Shri Hari ॥ - Swami Web viewIf the repeating stops then say “Ram Ram Ram see Maharaj! ......

O’ Lord ! O’ My Lord ! May I never forget You !

॥ Shri Hari ॥

Taking Refuge in the Lord (Sharanagati)

Tvameva Maata Cha Pita TvamevaTvameva Bandhusha Sakhaa TvamevaTvameva Vidyaa Dravinam Tvameva Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva

Swami Ramsukhdas

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Taking Refuge in the Lord (Sharanagati)

Man’s main duty is to attain Salvation. The meaning of salvation is - on attaining that joyful state, even if the most exhilarating of all pleasures comes, then too, there is nothing at all lacking in that “bliss,” nor even a tint of sorrow remains. It is said in Gitaji for those who have attained salvation, those who have realized God that -

Sargepi nopajaayante parlaya na vyathanti cha (Gita 14/2)

They are not born again at the time of a new creation, nor do they suffer, at the time of final dissolution.

One attains such joy, where there is not a trace of sorrow.

What is an easy way to attain this quintessence (tattva)? Gentlemen! Pay great attention to the explanation. The key is - “Take refuge at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.”

You and me know very well that taking the support of the thing that is formed which is later destroyed is simply a deception. Whether that support is of a person, money, land, or special circumstance, it is all entirely a deception. Taking the support of things that are bound to perish is a very grave mistake. Serve the people, be of aid, utilize the objects properly, but do not depend on them. Do not take their support. Take support of only that imperishable Essence; and that imperishable spirit is that One and Only Paramatma (God). Therefore take refuge in Him alone.




Whether you believe in God with attributes, or without attributes, with form, or formless. Vishnu (Ram, Krishna), Shankar, Sun (Surya), Ganesh, and Shakti - these are all forms of Paramatma. Of these forms accept any one form. Whatever characteristic, appearance, nature (Swaroop) is dear to you, take refuge in that.

In Srimad Bhagwat “Gajendramoksh” Gajendra, did not pray by meditating on any particular form. While praying all he said was “Please protect me, whoever is Ishvar (Lord).” He did not meditate on a particular deity. “Whoever is the One master of all, I take refuge in that One.”

That is it! Immediately Gajendra was protected. Therefore at all times keep the backing of the Lord, and whatever name of the Lord you believe is most dear, chant that name. While walking-roaming, standing-sitting, sleeping-waking, eating-drinking at all times while doing any work do not leave the name of the Lord. That Lord and that Name is our true companion, no one else is your companion. However much money you earn, it will not accompany you.

Arab kharab lou dravya hai udai ast lou raj |Tulasi jo nij maran hai to aave kehi kaaj ||

Even if you have billions and trillions in possession, such as the kingdom where the sun rises and sets, in other words, your kingdom extends the far corners from where the sun rises to where it sets, but when death arrives, then what use will that wealth and that kingdom. be That is to say, that it will be of no use whatsoever. At that time only Paramatma (God) Who remains forever, will be of aid.




It is only due to God’s power that this entire world is functioning, therefore at the essence of everything is God (Divine Spirit, Supreme Consciousness). Take refuge in That. This is the only means of shelter. Kabirji said -

Chalti chakki dekhker diya kabeeraa roye | Do paatan beech aayeke saabat bachaa na

koye || When the mill stone grinds, the grains that

come in-between the two stones are all crushed and ground into pieces; but any grains (devotees of God), that stays close to the centre pole (God), are saved from being crushed and ground-up. Similarly, any man that takes the support of God who is the support of this entire universe, is saved from the worldly grinding mill (cycle) of this world. Therefore you all take shelter in God.

