'Ramayana'

 'Ramayana' is one of the eighteen classic epics attributed to Sage Vedavyasa. It may be treated as a mythologic study, or an ancient historic event of Ayodhya King Dasharatha. It is dated back to just 3599 years said to be of Treta Yuga! We do not have a clear-cut idea about these yugas since the present Kaliyuga itself is said to be of 432 000 years duration! We have a Gregorian Calendar, a Hindu Panchanga (Almanac), and many others, that speak a different story.

  Today, we are celebrating Ramanavami on March 30, 2023. This day is celebrated as the Birth Day of Shree Ram. We also celebrate another day during Dussehra as 'Vijaya Dashami' when Shree Ram returned victorious in the Battle against Ravana, King of Lanka. The epic story of Ramayana is traced to Sri Narada Muni, followed by Valmiki Rishi. Almost 300 versions of Ramayana are there, spread over almost all of South and South-east Asia, particularly Thailand, and even Egypt, as some authors believe! The 'Rama-Rajya' extended far and wide at a time when there were no other Kingdoms, There were no other religious sects beside the Hindus, and this continued into the next Dvapara yuga. The devotees of Shree Krishna were known as the 'Bhagavat'. 

  Today we find many a different religious faction due to historical and geographical factors. Some followed the preaching or what is believed to be the 'Words of God' and, some followers believed in the 'Messengers of God. There is nothing wrong in all these, unless these lead to factions creating ill-will, strife and fighting.  All religious faiths should follow the central theme of universal brotherhood and peace as enshrined in 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' (All people of the World as one family), and 'Let there be Peace', Shntih. 

 The Hindus worship almost 33, 333,00 00 Gods and Goddesses. The Hindus worship plants, animals, birds, monkeys and elderly people as Gods. Divinity is inherent in all, since all creation is the manifest aspect of God. Some sects treat spiritual leaders and attained souls, as 'avatars' or incarnations. 'The King is God' is ancient concept. The descendants of Sri Ram are still there and the King of Thailand is carrying the same name 'Ram'.

  There are beautiful accounts of Shree Ramachandra's life in Ramayana written by Kalidasa, Valmiki, Tulsidas, and many others. In some of these accounts, the authors have portrayed the Queen Kaikeyi as jealous and the cause for Rama's exile in forests for 12 +1 years! But, it should be remembered that Kaikeyi was very fond of the 'First-born' beautiful child Rama and took special care of him. It is common knowledge that children spend much time with their aunts when their mother is busy in household. Kaikeyi was very fond of Ramachandra and wanted him to be properly taken care of and trained for a just and able ruler of the Kingdom. She wanted him to travel far and wide in the kingdom and study the problems. In fact, Sage Vashishta also taught vairagya (Renunciation) that is much desired for a good King who should rule without fear or favor. 

  The City of Ayodhya where Ramachandra was born is now being renovated and will be ready by this year-end. Ayodhya city on the bank of R. Sarayu is a beautiful historic place and the deities- Sri Ram-Sita are being sculpted afresh now. Nepal has sent Shalagram, Basalt (Black Stone) for this purpose. The new Temple is designed after the original plan.. Archeological studies are still going on to collect details about the proof, like the Ram Setu, a bridge connecting Sri Lanka with the Mainland Bharat. Today, the sea level has risen and it is a fact that changes of sea level do take place over thousands of years. There was a time when sea level was very low and people could easily walk over from Asia to Australia. The Kangaroo that carries its baby in its pouch is an example, These flourished in Australia (that became an Island due to rise in sea level), but perished in Asia (due to physical restraints). Climate changes over long periods of thousands of years and bring enormous change in the ecosystem and biotic life. These are subject matters of ancient geography and history.

 There is no doubt as to the exact the birth-place of Shree Ram, or the antecedents of Sri Ram that is traced to the Ikshvaku Dynasty, the worshipers of Sun-God, Vivasvan. The epic Ramayana attributed to Sage Narada, Vedavyasa, Kalidasa and Valmiki are all very interesting. There are geographical descriptions in these texts. Many beautiful accounts of the story of Sri Rama, Defied, an avatar of Vishnu, are there. Tulsidasa's Ramacharita Manasa is very popular. Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha, and Ramayana of Kamban, also R K Narayan's version as well as K.V. Puttappa's Ramayana Darshanam are all beautiful versions. The list of authors who wrote their own versions of Ramayana are almost 300 according to an estimate.

  Prince Ramachandra son of King Dasharatha is from Ayodhya. Devi Sita is said to be daughter of King of Koppal, near Hospet (Karnataka), and Hanuman is also from Anjanadri near Koppal, later on adopted by King Janaka of Nepal. So both Devi Sita and Anjaneya are from Hosapete, Karnataka. Anjanadri, Pampa Sarovar, near Hampi and Koppal are famous mythological places. Koppal has a long history that needs an in-depth study and nothing much is known, as yet. Thus, Ramayana takes us on a long journey from Ayodhya to Nepal and then to Sri Lanka via Karnataka. 

 According to Adhyatma Ramayana, everything is Self, the Soul (Atman). Ra is Atman and Ma is the Mother Earth (the body fed by food obtained from earth!). Anjaneya is the Deity of Life-Force (Prana Deva). Lakshmana is the nervous system that supports the body. So everything is our own story, Ramayana. 

  In fact, Sita, is represented by the three antah-karanas (inner instruments)- the Mind, Intellect and ego (Manas, Buddhi and ahankara). Prajnya (Consciousness) is carried away by the viscious mind (vikshipta manah). 

  As the story of Ramayana goes, King Dasharatha was worried about the future of the kingdom without a legal heir. There came a saint at the palace and offered him a fruit and asked him to share it with his Wives. However, the saint also told the King that the first son is an incarnation (avatar purusha) of Vishnu. According to another story, King Dasharatha performed a sacrificial ritual (yajnya) and got the blessings of the Devatas. Ramachandra was born to Queen Kaushalya, Lakshmana and Shatrughna are born to Queen Sumitra. Bharata was born to Kaikeyi, Shree Rama is said to be born under Karkataka Rashi (Capricorn Constellation), Punarvasu nakshatra, caturtha charana (last quarter), to be precise, at 12.30 pm on January 19, 5114 BCE. 

