Sri Swamiji in Gangapura, Kumbhabhishekam, Speech after first Kakadarati, 13 Feb 2011
Pujya Sri Swamiji's speech after first Kakadarati on Kumbhabhishekam day - 13th February 2011
(Given at the feet of 18 feet Datta statue atop the temple)
Emperor Kartaveeryarjuna served Lord Dattatreya for one thousand years very faithfully. Night and day he chanted this powerful mantra, Jaya Guru Datta Sri Guru Datta. He earned many wondrous boons from Datta. Finally who gave moksha to Kartaveeryarjuna? It was Datta. But he appeared in another form to punish him first and then to giveliberation after bestowing jnana. He came in the form of Parashurama, another divine incarnation. This was because Kartaveeryarjuna realized his mistake and prayed to Datta to punish him first and then to give him spiritual knowledge. When we all make mistakes either knowingly or unknowingly with less or more ego, we must acknowledge our mistakes. We must never deny our mistakes. We must never say that we did not commit the errors. We must learn from Kartaveeryarjuna to pray for punishment first and then for jnana, spiritual instruction. If we pray that our mistakes should be ignored, but still ask for spiritual instruction, then we will have trouble later. We would have to be born again to pay for our sins. Or the other option would be that the spiritual instruction would come in the form of continuous punishment.
Kartaveeryarjuna was an expert at asking for boons. He was so thorough in asking for so many things. He is a boon guru. After he received all the boons he also prayed to Datta, “Let no one else but me have the power to ask from you for boons the way I asked for them”. Pingala Naga and other disciples were present when this occurred. They asked, “Why is he asking like this Swami?” Datta explained that Kartaveeryarjuna has many devotees who are not mature enough to deal with such boons and hence he is trying to protect them. Datta asked Kartaveeryarjuna, “Who are your devotees?” Kartaveeryarjuna realized his mistake. He understood that he himself was still only a devotee of Datta. The king who was a treasure house of boons now said that he did not want any more boons. Datta explained to King Kartaveeryarjuna and to the other disciples, “After experience and jnana Kartaveeryarjuna is saying this. But with no experience at all with Datta, Vishnu Datta spoke the same words. When asked by Datta to express any wish, Vishnu Datta said he had no desires at all. When Datta insisted, he went home to ask his home minister, his wife to name a desire. He was so pure and innocent.” Pingala Naga and Kartaveeryarjuna begged Datta to give them the type of devotion that Vishnu Datta had. You should not go crying to Datta with your troubles, begging for boons. You should not even tell him that you are fed up with life and want to simply merge into him. You should be determined and brave to face your experiences, good or bad. This birth is a gift. It is not meant to escape from or to commit suicide. Just like night and day, joy and sorrow come and go. We have not endowed this body of ours with life. We have no right to take it away. We are puppets. But still, we remain firm and face all our troubles, placing complete faith in Datta. We should emerge victorious.
Tomorrow is Bhishma Ekadasi. We will worship Lord Viswaroopa Datta at sunrise, exactly at 6:45 AM when the golden red rays of the rising sun decorate his sacred feet like “Paaraani”. That is the reason that this idol is placed at this particular spot. The devotees who witness this puja will attain Jeevanmukti and Jnana. All theirs troubles will vanish. You should leave everything to Datta’s Will. Have no desires. Once you begin entertaining desires, the list will keep growing. Be firm with yourself that you will have no desires either now or even in your next birth. Do not keep thinking of asking for new things.
Sri Datta Darshanam, the story of Datta is available in all Indian languages and also in Russian, German and many other foreign languages. Everyone must read it. Not once, but over and over again. If you are unable to read it either because of eye problems or illiteracy, then request your children or grandchildren to read it to you. Now there are audio books of Datta Darshanam available. You just turn on the CD and listen while you travel by car or train, or at home before you go to sleep. Listen to it again and again, continuously. Each time you read it or listen to it, you will find new truths and new insights emerging. It is an inexhaustible treasure. It gives you Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Drink it.
Jaya Guru Datta Sri Guru Datta”
*********