“O’ Lord! I am at Your refuge! Where are You? How are You? - this You only know; I am only in Your protection.” It is not so essential to know the form and Essences (swaroop) of God, as it is to take shelter in Him. There are many differences of opinion on the subject of form and essential properties of God. Some say God is with attributes, others say He is without attributes, some say with form, others without form, some say God is dualistic, some non-dualistic (advait), like that there are many different belief systems such as vishishthaadvait, dvaitadvit, shudhaadvait etc. We do not ever want to get caught up in all these differences of opinions. All these are a type of trap. We are simply surrendered to the Lord. However He may be and wherever He may be; our




submission and support is That One and Only. That much is sufficient for us –

Man by his conjecture knows Paramatma, but Paramatma (God) is even more extra-ordinary than what man knows of Him. If God is just as you have conjectured, then what remains to be known? If you know entirely then what more is left in your spiritual practice? Even those who know entirely and completely, they too do not know anything on the subject of Paramatma. He who is infinite, how can he be understood by one with limited intellect? Knowing something by the limited intellect, is only acquainting with his intellect; because on the subject of Paramatma, no one can know completely and totally. Accepting That Paramatma, “as-is” understood now, just “as-is” and taking shelter in Him is the best of all, and it is eternally essential, whereas, to “know” is not that essential. (to be continued)

One blind old man, placing his hand on his grandson’s shoulders goes regularly to Lord Shankar’s temple. One day a gentlemen asked him - “baba why do you come here?” He replied - “To behold God” “Baba, are you able to see with your eyes?” On asking so, he replied “No”. “If I cannot see then does Lord Shankar not have eyes? If the Lord looks at me, then my work is complete.”

Similarly if we do not know Paramatma (God), then does he not know us as well? Undoubtedly he know us. Therefore we have to take the shelter of God. Taking refuge is a very precious and invaluable spiritual discipline. Only those men can put this to use, those who do not




have pride of their knowledge and intellect and have faith in God. Man comes under the influence of pride of their knowledge and intellect and says that we will do so and so. Brothers, Do it and see for yourself.

Chaaro Ved dhandhorke ant kahoge Ram| So rajjab pahale kaho ete hi mein kaam ||

Gentlemen! In the end you will have to take refuge (sharan) in God, then the work will get done. Hence from now itself, take shelter of God. Seek, endeavour, apply your total intellect - there is no objection to doing all that. God says - Continually performing all actions, taking refuge in Me, by My grace, My devotee attains the Eternal Imperishable state, i.e. he attain Paramatma (God). (Gita 18/56). Those who having taken shelter in Me, striving for deliverance, are freed from old age and death. (Gita 7/29). Therefore it is best of all to take shelter of God. Goswamiji Tulasidasji Maharaj says –

Bigaree janam anek ki sudhare ab hi aaj | Hoi Ram ko naam jap Tulasi taji kusamaaj ||

That wretched state of many life times can be improved right now, today itself ! Become Ram's and chant His name, and abandon bad company (company of unreal) once and for all.

Things have gone astray for many life times, not just few years. That pitiful state can be improved today it self. Not just today, right now! In fact, at this very moment it can be improved. What an easy and simple point he has revealed. Become Lord Ram’s and chant His name. That is




it ! I am Ramji’s, not just from today onwards, but from this very moment onwards. How is Ramji? Only Ramji knows. Now honour this point. Become determinate and firm on whatever points you know. But do not have pride of that knowledge. However much you already know, there will still be more things to know, because God cannot be encapsulated within the boundaries of the mind-intellect. Therefore best to believe and accept Him and to take refuge in Him. “O’ Lord ! I am under your protection.” - In this manner by taking the shelter of God, chant His name. Leave associations with the unreal (bad company). He who does not believe in God is an atheist. Association of such men is the main association with bad company (kusang). In fact, leaving God, and depending on any person, thing, object, incident, circumstance, and remembering them fondly is itself “kusang” (association with bad company, unreal). Therefore leave this bad company and call out - “He Naath! He Naath! I have taken your shelter.” Like this, take refuge in the Lord and continue to chant His Divine Name (naam japa).

Whatever talks have been understood well through satsang, of these, engage in those points that appear easiest of all for your spiritual development. Whatever practices are easy for your salvation in your view, imbibe those in your life. By taking on the easiest of points, that which appears to be difficult, will also become simple. You will begin to understand even those points that are not understood at this time. In all the spiritual




practices, the easiest of all is - repeating / chanting of the Lord’s Name (Naam Japa). Begin naam japa, from this moment onwards.