  As regards, introduction of Anjaneys (Hanuman) into Ramayana, there is a story that Shiva came in disguise with a monkey and was playing some tricks in front of the Child Ramachandra. The child wanted that monkey and Shiva promised that He would send the monkey to help him later in a time of his distress. Thus, Hanuman was introduced to Ramachandra very early in his childhood. 

 Prince Ramachandra along with his brothers was taught by Great Sages Vashishta and Vishvamitra. Sage Vashishta teaches him the need for renunciation for a king in order to be selfless, deliver equity and justice, to protect the pious, weak and infirm and rule the country without fear or favor. Shree Ramachandra became very popular as a noble king and was known far and wide. Later, Shree Ramachandra came to be known as God, 'Defied', during his lifetime for his kindness, just and fair rule. 

  There is a well-known adage, "God created man and, Man created Gods". The very concept of 'God' is something that needs a very careful study and understanding. Each one of us may have our individual opinion about God based on our faith and belief system. For some, God may personally appear and talk, whereas for some, God sends a Messenger! In fact, the idol of different Gods are carved or chiseled by sculptors depending on the images they visualized in their dreams, like Jakkanachari. Beautiful idols of Channakeshava at Belur, Sharadamba at Sringeri, Narasimha Swamy, Yoga Narayana and Suryadeva and Lakshmi devi in Halasi, near Belagavi, are good examples. The famous statue of Mahavira, Gautama Buddha, Veera Narayana (Gadag) are all beautiful artifacts, The list is endless since we find temples of Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, Lakshmi, and other Gods and Goddesses in every village and town of India.

  For most of us, every jiva is a manifest form of God and one has to live and work to manifest it! The Hindus believe in Gods as the savior and this firm faith in the Gods save them. Faith is life and life depends on firm faith and trust in God. The other factors that govern our life (as we believe?) are: 1. Luck; 2. Karma (prarabhda, sanchita and agami), the carryover of the fruits of good deeds (purva punya) or bad deeds (Karmaphala) ; and, 3. Blessings of the elders, teachers and parents (Ashirvada). Divine Grace (Daiva anugraha) is very important for a happy, joyful life, but it is the prerogative of the Gods to bless us with that!

Incarnation

 "I Am God", "I Am That" or aham brahasmi | etc are the utterances of some of the great spiritually attained persons. The famous Vedic doctrines enunciated in the Purusha sukta, Devi Sukta, Shree Sukta, etc. are to be clearly understood.

 There is a belief that God can appear on earth in any form 'He likes' or 'He Wills'. The common understanding is that everything we find here is a manifest aspect of the supreme Lord. The Veda affirms that "Having Created, He entered into it"! tad srushtva tadevaanupravishat! The Hindu belief system is that divinity is an inherent aspect of all that is created. Every jiva is divine in this sense of the term. We have seen how trees, birds, and animals are worshiped as Gods. Some of these are so blessed that they serve the God in various ways. The rat is the carrier (vahana) of Ganapati, Lord of Ganas (elements), so also, the peacock carrier of Devi Sharada. Lord Vishnu has the Garuda and Devi Chamundeshwari has the Lion as vehicles, respectively. We worship the peepul tress, Tulsi plant, etc. Lord Rama or Krishna are worshiped as Gods incarnate. There is an adhyatmic version where Shree Rama is stated to be the soul (Atman), Devi Sita is Bhu, earth (food that supports physical body), Lakshmana is the nervous system supporting the body and finally Hanuman is Prana Deva, the Deity of the Vital airs (Prana). Thus all are vested in our own self. 

  The Hindu sanatana dharma has the universal doctrines. One has to respect all creatures without discrimination as the manifest forms of the supreme Lord Vishnu. The word 'Vishnu' means, "That which pervades", and that is pure consciousness. All living creatures are endowed with consciousness. The vital airs (pancha prana), the prajnya (Consciousness), and the soul (Atman) are divine aspects beyond our control. Hence there is a great need for realizing the divine manifestations in all that exist and show respect and regard to each and every creature without any sort of discrimination. It is an insult to God to demean, defame, look down, or condemn others! 

Dharma

 यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लनिर्भवति भरत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानम् स्रुजाम्यहम् ॥परित्राणाय साधूनाम् विनाशाय च दुश्कुताम्। धर्म संस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥

^{yadA yadA hi dharmasya glanirbhavati Bharata | abhyutthAnamadharmasya tadAtmAnam sRujAmyaham  || paritrANAya sAdhoonAm vinAshAya ca dushkutAm | dharma samsthApanArthAya saMbhavAmi yugE yugE || (Ch.4 verses 7-8)}

^{Meaning, “Whenever there is a decline in dharma in the land of Bharata I, Lord Vishnu, the Protector, shall appear (reincarnate) by my yogamaya to put down the unrighteous, protect the sadhu and saints and re-establish the practice of dharma. Also, I shall protect all those who abide by dharma. yOgakShEmam vahamyaham | Ch.9. Verse 22). Also, see verses 14 1nd 15 of Ch..8 where the Lord says,}

 ^{“O Son of Prutha, to that yogi of constant concentration and single-minded attention (contemplation) who remembers Me uninterruptedly and for long, for whole life, I am easily attainable. As a result of reaching Me, the exalted ones who have attained the highest perfection (purity) do not take birth on this earth which is an abode of sorrows, impermanent, as well as a death-knell (mrutyu loka) Everything is subject to limitations of time (niyati) and deteriorates and decays over time here! a}

  ^{This avatar, reincarnation of the Lord, again and again is an interesting aspect of study and needs a deeper contemplation. In fact, the Lord will not suddenly appear from nowhere! He is already here and one can easily witness His presence amidst us as a divine soul working for the upliftment of the ignorant, deprived and suffering ones. There are innumerable examples of how even a plant, bird, animal can reach up to the highest level of divine state and get worshiped by us, the mortals! The divinity is inherent in us. t is the goal of human life to manifest this divinity.}

