone else when she realises that it distracts him in his studies. else when she realises that it distracts him in his studies.

Närada once fell in love with the beautiful deluding damsel, ViçvamohinéNärada once fell in love with the beautiful deluding damsel, Viçvamohiné. . He asked the Lord to give him a handsome face so she would choose to He asked the Lord to give him a handsome face so she would choose to marry him. The Lord, contrary to his wishes, made him monkey-faced. marry him. The Lord, contrary to his wishes, made him monkey-faced. When Viçvamohiné saw him she laughed at him and spurned him. Närada When Viçvamohiné saw him she laughed at him and spurned him. Närada felt insulted and got angry with the Lord. But later when his delusion was felt insulted and got angry with the Lord. But later when his delusion was


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destroyed he thanked God for saving him from the deluding damsel. (ref. destroyed he thanked God for saving him from the deluding damsel. (ref. Rämacaritamänasa, Rämacaritamänasa, BälakäëòaBälakäëòa, , Dohä 129-139)Dohä 129-139)

It is interesting to note that the Lord gives for free all that we need to live, It is interesting to note that the Lord gives for free all that we need to live, like water, light, air, and food; whereas things like jewels and luxuries that like water, light, air, and food; whereas things like jewels and luxuries that we can well live without are costly.we can well live without are costly.

But is not God alone the provider of all, be it the believer or the non-But is not God alone the provider of all, be it the believer or the non-believer, the good or the bad? True. God alone provides for all. However, the believer, the good or the bad? True. God alone provides for all. However, the one who does not know is burdened and stressed with work and worry. one who does not know is burdened and stressed with work and worry.

Being Connected to HimBeing Connected to HimA woman carried her vegetable basket on her head whilst travelling in the train A woman carried her vegetable basket on her head whilst travelling in the train as she felt she should carry her own burden. Others put down their baskets and as she felt she should carry her own burden. Others put down their baskets and enjoyed the journey. enjoyed the journey.

One who knows that God provides does not worry, is at peace, and enjoys One who knows that God provides does not worry, is at peace, and enjoys all he has. Being connected to Him, he lives in Bliss.all he has. Being connected to Him, he lives in Bliss.

9.12 9.12 Worshipping the FiniteWorshipping the FiniteWe worship according to our understanding. People in good faith with We worship according to our understanding. People in good faith with limited understanding, seeking limited results worship limited power limited understanding, seeking limited results worship limited power centres very elaborately (9.23)centres very elaborately (9.23)1919 (ref. 7.20). Also we worship according to what (ref. 7.20). Also we worship according to what we value and according to our inherent nature or qualities. The good value we value and according to our inherent nature or qualities. The good value and worship deities of knowledge and divine virtues, the ambitious worship and worship deities of knowledge and divine virtues, the ambitious worship deities of wealth and power, and the ignoble worship negative deities and deities of wealth and power, and the ignoble worship negative deities and forces (9.25)forces (9.25)2020 (ref. 17.4). Some spend time worshipping deities (devatäs), some (ref. 17.4). Some spend time worshipping deities (devatäs), some

19. ye=PyNydevta ÉKta yjNte ïÏyaiNvta>, te=ip mamev kaENtey yjNTyivixpUvRkm!. ye’pyanyadevatä bhaktä yajante çraddhayänvitäù, te’pi mämeva kaunteya yajantyavidhipürvakam.

(9.23)20. yaiNt devìta devaiNpt¨NyaiNt ipt&ìta>, ÉUtain yaiNt ÉUteJya yaiNt m*aijnae=ip mam!. yänti devavratä devänpitènyänti pitåvratäù, bhütäni yänti bhütejyä yänti madyäjino’pi mäm.

(9.25)

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believe in serving their parents and keeping the family traditions alive (pitå-believe in serving their parents and keeping the family traditions alive (pitå-bhakta), some others are nature lovers or some, like scientists, seek to know bhakta), some others are nature lovers or some, like scientists, seek to know the secrets of nature (bhütejyä). the secrets of nature (bhütejyä).

God is all-powerful and He alone through the deities accepts the worship God is all-powerful and He alone through the deities accepts the worship and gives the results. The satisfaction that the donor and the receiver get are and gives the results. The satisfaction that the donor and the receiver get are both His alone (9.24).both His alone (9.24).2121 Not knowing this, we worship the finite and get finite Not knowing this, we worship the finite and get finite results. Efforts remaining the same, those who worship God get infinite results. Efforts remaining the same, those who worship God get infinite results – God Himself. results – God Himself.

