April 29, Vasishtha
Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 126, April 29
Sri Sadgurubhyo namaha
Om Santissantissantihi
Yesterday, we commenced the new topic of Sadhu Samagama. Today Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Jayanti celebrations are commencing. Swamiji said he will come to perform the abhishekam.
On such an auspicious occasion we are discussing the glory of Sadhu Sangama, the association of pious souls.
Prahlada is remembered on this occasion. Prahlada was completely denied of the company of good people. It was ordained by the king the no one in the kingdom should praise God. Everyone had to only praise the king, the demon Hiranyakashipu. When Prahlada began singing the names of God, he had no one to accompany him at first. He had no accompanying musicians. But when they heard Prahlada sing, the demon children, and even the demon teachers of Prahlada, Chandamarkas began following the example of the child. When Lord Narasimha asked Prahlada to name a wish, after Hiranyakashipu was killed, Prahlada prayed to the Lord to give him the company of holy persons at all times, and the ability to wipe the tears of those in distress.
We must help the people in Nepal. They are all going through a great ordeal. We must render whatever help we are able to offer. At can at least send clothes, food, other needed supplies, or money. They are suffering a great deal living in tents, having lost all possessions.
"I want nothing. O Lord, You are the form of Time. In that fierce form, you consume everything." 10 kilometer wide gaps have occurred due to the earthquake. Our strength is negligible in the face of such force and power.
It is Ekadasi today. Let us pray that we are ever blessed with the association of noble souls.
Satsangatve nissangatvam - (a verse from the Bhaja Govinda Stotram).
It is difficult to give up attachments. By the influence of pious company, we develop detachment. Our delusion vanishes. Then the mind becomes steady and calm. Once such calmness is attained, Liberation is experienced. The first step is to seek the company of saints. Sri Adi Sankara sings this stotram.
Swamiji's bhajan, Datta nama sukha dayi bhajare mana also describes a similar sentiment.
In that song he mentions that one should be amongst good people and sing the glories of God. We frequently go on pilgrimages and we have darshan of Sadguru to maintain our peace of mind. The holy company will remind us to remain tranquil at all times.
The word 'Santa' used in North India contains 3 syllable. Sa for sarala for a gentle nature, namrata for humility, and tyaga buddhi, the inclination to sacrifice self-interest.
These three qualities we gain by keeping the company of holy persons. Every day keep the company of the enlightened. If physically you cannot be near a holy person, mentally do so. Do japa, chants, contemplation, worship, reading scriptures, and meditation. Remain in the company of the liberated souls.
First time Sri Krishna arrived in Mathura, he entered the city appearing regal. In the 10th Skandha of Bhagavatam this scene is described. A few persons recognized the greatness of Krishna and readily offered him their services. One of them was a garland-maker. He offered to Krishna lots of garlands to decorate him. Krishna decked himself with those, including the Vyjayanti Mala. Krishna offered him a boon. The garland-maker requested:
nī pādakamala sēvayu nī pādārcakulatōḍi neyyamunu
nitāntāpāra bhūtadayayunu tāpasamandāra nāku dayasēyagadē
(a poem from Telugu Bhagavatam translated by Potana)
I pray for the worship of your lotus feet, I seek the friendship, not enmity of your devotees, I pray for immeasurable compassion towards all beings.
Tapasa mandara, like a fragrant flower God grants all auspicious things to those who perform penance and lead pious and noble lives. Remember this poem. Memorize it if you can. It is an easy, short, poem in Telugu. Satsanga's power is condensed in this. Such an ordinary and humble person on the streets of Mathura attained Liberation by this prayer offered to Krishna, the youth.
This should be our prayer every day. Whenever you have darshan of Sadguru, make an imprint in your heart of his divine feet. Keep remembering that vision. It is highly beneficial.
When such a prayer was offered, Krishna assured the garland-maker of Liberation.
Reading good scriptures is Satsang. Chanting God's names, and thinking good thoughts is also Satsang.
Yesterday we learned a few things. Today we continue to learn more.
viveka ..