In all the four yugs and in all the four Vedas, there is great significance of the Divine Name. In Kaliyug the importance of “Naam Japa” is even greater. At present, there is no other means of one’s salvation like “naam japa”. The glories of the divine name has been spoken off in all the “yugs” and in all the scriptures, however, its glories are even more exceptional in Kaliyug. In Kaliyug there is no other means of sustenance. Just as the rain that falls at the most appropriate time, is capable of growing the crops. In spring, when it rains, the millets begin to sprout. But if it rains in the winter months, the millet does not grow. Like wise, the season for repeating the Lord’s Name is right now. In Kaliyug, glories of the Divine Name are extraordinary. No other means are as conducive as “naam japa”. In Kaliyug, for those reckless beings God has revealed “Naam japa”, a very easy spiritual discipline for His attainment. That fundament nature, that “essence” (divinity) that is possible in various other spiritual practices, can be attained simply by “Naam Japa”. This is such a easy and simple point. Therefore become engrossed in Naam Japa. At all times, while walking-roaming, standing-sitting do Naam japa. Keep saying in the mind - “O’ Lord ! May I never forget You! May I develop love for Your Lotus Feet. May You accept me, May I never forget You.” God never forsakes any being. Worst of worst sinners, the most evil of men, the lowest of lowly ones, the most foolish of all, he who is doomed from all angles, but when he says “He Naath! O’




Lord! I am Yours - he who has such acceptance, and submits to God, God never lets go of him. He has never given up on anyone. You must have heard that God takes those who take refuge in Him, in his shelter; however you have not heard off God abandoning anyone - because such a thing can never happen. He is eternally compassionate, therefore become His, and do Naam Japa. A devotee prays to the Lord –

The fruit of my birth is that only, the subject of my prayer is that only, I also believe that Your grace on me is that your servant, and his servant, and the servant of servants, similarly all in your lineage, however distant and down the chain he may be, presume that I am his servant. A devotee says that as such I am obviously yours only, but even from a lineage perspective if you accept that “You are Mine” then that is it, I will be ecstatic. But God without saying so, accepts the entire creation and undoubtedly he accepts and all beings as His very own. Of these, those who are inclined towards God and have turned to him, they are most loving to Him.

Samohum sarva bhooteshu, na mein dweshyosti na priyah |

Ye bhajanti tu maam bhaktyaa mayi te teshu chaapyaham ||

(Gita 9/29) Therefore turn to God. (to be continued) =============It is our nature to take refuge in God. Some

take the support of son and grandson, some are dependent on money, some are dependent on the rent from their houses and properties. Some say we will make an effort, earn and sustain, then they




are dependent on the strength of their arms and their abilities. They have held on to the support of something or the other in their mind. Sisters and mothers are holding on to the support of their husbands. It is my sincere prayer now, that please have mercy on me, only hold on to support of God. On turning away from God, you will have to take the support of the most worthless beings and things. It is a Marawadi saying - “Garaj gadhene bap kare” When the need arises, placing the weight on the donkey one says “Baapo! Baapo! Chaalo” O’ revered one, please walk”. When God is present, why must we concern ourselves and need the world? Do the work, serve, give them happiness, respect all, but within your heart depend on only God.

One day King Akbar in his courtroom in front of various poets asked a solution to his dilemma. He uttered the words “Kari hai aas Akbarki”; however, there was a saint who was also present, who said “jinke hariki parateeti nahin, so kari hai aas Akbarki”. He who is dependent on God, who has trust and faith in God, why should he have any hope and expectation of Akbar?