Where Lies True Satisfcation?Where Lies True Satisfcation?The learned sages living in the Däruka forest spent years performing rituals The learned sages living in the Däruka forest spent years performing rituals and worshipping deities for extraordinary powers (siddhis). They believed that and worshipping deities for extraordinary powers (siddhis). They believed that it was their efforts alone which brought results. They did not believe in the it was their efforts alone which brought results. They did not believe in the infinite God. The ever compassionate Lord Çiva appeared before them in the infinite God. The ever compassionate Lord Çiva appeared before them in the form of a young handsome mendicant as they were performing rituals. The form of a young handsome mendicant as they were performing rituals. The wives of the Åñis got attracted and followed the mendicant. This disturbed the wives of the Åñis got attracted and followed the mendicant. This disturbed the Åñis who in anger tried to kill the mendicant with their extraordinary powers Åñis who in anger tried to kill the mendicant with their extraordinary powers and weapons. Naturally they could not harm the immortal Lord. Finally they and weapons. Naturally they could not harm the immortal Lord. Finally they recognised His greatness, and surrendered at His feet. They realised that recognised His greatness, and surrendered at His feet. They realised that getting more and more powers would never give them true satisfaction and getting more and more powers would never give them true satisfaction and thus sought to know God.thus sought to know God.

9.139.13 Worshipping the Infinite Worshipping the InfiniteWhat was talked about earlier in the language of knowledge is spoken of by What was talked about earlier in the language of knowledge is spoken of by Çré Kåñëa in this and the following chapters in the language of devotion.Çré Kåñëa in this and the following chapters in the language of devotion.

It is more difficult to please the petty-minded than the great. A big man in It is more difficult to please the petty-minded than the great. A big man in a small town or a small-minded person in a big position both have big egos

21. Ah< ih svRy}ana< ÉaeKta c àÉurev c, n tu mamiÉjaniNt tÅvenatZCyviNt te. ahaà hi sarvayajïänäà bhoktä ca prabhureva ca, na tu mämabhijänanti tattvenätaçcyavanti te.

(9.24)


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which are difficult to satisfy. They are very demanding and must be shown which are difficult to satisfy. They are very demanding and must be shown respect and worshipped with words and actions if we want them to favour respect and worshipped with words and actions if we want them to favour us. The finite power centres, or deities, similarly have to be worshipped duly us. The finite power centres, or deities, similarly have to be worshipped duly for us to get results. They get easily offended and can withdraw their favour for us to get results. They get easily offended and can withdraw their favour with the slightest mistake on our part. If not happy, they can even harm.with the slightest mistake on our part. If not happy, they can even harm.

God on the other hand, is infinite, compassionate, loving, and forgiving. God on the other hand, is infinite, compassionate, loving, and forgiving. He is easily pleased and is therefore easy to please. He accepts anything, He is easily pleased and is therefore easy to please. He accepts anything, however insignificant, that is offered to Him (9.26)however insignificant, that is offered to Him (9.26)2222 – be it a leaf or fruit or – be it a leaf or fruit or plain water! plain water!

ReflectReflectGod does not see what you offer, but with what feelings you offer.God does not see what you offer, but with what feelings you offer.

He does not eat the food you offer, but the love with which you offer it. The He does not eat the food you offer, but the love with which you offer it. The mother does not see the cost or the quality of the present the child gifts to mother does not see the cost or the quality of the present the child gifts to her, but the love with which it is given melts her heart. Çré Kåñëa went to the her, but the love with which it is given melts her heart. Çré Kåñëa went to the houses of the Gopés, not to steal butter – He had plenty in His own house houses of the Gopés, not to steal butter – He had plenty in His own house – but to partake of their soft and tender love signified by the butter they – but to partake of their soft and tender love signified by the butter they prepared each day for Him. In India, a wet coin is placed along with the cash prepared each day for Him. In India, a wet coin is placed along with the cash or things offered to great men as a gift – dakñiëä. This signifies the feelings: or things offered to great men as a gift – dakñiëä. This signifies the feelings: ‘Please accept our love soaked offering.’ And what can we offer to the Lord ‘Please accept our love soaked offering.’ And what can we offer to the Lord anyway? Does not everything belong to Him alone? The devotee therefore anyway? Does not everything belong to Him alone? The devotee therefore offers with the feeling: “I offer to you with love, what belongs to you anyway. offers with the feeling: “I offer to you with love, what belongs to you anyway. Please accept my token of love.” (Please accept my token of love.” (terä tujhako arpaëaterä tujhako arpaëa,, kyä läge merä kyä läge merä))

Are there not prescribed ways (püjä-vidhi) of worshipping God? Should Are there not prescribed ways (püjä-vidhi) of worshipping God? Should they not be followed? Yes, there are ways and they should be followed. they not be followed? Yes, there are ways and they should be followed.

22. pÇ< pu:p< )l< taey< yae me ÉKTya àyCDit, tdh< ÉKTyupùtmîaim àytaTmn>. patraà puñpaà phalaà toyaà yo me bhaktyä prayacchati, tadahaà bhaktyupahåtamaçnämi

prayatätmanaù. (9.26)

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However, the important factor behind the worship is love (bhäva); hence However, the important factor behind the worship is love (bhäva); hence the steps of worship (ñoòaçathe steps of worship (ñoòaça--upacära) should be done with love. But when upacära) should be done with love. But when love is overwhelming the method of worship is immaterial. What etiquette love is overwhelming the method of worship is immaterial. What etiquette is followed by a child to approach and please the parents? Nothing! He is followed by a child to approach and please the parents? Nothing! He just runs to his parents and hugs them. The tribal woman Çabaré tasted the just runs to his parents and hugs them. The tribal woman Çabaré tasted the berries before offering them to Lord Räma which is strictly against scriptural berries before offering them to Lord Räma which is strictly against scriptural injunctions. The Lord, however, happily ate them. (ref. injunctions. The Lord, however, happily ate them. (ref. Rämacaritamänasa, Rämacaritamänasa, Araëyakäëòa, DohäAraëyakäëòa, Dohä 34)34)

In fact, Çré Kåñëa says that no special or separate acts of worship are In fact, Çré Kåñëa says that no special or separate acts of worship are required to please Him. If we perform all our worldly duties, daily routine, required to please Him. If we perform all our worldly duties, daily routine, special duties, social obligations, or religious activities as a dedication to God special duties, social obligations, or religious activities as a dedication to God it becomes His worship alone (9.27).it becomes His worship alone (9.27).2323 The Saint Sävtä Mäli from Maharashtra The Saint Sävtä Mäli from Maharashtra (a state in India) was a gardener and considered gardening itself as His (a state in India) was a gardener and considered gardening itself as His worship. The Lord was so pleased with Him that He promised to appear as worship. The Lord was so pleased with Him that He promised to appear as the vegetables in his garden.the vegetables in his garden.

With this attitude eating, bathing, or sleeping too become His worship. He With this attitude eating, bathing, or sleeping too become His worship. He is indeed easily pleased! The Lord is pleased even by a small gesture from us, is indeed easily pleased! The Lord is pleased even by a small gesture from us, then just imagine the result of offering all our actions to Him. Infinite indeed is then just imagine the result of offering all our actions to Him. Infinite indeed is the result of worshipping the infinite Lord (9.28).the result of worshipping the infinite Lord (9.28). 24 24 A saint exclaims: “The Lord A saint exclaims: “The Lord has provided leaves and flowers in the wild, sweet water flowing perennially has provided leaves and flowers in the wild, sweet water flowing perennially in the rivers, and hands to pick and carry them and legs to take us to the in the rivers, and hands to pick and carry them and legs to take us to the temple. Then what excuse can man have for not worshipping the Lord?”temple. Then what excuse can man have for not worshipping the Lord?”2525

23. yTkraei; ydîais yJjuhaei; ddais yt!, yÄpSyis kaENtey tTk…é:v mdpR[m!. yatkaroñi yadaçnäsi yajjuhoñi dadäsi yat, yattapasyasi kaunteya tatkuruñva madarpaëam. (9.27)24. zuÉazuÉ)lErev< maeúyse kmRbNxnE>, sÛyasyaegyuKtaTma ivmuKtae mamupE:yis. çubhäçubhaphalairevaà mokñyase karmabandhanaiù, sannyäsayogayuktätmä vimukto mämupai-

ñyasi. (9.28)25. Ar{ye siNt pÇai[ n*a< SvadUdkain c, siNt padaE c hStaE c kw< naraXyte hir>. araëye santi paträëi nadyäà sväädüdakäni ca, santi pädau ca hastau ca kathaà närädhyate hariù.