  ^{Thus, it is interesting to note that the entire ‘gitopadesha’ narrated here is something that was first revealed to Sun God Vivasvan, who later on imparted this to the first ‘manu’, who in turn imparted it to King Ikshvaku, and so on. In fact, as we have understood, the Sun is a star consisting of Hydrogen and Helium and all the planets including the Earth where we are born and living are formed out of cooling and condensation of the solar flares!}

    ^{The author of the epic Mahabharata is said to be Vedavyasa, the author of eighteen epics, and is the one who classified the Veda into different parts such as the Rk, Saman, Yajus, and the Atharvan. But the Bhagavad-Gita is the spoken words of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, not the written one! It is difficult to understand how and when this ‘gitopadesha’ was revealed to Sun God Vivasvan at the beginning of creation. Later on, it came to be known as the Bhagavad-Gita, spoken words of the Lord. It was interpolated in the epic Mahabharata by Sage Vedavyasa when he got stuck not knowing what to dictate to Lord Ganapati! If it was dictated by Vedavyasa to Lord Ganapati, who is stated to have written pulling out his tooth and came to be known as ‘Ekadanta’, how come the other epics! All these intricate mythological stories seem to be beyond the capacity of ordinary people to understand. The Rk Veda, again, the spoken words of the Lord heard by great sages in their transcendental meditative state (samadhi/trance) come as apourusheya, speaks of Lord Ganapati as the deity of the basal plexus, muladhara prajnya! May be, in the modern scientific context, it is just the Gravitational Force! The scientific rendering of the Gita here is very interesting! All the spiritual texts rendered in verses of Samskruta in ancient scriptures, shloka, have imageries, symbols, and esoteric meaning that need to be decoded!}

     ^{The Bhagavad-Gita, thus, is one of the rarest spiritual texts that dates back to the very origin of the universe!  The creation, sustenance, dissolution of the universe, ‘brahmanda’, the cosmic entity, as also, origin of life, purpose of creation, etc. are all explained here. The Gita clearly explains how our ‘solar system’- the sun, the earth and its satellite Moon, other planets around the earth, and the diverse life-forms are created. Here, the supreme Lord Bhagavan Shree Krishna reveals ‘Who He Is’, as also, ‘how the universe is created, sustained, and finally destroyed by Him’. The Lord Creator Himself reveals many secrets. Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, idam tu te guhyatamam pravashyaami. (Ch. 9 verse 1, Ch.10. Verse 1)- rahasyamam uttamam (ch.4 Verses 1-2). The most perplexing aspect of the Gita is this ‘secret of all secrets’ revealed to His friend Arjuna. But the question is how something the Lord feels it a ‘secret’ can ever be understood by us, the mortals, endowed with limited faculties? This may seem a secret forever.}

   ^{First of all, these are the ‘spoken words of the Lord, Bhagavan Shree Krishna and dated back to the very timeless, beginningless beginning! In fact, time (kaal) and space (akasha) manifest from Him, the Bhagavan! These statements are supported by the relevant verses given here.}

    ^{So far, we find more than a hundred thousand commentaries on the Gita, published in almost all the prominent languages of the world. Unfortunately, most of these are just repetitions of some published works and contain lots of errors, wrong interpretations due to misunderstandings. For fear of copyright restrictions, many authors and their publishers have twisted the original spoken words of the Lord and thereby mislead us. Even the Title of the Chapters are changed! Despite all the scholarly interpretations of the Gita, the authors fail to understand the very meaning and purport of the Gita, such as, the secret of ‘Atmajnyan’, mukti and moksha or sayujya! Some authors lay emphasis on action (karma), and some dwell on devotion (‘bhakti’) or Knowledge (‘jnyan’), or meditation (yoga) and, none on the main goal of life! Some of the spoken words of the Lord (verses) are so terse and esoteric that we cannot grasp their inner meaning (goodartha). Moreover, it remains a well-guarded secret, for it should be given by an attained soul to a trusted disciple only! Although the supreme Lord explicitly states how the universe is created by his ‘yogamaya’. He manifests ‘prakruti ashtadha’ from his special powers, the ordinary people can never understand these mystic powers! Moreover, the secret knowledge revealed here pertains to the ‘Atman’ and its relation to ‘paramatman’! It is ‘brahmavidya’ (ch.4.Verse 24).and ‘yogashastra’ as stated at the end of each Chapter! It is also stated that the ‘Atman’ should not be neglected or ignored and should be known only by the Self, Atman, and no other! (Ch.6 Verse 5). This is inquiry as to the ‘Self’, the Atman or Atmavalokana, Atmajijnyasa. Thus, it is very difficult to understand the spoken words of Bhagavan Shree Krishna by us, the ordinary mortals. What all that is written in the printed copies of the Gita only lead to confusion and misunderstandings. The problem is further complicated due to the multiple organizations promoting their own interests through promotion of certain selected concepts described in the Gita, such as bhakti yoga, jnyana yoga, or raja yoga only. It may seem a riddle how bhakti, jnyan and dhyana be separate for those who are not introduce to yoga. However, there is an understanding that bhakti will also bring ‘jnyan’ and, the devotee will practice dhyana with bhakti! This will enable him/her to realize the ultimate. It is also stated that during the early days of dva para yuga learned Vedic people eulogized the lord and had jnyan a prerequisite to adore the Lord. However, this became so difficult that people simple sand and danced chanting the name of the Lord with full devotion and realized their goal! Yamunacharya and Ramanujacharya emphasized principles of bhakti and total surrender to the Lord (sharanagatim tattva).}

   ^{A clear understanding of the Gita requires a sustained effort by an ardent devotee and total devotion to Bhagavan Shree Krishna. It seems impossible to have the complete knowledge of the Gita, holistically, in its totality.  Gita deals with aloukika jnyan, the other-worldly knowledge, and ‘paravidya’. It is intuitional knowledge that require Lord’s grace, purva punya and the touch of an attained person- ‘guru’. Revelations do happen when the devotee gets the knowledge of the Self (Atmajnyan), self-revelation (‘atma sakshatkara’).}