I have heard a story. It is about one time. King Akbar went to the forest to hunt. There were many men with him, but due to some act of fate, he was lost. He went ahead and saw a field. He went to the owner of the field and said - “Brother! I am extremely hungry and thirsty, please kindly give me some food and drink. I am from the king’s court.” The farmer said – “Ok, you are our landlord” and so saying, he fed him some food. He also gave him sugarcane juices from the sugarcane growing in the fields. He spread a bed for him to




rest. By these acts, the king was very pleased. He thought that he had never had a drink that was so delicious. Even the “roti” from the forest was very sweet and to top it all, he was very hungry,

When the king was ready to return back, then he said to the farmer - “if you ever need anything, come to Delhi, my name is Akbar. Ask anyone there for my name.” Then he said, “bring a pen and paper, I will write something down for you.” There was neither paper nor ink, nor pen on the farm. The farmer was not educated. He place a broken earthen pot in front of the king and brought a piece of coal. He wrote something inside the pot, and told the farmer, that “when you come to meet me, bring this pot with you.” For many years the pot lay in the corner.

One year when there was no rains and the crops did not grow, the times were very difficult. There was no food for himself and no fodder for the cows and buffaloes, nor any water. At that time, the farmer’s wife said - “that man who had come from the king’s court had given you a promise that if needed you can come to Delhi. Please go to him atleast.” On the wife’s repeated saying, he took the piece of the earthen pot and went to visit the king. He asked the people when he reached Delhi. Where is Akbar’s house? The moment people heard the name, they pointed him to the palace gates. He went there and once again asked, is this Akbar’s house?

The gatekeepers said - how do you speak like this? Talk properly. The farmer spoke straight-forwardly and showed the message written by Akbar. And said to go inside and tell Akbar, a man is here to see him.” The gatekeeper went inside




and said to Akbar, that a rural man, speaking in a uncivilized manner is here to see you. The man was escorted in. On seeing the king in an elevated seating, he said you are sitting very high up there. Akbar said you wait for sometime until I complete my prayers and then I will be there with you.

Now the farmer sees Akbar, spreading out a cloth and several times raising himself and then prostrating down. When Akbar completed his prayers, and joined the farmer, the farmer asked. “What is it that you were doing?” The king replied - Paravar digaarki bandage kar rahaa thaa.” I was worshipping the Supreme Being, the provider of all. The farmer replied - “I did not quite understand.” To this he replied - “That Lord that is present, i.e. I was acknowledging the presence of that Lord.” How many times do you do so? He said “Five times” “Why do you prostrate five times?” “I am acknowledging the presence of He who has given so much.” “I do not acknowledge His presence even one time, then too everything has been provided for, and He continues to give. You have to prostrate five times? Fine, Jai Ramji Ki, I am leaving now” So saying he began to leave, then Akbar asked, why had you come here? My wife had told me to go to Delhi, therefore I have come and after coming I saw that you prostrate five times before the Lord. Now if you are getting from Paramatma (Lord), then what can I take from you? Without doing anything, the Lord is providing, therefore, what should I ask of you?

The king said - “Brother, whatever it is that you want, you take” the farmer said – “No! that which you have received after so much effort, how




can I take it for free?” So saying, he returned home. Hi wife asked - “what happened” the Farmer said - “Remember our Lord, who is the Master of all! He alone gives to all. He is mine, his and everyone’s Master. He has no favouritism towards anyone. He is everyone’s but he is also ours. Now why to ask of the man in the kingdom, who himself is asking and begging from the Lord. Therefore have faith in God, chant His Name.”

Some thieves got together and went to steal. Outside was the farmer’s house, and the thieves hid there. Inside the house the husband and wife were talking to each other. The wife was telling the husband - “You went to Delhi, and did not bring anything” The farmer said - “Why to bring? I had nothing with me.” “You could have earned something? To this the husband said - “Now I will only take if God gives. I leave it all to God.” The wife said – “You have left it all to God, but atleast do some work.” The farmer said - money can be obtained even without working, but I do not take. If the Lord wishes, then while sitting at home, He will give.” In this manner the husband and wife were talking to each other. The farmer being most patient said to his wife. “Now the rain has also come, we will farm and everything will be alright. There is nothing to worry about. I am reliant on the Lord, I do not take from anyone. There are many ways for the Lord to give. He gives in abundance.