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9.14 9.14 Is God Partial?Is God Partial?God is impartial to all. The Lord digests food and showers rains in the fields God is impartial to all. The Lord digests food and showers rains in the fields of the believer and the non-believer, the sinner and the saint, the rich and the of the believer and the non-believer, the sinner and the saint, the rich and the poor, or the materialist and the spiritual person. Such is His all-encompassing poor, or the materialist and the spiritual person. Such is His all-encompassing grace (sämänya-kåpä). Parékñit was killed by Açvatthämä whilst in the womb grace (sämänya-kåpä). Parékñit was killed by Açvatthämä whilst in the womb of Uttarä. When prayed to, Lord Çré Kåñëa said, “If I have partiality towards of Uttarä. When prayed to, Lord Çré Kåñëa said, “If I have partiality towards none, may this child come alive.” Parékñit came back to life, grew up to be a none, may this child come alive.” Parékñit came back to life, grew up to be a devotee of the Lord and finally merged with Him.devotee of the Lord and finally merged with Him.

MantraMantrasma e=h< svRÉ Ut e; u, sma e=h< svRÉ Ut e; u,

samo’haà sarvabhüteñu.samo’haà sarvabhüteñu. (9.29) (9.29)I am impartial towards all.I am impartial towards all.

However, special feelings have special results. Love-filled actions have However, special feelings have special results. Love-filled actions have special results. special results.

MantraMantramiy te t e; u Aip c Ahm !,miy te t e; u Aip c Ahm !,

mayi te teñu api ca aham. mayi te teñu api ca aham. (9.29)(9.29)They are in Me and I am in them.They are in Me and I am in them. Love unites the Lord and the devotee.Love unites the Lord and the devotee.

As in the case of the sun, those who open the doors of their heart, experience As in the case of the sun, those who open the doors of their heart, experience His light within. Fire is the same to all. Those who come closer receive its His light within. Fire is the same to all. Those who come closer receive its warmth and those who remain far, shiver. Arjuna and Duryodhana both warmth and those who remain far, shiver. Arjuna and Duryodhana both went to Çré Kåñëa before the Mahäbhärata war seeking His help. The Lord went to Çré Kåñëa before the Mahäbhärata war seeking His help. The Lord

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Lesson 16

said, “To one side I shall give one armed battalion (akñauhiëé) of My army. said, “To one side I shall give one armed battalion (akñauhiëé) of My army. The other side gets Me, but I shall not fight. Choose whatever you wish.” The other side gets Me, but I shall not fight. Choose whatever you wish.” Duryodhana chose the army and lost. Arjuna chose the Lord and won! We Duryodhana chose the army and lost. Arjuna chose the Lord and won! We too have a choice – to receive His special blessings or not.too have a choice – to receive His special blessings or not.

9.159.15 Can I Improve? Am I Qualified to Know God Can I Improve? Am I Qualified to Know God??When we look at ourselves – all our pettiness, half-hearted efforts, indulgent When we look at ourselves – all our pettiness, half-hearted efforts, indulgent lifestyle, wrong habits, restless mind, our weakness, and limitations – we lifestyle, wrong habits, restless mind, our weakness, and limitations – we often wonder if we can ever improve. Realising God seems far away. As one often wonder if we can ever improve. Realising God seems far away. As one saint puts it: “O Lord, how can I come to Your door wearing my filthy cloak saint puts it: “O Lord, how can I come to Your door wearing my filthy cloak (mind)? I, therefore, hesitate to approach you.”(mind)? I, therefore, hesitate to approach you.”

However, Çré Kåñëa assures us that even the worst sinner (suduräcära) However, Çré Kåñëa assures us that even the worst sinner (suduräcära) can transform when he decides to do so. His resolve to change for the better, can transform when he decides to do so. His resolve to change for the better, to follow the path of good, and to turn towards God, itself qualifies him to to follow the path of good, and to turn towards God, itself qualifies him to be called a good person (sädhu) (9.30).be called a good person (sädhu) (9.30).2626 Is not even the fresher in a medical Is not even the fresher in a medical college called a doctor when he dons a coat and a stethoscope? Once he has college called a doctor when he dons a coat and a stethoscope? Once he has entered college, in due course he will become a doctor.entered college, in due course he will become a doctor.