   ^{The spiritual essence of the Gita is ‘an awakening of unitary consciousness’ that pours down from sahasrar as an elixir (‘amruta varshinim’). It is showering of the blessings of the Lord that brings emancipation (moksha), fulfillment, and liberation to the tormented jiva. It is the path of redemption, ‘moksha patha’, to attain the highest seat (param dhama) - the ultimate goal of life. It brings about the release of the jivatman from ‘metempsychosis’, cycle of births and deaths. It is ‘purushartha sadhana’, the very ‘attainment’ and the purpose of life is to know the ‘true nature of the soul’, jivatman. The Gita shows the way. It leads us to Light from darkness, to knowledge from ignorance, and to immortality from death.}

   ^{We all are born in ignorance and live in a state of ignorance as the slaves of our senses, fickle mind, perverted intelligence, and the powerful ego. We suffer dualities of joy and misery, pain and pleasure, likes and dislikes, etc. The Gita comes as a guide to redeem us from sufferings, reveal the true nature of the jiva and enlighten us. It is a divine gift to us.}

    ^{The Gita is a narrative of what Sanjaya is speaking to Dhrutarashtra as a running commentary of the events on the Battlefield. Bhagavan Sri Krishna has given him special ability to hear and see the happenings in the Battlefield, Kurukshetra. Thus, he narrates what Bhagavan Shree Krishna - “Bhagavan uvacha, speaks to the Pandava warrior Arjuna.”}

     ^{It all starts with, “dharmakshetre kurukshetra …seneyorubhayormadhye ratham sthapaya me’chyuta.”- the request by Arjuna to Shree Krishna to take the Chariot to the center of the Battlefield ‘Kurus' kshetra’ in order to see who all have arrived at the Battlefield to fight the ‘War of dharma’ (dharma -yuddha). Some people take to unrighteous actions due to jealous nature, selfishness and ego. These persons are condemned and the perpetrators of ‘adharma’, cheats, are punished by the Lord in His manifest form (avatar) here. The Blessed Lord assures protection to the pious and all those who abide by dharma.}

The Central Idea of the Gita

 The Bhagavad-Gita is the repository, a source, of all Knowledge- both sensual and the worldly on the one hand and the Higher Spiritual on the other. It starts with Prakruti ashtada (the 5 elements and the 3 antahkarana- manas, buddhi, and the ahankara. The most significant aspect of the Gita is that Bhagavan Shree Krishna reveals His true Form and explains to Arjuna how He manifests in all that exist. 

   There are a number of passages in the Text that need contemplation. Dhyana or meditation with focused attention (chitta ekagrate) should be continuous, without break, like the flow of oil (Taila Dhaara), Devotion (Bhakti) should be unwavering. Devotion should be total and pure. Now, the question arises as to why one should take to the study of the Gita, the 'Spoken words of Bhagavan Shree Krishna'?  Is it because, the troubled souls are seeking redressal of grievances, or total liberation, redemption, once and for all for, the knowledge of futility of earthly existence has dawned on him/her? May be, it is both. All those who are fed up with life seek the Lord's grace. Those enlightened ones are eager to merge with Him. Whosoever ardently desires whatever one wants will be granted. He, the Lord, offers all that one needs, as also, assures liberation (Mukti).   

 The means of liberation are well defined as per yoga shastra here in the Gita. Bhagavan has clearly stated that a devotee seeking Lord's grace should constantly meditate on Him. There is also a provision here for darshan, God-visioning, here. One should undertake to yoga under a trained teacher and reach up to savikalpa samadhi in order to have darshan. Also, there is merger, sayujya, for all those who reach the state of nirvikalpa samadhi. The devotees are thus blessed! 

  But it is common knowledge that all mortals are busy in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, and none interested in salvation, liberation, redemption or mukti or moksha. It is difficult to see even those who are interested in spiritual knowledge or adhyatmic practices. It is only after realizing the futility of running after worldly pleasures, realizing the futility of fulfilling carnal, sensuous, unending insatiable desires that one comes to the conclusion that this madness should be put an end to. It is that realization that prompts one to seek a guru, a guide, a teacher and take steps to revert to inward journey. It is not surprising that one may even get divine grace and a divine intervention to guide the devotee to merge with Him. Merger or sayujya is not something impossible for those who know yoga shastra and brahma vidya, as said in the Gita. Just sit in constant meditation on Him controlling the vital airs (through asana, pranayama and samadhi).

'Decoding the Gita' (Contd.)

 Shree Shankaracharya has given a detailed commentary on the 'Spoken Words' of the Lord with a caution that 'one should be careful before venturing into any comments! There is a warning that no one should ever assume that he/she understands the Lord's words and venture to give any comments on it. In fact, no one, as mortals, can ever understand the Lord's words! Hence, the only option is to just meditate on Him and His words. However, nothing prevents us from promoting the study and disseminating the Gita. The Lord only says that He will be glad if anybody wants to know Him, speak abut Him, or constantly think about Him. He, indeed, is the blessed one who thinks about the Lord, always speaks about the Lord!

  Now, it is interesting to note that the entire Gita has been summed up in just seven or eight shlokas by some spiritual thinkers, and just the last one verses is enough to sum up the whole text. At the end, the question asked is: "'Who wins the battle?" The answer is: "Who else but the one who is blessed with the Supreme Lord only is the Charioteer to an able warrior well versed in the skillful art of warfare"? But, This war is not about fighting and killing people! It is fighting the decline of dharma, resurrecting the values, morals, ethics and creating a condition of equity and justice in society. It aims at the welfare of all living beings on this earth. It is also stated that the weaknesses shown by Arjuna are addressed here and the Lord wards off Arjuna's ego, pride, attachment and other qualities unworthy of a descendant of the warrior clan.

  The lesson taught by the Lord to His disciple, friend and philosopher is quite direct and simple. Just do your ordained duty. Do not expect any personal benefit from your actions. The fruits of action follow in right proportion at the appropriate time. Thus, it is certain that all will enjoy or suffer the fruits of their action and there is no time limit. The fruits of action (karma-phala) may be immediate, carried over or just credited to one's account ,, but never denied (the Blessed Lord declares)! So, what we are enjoying or suffering may be due to the carry over (from past several lives) as prarabhda, or what is accumulated over time since birth (sanchita), or may be even what is in store for us (agami) to enjoy or suffer in future! 