He said – “Listen! Let me tell you about today itself. I went to the bank of the river. The river was flooding and overflowing, and the water had covered the banks. I had gone to the wash my hands there, and I saw a pot. The sand had been lifted from over it. I opened the pot and saw that it




was filled with gold, silver and precious jewels. There was abundance of treasures. I thought that I do not want to take this. When the Lord Himself sends, then alone I will take. Who knows who it belongs to? Therefore I placed the lid back on the pot and returned home. The wife asked where exactly was this pot located? So the farmers gave all the pertinent details of its location, that there is a tree and it is right next to it.

The thieves heard their conversation. They thought this farmer is crazy to pass up such a golden opportunity. Let us all go there, as stealing else where increases the likelihood of being caught and they will now surely get this chest of treasures. They went to the place where the farmer had washed his hands and found the chest. The farmer had mistakenly left open by the lid of the chest. A snake has slithered and taken that spot. As the thieves opened the lid, the snake hissed at them. They quickly tightly shut the lid. Then they thought that may be the farmer had seen them and had said all of these things only to get them into trouble and be bitten by the snake and die. Who knows how may other snakes and scorpions are in this treasure chest. Let us drop off this chest at the farmer’s house, so the snakes and scorpions bite him instead.

They took the chest to the farmers house. The farmer and his wife were sleeping. The four thieves, poured the contents of the treasure chest into the farmer’s house through a chimney and then they all ran away. First the snake came down, and the treasures fell on top of him whereby the snake was crushed and killed. In this manner God gives abundantly. In the morning when the farmer




and his wife saw, there was a pile of treasures. Now who to ask for what? In what manner the Lord gives, one does not know at all. He who has faith in God, can never go empty handed. He can stay hungry, he can be without clothes, he can be dishonoured, however, he cannot feel sad within. He who has complete faith in the Lord, remains happy at all times, in every situation and circumstance.

Nowadays there is an ongoing complaint that the mind does not engage in God. In this the main point is that you do not connect the mind. If you are making an attempt to engage the mind and then too if the mind does not engage, then do not be concerned. Sitting down for even one hour to fix the mind on God with a true intent, with great caution and care, and continuing to connect the mind with God, then that time will not go waste. Because it is God’s nature that he who remembers God, (does bhajan), who aspires to engage the mind, then God accepts this as being in His presence.

Are you attempting to engage the mind on God or not? Then they say - “We chant the Name and in our eyes we are trying to engage the mind, but it does not stay engaged.” For this the solution is - When the mind does not stay connected with God, and it goes elsewhere, then at that very moment say to God - “See See my Lord! This mind is going towards useless things. It is remembering the world. It does not remain fixed in you.” Continue to say this, in this manner. Whatever resolves and alterations come, tell them to God. Maharaj! I remember this at this time. I am




chanting Your name, but such and such talks came to my mind. I forgot you at this time. Understand God to be there in front of you, and continue to express your situation to God. Just as a child continuously tells his mother and when the mother doesn’t listen then the child holds the mother’s “palla” (portion of sari) and says, listen to what I have to say. He even stops the mother from doing her work, and the mother has to listen. Mother says - “OK! Tell me what you have to say.” The child shares what he has to say – “I had gone there, and there I met this boy.” That is it, that is all the child had to share. This was surely not an important thing to share, however, it came in the mind, to tell this to his mother, so he caught hold of the mother’s sari and told her. In the same way, you too continue to keep telling God - “Maharaj! My mind does not remain fixed on you. See I am chanting Your name, but the mind does not stay fixed.” Whatever is your condition, just like it is, share it with God. A great task will be completed. This is not any ordinary work. Whether you believe it or not, you have enrolled in God’s court. You have developed faith and belief in God. You continue to repeat the Divine Name of God, by this a lot of work would get done. It is such a simple and straight forward spiritual discipline.Gentlemen! How much remembrance does a “Jeev” do in God’s court, is not tracked. “Sanmukh hoyi jeev mohi jabahin | Janam koti agh naasahin tabahin ||” Simply turn to God and say “He Naath! O” Lord! I wish to be in worship and remembrance (bhajan) of You; but this “bhajan” is not happening, the mind is not remaining concentrated, what should I do? Continue saying so, and do not stop




repeating the Lord’s name. If the repeating stops then say “Ram Ram Ram see Maharaj! Your name has also left me! Shower such grace on me that I never forget You.” If a mistake is made, then once again tell that to God. (to be continued)