The fire of deep regret burns the negativities and the strength of the right The fire of deep regret burns the negativities and the strength of the right resolve soon initiates good thoughts and conduct. The sacred flow of good resolve soon initiates good thoughts and conduct. The sacred flow of good thoughts and conduct purifies and transforms us completely. In the process of thoughts and conduct purifies and transforms us completely. In the process of transformation the devotee may fall a hundred times, but the Lord assures us transformation the devotee may fall a hundred times, but the Lord assures us that if we take one small step towards Him, He takes ten big ones towards us. that if we take one small step towards Him, He takes ten big ones towards us. His grace is vividly experienced by the devotee at every step of his spiritual His grace is vividly experienced by the devotee at every step of his spiritual progress. Ere long the devotee attains peace and Bliss. (9.31)progress. Ere long the devotee attains peace and Bliss. (9.31)2727

26. Aip ceTsuÊracarae Éjte mamnNyÉakœ, saxurev s mNtVy> sMyGVyvistae ih s>. api cetsuduräcäro bhajate mämananyabhäk, sädhureva sa mantavyaù samyagvyavasito hi saù.

(9.30) 27. i]à< Évit xmaRTma zñCDaiNt< ingCDit, kaENtey àitjanIih n me ÉKt> à[Zyit. kñipraà bhavati dharmätmä çaçvacchäntià nigacchati, kaunteya pratijänéhi na me bhaktaù praëa-

çyati. (9.31)


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MantraMantran me ÉKt> à[Zyit,n me ÉKt> à[Zyit,

na me bhaktaù praëaçyati.na me bhaktaù praëaçyati. (9.31) (9.31)My devotee never perishes.My devotee never perishes.

It is seen that time and time again the materialists have tried to destroy It is seen that time and time again the materialists have tried to destroy spirituality, but have never succeeded. Great saints have been crucified, but spirituality, but have never succeeded. Great saints have been crucified, but their name and spirit have become immortal. The evil spirit (kåtyä) that their name and spirit have become immortal. The evil spirit (kåtyä) that Ñaëòa and Amarka sent to kill the great devotee Prahläda, rebounded to kill Ñaëòa and Amarka sent to kill the great devotee Prahläda, rebounded to kill them. The devotee is always protected by the Lord. (them. The devotee is always protected by the Lord. (Bhägavatam, Bhägavatam, Canto 7)Canto 7)

Right ResolveRight ResolveA thief stole the king’s necklace. He was followed by the king into the forest. A thief stole the king’s necklace. He was followed by the king into the forest. He saw a monk’s hut and entered, hoping to hide from the king. Since the He saw a monk’s hut and entered, hoping to hide from the king. Since the monk was not there, he wore his clothes, smeared his forehead with ashes, and monk was not there, he wore his clothes, smeared his forehead with ashes, and pretended to meditate. The king entered the hut and saw a monk meditating. pretended to meditate. The king entered the hut and saw a monk meditating. He fell prostrate and sat before him in silence. This touched the thief somewhere He fell prostrate and sat before him in silence. This touched the thief somewhere deep inside. He thought: “If wearing the robe of a good person makes the most deep inside. He thought: “If wearing the robe of a good person makes the most powerful man of the land fall at my feet and attain peace, what if I actually powerful man of the land fall at my feet and attain peace, what if I actually became good.” He confessed to the king who he was and asked to be punished became good.” He confessed to the king who he was and asked to be punished for his crime. The king being a good man himself, recognised his resolve to for his crime. The king being a good man himself, recognised his resolve to change and set him free to walk the path of Truth. (ref. 4.36)change and set him free to walk the path of Truth. (ref. 4.36)

9.169.16 Uniqueness of the Path of Devotion Uniqueness of the Path of DevotionAre there not people who are more qualified than others by birth? Surely knowing Are there not people who are more qualified than others by birth? Surely knowing God requires special qualification. Are all equally qualified to realise God?God requires special qualification. Are all equally qualified to realise God?