   It is this prarabhda karma that the humans have to understand and be careful not to acquire it at all, or suffer and dispense with as early as possible, in order to be liberated once and for all. Ultimately, it is essential for every jiva to realize that there is nothing to desire for existence on this earth, a death-knell (mrutyu loka), where everything will deteriorate, dissect and disappear over time. It is only a fool that desires for enjoyment in this sensuous world where time erases all that happiness and causes immense suffering, misery, and unhappiness (even when one's desire is fulfilled!). Time is ma ya that which is measurable, an illusion that takes off the shining, wears out, and leaves everything in its true color that is disgusting! Learned saints warn us of all these and say, "Don't be carried away by the illusory world" Nothing is real here. Close your account (of prarabhda karma), prepare a balance sheet (sins or good deeds committed), get a CA's certificate i.e., from the Agents of Yamadharma Raya to the effect that there is nothing to declare- assets or liabilities, papa or punya, and return with pristine purity of mind, body and soul, never to return to this mrutyuloka. 

  Thus, we may conclude, "surrender to Lord and be redeeemd!" The Lord only assure redemption, liberation (mukti, moksha), to all those who surrenders to Him, or redeems all those who seek redemption. maam upetya tu kounteya, sarva paapebhyo  mokshayishyami, ma sucha....punarjanma na vidyate||

(concluded)

The Central Idea of the Gita

   The Bhagavad-Gita starts with the narration of the event in the Battlefield of Kurukshetra when the Blind King Dhrutarashtra asked his Minister Sanjaya as to what is going on in the Battlefield. In a way, the entire Mahabharata War is a fiction, a thought-wave in our own mind. Neither there is the Pandava (since they are never born in Mother’s womb in flesh, blood, and bones), nor are there a hundred Kaurava (that are mere blemishes of the greedy, jealous, egoistic, polluted mind)! Purna-prajnya Shree Krishna Paramatma depicted here stands for pure Consciousness, whereas, Arjuna is depicted as jivatma, the blemished soul with ego. When the blemished mind full of ego, gets confused as to right knowledge and right action, and seeks guidance of the pure consciousness, the Lord comes here to guide. When we find the scripture Mahabharata is dictated by Sage Vedavyasa as dictated to the Lord Ganapati, the Deity of Knowledge, one should be surprised as to how all the eighteen epics are attributed to the Sage Vedavyasa. Sage Shree Krishna Dvaipayana came to be known as Vedavyasa, a pen-name, since he classified the ‘Ekayana Veda’ consisting of 100 000 verses into four functional divisions.

    About Shree Krishna appearing as Bhagavan at the end of Dwapara Yuga, it is important to note that the epics depict Him in various ways. In Bhagavata purana, Krishna is described as a child showing the entire universe in his mouth to his foster-mother Yashodha! It is said that the Eigth child born to Vasudeva-Devaki was shifted to Gokul, to Nanda. King Nanda, brother-in-law of Devaki, where he grows along with cowherds. He is beautifully described as a cowherd, Gopala, playing flute attracting damsels! As the epic story goes, King Kamsa, Krishna’s maternal uncle was enjoying the vijayotsava and heard a voice that forewarned him not to be so joyful at the marriage of his sister sine he would be killed by her son. This prompted him to kill the child born to her. It is also stated that Shree Krishna has descended to earth to protect the pious people suffering at the hands of cruel rulers. Shree Krishna is described as the King, descendant of Vrushni Clan, and actually offers his army to the Kauravas at the time of the great war of Mahabharat. Shree Krishna is depicted as the Mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide to the Pandava Kings (as their maternal uncle). In the Gita, Shree Krishna declares Himself as none other than the Supreme Lord, Purushottama. He goes on to say, “He only exists and, none besides Him. He is the self of all.”

   ^{Thus, He who manifests as the Mentor, Spiritual Guide, and as a sincere friend of the Pandava, is none other than Supreme Lord Sri Hari Narayana Himself. At the beginning of the universe He, the supreme Lord imparted this ‘Gitopadesha’ first to Vivasvat and went on imparting the same again and again since it was lost at the end of each manvantara. Now, He, the Lord, is speaking to Vivasvan at the end of the dva para yuga and is carried on into the beginning of the Kali yuga. At the beginning of the Mahabharata War, Arjuna requested his Charioteer Lord Shree Krishna to to take the chariot to the center of the Battlefield and saw the Grandsire Bhishma  and all his relatives and friends. He became highly philosophical and realized the futility of the war. He became despondent and reluctant to fight the war fearing bloodshed of his kith and kin. The sermon, Gitopadesha comes here to remind Arjuna of his bounden duty as a soldier of the warrior clan (kshatriya). When it comes to duty, there should be no fear or favor is the rule.}

   ^{These 700 verses of the Bhagavad-Gita appear in the middle of the great epic Mahabharata in Bhishma Parva (Canto 27 to 45) under a strange situation. Sage Vyasa Deva requested the All-knowing Deity of Basal Plexus, muladhara adhipati Ganapati to take his dictation. The Blessed Lord accepted this task under a condition that 'He would quit if the Sage becomes silent, thinking of what to say next, or pause for a long time. In fact, the Vidya Adhipati already knew everything that would be dictated! Ganapati!} 

  ^{Now that the Text appears as an interpolation in the epic Mahabharata, it goes to the credit of Sri Shankaracharya to take out the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita as the path of ultimate attainment that showers elixir of immortality. It is called the shower of elixir of Non-dual (advaita amruta varshinim). Later on, it is the great saint Madhusudhana Saraswati who gave us the inner secret (esoteric/ gudhartha) meaning of the spoken words of the Lord Bhagavan Sri Krishna.}

    ^{Indeed, these are the secrets imparted to Vivasvan at the beginning of creation and then to King Ikshvaku who passed it on from Manu to Manu at the beginning of each of the manvantara (imam vivasvate prathamam praaha…! (Ch. IV.1). However, it is strange that the Bhagavad-Gita comes as an interlude in the Bhishma parva of the Great epic Mahabharata! As the story goes, Sage Vyasa deva was dictating the epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganapati Who laid the condition that he would quit if Vyasa Deva wasted time searching for words, paused, or delayed the dictation! When it came to the situation Bhishma lying on the ‘Bed of Arrows’, awaiting his call to quit his mortal state, Vyasa was unable to think fast and did not know what to dictate. Suddenly he thought of the spoken words of the Lord at the beginning of Creation and thus came this beautiful song of the Lord! It is quite discernible that Lord Ganapati, the Deity of Knowledge, as well, knew well in advance what the epic would be! But it is not easy for common man to understand that ‘there is neither a Shree Krishna dvaipayana who came to be known as Vyasadeva after classifying the Ekayana Veda into four divisions of the Veda. It is impossible to believe that Shree Krishna (dvaipayana) dictating the epic, nor a scribe, the brainchild of Devi Parvati made of clay and life infused named it ‘Ganapati’ here. The epic Mahabharata is a mythological story, may be, a family history of characters woven and interwoven. In fact, Karna and the rest of the Pandava are all born due to boon given by great sages, mantrasya putrah, chanted by Kunti as a ‘Divine Mother’! One has to remember that Kunti’s husband Pandu died of a curse the very night he was married. None of these Pandava ever comes in flesh and blood here! It is all fiction full of imageries, imagination, thoughts, and ideas, may be, wild dreams of a fertile mind presented in signs and symbols! At best, it is the confused mind (as portrayed in Arjuna) seeking clarity from the pure Consciousness (Purnaprajnya Bhagavan Sri Krishna)! In fact, nobody ever scripted, wrote down (even by Lord Ganapati as dictated by Sage Vedavyasa as in Mahabharata Purana), since these are the spoken words of the Lord to Vivasvan at the beginning of the very Creation.} 

  ^{Fortunately, this Bhagavad-Gita has come down to us as our spiritual heritage and it is our responsibility to spread this far and wide. The new generation of scientists and technocrats can interpret these verses in any number of ways depending on their intelligence and ability to understand the Lord's spoken words!}

Decoding the Bhagavad-Gita

   There is need for a proper insight into the ancient scriptures, particularly when it comes to texts like the Bhagavad-Gita, Brahma Sutras and the like, It is indeed, the only unscripted spoken words of the Supreme Lord ever fund in the world and it is the first ever spoken to the Sun God! Bhagavan Shree Krishna says that, "He revealed this yoga to Vivasvan, the Sun God, (at the beginning of Creation?)! See imam vivasvate yogam proktavaan...| (Ch. IV. Verse 1). And, then He goes on to say, "Arjunaa, you are dear to Me. So, I am revealing the most secret of the secrets to you. "idam tu te guhyatamam pravashyaam... \ and, rajavidya rajaguhyam pavitram idam... | (Ch. IX. Verse 2).

  Thus, it is clear that the Supreme Lord is revealing jnyana vijnyana, brahma vidya and yoga shastra, as also, some of the secrets of creation, sustenance, liberation and even the means of attaining to Him via salokya, samipya, sannidhya, and sayujya. He also assures that the jiva caught in a vicious cycle, suffering from the repeated births and deaths will be redeemed after understanding and practicing this supreme knowledge (yoga shastra).

  However, it must be cautioned that this secret knowledge cannot be obtained without the help of an attained yogacharya. Here, Bhagavan Shree Krishna comes as Yogacharya to His ardent disciple Arjuna. So, we mortals have to wait for his grace! There are a number of steps prescribed for this purpose. But, the humans struggling hard to come over hunger, thirst, and old age, diseases and death find no clue as to escape the wretched sensuous worldly life. It is extremely difficult to overcome the inherent ego and surrender to the Lord. We, the mortals, cannot worship the Lord with unflinching faith and devotion like Dhruva or Prahalada. First we must develop renunciation (vairagya) like the great saints and sages and sit in constant contemplation, meditation.. 

  Hence, the study of the Bhagavad-Gita needs a steady mind, contemplation and constant thinking about the sayings of the Lord. Each and every word of the Lord needs to be decoded since there are deeper esoteric aspects involved here. Study of the Gita (Gita adhyayana) is a life-time pursuit and needs a thorough preparation right from the child-hood days under an able teacher.  

  Some of the Chapters of the Gita like the Karma-sanyasa yoga, jnyana-vijnyana yoga, dhyana yoga, bhaktiyoga, Vibhuti yoga, Purushothama yoga,  are very important. These are really the means of liberation (mukti-mokshaprada). 

(To be contd.)

Balance Sheet of Life

All of us have to close our account before we leave here, this 'mrutyu loka'.. Normally, we carry on and on and  it is a never-ending life, taking birth after birth to clear our accounts. It is just lke our Bank accounts. We get interest if we have kept some deposits and we have to repay with interest if we have taken loan or over-draft. Both ways, we have to run to Banks whenever they call us. We are not free until we close the account ! In real life, too, we have to clear all our dues and say Goodbye to this earthly existence. Unfortunately, we get encumbered in numerous ways and owe debts of gratitude to o many that it seems never possible to close this account. We cannot repay many of our dues, called 'Runanubandha'

  By the way, who told us to come to this mrutyu loka and take different forms of life? May be, in the first instance, it is the supreme Lord only Who said 'Eko'ham bahusyam'. But once taken a particular form of life on this earth, it is of our own making due to the desire and greed! Our desires are never-ending and each one of our sense organs have a thousand insatiable desires and wants. It is this 'desire' that is the cause of 'bondage'. We run after things that really do not keep us happy and peaceful. We never understand the magical, illusory, non-existential reality of this ever-changing objective world. It is avidya, our ignorance, rather, knowledge enveloped by attachment that causes this bondage. It is our ego, perverted intelligence and mischievous foolish Mind that create this ignorance as to the true nature of our self. When we realize the fact that this entire world is one of our own creation, the world disappears! It is just the 'Knowledge of the Self', (Atmajnyan), rather, knowing 'who i am' that solves all these problems of running after things that does not exist in real times and the repeated births and deaths to fulfil the unending desires,..

 Hence, it is absolutely essential for us to break this chain of eternal bondage by seeking refuge, surrendering to the Almighty and thereby reverting to our true self by taking recourse to yoga with the help of an attained person, guru. There is also the question of enlightenment, This enlightenment does not come on its own. It depends on 'divine grace' (Divya anugraha) and the blessings of the elders, good luck, and the fruits of good deeds in the past (ourva punya). Even if we get everything, it is very difficult to get the divine grace, for it is His, may be, Devi Lakshmi's prerogative to grant it. She chooses Her devotee on Her whims and fancy (See Lakshmi Tantra, By Sanjukta Gupta, MLBD).We have to prove our purity of thoughts and deeds and live a life of sacrifice to attract His Grace, Our greed and over-indulgences in the sensuous world will not allow us to even think about all these divine aspects, let alone think of knowing our true self. 

"Jnyanamuttamam"

   The Supreme Lord speaks of 'jnyanam uttamam"(supreme knowledge') in Ch. XIV of the Bhagavad-Gita. Why is there a division of knowledge such as higher and lower, uttamam or adhamam? The answer to this question is found in "kim tadbrahma, kimadhyatmam..." (Ch.VIII) and "jnyanam vijnyanasahitam" in Ch. IX,  All knowledge pertaining to worldly affairs is of 'Lower (apara or adhamam) nature. All knowledge pertaining to the other-worldly or spiritual/adhyatmic is 'Higher' (para) knowledge. 

  This question of 'higher' and 'lower' knowledge comes as a result of the human suffering and the clamor seeking liberation. Bhagavan Shree Krishna knows full well the nature of sufferings of the people as King. he only addresses this problem of Liberation, mukti/moksha here in the Gita. This aspect of human sufferings and liberation is beautifully narrated in the dialogue between Uddhava and Shree Krishna in the Uddhava Gita. The human suffering is indeed, the result of prarabhda karma, if not inflicted by the Lord. In Lakshmi Tantra, Devi Lakshmi clearly states that the children play and get hurt, suffer in course of their playing games; so also, the adults who suffer due to their indulgences in the worldly affairs. However, a jnyani will not suffer for, he knows the true nature of the world as well as his own Self. It is the ignorance, the desire, aspirations and dreams that drive the humans towards all sorts of indulgences that ultimately make him disappointed, sad, and suffer. Once a yogi realizes the true nature of this insatiable desires and limitations of time and space that cause disappointments, he will take to yoga and seek liberation.

   However, liberation is not possible in this complicated world of sense-objects unless one completely turns inward with the help of an attained guru. But, such attained persons are hard to find, Are we thus condemned to the fate of eternal bondage, blindness, slavery of senses and sense objects and never be liberated? It seems so when we see the nature of existence in a competitive world where there is a mad mad rush towards the unattainable! 

Bhagavan Shree Krishna advises Arjuna to get enlightened as to the true nature of the self and realize the futility of all attainments and worldly possessions. Renunciation is taught to Shee Ramachandra, Prince of Ayodhya by Sage Vashishtha in Treta Yuga. And, now in Dvapara yuga, the same renunciation is taught by Shree Krishna to Arjuna. This is what is important for us, if we have to get liberated from the cycle of repeated births and deaths.  One should realize the fact that there is nothing one can enjoy here on earth since it is a mrutyu loka where everything is subject decay, death, or deterioration and dissolution.. The humans are bound to suffer due to their ignorance, greed, and pursuit of happiness where there is none, whatsoever!

Ancient Indian Scriptures

 Ancient Indian history dates back to at least 10 000 years. There are scriptures that are dated back to the beginning of the present Vaivasvata manvantara of which the last quarter Kaliyuga is under way! The satyayuga had the great sages like Nara-narayana followed by treta yuga with Sri Ramachandra emerging as a divine purusha. He is followed by Shree Krishna taking birth as a yugapurusha, Bhagavan, to restore dharma at the end of dvapara yuga with Shree Krishna as Bhagavan (God). And, now, the present era of Kali also may end sooner or latter. We do not know what will happen at the end of this Kali yuga when dharma has already declined. It is also stated that "No God will descend from the Heavens and one of us should emerge as a divine being tp restores of dharma." 

  The exact calculation of time is ambiguous and not possible to strictly say as 'so many' years. One year may be of too short a duration during the Vivasvanta manvantara when the earth was just in its gaseous state! Now, one year is calculated as per the time taken for one revolution of the earth around the sun (365 days 5 Hrs.). So there is no consistency as to the duration of one year during each one of the last six manvantaras! Thus, we cannot say anything about the time of early history, mythology. The geographical description of Bharatavarsha (India) in many epics are worth a detailed study in this regard.

  Now, as to the scriptures, scholars may interpret the works of the learned Sage Vedavyasa according to their depth of knowledge and understanding. They may bring in folk lores here, or go to sing and dance keeping the epics as a source for lyrics. There are scholars who interpret intelligently, but none so far, go deep into the spiritual or adhyatmic content in them. In fact the hidden meaning (goodaartha) should be decoded properly in order to understand it. In this respect, the entire Ramayana culminates in our own self! Our soul is Rama and the body made of soil supported by food is Sita, The nervous system is Lakshmana and, the Life-force is Lord Hanuman (Pranadeva)! So also, the epic Mahabharata is also a mystery. There are no Pandava Kings since Pandu died or disappeared on the very day of his marriage with Kunti Devi; they are all blessed manasa putra, respectively, of Yama, Indra, Vayudeva, and Ashvins (by chanting the mantra) given to Divine Mother Kunti who shared with Devi Madri (who also died with Pandu). The sacred words (mantra) given by the great siddhi purusha was first tried by Kunti even as girl of eight and got Karna in her hand (born with diamond ear studs and a chest as hard as diamond)! Where are the hundred Kaurava, but for our own imagination There is no Blind King, nor a Vidura as his Minister (amatya)? These are of the nature of stories, poetic imagination, fiction, or mythology, or spiritual characters intelligently narrated by the learned sage Vedavyasa! Only a Yogi contemplating on these characters will realize the truth!

  According to the fundamental principle that "Atman knows all" (Atmavaivedgm sarvam) All knowledge comes from within and ends there within. This is the principle of so'ham asmi! Meaning, "But, for my Self, what else is there?". The soul is one like the Full Moon that shines in a hundred pots full of water! The learned sages advise us to know the principle first! The narratives are all derived from Principles and all narratives merge in Principles at the end.

   Now, the intellectuals who study the scriptures have option to narrate stories for children as moral or go deep into the hidden meaning of all that is narrated in a specialized way of research. Many scholars have already taken up this research work. However, there is a lot to unearth from these scriptures and many manuscripts stored in the house of pundits and scholars of yester years have not seen the light of the day, yet! Prof Satyendranath Dasgupta has published History of Indian Philosophy (5 Vols.) in the University of  London. 

"Basis of Our Existence"

 What exactly is the basis of our existence in this mysterious Universe? In fact, there is absolutely nothing to support us, except "Divine Grace"! The Universe is ever-expanding and moving fast toward the Pole Star. Each and every object in the universe is moving farther and farther apart and this may create an unimaginable situation in the near future. This aspect of uncertainty is well  known from the earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and other havocs creating misery for all living beings. However, it is surprising that Bhagavan Sri Krishna says "By entering the earth, I sustain the beings- living and non-living". Further, He, the Lord says that, He digests food as Vaishvanara agni deva in our body. Moreover, the the basis of all that exists is the 'consciousness' and that 'Consciousness' is none else but the Lord only!/ The Life-force, prana, is nothing but the power of the Lord to sustain all living beings! He only enters the earth to sustain all beings. (Ch. 15. verse 14)T. here is nothing that is not supported by Him. The Bhagavad-Gita gives a clear idea about all these. The food consumed by the living beings is digested by the Lord seated within as Vaishvanara. (Ch. 15. 15).

    One may find the statements made by the Lord here a little confusing! On the one hand, He has entered it and sustains it. On the other, there is nothing permanent here and everything is subject to deterioration and finally disappearance! How can something that is sustained by Him can finally be discarded? He, the Lord is 'ananta' (endless) and 'achyuta' (imperishable)!  The answer to this id simple. Once the Lord created and entered it (tad srushtvaa tadevaani pravishat), it is the quality of the substance that acts and reacts, not the Lord! We normally mistake the substance for its quality and never realize the fact that the quality is an attribute that is subject to change! All living beings are divine, but the tamas, rajas, and the sattva guna make them appear as such and such. We note the quality and forget the subject itself! Guna attributed is subject to change. Is this not like the colorless crystal  that reflects and refracts whatever (color) falls on it?

  A knowledgeable person, learned one, jnyani, will not get confused as to the true nature of the Self and its attributes.

"brahmn'

  The term 'brahmn' is a very important concept in spiritual science. It is important to note that  we normally use 'b' instead of 'B' to express the samskruta version, not the anglicized version. The term 'Bhrama' in Samskruta bhasha means illusion, on the other hand, 'brahmn' is the Absolute Abstract that is neither vacuum nor has any material substance in it! This 'brahmn' is the 'Be All and End All' of what all we see, hear or experience here. It is the beginning, the source, as also, the end of all that exists! Thus, 'brahmn' is the Universe and encompasses everything that is within.  Some experts are of the opinion that 'brahmn' is the Architect Who is outside the architecture designed by Him! The enlightened ones take to yoga to attain to this highest state. 

   What is so special about this 'brahmn' that the yogins are eager to attain to IT! This state of existence is the ultimate one can experience as supreme bliss! This state of Absolute Abstract is the ultimate state of all that cease to exists, devoid of vibration, tremors, sound or any sort of disturbance. It is called mahattanta shanta. It is here that existence ceases! However, it is not a state of Non-existence, just because 'existence' ceases here. It is a divine state where the Lord Wills' and vibration of His Will is transformed into thought waves, vibration, sound, alphabets, words and the objects referred to by the words begin to manifest.  This is how 'brahmn' manifests as the material world. Thus, this is the spiritual basis of all that manifests as the material world. The symbolic expression 'Om' (AUM) is  used to represent this state of beginning as well as end of all that manifests. Om tat sat iti!

Unconditional Love

It seems only God is capable of showering blessings and unconditional love. The problem is not that we, as humans, are not capable of showering love on all. But it is the discriminative power bestowed on us that is responsible for this likes and dislikes hindering this offer of unconditional love on all. When we judge a person, love evaporates! It is the mischievous mind, buddhi and selfishness (ego) that operate here hindering our capacity to love all. It is a divine quality to 'love all'. We have our own preferences like . Some like dogs and some love cats, or birds. Some have crocodiles for pets.

  It is frailty of humans that we love some who agree with us and hate the ones who disagree with us on even silly things. Sometimes, a single gesture, a harsh word also create hatred and make friends and brothers and sisters bitter enemies. What is the reason for likes and dislikes then? It is just selfishness, ego, pride, and nothing else. The very word 'Relationship' has a lot of hidden secrets. It is a 'ship' where one relates (with another)- I on!    So, no wonder, it all depends on me whether to relate with others or not. It may depend on my circumstances, mind and moods to relate or not with others. Some are 'loners' and do not like to be disturbed. some people would love to spend time with friends and relatives.

  Now, the question is whether we are capable of showering unconditional love on all our friends, neighbors, animals and birds, alike? Yes, but under a condition that they should serve my purpose? This is not unconditional love. I love you, you love me is not unconditional love. To love all indiscriminately is divine and this divinity is inherent in all of us. But our buddhi, ahankara and mas come in the way of loving all. Let alone love others, even minimum courtesy demands that we should respect others. This is the minimum one expects and this is lacking these days, especially in our youngsters. The influence of the Western style of life, particularly the materialistic ways have reduced everything to market level! People just don't like to be disturbed, bothered, or troubled! There is no mutual regard and respect and behave almost uncivilized these days. Many hesitate to wish or just wave a hand by gesture of good will! There is total devaluation of human values like devaluation of currency?

  All these developments of hatred, ill-will, strife, warfare etc are all due to the deterioration of dharma. This has been discussed in the Uddhava Gita where Lord Shree Krishna says, "There will be utter chaos at the end of Kaliyuga of the Seventh Vaivasvata manvantara. The disastrous end will herald a new era, the Sarochisha manvantara. Thus, the causes for deterioration in human values and decline of dharma is clear. It is the effect of the rolling wheel of Time, kaala- chakra. Only those who abide by dharma now will be the enlightened persons who appear again in the next era.