God is even more compassionate then the mother. Your simple and straightforward talks are heard very easily by God. Mother pays attention and hears her innocent child with great reverence. So what if he is not learned, not wise, he does not have money and wealth? He simply believes in his mother. There is no greater discipline than this feeling of “mine-ness” (apnaapan). There is no qualification as great as that, there is no power as great as that, there is no entitlement as great as that. All others things follow suit. I am God’s and God is mine.

Question arises that on what basis should we accept so? God says - “All are dear to me, and all are generous.” “Jeev (being) is an eternal part of me alone.” (Gita 15/7). “All are equal to Me.” (Gita 9/29) Even trees and creepers come under the word “bhoot” All animals, birds, beast, human beings, come under this. God says - All are dear to me. “Vishwambharo devah” God is the provider of the entire world and regards everyone as His own. That Lord is mine, totally and entirely He is ours. No being in the world can belong to one person wholly and totally. Just as you cannot have total entitlement over your mother; because besides you even your father, your uncle, your sister and several others have rights over her. However, God can be everyone’s entirely and totally. Therefore establish your complete rights




over God. You all have mercy and accept this point. This is the truth. I have heard this from very good saints, and I have read in books. Saints have believed so. Those that have accepted this point, they have benefited immensely. On this subject, Goswamiji Maharaj gives his words and says -

Satya bachan aadheenataa par tiya maatu samaan |

Ete mein hari na mile to Tulasidas jamaan ||Here the sentiment of subordination and

dependency is there where the support is of only God’s Lotus feet. There is no hope, dependence, faith whatsoever on anyone else. There is only dependency on the One Lord. What is there to depend on that which all-in-all comes to an end, the moment the eyes are shut! “aas biswaas bharoso haro jeev jadataayi.” This is the main stupidity of a human being that leaving the reliance of God, it depends on the world. Therefore take the support of the lotus feet of the Lord –

Kaal bhajant aaj bhaj, aaj bhajantaa ab | Pal mein paralaya hoyagi, pher bhajego kab ||

One gentleman said – “due to the heavy rains many homes in Jaipur were swept away by the floods. There was not even a trace left of those homes” “Due to a mountain landslide, a nearby holy place close to Jaipur, was totally wiped out from the face of the earth.” Now think - what are you and me? One does not know that moment when we will be phased out! Therefore we must not delay even for a single moment. From this very moment say “He Naath! O’ Lord! I am Yours” - Accept this point




with a firm conviction. God has already accepted all beings as His very own. On accepting so, become free of all worries. Chintaa deendayaal ko, mo man sadaa anand | Jaayo so pratipaalihai, Raamdas Govind || He who has given birth, He alone has the responsibility of protecting and supporting. He knows and His work knows. We do not have the power to know to what extent He is doing that which is beneficial. Our intellect is not so subtle and so sharp, whereby we can understand God’s arrangements.

He who has taken the support of the Lord and who has taken refuge in God, they have benefited (attained salvation). There are so many tales of such devotees of the Lord that are in our holy texts. Why do you not take refuge in God. Take refuge and become free from all anxiety and care. Besides taking refuge in God, there is no other easy, simple-straight-forward path whatsoever. Therefore only take refuge in God, this is the “saar” essence.

Narayana ! Narayana !! Narayana !!! From "Kalyaankari Pravachan – Part 2" in

Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji

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Shri Hari ॥ - Swami Web viewIf the repeating stops then say “Ram Ram Ram see Maharaj! ......

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