Irrespective of the caste, creed, colour, education, family, religion or Irrespective of the caste, creed, colour, education, family, religion or nationality, all can realise God. But then, all are not equally qualified to nationality, all can realise God. But then, all are not equally qualified to

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Lesson 16

realise God through the Path of Knowledge (jïäna-yoga). Some are by birth realise God through the Path of Knowledge (jïäna-yoga). Some are by birth more qualified due to their past samore qualified due to their past saàskäras (impressions) and these evolved skäras (impressions) and these evolved souls can walk the Path of Knowledge with ease. This Path of Knowledge souls can walk the Path of Knowledge with ease. This Path of Knowledge does need special qualification like subtle discrimination (viveka) and does need special qualification like subtle discrimination (viveka) and strong dispassion (vairägya). strong dispassion (vairägya).

But the Path of Devotion (bhakti-yoga) is unique. Çré Kåñëa assures us But the Path of Devotion (bhakti-yoga) is unique. Çré Kåñëa assures us that even the most unqualified or spiritually underprivileged too can walk that even the most unqualified or spiritually underprivileged too can walk the Path of Devotion and attain Him (9.32).the Path of Devotion and attain Him (9.32).2828 Devotion is supreme Love. Devotion is supreme Love. Even infants, the mentally challenged, animals and plants understand the Even infants, the mentally challenged, animals and plants understand the language of love. We all have an infinite potential of love and an available language of love. We all have an infinite potential of love and an available capital of it. Anyone who invests this love in God gains supreme love and capital of it. Anyone who invests this love in God gains supreme love and becomes one with Him. The becomes one with Him. The RämäyaëaRämäyaëa and the and the BhägavatamBhägavatam abound with abound with stories of ordinary people and even animals and birds gaining the Supreme. stories of ordinary people and even animals and birds gaining the Supreme. Kevaöa was a simple boatman, Çabaré a tribal woman, and Jaöäyu a vulture. Kevaöa was a simple boatman, Çabaré a tribal woman, and Jaöäyu a vulture. The Gopés were uneducated village girls, Käliya a poisonous serpent, while The Gopés were uneducated village girls, Käliya a poisonous serpent, while Yamala and Arjuna were trees. They were all liberated by the Lord.Yamala and Arjuna were trees. They were all liberated by the Lord.

It should not be understood that only the unfit and underprivileged walk It should not be understood that only the unfit and underprivileged walk the Path of Devotion. Great sages, scholars, siddhas, and yogés too have taken the Path of Devotion. Great sages, scholars, siddhas, and yogés too have taken to this path and attained the Supreme. The Path of Devotion is indeed an to this path and attained the Supreme. The Path of Devotion is indeed an enchanting highway.enchanting highway.

9.16.19.16.1 Resolving Confusion Resolving ConfusionGétäGétä mentions women, vaiçyas, and çüdras and associates them with the word mentions women, vaiçyas, and çüdras and associates them with the word ‘päpayonayaù’ – ’those born of sinful wombs’, and brähmaëa and kñatriya ‘päpayonayaù’ – ’those born of sinful wombs’, and brähmaëa and kñatriya with the word puëyäù – ‘meritorious births’. Misunderstanding this is likely with the word puëyäù – ‘meritorious births’. Misunderstanding this is likely to cause adverse reactions.to cause adverse reactions.

Päpa or sin is that which prevents us from knowing the Truth and puëya Päpa or sin is that which prevents us from knowing the Truth and puëya or merit is that which helps us to know the Truth. Animals are referred to or merit is that which helps us to know the Truth. Animals are referred to as ‘päpayonayaù’ as they cannot learn, study, understand, or progress. As as ‘päpayonayaù’ as they cannot learn, study, understand, or progress. As

28. ma< ih pawR VypaiïTy ye=ip Syu> papyaeny>, iôyae vEZyaStwa zUÔaSte=ip yaiNt pra< gitm!. mäà hi pärtha vyapäçritya ye’pi syuù päpayonayaù, striyo vaiçyästathä çüdräste’pi yänti paräà

gatim. (9.32)