The great light called discretion will begin to glow in your heart by the grace of the company of Sadguru. Its light is bright and pleasing. There will be no anxiety that the light will go out, or that the flame will cause any hazard. When we wish that a tree should flower and yield fruits, we water the tree. Similarly, to earn discretion, we must first begin our friendship with wise persons.
Sadhu Sangama is a vibhooti. The word Vibhooti here does not mean ash. It means, all the riches and treasures in life. All good things. Vibhooti, kunkuma, sandal paste, these are all auspicious substances. They grant good things.
The comfort gained by the company of good souls never diminishes and never leads to any pain or danger. This is unblemished comfort. it is not temporary. It does not come and go.
Many Bhajan groups get together and perform bhajans at people's homes if requested. There are many Datta devotees who perform Kakada Harati at home, if not daily, at least, once a week. When Satsang is conducted, Sadguru will be present there in his subtle form. Satsang guides one to follow the good path in life.
yasnaata ..
Many people regret that they were unable to achieve so many things in their lives. Such regrets are unnecessary. Once a person bathes in the cool waters of Satsang, all mental disturbances and contaminations will get washed away.
Those who succeed in having constant Satsang, Vasishtha says, do not need to go on pilgrimages, engage in charities, or do penance and austerities. Is this true? Can Satsang alone replace all of these?
When you go to Sadguru, He will make you do charity, pilgrimage, penance, austerity, and yajnas and yagas. When you associate with Sadguru, all the above meritorious deeds will automatically be done by you by the instigation of Sadguru.
verse
Among Sadhus, there are different levels. There are different gradations. There are those who have completely given up 'like and dislike', Ragadveshas. There are those who have no doubts disturbing their minds, who are totally enlightened, and whose minds are absolutely clear. There are also those who are still traveling the path and still have doubts. The latter are still on the journey and have not yet reached their destination.
The knots in the systems are unraveled by Yoga. The Lalita Sahasranama mentions the Vishnu granthi, Brahma granthi, and Rudra granthi. She is the vibhedinee - she clears the knots by unraveling them.
A book is called Grantha, a collection of granthis.
When there are knots obstructing the flow of energy in the body, Pranayama releases those valves so that the energy flow will be free and unobstructed. Performance of Datta Kriya Yoga will clear all the obstructions in the body and mind.
Granthi means doubts and suspicions. The rust in the wheels will be removed and then the rotation of the wheel will be smooth. When a door squeaks, you apply grease to make the movement of the hinges smooth.
Sadhus who are totally enlightened, will help us to remove the knots. Sri Guru Gita says that wherever Guru's feet are placed, all such places are the greatest and the holiest centers of pilgrimage.
Such greatness is that of Sadguru.
vishranti..
Darshana, sparshana, sambhashana -- seeing, touching, and conversing - are the three ways by which Sadguru protects.
Meenakshi, with her eyes, like the mother fish, guides and protects her young. Sadguru with his glances protects us. We destroy our sins and troubles by looking at Sadguru.
Unless we try, we cannot gain certain things. Some things come to us without any effort on our part. A rich man may not realize the value of money. A poor man knows the value of every single rupee. He works hard to earn and preserve every penny and utilize it with care.
We must deliberately seek the company of Sadguru. We must make every effort to have their darshan.
Whosever engages in Satsang, has a serene mind. His intellect shines like Goddess Lakshmi, who is surrounded by her Apsara companions. When we are there in that divine presence of the Goddess, we will only look at the Goddess. Only if we are fools, we will look at the attendants, and not at the Goddess.
A lotus emerges out of mud and slush. Our attention is drawn by the beautiful lotus, even if the surroundings are stinking. Even if you are in the midst of thorny bushes, you will be free from all troubles if you remain in good company.
Mother Lakshmi is always in the company of Lord Vishnu. Her beauty is indescribable. Even Rukmini's beauty is such.
verse
Sadhu Samagama is unequalled in its merit. Today, on Ekadasi, Lakshmi Nrsimha Jayanti celebrations are commencing. We are very fortunate. Please chant the Hanuman Chalisa and the mantra given to you by your Guru.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi