tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11238698145863795342024-03-13T00:24:21.184-05:00ReflectionsRandom reflective musings.Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-8356063183297841752024-01-21T18:28:00.007-06:002024-01-21T18:29:35.986-06:00Rama's ayana - always taking the higher road<p><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Today
is Jan 22, the auspicious day of the <i>PranaPrathista</i> of <i>B</i><i>a</i><i>ala
Rama</i> in <i>Ayodhya </i>temple. This article is dedicated to the
lotus feet of <i>Sri Rama</i> with the intention that recalling his
idealistic life, may we improve upon our standards. May <i>Sri Rama</i>
be the guiding factor in our spiritual journey.</span></b></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> </span></b></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Life
is a series of choices. To the layman it appears that one has either
too many choices or no choice. But in reality there are only two
choices – the superior path of <i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
which contains permissible </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the inferior path</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
unbridled </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span><i>
</i><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> results being mired
in</span><i> samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, while</span><i>
Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> leads to</span><i>
Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">In
</span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/12/dharma-vs-desire-which-is-superior.html"><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
vs Desire – which is superior</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">
article, we find many equivalent words for the above – </span><i>Shreyas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Preyas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Dharmacharya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span><i>Brahmacharya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)
and </span><i>Kamacharya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Owing
to the human nature and our </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we keep switching between our choices. An </span><i>Asuric</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
personality may favor more </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
while a </span><i>saatvic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
personality will make more </span><i>Dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
choices. Yet we find the role model of perfection – </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the </span><i>maryada purushottama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>vigrahavan dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Time and again, he faces choices that are tough, yet follows only
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is eternal, </span><i>Sanatana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet the understanding of it is not all pervading. Owing to
individual’s unique background, each one of us have a limited
understanding of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
To many </span><span style="font-style: normal;">of us</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
it may be merely obeying the laws of the society. To some it may be a
deep seated philosophical insight into the workings and nature of the
Universe. Irres</span><span style="font-style: normal;">pective of
where we fall on the spectrum, we all begin with a certain level of
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> understanding.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>By following our current
understanding of </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
we get established in our understanding. As </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>we
observe </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
to a greater extent, we end up with several cross roads, where </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
of our understanding gets challenged or is not applicable under </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>special situations we
encounter. Through resolving which of the </b></span><i><b>dharma
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>choices available is
superior and by upholding it, our </b></span><i><b>dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
understanding gets upheld. </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>It
also may have to be protected under special conditions, as there is
constraint to its natural expression.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
Thus, </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is that which is upheld – </b></span><i><b>dharayati iti dharmaha</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and that which supports – </b></span><i><b>dhriyate iti dharmaha</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>As
we oscillate based on the tugs of <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, lured by
ignorance and driven by our arrogance of </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we find it extremely difficult in </span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to find good standards to emulate. As we look up, there is one
shining eternal role model in the form of </span><i>Sri Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It is not just one odd incident where he upholds </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but at every single step of his life. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Rama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
</b></span><i><b>ayana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> –
</span><i><b>Rama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
</b></span><i><b>ayana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> is
not merely the path </b></span><i><b>Rama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
took, but the one we need to aspire to emulate. </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
path taken by </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was
arduous, always committed to the upholding of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and to fight and protect it at all costs. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">That’s
why as we study </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
it is a constant reminder for us to look up and uphold higher
standards. As we </span><span style="font-style: normal;">look into
the different incidents in </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
life, study his actions and approach, we realize that it was no
different than ours. We too face the nonstop choice between </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, between
higher and lower </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
between being a docile follower of expounded </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or the one who fights to protect and uphold </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
at all costs. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharmic
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>crossroads in</b></span><i><b>
<a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/05/why-ramas-and-krishnas-first-kill-was.html">Tataka
vada</a></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> – </span><i>Tataka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
represents evil that is enhanced by lots of powers. </span><i>Vishwamitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
prepares </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s mind
by giving him the complete backstory of </span><i>Tataka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and her actions. Though </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gives his word to eliminate her, there is a slight hesitation in his
mind. He is seeing her as a feminine form and he doesn’t wish to
terminate her. He merely wants to incapacitate her powers and
mobility and fix her impudence. (</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">न
ह्येनामुत्सहे हन्तुं
स्त्रीस्वभावेन रक्षिताम्
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">वीर्यं
चास्या गतिं चापि हन्यतामिति
मे मतिः </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
na hyenāmutsahe hantuṃ strīsvabhāvena rakṣitām | vīryaṃ
cāsyā gatiṃ cāpi haniṣyāmīti me matiḥ ||</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
VR 1-26-12)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Only
when </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is reminded
by </span><i>Vishwamitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that he
needs to uphold a higher </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of protecting the people, the cows and </span><i>Brahmanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
by bringing his attention to her evil actions, </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is able to discern that he is at the cross roads of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
He must choose actively on the side of the superior </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">अलं
ते घृणया राम पापैषा दुष्टचारिणी
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">यज्ञविघ्नकरी
यक्षी पुरा वर्धेत मायया </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
te ghR^iNayaa alam Rama paapausha duSTachaariNii | yaj~navighnakarii
yakShii puraa vardheta maayayaa ||</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
VR 1-26-21b, 22a).</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is caught between protecting/not hurting a woman and protecting
others from her evil actions. He is asked to focus on her intentional
malevolent behavior, her actions of pure </span><i>paapa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
a powerful force (</span><i>yakshii</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)
and worse yet, one who is incessantly the destroyer of </span><i>Yagnas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>When evaluating the
actions of anyone, their </b></span><i><b>Guna</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and more importantly </b></span><i><b>Karma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the guiding factor and not their background.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Upholding
</b><i><b>Satya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Dasaratha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, father of
</span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, is in a bind by
having granted two boons to </span><i>Kaikeyi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
but also unable to stop her from cashing two painful grants. </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is raised to be the next emperor and the coronation ceremony was
announced to the joy of the Kingdom. He arrives early morning only to
be informed of his father’s predicament. Yet, we learn </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/04/ramas-example-of-how-to-handle-extreme.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>how
</b></span><i><b>Rama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
demonstrates to us how to handle extreme reversals in life</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
reason why </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was
unaffected is very easy to understand. He upheld </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as more precious than all the wealth in the world. So it was not even
a consideration to evaluate any other choice. Also, as a dutiful
son, he took the responsibility of fulfilling the words of his
father. </span><i>Dasaratha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
</span><i>Satya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was the same for
him, as it was not personality dependant. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">If
the </span><i>Raja</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was unable to
uphold </span><i>Satya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, then it
opened the doors for everyone to abandon it. </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
removes that excuse by donning his father’s words as his own
situation to uphold </span><i>Satya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even it cost him fourteen years of untold misery. </span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
upholding and protection supercedes personal comfort.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cannot
compromise</b><i><b> Dharma </b></i>– <i>Satya</i> and <i>Dharma</i>
cannot be compromised. <i>Bharata</i> comes with the entire populace
of <i>Ayodhya</i> to demonstrate that there was no father and his
words were no longer binding, the will of the people was with him,
<i>Kaikeyi</i> herself came to show her remorse and the <i>Rishis</i>
were there to approve his return. Yet <i>Rama</i> is steadfast<i> </i>in
upholding <i>Dharma</i>.<i> </i><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/08/jaabalis-naastikavada-and-ramas-response.html"><i><b>Jaabali</b></i><b>’s
extreme</b><i><b> naastikavada</b></i><b> only brings anger to</b><i><b>
Rama</b></i><b>, instead of convincing him</b></a>.<i> </i>Compromises
through intellectual arguments or twisting logic are easy to convince
most of us, let alone endless desires. <i>Rama</i> is adamant that
<i>Dharma</i> is not subjective or relative, but eternal. So,<b>
logical tinkering cannot twist </b><i><b>Dharma</b></i><b> out of
shape</b>.</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Role
models<i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">even for </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
– </span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">All
the Kings of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ikshavaku</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
prior to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
were not only great custodians of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but also role models beyond comparison. They include </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mandhata,
Ambarisha, Harishchandra </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhagiratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While having the great responsibility to maintain the legacy
standards of exemplar conduct, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
merely looked at the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
living around. He would approach them all the time to listen and
learn wisdom of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from their feet. If there is one common action one can observe
through the different </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sargas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki
Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
learning and upholding of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’
words. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>This
powerful example is true, even for us. Though we may see the complete
destruction of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we still have many role models, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">even
if they are limited</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They may not be perfect in every action, but we can take instances of
better </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adherence to inspire our own. This takes away the excuse that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was from bygone era and his actions may not be applicable as we
cannot observe his level of high standards. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
for our ideal spiritual progress, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama’s
ayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provides us ample scenarios to ponder and learn.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma
sankata</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> in </b></span><i><b>Vaali
Vada</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> – There is a lot of
</span><i>Dharmic </i><span style="font-style: normal;">subtleties in
</span><i>Vaali Vada </i><span style="font-style: normal;">(Read </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/11/subtle-dharma-behind-vaali-vadam.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Part
1</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/11/subtle-dharma-behind-vaali-vadam-2.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Part
2</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"> for details).
Interestingly, </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
shoots a barrage of questions at </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
strongly accusing and even mocking him. But </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
patiently takes time to educate </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who thanks </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for
letting hi</span><span style="font-style: normal;">m</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
get the punishment right away. The Woke Hindus of today are worse
than the critics. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">To
summarize, the complaint is why kill </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and why from hiding?</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
makes a series of arrogant mistakes ranging from rejecting </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
</span><i>saranagati</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to usurping
his brother’s wife, </span><i>Ruma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as a his own. This was definitely punishable by death as </span><i>Ruma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
should have been treated like a daughter, according to </span><i>Dharma
shastras</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Then the question
remains, why hit him concealed? </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was aware of </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
kidnapping </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and he
was aware that the crime happened across his kingdom. But instead of
stopping the evil </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
he thought of his past friendship treaty with </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and ignored the transgression. </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the sole </span><i>Phaladata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gave the </span><i>Phala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
for </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s bad
</span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> immediately, but
in the same manner </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
concealed his idea of justice to </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
misconduct.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>To
understand the </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
subtleties of this episode, one must develop the same level of
subtlety in our intellect through a </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
evolution. Else, we will be repeatedly repeating the same criticism
like a broken record without any learning.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>C</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ompassion
is key to foster </b></span><i><b>dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">
– Time and again we see many characters who are recipients of
</span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s compassion.
But perhaps the one who shows the maximum remarkable evolution with
that grace is </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
When </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> seeks
</span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, the latter
remains a self doubting, fearful personality who is unable to even
accept the borrowed strength from </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> takes </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as a </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> person
from </span><i>Kabandha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
words. </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> falls
prey to his pent up </span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to immerse himself into a </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
fest instead of keeping up his words to send his search party for
</span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
wants </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
serve a cautionary note, but warns </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is still
his brother and friend. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>A
</b></span><i><b>Dharmic</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
superior will have to cut some slack for the eager neophyte.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
finds this situation again when </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
voices against </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana
saranagati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
along with the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vanaras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
vociferously, citing him being the enemy’s brother with
questionable intentions. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
does some patient coaching of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
despite being stuck in a time crunch. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Rama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is patient even to </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suka</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Charana</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the spies of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who wanted to gather the strategic information of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
forces. Instead of punishing, </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asks </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to provide all the information and escort them free. </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shows compassion by officially sending </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Angada</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the ambassador, just in case </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lost the message of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hanuman</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
dismissing him as a spy. </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
compassion knows no bounds when he lets </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
go back after his thorough disaster on his very first encounter.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Unless
one grasps the basics of </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and are convinced to act on their own volition, neither will there be
any constructive action or transmission of </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This implies that children and next generation must be taught </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
instead of expecting them to pick it up through osmosis. Also the
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
forces must be countered in various ways to instill strength and
message for the next generation. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
people must aggressively reach out to the ones ignorant in
understanding and assist them to grasp the basics.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is not colored by the background –</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> unconditionally
accepts </span><i>Vibhishana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Saranagati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. He
declares that </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the one who
seeks refuge at his feet, whether it is </span><i>Vibhishana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> himself,
they are granted sanctuary immediately (</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">आनय
एनम् हरि श्रेष्ठ दत्तम् अस्य
अभयम् मया </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">विभीषणो
वा सुग्रीव यदि वा रावणः स्वयम्
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
aanaya evam harishreshhTha dattam asya abhayam mayaa |
vibhiishhaNovaa sugriiva yadivaa raavaNaH svayam ||</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
VR 6-18-34). This demonstrates the extreme compassion, but also the
declared policy and </span><i>swadharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. We find the
same grace to the tormentor of </span><i>Sita, Kakasura</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This implied that the one who was surrendering was genuine and not
merely appealing to the ego to deceive one later. This was exactly
the case when many invaders of ancient India were forgiven only to be
later abused like in the case of Prithviraj and Muhammad Ghori.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/12/saranagati-path-of-self-surrender.html"><b><span> </span>Saranagati</b></a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is not being randomly accepting of everyone, as we do not have the
same intuition level of </b></span><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
Hence we must be compassionate, yet cautious. The yardstick to
measure is the </b></span><i><b>gunakarma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span><i><b>dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
adherence of the </b></span><i><b>saranagata</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
larger lesson from </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
here is that </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
has to be upheld. Anyone having difficulty in observing </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
must be protected. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
challenge is in filtering in the genuine ones and discarding the
stubborn negative minded fakes.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Swadharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– This is the individual’s expression of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
may manifest in different forms, it is best expressed by the
individual through their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
stops his mother, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who wants to renounce </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and come with him to the forest, by citing her </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He does try to stop </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
but in vain. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
leaves his wife, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Urmila</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
and goes with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Out of love, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
suggests </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to stay, who vehemently opposed this idea. She was clear with her
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The idea of being with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was approached differently by different characters, yet the common
thread is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
individual’s stage, situation in life coupled with their
understanding gives rise to a unique expression, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Following this unique path, we not our exhaust our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in a proper process but also get the most optimal path for our
spiritual evolution. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
demonstrates this varied </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expression beautifully.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Secret
of </span><i>Sita’s Agnipariksha</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
–</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/10/ramas-love-for-sita-agnipariksha-2.html">Rama</a></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/10/ramas-love-for-sita-agnipariksha-2.html">’s
love for</a></b></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/10/ramas-love-for-sita-agnipariksha-2.html"><i> Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is not a
secret.</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
His relentless search for months and building a</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
setu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
across the seas is a testimonial by themselves. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yet
there is more than it meets the eye of a casual </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reader or a critic. Did </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
suspect </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
Did he ask or cause her to jump in fire? If so, why? </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">With
only days available to return to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the bigger issue of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
being rejected by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was hurting </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
With an understanding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmapatni</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he merely staged an anger to get the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
atttention and especially </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The very first words of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was to forgive </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and to understand his intentions. This is evident that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
never harbors this topic in her heart again. - </span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/10/understanding-agnipariksha.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">Study
the details of </span><i>Agnipariksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in depth</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Till
date there are critics who complain without even studying </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki
Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and let alone ponder on the secrets and subtleties </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of
this </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Agnipariksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
episode. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
underwent this trial by fire, the latter once and the former everyday
since through our words. The reason was to aide </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">parama
bhagavata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was bearing the brunt of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">apavada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for fourteen years. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">It
is okay to take strong measures, even if misunderstood, to uphold
</span><i>Dharma</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Feel
the heat –</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The biggest
criticism on </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is that he sent the fully pregnant </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the forest. While we forget to read that a day before only </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expressed her desire to deliver in the forest, something she was used
to. But the skin of the reason that was placed in front of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was that at least one confirmed person was questioning how </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
might have gone with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
willingly. As ludicrous as it sounds, this individual was beyond
reason like the critics of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This was giving rise to a dangerous situation with the possibility of
gossip spreading like wild fire. We see this exact situation </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
</span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/09/practical-krishna-defending-your.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">Defending
your reputation</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is no counter dote to the gossip of lies being spread. We are
testimonial to this fact in the day of today’s social media. The
only possibility </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
saw was that once the kingdom is set on fire by wagging tongues, he
loses the power of words over his Kingdom. He cared not for the
suzerainty but for the welfare of the people. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Just
like </span><i>Shiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> drank
</span><i>Halahala</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> poison to
protect the universe, </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was at the crossroads of arguing against odds which will lead to a
reluctant personal comfort for him and </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or choose a tough pill where </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
will have hardships, but </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
will be carrying the burden forever</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Sometimes,
the tougher choice to uphold </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
may be infinitely harder, but for the person who feels the larger
good of the society matters more than the personal comforts of the
individual, the choice is easier as the individual is only the self. </span></b></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shows that the higher path of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is always the right choice, though it may never be easier. The path
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhyavasis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not only expected their ruler, but also held on to very high
standards. Thus, when </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
decided to go back to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaikunta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the domain of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also got liberated. This is ample proof that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span> </span>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
</span><i>ayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is not merely to
recount the ideals he stood for and lived by, but guideposts for each
one of us to follow them.</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
While we may be struggling to adhere to the mundane </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of day today life, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a loud clarion call for each </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to push that envelope of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
understanding. May we all take the consecration, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">PranaPrathista</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
temple to revive our inner connection and raise the bar of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in our lives. That is the real purpose of this newly built temple.
</span></span><b><i>Jai Shri Ram!</i></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></b><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></i><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></b><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></i><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></b><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></i></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-57585786871904234712024-01-07T18:19:00.006-06:002024-01-07T18:19:43.901-06:00Adjusting the sails of Bhakti<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a special relationship between the individual </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivatman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the Supreme </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/01/navavidha-bhakti.html"><i><b>Navavidha
Bhakti</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provided an insight into the different flavors of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
modern day </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is reduced to a transactional business. In many extreme cases, when
one pleads for the life of a beloved, without understanding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
an undesired results leads to these pseudo </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to even atheism. We studied this trend in greater detail in </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/08/bhakti-now-and-then.html"><i><b>Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Now and then</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Such </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hindus</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seem to be walking with a </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/03/hindu-handbook-of-excuses.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>book
of excuses</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>While
we are not trying to fix these fakes, a genuine </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will have to fix some of the roadblocks. This is a wondrous story
from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam, </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">found
in Canto 10, Chapter 23. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa
Maharishi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has documented this history to make us ponder deeply on how we can
adjust the sails of our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
boat which can help us cross the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Moksha</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
for </b></span><b><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> wives and
their husbands:</span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
<i>Gopa</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> boys depended on
everything from food to entertainment and protection from </span><i>Sri
Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Balarama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Once, overwhelmed by hunger, they appealed to them to provide them
with some nourishment. Being aware of some </span><i>Bhakta Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
women nearby, he realized their husbands were performing </span><i>Angirasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>satram</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, with an
intention to ascend to </span><i>swarga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> suggested that
the </span><i>Gopa</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> boys go and
declare that they have been sent by </span><i>Sri Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Balarama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and seek
some food.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Gopa</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
boys having fallen to the feet of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Brahmanas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
out of respect, wished for their prosperity and happiness. They
informed that </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Balarama</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were nearby and desired to obtain some food to quell their hunger.
The word used to refer the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Brahmanas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is knowers of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma
</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">धर्मवित्तमा</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>dharma-vittamāḥ</i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">).
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There
is a stipulated time between the initiation and sacrificial rites of
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Sautraman</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>i</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>,</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
when food cannot be taken. Since it is past the time, there are no
constraints in sharing the food. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Wrong
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Attitude</b>:
Despite</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
the request of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Sri
Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
they paid no attention. Worse yet they were entangled in their
ritualistic outlook mired in desires (</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">क्षुद्राशा
भूरिकर्माणो </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>kṣudrāśā
bhūri-karmāṇo</i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
SB 10-23-9).</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Due
to their perverse intelligence and by wrongly identifying the body as
their self, they were unable to perceive</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
Sri Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in reality was</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
Parabrahmam </i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तं
ब्रह्म परमं साक्षाद्
भगवन्तमधोक्षजम् । मनुष्यदृष्ट्या
दुष्प्रज्ञा मर्त्यात्मानो
न मेनिरे ॥ </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>taṁ
brahma paramaṁ sākṣād bhagavantam adhokṣajam manuṣya-dṛṣṭyā
duṣprajñā martyātmāno na menire</i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">SB
10-23-11).</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Bhagawan</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
alone manifests as the different aspects of the</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
Yagna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
– the time, place, sacrificial offerings, mantras, prescribed
rituals, sacrifice officiating priests, sacrificial fires,</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
devatas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
yajman</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
of the sacrifice and the</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
phala</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">(</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">देश</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">:
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN">काल</span></span>:
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN">पृथग्द्रव्यं
मन्त्रतन्त्रर्त्विजोऽग्नय</span></span>:
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN">देवता यजमानश्च
क्रतुर्धर्मश्च यन्मय</span></span>:
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN">॥ </span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>deśaḥ
kālaḥ pṛthag dravyaṁ mantra-tantrartvijo ’gnayaḥ
devatā yajamānaś ca kratur dharmaś ca yan-mayaḥ</i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SB
10-23-10). In short, the entire elaborate exercise of the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Yagna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
was to get a visualization of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Parabrahman</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet due to the wrong understanding of the self as the body, not only
all the efforts went futile, but also generated a perverted stance
that didn’t help the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Brahmanas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Krishna</span></b></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
advice</b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gopa</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
boys reported the cold treatment given by the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
redirected them to approach the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wives, who were not only affectionate but also locked on to </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with their intelligence. The </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gopas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
found a very enthusiastic response. The women carried </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">four
types of food and rushed to </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a river merges into the ocean. </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was as pleased to see his </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as they were to see HIM. Their state of mind is captured by </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as akin to the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who give up their false ego on the threshold of entering their real
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atmic</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
state.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
observe</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">d</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that their mind is above all desires (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">त्यक्तसर्वाशा</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
tyakta-sarva-āśāḥ</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
He commends them on rising above their bonds to visit </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Balarama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is dearer than any other object (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">भक्तिमात्मप्रिये
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhaktim
ātma-priye</span></i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>It
is only by the contact and association with the </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Atman</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
that one’s </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Prana</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
mind, relatives, body, wife, children, wealth etc become dearer</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">प्राणबुद्धिमन</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">स्वात्मदारापत्यधनादय</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
यत्सम्पर्कात्प्रिया आसंस्तत</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">को
न्वपर</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">प्रिय</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">prāṇa-buddhi-manaḥ-svātma
dārāpatya-dhanādayaḥ yat-samparkāt priyā āsaṁs tataḥ ko
nv aparaḥ priyaḥ</span></i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
SB 10-23-27). He proceeded to instruct the women to return to the
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yagna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as their husbands need their attention to complete the rituals.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
women exclaimed that they have given up all their relations to
surrender at the lotus feet of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and they cannot settle for anything less than HIS lotus feet. Besides
giving up all the connections to the material world, such as
husbands, sons, fathers, their very act of severance will make them
unfit to return back. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
consoled that no one will ever look at them will any malice or ill
will by HIS grace. He instructed the women to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>stay
mentally locked on to HIM for spiritual growth and physical proximity
is not a factor</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
remain fixated upon HIM, he recommended </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sravana,
darshana, dhyana, bhava</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kirtana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
women returned to perform their duties and there was no negative
reception as blessed by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
One of the women who was unable to participate in the rendezvous with
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna,</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to her husband’s extreme measures, heard of the great
experience and abandoned her body, having merged with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with her mind. Meanwhile </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gopas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
enjoyed the scrumptious delicacies that were offered to them.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Brahmanas</b></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
get their understanding corrected:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Seeing
the wondrous experience of their wives, the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
became pensive and repentant. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Contemplating
on the vanity of their noble birth, being initiated into rituals,
learning, austerities, they understood their lack of </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
towards </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They admired at the short cut the women have taken to rise above the
bonds of materialism through pure devotion. They were able to rise
above the limitations of not having </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Upanayana,</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
training as </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmachari</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or having a </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They don’t have the backing of </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapas,
saucam</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">atma
mimamsa</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
yet they have approached the highest truth through </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only by </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>They
realized that they completely misread the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gopas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
message, as it was to help them rise above their minds buried in the
materialistic world. It makes no other sense for the bestower of
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the Lord of all to seek alms. The very abode of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri,
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">prosperity,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
taking to alms is an act of extreme kindness towards them, as they</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">reflected
properly. They now realized that both their subject and objects of
attention were pervaded by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishnu</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who has taken the form of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>They
offered mental obeisance to this Supreme Personality, the ones they
were lucky enough to realize thanks to their wives. Though bound by
HIS</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Maya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
unable to realize his nature and caught in rituals, they were
confident in HIS grace and blessings and were sure they will be
pardoned for their oversight. Yet the realized </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
did not go and meet </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
owing to the fear of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kamsa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">djusting
the sails of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bhakti</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">An
assumption will have to be made that one is practicing </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>nishkamya
bhakti</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
There is a constant </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>sadhana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
towards </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Atma
vichara</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Despite
the strong </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bhava</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
connecting the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bhakta</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
with </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bhagawan,</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">there
are a few obstacles that a </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bhakta</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
may have to circumvent.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Need
for proximity and assurance:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This is especially true for those in very unconducive environments.
For instance a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hindu
Bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in Pakistan or Afghanistan will need a stronger foundation of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
when compared to one residing in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varanasi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mathura</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though the mind may be very evolved and constantly meditating upon
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the stress coming from the non-cooperative environment can shake the
very basis. This is what happened to the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wives, who were very evolved spiritually, yet under the pressure of
their ritualistic husbands, who didn’t grasp the essence of their
own </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span> So
when they mustered all their courage, based on their love and
devotion for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they pleaded HIM not to allow their return. They could experience the
ecstasy of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the presence of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
alone to the fullest extent. But </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted them to overcome this obstacle.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
advised, physical contact or proximity is not needed for spiritual
growth and fulfillment of spiritual love. He recommended the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wives to keep their mind fixated upon HIM always and in a short
while, they will make rapid progress to permanently merge into HIM.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">न
प्रीतयेऽनुरागाय ह्यङ्गसङ्गो
नृणामिह । तन्मनो मयि युञ्जाना
अचिरान्मामवाप्स्यथ ॥ </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">na
prītaye ’nurāgāya hy aṅga-saṅgo nṛṇām iha tan mano mayi
yuñjānā acirān mām avāpsyatha</span></i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">SB
10-23-32)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>This
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is not found in all </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recensions, but reiterates the above point with a lot more depth. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sri
Krishna</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
recommended the importance of </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sravana</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(listening), </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>darshan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(by visualizing using a </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>murti</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>),
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>dhyana</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(meditation) upon HIM, </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>bhava</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(special relationship with </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)
and </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>kirtana
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(singing
the name, qualities and connection with </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>).</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
He reminded that physical proximity is not necessary and urged them
to return back. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">श्रवणाद्दर्शनाद्ध्यानान्मयि
भावोऽनुकीर्तनात् । न तथा
सन्निकर्षेण प्रतियात ततो
गृहान् ॥ </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">śravaṇād
darśanād dhyānān mayi bhāvo ’nukīrtanāt na tathā
sannikarṣeṇa pratiyāta tato gṛhān</span></i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
SB 10-23-33) </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>A
common excuse given by many is that it would have been useful if
their birth was with one of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avataras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
message removes this silly hallucination of ours. We need to
incorporate exactly what </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
advised these women for </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/09/yuga-overcoming-evils-of-kali-3.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Vyasa</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
gives the same prescription for </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
much later in the text.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Introspection
on </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Ahamkara</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
developed special </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
owing to their special conditions and failed to introspect. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the arrogating principle that projects the sense of I-ness. The
real Self is the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but the false self is the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara
tattva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that reprojects something else as the self. It may be body, mind,
intellect, wealth, relationship or anything but the real Self. In
spirituality, one must transcend above this lower self through
various </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sadhana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to realize the true nature of one Self.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were proud of their birth, ritualistic passage, rituals, learning and
skill in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
All these achievements were mere projections of their </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Despite all the favorable conditions and practice, they were much
farther than they wrongly assumed. The </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
women didn’t have any of their positives, yet through simple
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they were not only approaching </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
but were also immensely blessed and personally coached by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Only when they began to evaluate their practices against the backdrop
of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
their emptiness emerged. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">They
exclaimed, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>‘vain
is our high birth with eligibility for the threefold sacraments; vain
is our learning, austerities, vast knowledge of the </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>shastras</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and skill for rituals’. For with all these we do not have devotion
to </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">धिग्
जन्म नस्त्रिवृद् यत् तद्
धिग्व्रतं धिग्बहुज्ञताम्
। धिक्कुलं धिक् क्रियादाक्ष्यं
विमुखा ये त्वधोक्षजे ॥ </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dhig
janma nas tri-vṛd yat tad dhig vrataṁ dhig bahu-jñatām dhik
kulaṁ dhik kriyā-dākṣyaṁ vimukhā ye tv adhokṣaje</span></i></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">SB
10-23-40)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>This
introspection and course correction is crucial even in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Imagine that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can hijack this agenda even at the last step by making one proud as
being the best </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Humility is a good friend for every </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the way that works the best in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet without these course corrections, we are mired in this </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara
sagara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There are numerous stories in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that inspire every </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But this one is very special, as it features two ends of a spectrum,
yet they need their own course correction. The grace of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shastras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to offer these and much more insight to every earnest </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It constantly reminds every </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadaka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to remain alert as the spiritual journey is fraught with potential
pitfalls. At the same time, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
unlimited unrestrained grace is upon each one of us that we need not
ever feel being lonely in this journey. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Jai
Shri Krishna!</b></i></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-54804996967967450872023-12-26T18:57:00.002-06:002023-12-26T18:58:19.238-06:00Ideal Grihasthashrama leads to Moksha<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Grihasthashrama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is most commonly mocked by </span><span style="font-style: normal;">even</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
most married folk, irrespective of gender. Personal shortcomings and
frustrations are foisted on the entire </span><i>ashrama </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
it is viewed as a necessary evil. There are growing trends around the
world that shake its very foundation like urbanization, demography
changes, wanting to be single, unable to get married, infidelity
(worse yet promoted by some lunatic Supreme Court judges) and worse
yet the gender confusion movements. Despite all the odds,
</span><i><b>Grihasthashrama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the foundation of humanity and more importantly the other
</b></span><i><b>ashramas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
</b></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Earlier
we obtained some <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/02/bhagavatams-pointers-to-ideal-marriage.html"><b>crucial
marriage tips from </b><i><b>Srimad Bhagavatam</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We also got the </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/08/marriage-basics-anusuya-sita-samvada.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>basics
of good marriage from </b></span><i><b>Sita-Anusuya samvada</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We got more insights from </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/07/marriage-basics-kausalya-sita-samvada.html"><i><b>Kausalya-Sita
samvada</b></i></a><i>. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Even the
glorious </span><i>Sathyabama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
came to the feet of </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/02/pativratas-tips-on-keeping-husband-in.html"><i><b>Draupadi</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
for pointers on marriage</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Continuing this tradition of learning from the masters and their
conversation, we delve into this wondrous history.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
blessed story of <i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Yudhishtra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was deeply interested in the lecture on </span><i>Moksha Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This is found in the </span><i>Shanti Parva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
book of the </span><i>Mahabharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This story occurs in the </span><i>Kumbakonam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
recension. A natural question arose in the mind of </span><i>Yudhishtra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as his personal desire was to abandon the kingdom and head to the
forest, while </span><i>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
pre</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">cription
was to remain as a </span><i>Raja</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Grihastha. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">So he
desired to know if one were to remain as a </span><i>Grihastha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
what is the best possible scenario and if any role models existed?
</span><i>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> narrated the
history of </span><i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
highlight the glories of an ideal marriage, which is curative of the
ailment of </span><i>Samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Glory
of <i>Suvarchala:</i></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> There was
a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmarishi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
called </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
renowned for his</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma-</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">centric life,
replete with worship of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He had a daughter, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who was famed for her beauty and good qualities. As the marriageable
age drew closer, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
started pondering about a suitable groom. </span><b>He expected such
a<i> Brahmana </i>to be a good <i>Vedic</i> scholar, not already
married, one with sweet talk and one who is capable of doing serious
<i>Tapasya. </i>Approaching her father in private, <i>Suvarchala</i>
added a clause that her husband has to be blind but must be able to
see. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> A shocked </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
even questioned her sanity, but she remained firm. She agreed to a
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swayamvara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and banked on the wisdom of such a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
scholar to hold her hands in marriage. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sent his disciples to explore and </span><b>bring a suitable <i>Brahmana</i>
from a noble birth, with both parents having a good pedigree and both
parents being alive, having good character, health, clear intellect,
well versed in <i>Vedas</i>, having observed <i>Brahmacharya</i>.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Hearing
the fame of </span><i>Devala</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
character of </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
many </span><i>rishiputras</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
</span><i>Brahmanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> assembled to
win her hand. </span><i>Devala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gave the choice to </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to pick her suitable husband. </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
relayed her qualification for her husband, which irritated many as
they were befuddled by it. They thought it was a trick to mock them,
so they went their own frustrated ways.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Solution
to the riddle:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
continued to reside at her father’s </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ashram</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one day, a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmachari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
named </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">who
had command over the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and its inner meaning, one who was a Truth Seeker, deep rooted in</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and deeply advanced in the search of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who had living parents approached</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Devala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
having heard of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
unique requirement.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Knowing
his background as the illustrious son of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uddalaka
Aruni</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the one who thundered </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Tattavamasi,
Swetaketu”</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chandogya
Upanishad</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
excited </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
approached his daughter to marry him. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
addressed </span><i>Suvarchala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and declared he was a blind person with good eyesight. One who cannot
see, touch, smell, taste or hear the world without the prism of </span><i>Atman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is considered as blind by the </span><i>Shastras</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Atman</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> has to guide the
</span><i>manas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Buddhi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
else such a person is considered blind. Since I don’t have that
vision, I am blind though having perfect eyesight. </span><i>Swetaketu
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">added that he performs the
</span><i>Nithyanaimityaka Karmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
with a worldly vision. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
goal of marriage is to translate this worldly vision into </span><i>Atma
Drishti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
having basic understanding </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not yet realiz</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ed</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his mind is calm and contented. Having won her heart with his deep
wisdom, the couple were married by a very pleased </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
promised to be her </span><i>Bharta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the supporter of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and her</span><i>, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">whilst she
agreed to be his </span><i>Dharmapatni</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
one who will keep </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
balanced in their lives.</span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Highest
ideals in </b></span><i><b>Grihasthashrama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span><i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> set some
expectations for their </span><i>Grihasthashrama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
He expected her to observe the duties prescribed by the </span><i>Vedas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
just as he was observing. As both of them still have the “I”
consciousness, it is imperative to perform the </span><i>Nithyanaimityika
Karmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>As
the fire of </b></span><i><b>Jnana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
burns bright, the idea of “I-ness” must be burnt in it, while
continuing to perform the </b></span><i><b>Karmas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The world merely follows the ideal person who leads by example. Thus
by living an ideal life, one elevates the standards for the world and
helps it prosper. </span><i>Swetaketu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
thus lived a very high idealistic life, raised children to please
</span><i>Devas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and had a very
uplifting example for the noble </span><i>Suvarchala.</i></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Suvarchala</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
asks her husband, “Who are you”: </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
couple lead a contented life that was the role model for everyone.
One day, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asked her husband, please tell me “Who are you?”. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
smiling </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
asked her, having addressed me and knowing me, why do you ask this
question. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
clarified that she wanted to know about the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that is deeply hidden behind the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
clarified that the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wont speak. It is beyond name and form. The body is related to birth.
Though we misunderstand that I exist only in the body, this idea
I-ness transcends body. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is not contained in the body. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">deeply
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in nature, was enjoying the purport of such wondrous words of her
husband.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Swetaketu</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
wisdom:</b></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Having
realized that husband has obtained </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
through </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma
Yoga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
she sought refuge at his feet and begged to share his wisdom.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reminded again that good examples are needed for the masses. As one
strives to live an ideal life, their life is the inspiration and role
model for others. Without such examples, society will fall into
perpetual decay. Thus living by high standards and aligning with
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pleases </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the one who created and sustains this world. This world is his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Leela</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
His </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhutis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as infinite. The one who is wise enough to chop the roots of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
this very birth</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
identified with me, says </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The one who is mired in bad </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is dragged to lower births. So living an ideal life, pleasing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">uplifts
the world.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Shabda</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and its meaning:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
“What is </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shabda/</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sound?”,
“What is its meaning?”, asked</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said a collection of syllables, which are</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">represented
by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">akshara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">constitute
sound.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
intending object represented by the sound is its meaning. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">wondered
what is the connection between words and their meaning. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said there is no permanence in the sound and its meaning. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
demanded more clearer explanation on the impermanence between sound
and its meaning. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said by repeated attributing of the meaning to the sound, a
connection is established. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
clarified that just like there is space and earth, though earth is in
space, a similar relationship exists for words and meaning. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Insights
on Atman: </span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala
now addressed the real question on her mind. The idea of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“I”,
ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is attached to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
explained that the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shabda</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">/sound
“I” denotes the</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and not the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Words and sounds can only relate with objects perceived by the BMI
(Body, Mind, Intellect) apparatus. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pleaded to clarify the differences between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
explain</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ed
that just like pot is mere modification of clay, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is attributed to that of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It is beyond the reach of the intellect. Ideas like “I, We, It”
are foisted on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Words and sound do not touch the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Just
like the earth rattling through space appears to be in space, actions
don’t bind </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is unique and is not perceptible. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
countered that space is perceptible as formless, attributeless and
not having parts. How is the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
having consciousness realized? </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
responded, objects in space are felt by touch, smell, taste and
sight, yet we do not actually comprehend space. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is subtler than space. Even the space and other </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhutas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are foisted upon it. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the same as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri Vishnu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Words, attributes, character is foisted upon this </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is omnipresent, but is far beyond the reach of senses, mind and
intellect. A pure intellect will reflect this </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and only thus we can realize. Just like a small pot is completely
encompassed by a huge pot, the entire </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prapancha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is within the</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Atman, </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">which
is beyond gender. Its nature is of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
admixture of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhutas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
give rise to the differences in the appearance of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Just like water quenches thirst, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">provide
the wisdom and the path to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to know how the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
take one to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
observed that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
do not describe </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but instead provides pointers. Thus despite being words/sound, they
are not devoid of meaning. As it reinforces the path of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
most certainly lead to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
recommended her to meditate upon </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to develop </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
radiates and fills the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">manas,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">which
is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The difference that we see as you and me is an expression of
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
continued to serve her husband filled with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma
Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and in time was filled with the same. They continued to do perform
their regular </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nityanaimityika
Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
but offered them the Omnipresent </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma
Sri Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Thus living in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihas</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">thas</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">hrama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
this wondrous couple attained </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">P</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ractical
applications:</span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Spouse:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The qualities of a spouse play a central role. Whilst money, power,
fame, physique all figure in modern day requirements, character,
being rooted in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is more importance given to the wedding than marriage. We have
reduced marriage to an institution for </span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/12/kamayana-ramayana-through-lens-of-desire.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">untamed
</span><i>kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> fest</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
refreshing incident reminds us that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the highest goal is possible, despite being tied up in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsaric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ways of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihasthashrama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Karmas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The couple complement each other in performing the prescribed
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nityanaimityika
Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In the modern marriage, even doing the most fundamental ideas have
been rigged. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
views having children as repaying the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitr
runa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Modern couples think of the impact on their budget and lifestyle.
Sadly we see the effects of such perverted thinking in the
demographies of Japan, South Korea, China and most of Europe. Sadder
than the fact that most Hindu couples do not perform their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the their ignorance of what is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
synergy of marriage helps the couple to evolve faster by aiding each
other. At the grossest level, this can be seen where both are high
income generating and can stash a lot quickly. But the key component
of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihasthashrama
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and performing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We also learn how we do the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is as important as doing it.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Atma
vichara</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This is the essence we get from this story as both </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are driven to seek, discuss and grow with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma
Vichara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is a direct effect of doing our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with the right attitude. This creates the suitable ecosystem to
encourage us to ponder about </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
there are two </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadakas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
performing their duties and yoked in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihasthashrama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
their complementary effect is amazing. We find all </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were practicing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihasthashrama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and very few set the example of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sannyasa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yajnavalkya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maitreyi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provide yet another great example of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma
vichara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in married life. The importance grows as one ages. In today’s day
and age, become a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vanaprasthi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
may be literally impossible. But following </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swetaketu
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suvarchala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
role model is very practical.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
this model, there is no divorce or squabbles with the spouse. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the focus and doing our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yajna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Every opportunity to evolve and grow benefits the world. Money is not
a distraction as the main attention is on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It all begins with the parents following these standards and
educating their children. Such children will know exactly what is
needed in their spouses and will choose well. Yoked together and
driven by the quest of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">even
everyday mundane activities become a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
With the progressive purification of our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunakarmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the couple steadily ascend to the highest peak of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
even in the most </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
driven world.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>It
all begins with our individual commitment to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
not waiting or blaming the spouse. As we experience the
transformation, it rubs on to the other. But it requires commitment
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">performing
our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with a proper attitude and rigorous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This will eventually transfer to our children and beyond. This is the
only way </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grihasthashrama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can help us combat the evil effects of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May we all absorb this wonderful message of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and see the blessings in our life.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-18606834940379992892023-12-17T19:44:00.002-06:002023-12-17T19:44:41.760-06:00Kamayana - Ramayana through the lens of desire<p><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">borne
out of a</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(desire).
The </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagavad
Gita </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">declares
that no one can remain without action, even for a moment (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">न
हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु
तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>na
hi kaśhchit kṣhaṇam api jātu tiṣhṭhatyakarma-kṛit</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
BG 3-5). </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
emanates from the depths of the being and pushes forth towards an
object of desire. This object may be an idea, a thing or a person. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Understanding
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
One must grasp the basics of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
before wading deeper into this topic. The reason why </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
emanates is, there is a false perception of the Self (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Atman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">).
Due to this error in judgment, the perceiver is unable to shake off
the expansive nature of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Atman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It feels a definite lack and shortcoming. There is a strong internal
pressure of the </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/08/vasanas-key-to-understand-our-past.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Vasanas</b></i></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the past imprints of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
OR a strong external attraction from the world outside, which appeals
to the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>manas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
through the messages coming from the senses deployed. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>This
creates a strong pressure within the </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>manas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
that the perceived lacuna in the </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>s</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>elf
can be fixed only through the incorporation of the desired object.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagavad
Gita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
provides a thorough insight into the way </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
arises in the mind. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When
a man thinks of objects, attachment for them arises </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">due</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
to the mental association; from attachment desire is born; desire
gives birth to anger </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ध्यायतो
विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते
। सङ्गात्सञ्जायते कामः
कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ॥</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">dhyāyato
viṣayān puṁsaḥ saṅgas teṣūpajāyate saṅgāt sañjāyate
kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyate</span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">BG
2-62). </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
bottom line is the lack of understanding of our true Self and also
the otherliness of objects, perceived as a completer of the lacuna
felt in the mind.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/desire-genealogical-approach.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>This
bodiless, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>formless</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(Desire)
undergoes numerous modifications</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
Thus it is </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">narrated</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Puranas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kamadeva</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">non
corporeal form, where as his wife </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rati</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the state of happiness and beauty ha</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">d</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
an embodied form. Once </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is attained with the obtaining of the object of desire, the agitation
in the mind rests, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">temporarily</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This rested state is wrongly registered in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>manas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sukham</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(happiness).
If it were to be a real source of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sukham</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
there should be no need for further objects of desire or for the same
desire to repeatedly seek an outlet. For example, the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>lad</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>d</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>u</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
once eaten should give you permanent happiness, which it doesn’t.
Worse yet, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">sometime</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
later, it creates the same desire expression. This proves that the
objects of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
do not yield </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sukham</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
despite their tantalizing false image.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>If
the object of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is not obtained, then it results in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dukham</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(Sorrow) or its myriad other forms </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Arishadvarga
– six passions – kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha
(intense attachment or temptation based on delusion), mada (pride or
hubris)</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>
matsarya (jealousy).</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in its original expression, as repeated thoughts or after its
modifications as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sukham,
Dukham,</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or other emotions leaves an imprint in its wake, </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/08/vasanas-key-to-understand-our-past.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Vasana</b></i></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Thus, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
seed for its perpetual expression exists in every </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
born</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
One of the grander objectives of the spiritual journey is to attain a
state of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vasanakshaya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the complete absence of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vasanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
where thoughts don’t arise due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vasanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
They may still be absorbed from the cosmic mind, where the individual
acts as a vessel of the cosmic Self.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the uncontrollable urge that comes with a strong connection with
the to-be manifested outcome. This is called Attachment. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
intensity of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is directly proportional to the intensity of Attachment.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hence to combat the strong powers of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama,</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the primary prescription is </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(Intelligent discrimination) and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vairagya</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(Dispassion).</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Kama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
once it emerges in the bosom can be expressed as is. But civic
society imposes certain curbs for such unbridled expressions. Still
many backdoors exist for the overwhelming control of our </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">manas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">indriyas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
For instance, drugs are banned, still people find a way to get it.
Alcohol is a proven poison, yet culture masks its consumption and
even promotes it.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
opposite of such expression is to temper </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expression through </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">DHARMA</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ideas
not sanctioned by </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shastras</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or not conforma</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">nt</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are curbed and transcended. For example, in modern world,
promiscuity and infidelity are justified expressions of lust, but
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
cautions such behavior. This results in lust being transmuted.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><b><span> </span>Kama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
governed by </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
gives us the playing field to express our </b></span><i><b>Vasanas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and exhaust it, but the fine tuning done by </b></span><i><b>Swadharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
gives the individual the rules of engagement.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
To easily grasp this concept of unregulated </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> done under
increasing </span><i>Dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
attitude and </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that
is transcended and transmuted as </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
expressions</span><i>,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> one must
study </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. In
this focused analysis, we will analyze the different ways </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
has been at the root of some of the major </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
characters’ behavior. </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gives us a wonderful opportunity to study the different states of
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> expression and
their outcomes though a diverse cast of its characters. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Hence
the title, </span><i>Kamayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">We will not a get a complete
study, due to the vastness of </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but attempt at a few case studies and interpretation models.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">D</span><span style="font-style: normal;">esire
is infectious:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
It is normal to understand this, as we all live in a world of
advertisements. Lies, hyperbole, deception at the core of many
advertisements promote the products to us nonstop. Seeing one person
experience, immediately our mind triggers a manufactured need. This
is the infectious nature of desire. A child watching another child
eating ice cream develops a desire to eat ice cream, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">even
if the first child was eating a flavor disliked by the observing
child</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But if an alcohol addict sees another person consume a nonalcoholic
beverage, it creates a strong and intense desire to consume alcohol.
</span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Desire when it gets
transferred gets a </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Based on the
</span><i>vasanas, </i><i>raaga-dveshas</i><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><i>
gunas,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> a prejudiced modification
of the incoming sensory input results in the birth of a modified
desire or even worse its modification as anger, greed, jealousy,
sorrow and the like</span><i>.</i></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i> </i></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Manthara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
driven by her own evil nature sprouted the idea of sending </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to the forest, but lacked the ability to fructify it. She merely
transferred her mental virus to </span><i>Kaikeyi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who had two boons from </span><i>Dasaratha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to cash against her desires. She literally destroyed </span><i>Dasartha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
psychologically, took over the desire expression, as if it was on his
behalf. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Desire thus can be
forcefully expressed even if it is against the wishes of the
individual.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>We
see a similar transfer of desire when </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
enchanted by the golden deer, sends </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to fetch it, as she lacked resources to do it herself. </span><i>Shoorpanka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
keeps wavering between </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> as a
choice of mate and decides to have both. But when punished for her
transgressions, she injected her desire as desire to punish through
</span><i>Khara</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Dhushana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ir</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
failure led to an emotional outburst to </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Since everybody has a preferred way of desiring, her message was
codified to him as lust for </span><i>Sita.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
His lust pattern was so popular that </span><i>Akampana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the sole surviving spy </span><span style="font-style: normal;">had
earlier </span><span style="font-style: normal;">used the same method
to lure </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b><span> </span>The
mind that is similar in alignment or which can communicate to through
a preferred desire channel or one that is strongly attached to a
prejudiced outcome are excellent candidates for transferring of the
desires from one individual to the other.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Outcome
of intensity of desire/attachment:</b> <span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Desire
has only one objective – manifest at all costs, </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>even
if it destroys the person desiring</b></span><i><b>. </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
intensity of attachment to the object of desire is the driver its
manifestation. As we realized, it doesn’t matter even if the desire
fails, there is a continuation seed as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Desire doesn’t care about the individual who expresses it or what
happens to the outcome of the desired object. Alcoholics or drug
addicts don’t care about their own health and life being destroyed
only to support an ephemeral desire. Nations go to war merely to
express some simple desire, even if contorted. The Iraq war was based
on a pure lie. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>We
saw how </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manthara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
desire working through </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had to express. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
knew </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was the primary occupant of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
heart and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was so attached to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Still she was adamant </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">t
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">manifesting
her desires </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">that
it</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
resulted in the death of her husband. Failing to read the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was another costly blunder of hers, which was due to her desire to
make things happen, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">her
way</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Lust
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shoorpanaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is directly due to the intense attachment to their desires. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had a harem filled with women, yet he was lusting after different
women, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">driven
by </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">desires.
This fact of lack</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ing</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sense control is brought out by the lamentations of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mandodari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
upon </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
death.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>We
see <i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> being portrayed
as a character who is easy to anger. Again this </span><span style="font-style: normal;">righteous
anger</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> can be traced to his
intense attachment to </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Anyone
can succumb –</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is very powerful. Anyone can succumb to it. We see many </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Itihasapuranas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
succumbing to anger or lust. Though </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
doesn’t catalog </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishwamitra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
biography unlike </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he is very good example of succumbing to </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lust for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Menaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
later to pride wanting to restore </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Trishanku</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">svarga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">The vice grip of
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and its
modifications are too powerful for the </span><i>vasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
addicted frail mind </span><span style="font-style: normal;">like
ours</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Indra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the King of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one who has great wisdom of the Self, as depicted in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Upanishads</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
himself seems to fall very deeply in lust. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">daughter,
was given in marriage to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gautama
Maharishi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
though </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
desired for her hand too. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had a grown son, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shatananda</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who was the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajapurohit</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Still </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
stooped so low to cheat </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to get intimate with her. What is appalling is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
knowing agreed to play the role with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Both get punished. But just goes to show that even the ideal ones can
fall from grace, due to the powerful attack from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or its modifications. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
urges one to make one casual mistake to take advantage of, even if
one has an impregnable fortress of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Another
example is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who was perhaps happier in the forests than in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as she had all the time with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
If we visualize </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that is always happier to be with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the golden deer represents the attractions of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jagat</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Even a split second distraction from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is enough to </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">get
attached to a mirage, a lie, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mareech</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Suffice to
reiterate that one must always be at guard against these powerful
forces.</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Flaw
even when with the highest - </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
We saw that even </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fell for the trap. But the bigger lesson is that of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
very many characters knew the real nature of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They would include the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sumitra, Hanuman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mandodari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Despite having all the clues in front and the messages repeatedly
broadcast to him, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
chose to see </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only as his son. This </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dehatma
Buddhi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
never let him rise to his true potential. Extreme attachment to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as his favorite son only resulted in his death. Further more, it
resulted him going to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Svarga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and not attain </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
–</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
To escape the vice grip of desires, only one option exists. This is
to submit, regulate and filter all the desires through </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">DHARMA</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has a tendency to close the mind and keep it centered only on the
object of desire, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
keeps expanding the mind, increases the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva
guna </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">quotient
in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The mechanism they both operate are the same, except the direction
and the nature of their outcome. </span></span><i><b>Kama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
results in getting more deeply mired in </b></span><b><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, while
</span><i>Dharma leads to Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>We
see the examples of <span style="font-style: normal;">the diverse
</span><i>Rishis </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and </span><i>Sabari</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> who have
completely transcended the desire plane through their </span><i>Sadhana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
If at all any lingering semblance of desire exists, it is to have the
</span><i>Darshan</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of </span><i>Bhagawan
Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in person, as they are
already acquainted with HIM as a Principle.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was so suspicious of </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
till </span><i>Hanuman</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> calmed
him. Though a </span><i>Vanara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
filled with desires, his proximity to </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and his willingness to serve, slowly carved away his rough edges. He
offered his entire resource only to aid </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
find </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and later
fight against </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gives us the
complete evolution and transformation path, while </span><i>Vibhishana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is already an evolved </span><i>Dharmatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
His shackles to be bound to </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
weaken the minute </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
appears on the scene. </span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
releases one from the </b></span><i><b>Vasana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span><i><b>Kama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
death grip, thus enabling the </b></span><i><b>Saranagati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
offers more characters that give us a deeper insight into the </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
end of the spectrum. With </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
alone at the center and having </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as its embodiment, </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
brothers – </span><i>Lakshmana, Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Shatrughna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
overpower their own desires, but are committed to </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Still the
best example of transforming oneself into a tool at the hands of
</span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, working hard
to make HIS wishes a reality and only being centered on HIS desires,
thoughts and needs is provided by </span><i>Hanuman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Hanuman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
derives his strength, overpowers his doubts and questions, by
intensely making himself devoid of personal desires and
simultaneously making himself a vessel for </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to playout HIS </span><i>leelas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
through him. The deeds performed by </span><i>Hanuman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the search of </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
during </span><i>Yuddha Kanda</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
transforming himself to a shuttle service for bringing timely
medicines are superhuman feats. This formula will work for us also
provided we do the dual play </span><i>Hanuman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
demonstrated with his mind.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Warning
for <i>Kali Yuga/asuric</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
tendencies –</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
We understood that the more intense desires produce </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mindset while adding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expands it to eventually match and dissolve in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
With </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma
chintana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fading from our bosom, with deliberate, cultivated materialism
fanning the flames of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we must understand its consequences. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">The
natural question that comes to the mind, why can’t I be centered on
my needs and myself.</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>There
are some traits that distinguish a human from animalistic</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>tamasic</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
tendencies. The beautiful </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>sanskrit
subhashita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
captures in great detail - (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">आहार</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">निद्रा</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">भय</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">मैथुनं
च समानमेतत्पशुभिर्नराणाम्
। धर्मो हि तेषामधिको विशेषो
धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः
॥</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">āhāra-nidrā-bhaya-maithunaṃ
cha samānam_etat_pashubhir_narāṇām | dharmo hi teṣhāmadhiko
visheṣho dharmeṇa hīnāḥ pashubhiḥ samānāḥ ||</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
primordial, primititive urges are food, sleep, fear and
procreation/mate. </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
alone is the differentiator, as without this special thing, humans
are no better than animals.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Ahara</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Today
as we live in a world of Swiggy, Zomato and midnight biryani for
snack, with everybody posting what they eat, our mindset will scare
even the hungry </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhakasura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
ravenous appetite </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhima</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and just woken up </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kumbhakarna</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We cannot match their feats, but we overplay our food card to our
peril. The maximum deaths are happening only due to metabolic
syndrome, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">all
linked to our oddities with eating</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
gateway to early and bad death is the unfettered tongue. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Tataka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
gets a curse to transform from a powerful </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yakshini</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
to a cannibal, as she used her power to swallow </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Agastya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in a fit of rage. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kabandha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is another food centered </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>asura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who gets release from such a pitiable state. During his visit,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Hanuman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
finds the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rakshas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
consuming different viands and drinks, including many intoxicating
ones. On the other hand, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ramayana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is replete with wondrous examples of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rishis,
Sabari</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rama,
Sita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
demonstrating excellent control with respect to food.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Nidra:</b>
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">Though we are creatures subject
to circadian rhythm, we ignore our bodily demands and today
sleeplessness is an all pervasive syndrome. Sleeping at awkward
times, reduced sleep, sleeplessness induced obesity, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">not
taking advantage of </span><i>Brahmamuhurta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are all accepted norms of today’s society. On one extreme end of
the spectrum, we find </span><i>Kumbhakarana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
who was chasing permanence(</span><i>nithyatvam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)
reduced to its opposite, sleep (</span><i>nidratvam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">).