14

already explained earlier (ref. Lesson 7, already explained earlier (ref. Lesson 7, The Caste SystemThe Caste System) the caste (varëa) ) the caste (varëa) of a person was based on his mental makeup (guëas) and profession and of a person was based on his mental makeup (guëas) and profession and not his birth. Certain mental qualities are definitely disadvantages and some not his birth. Certain mental qualities are definitely disadvantages and some advantageous for gaining the Truth. Womanly qualities like attachment, advantageous for gaining the Truth. Womanly qualities like attachment, dependency, and emotional nature; vaiçya qualities of manipulating, dependency, and emotional nature; vaiçya qualities of manipulating, calculating, and profit-making; and çüdra characteristics of herd-mentality, calculating, and profit-making; and çüdra characteristics of herd-mentality, dullness, and lethargy are disadvantageous for gaining knowledge. Qualities dullness, and lethargy are disadvantageous for gaining knowledge. Qualities of brähmaëa and kñatriya like brightness, subtle thinking, peace, dynamism, of brähmaëa and kñatriya like brightness, subtle thinking, peace, dynamism, and daring are advantageous for knowing the Truth. However, irrespective and daring are advantageous for knowing the Truth. However, irrespective of any advantage or disadvantage, all can love God and attain Him and of any advantage or disadvantage, all can love God and attain Him and therefore Çré Kåñëa urges us to seek, know, and love God. therefore Çré Kåñëa urges us to seek, know, and love God.

MantraMantraAinTyms uo< la ekimm< àaPy ÉjSv mam !,AinTyms uo< la ekimm< àaPy ÉjSv mam !,

anityamasukhaà lokamimaà präpya bhajasva mäm. anityamasukhaà lokamimaà präpya bhajasva mäm. (9.33) (9.33) Having come to this world, which is impermanent and without joy, Having come to this world, which is impermanent and without joy,

seek, love, worship, and know Me. seek, love, worship, and know Me.

‘One who ignores the Eternal and runs after the impermanent, does not enjoy ‘One who ignores the Eternal and runs after the impermanent, does not enjoy the impermanent as it gets destroyed anyway and also loses the Eternal too!’the impermanent as it gets destroyed anyway and also loses the Eternal too!’29 29

He is left empty-handed. He is left empty-handed.

9.17 9.17 Management Tips from Gétä Management Tips from Gétä (9.34)(9.34)3030

Success in any endeavour is guaranteed when you think about it (tan-mana), Success in any endeavour is guaranteed when you think about it (tan-mana), put your heart into it (tad-bhakta), consider achieving it greater than anything put your heart into it (tad-bhakta), consider achieving it greater than anything

29. yae Øuvai[ pirTyJy AØuv< pirsevte, Øuvai[ tSy nZyiNt AØuv< nòmev c. yo dhruväëi parityajya adhruvaà parisevate, dhruväëi tasya naçyanti adhruvaà nañöameva ca.30. mNmna Év mÑKtae m*ajI ma< nmSk…é, mamevE:yis yuKTvEvmaTman< mTpray[>. manmanä bhava madbhakto madyäjé mäà namaskuru, mämevaiñyasi yuktvaivamätmänaà

matparäyaëaù. (9.34)

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Lesson 16

else (tat-paräyaëa), are ready to put all efforts to achieve it (tad-yäjé), and else (tat-paräyaëa), are ready to put all efforts to achieve it (tad-yäjé), and dedicate all you have with humility towards achieving it (tan-namas-kuru).dedicate all you have with humility towards achieving it (tan-namas-kuru).

9.189.18 Çré Kåñëa’s Concluding Assurance Çré Kåñëa’s Concluding AssuranceÇré Kåñëa has assured us that He shall take care of our needs; that He is easy Çré Kåñëa has assured us that He shall take care of our needs; that He is easy to please and worship, that He is impartial and accepts all and that all are to please and worship, that He is impartial and accepts all and that all are qualified to attain Him. So what should we do? Çré Kåñëa assures us thus: If qualified to attain Him. So what should we do? Çré Kåñëa assures us thus: If you think of Me (man-mana), put your heart in Me (mad-bhakta), consider you think of Me (man-mana), put your heart in Me (mad-bhakta), consider nothing else to be greater than Me (mat-paräyaëa), are ready to do anything nothing else to be greater than Me (mat-paräyaëa), are ready to do anything for Me (mad-yäjé), and dedicate all to Me (for Me (mad-yäjé), and dedicate all to Me (mämäà namaskuru namaskuru), then you shall ), then you shall doubtlessly attain Me – the infinite supreme God (doubtlessly attain Me – the infinite supreme God (mäm eva emäm eva eññyasi asaàçayaùyasi asaàçayaù).).

Chapter 9, Räja-vidyä-räja-guhya-yogChapter 9, Räja-vidyä-räja-guhya-yogaa

This chapter continues with the theme of the seventh chapter – knowledge This chapter continues with the theme of the seventh chapter – knowledge (jïäna) and wisdom (vijïäna) about God and His Creation. Çré Kåñëa praises (jïäna) and wisdom (vijïäna) about God and His Creation. Çré Kåñëa praises this knowledge as the king of all knowledges and the highest secret and hence this knowledge as the king of all knowledges and the highest secret and hence the name of the chapter. This chapter talks about the special relationless-the name of the chapter. This chapter talks about the special relationless-relationship between God and His creation and how He creates the world. relationship between God and His creation and how He creates the world. It also talks about the wasteful life one leads when away from God, the finite It also talks about the wasteful life one leads when away from God, the finite results one gets from worshipping finite power centres and the great loss in results one gets from worshipping finite power centres and the great loss in considering the Infinite to be finite and ignoring the Infinite.considering the Infinite to be finite and ignoring the Infinite.

The chapter explains in the language of devotion how God being all takes The chapter explains in the language of devotion how God being all takes various roles in our life, takes care of all our needs, is easy to please and various roles in our life, takes care of all our needs, is easy to please and worship, is impartial, and how He accepts all. Çré Kåñëa finally assures us worship, is impartial, and how He accepts all. Çré Kåñëa finally assures us again that those who turn to Him in love will surely attain Him.again that those who turn to Him in love will surely attain Him.

© Chinmaya International Foundation 2011

Questionnaire 16 (Covers Lesson 16, räjavidyä-räjaguhya-yoga, part ii)

Answer without referring to the lesson. All sections except Q VIII, Reflect, are to be answered at one stretch.

³

Duration: 3 Hours Marks: 100

I. State True or False. Marks 5 (5x1)1. One can stay eternally in heaven enjoying pleasures. 2. It is not work that tires us, but the burden of responsibility and the loads

of worries that we carry within us.3. God is partial to his devotees.4. Even the worst sinner can transform when he decides to do so.5. Only the unfit and underprivileged walk the Path of Devotion.

I. Fill in the Blanks. Marks 5 (5x1)1. The Lord promises to take care of our __________________, but not our

__________________.2. The important factor behind the worship is __________________3. The __________________ is always protected by the Lord.4. __________________ indeed is the result of worshipping the infinite Lord!

III. Match the Following. Marks 5 (5x1)1. Ananyatä - Subtler and higher forms of pleasures2. God - Can get easily offended and withdraw favour 3. Heaven - Sorrow ridden4. Finite deities - Bliss Absolute5. Earthly joys - Love without otherness, unwavering love

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Bhagavad-gétä Course

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IV. Answer in Brief (two-line answers). Marks 10 (5x2)1. One cannot be in heaven eternally. Why?2. What is God’s promise to those who dedicate their lives unto Him?3. What does a wet coin placed along with the cash or things offered as gift

(dakñiëä) to great men signify? 4. Differentiate yoga and kñema.5. What are the factors that guarantee success in any endeavour?

V. Write Short Notes (small paragraphs of 3-4 lines each). Marks 15 (5x3)1. Qualities disadvantageous for gaining knowledge2. Qualities advantageous for gaining knowledge3. Ananyatä of the Gopés of Vrindavan 4. No excuse for not worshipping the Lord5. Resolve to change for the better

VI. Write Short Answers (5-10 lines). Marks 30 (5x6)1. Why do people worship finite entities? What is the shortcoming of such

worship? 2. Justify how the Lord is impartial to all even though some people receive

His special blessings.3. How can even a sinner progress spiritually if he resolves to change for the

better? 4. Explain how the Path of Devotion is unique.5. What are the salient thoughts covered by Çré Kåñëa in Chapter 9?

VII. Answer in Detail. Marks 20 (2x10)1. Why is worry unnecessary? Explain how the Lord takes care of us.2. How does one worship the infinite Lord?

VIII. Reflect! Marks 10 (1x10)Tomorrow from the moment you wake up till the time you go for dinner, function merely as an instrument in the hands of the Lord, with no insistence

Questionnaire 16

on (1) the type of actions that reach you, and (2) the results of action that accrue. With these anxieties removed, your quality of execution of tasks undertaken will be better but this would just be a corollary. The chief gain will be in the state of your mind.

Send us a note on what was the state of your mind, as well as qualitative gains in your tasks. Now that you have seen the blessing that acting as an instrument in the hands of the Divine bestows, how do you propose to make this the all encompassing factor determining your way of life?

E Bhagavad Lesson 16

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Transcript of E Bhagavad Lesson 16