Despite all the power, a messed up sleep cycle of too much or too
little robs all the potency. On the other hand, we find </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
being captured in </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of starting his days at </span><i>Brahmamuhurta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even if he has to leave a place, let alone take advantage of the
quietude for </span><i>Sadhana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Maituna:</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> are
filled with numerous incidents that warn us of crossing this
obsessive state that is self destructive. The fall of </span><i>Indra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Ahalya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is a
powerful warning that this weakness can creep even to the most
advanced being. </span><i>Vishwamitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
fall to </span><i>Menaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> shows
</span><i>Sadhana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is no easy
defence to the power of </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Kakasura</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> episode is
another strong reminder </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that
even with </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
facing away briefly, the </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is vulnerable. </span><i>Ayomukhi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
meets her end, by kidnapping </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to be her sex slave. </span><i>Shoorpanaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the one who is crucial plot character</span><i>, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is
drawn towards </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
</span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> only for her
intimacy needs. Her </span><i>Tamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transforms even her bleeding nose and ears as lusty expressions to
</span><i>Khara</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i>Dushana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Even when instigating </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
she knows his vulnerabilities to lust and merely appeals to the same.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i> </i></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gets his death punishment as he transgresses his own daughter like
younger sister in law, </span><i>Ruma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
driven by lust. But </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
tops all these characters by making serial rape as his terror weapon
of choice and outlet of his real deep </span><i>Tamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
His long list of victims include </span><i>Vedhavati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">his own daughter in law –
</span><i>Rambha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
amongst the countless young women. </span><i>Hanuman’s</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
discovery of his harem filled with women, who were involved in
fulfilling his lecherousness was only confirmed by </span><i>Mandodari</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
lamentations, upon </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
death that how he morphed from a person of austerities to be a victim
of his own concupiscence. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>With
a society that is so much infested by porn and many religions that
are centered only on peddling sex in this life and beyond, the norms
are bent beyond recognition. The boundaries of </span><i>Adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
have blurred the normalcy, but the consequences of violating </span><i>Ahara,
nidra</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Maituna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are bound to provide strong repercussions. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>This
violation of </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
manifests as </b></span><i><b>Bhaya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
A person who is disciplined by </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is devoid of any </b></span><i><b>Bhaya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
even that of death.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
through its myriad characters puts the spotlight on the different
aspects of </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Some
characters are subtle while others are quite explicit. Every desire
is a doorway. If centered on our narrow understanding of the self, it
drags us deeper into the mire of </span><i>Samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
If we apply </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
broaden our horizons, then the same </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
plays out without strengthening our </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
thus acting as an outlet. When we align our </span><i>Karmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
with our </span><i>Swadharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
offer our </span><i>Karmaphala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
back to </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, then
our desires align with the cosmic will, leaving no trace behind. Just
like fish leave no trace where they swim or the birds leaving no
tracemarks in air, an advanced </span><i>Sadak</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
lets the </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> flow
through effortlessly to express </span><i>Praradbha Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Ramayana</i>
is a wonderful treatise to dissect and understand the different
charcters and then look inward at our own foibles, to introspect and
work on ourselves. <i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">This
pattern of investigating is to stimulate our way of thinking and is
by no means definitive. May we take advantage of the wisdom of the
</span><i>Rishis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, their works
including the </span><i>itihaspuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and transform ourselves into the divine beings, we really are.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-9528443660924953282023-09-17T17:51:00.002-05:002023-09-17T17:51:26.195-05:00Maximizing happiness with wealth<p> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Money
is often perceived as the end goal by the modern human being.
Possessing materialistic trinkets are often believed as the source of
happiness. Though money makes numerous things possible and makes the
world go around, there is a strong fallacy that money will give
happiness. In many cases, it opens the door of options and takes us
closer to our desired outcomes. For these reasons, we rush to make
the mistake that money is happiness. Yet, if we observe the lives of
world’s richest billionaires, they seem to be still slaves of <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
lust in this case to another person’s spouse </span><span style="font-style: normal;">or
chase some vanity</span><span style="font-style: normal;">, despite
having all the money. Just proves that </span><i><b>Kama</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
was all along using money as a bait to retain that slave</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We also see that money causes immense friction, fighting and chaos in
the society. Negatives like stealing, robbery, heist and even murder
are centered around money.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>On
the other hand, we see money as useful, when we see people doing
wonderful charity or when we can even pay for our treatment for a
disease. We see money as a tool to help the poor and needy. We need
money for nation building. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Does
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">it g</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ive
happiness or does it compound our sorrows? </span><span style="font-style: normal;">How
to solve this seeming paradox? Can we derive </span><i>modha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
joy, delight from money?</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Deriving
maximum happiness from money</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
normal person </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">has a</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
catalog </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">of </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
list of things </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">that one
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">aspire</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to derive from an abundance of money. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
popular perception is if we either take care of the top few on the
list or most of the list we have, one can be happy. The truth is
contrary to such a representation. The biggest folly of this approach
is, we have a narrow one track of resolving unmet desires with wealth
which we translate wrongly as happiness. </span><b>Whilst desire
fulfillment is at the heart of happiness, this method falls short in
wholesomeness.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavatam,
we</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> have this passing
advice from </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shukracharya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asura guru</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the emperor of three worlds. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shukra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">advises
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to be prudent with Wealth, especially as he was confronted by the
mighty </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vamanavatara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shukra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is trying to reason out about balancing spending of wealth amongst
these five categories to derive maximum happiness. He warns that
favoring one alone (like in our case </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and in the case of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
may not lead to lasting or increased happiness. Let us closely
examine this </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
8-19-37.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;">धर्माय
यशसेऽर्थाय कामाय स्वजनाय
च । पञ्चधा विभजन्वित्तमिहामुत्र
च मोदते ॥</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(SB
8-19-37)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>dharmāya
yaśase’rthāya kāmāya sva-janāya ca pañcadhā vibhajan vittam
ihāmutra ca modate</i></span></em> </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>One
derives maximum happiness from wealth in this life and next, by
allotting it for the following purposes – discharging for the
upholding of <i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
spreading one’s name and fame, increasing one’s wealth,
satisfying one’s desires and helping one’s friends/relatives.</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Let
us dive deeper into the five purposes that amplify happiness from
wealth. All five need to be part of the equation, at least in varying
degrees, if not in the order of importance mentioned.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the essence of all existence. The mistranslation </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">as</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
religion is definitely short-sighted and mischievous. Today, we have
drastically cut our observance of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and consequently our understanding has never been the worst in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yugas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>धर्मो
रक्षति रक्षितः</b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmo
rakshati rakshitaha</span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
is a foundational understanding. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
implies </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to be both followed/observed and also protected. Though </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
appears to vary with the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the individual and also over time, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the true north for the individual. It is easily observed by
mapping our </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
against the backdrop of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">panchayajnas
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">–</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Deva Yajna, Rishi Yajna, Pitr Yajna, Manushya Yajna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhuta Yajna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/10/sita-rama-samvada-insight-into-nature.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sita
Rama samvada</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– an insight into the nature of violence</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we looked deep at the origins of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In fact in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki
Ramayana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
3-9-30</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita
makes this deep insightful declaration. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>From
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
emanates </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Artha</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>,
it is from </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>sukham</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
arises. Everything comes from </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>.
The essence in the world is </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: medium;">धर्मात्
अर्थः प्रभवति धर्मात् प्रभवते
सुखम् </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: medium;">धर्मेण
लभते सर्वम् धर्म सारम् इदम्
जगत् </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">||
dharmādarthaḥ prabhavati dharmātprabhavatē sukham dharmēṇa
labhatē sarvaṅ dharmasāramidaṅ jagat </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">VR
3-9-30)</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>On
the basis of this insight, we can safely conclude that </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">one
of the primary purposes of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Artha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is to protect its source, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Without this continuous effort of reapplying the resources to protect
its roots, not only </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
observance will get shaky, but also the very source of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Artha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
jeopardized. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>In
today’s scenario, people have reduced </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
offering to temple donations, done with some selfish business deal
with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The idea of every individual to give back a portion for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma
samrakshana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is faded into the distant memory of the civilization. The core idea
of the more wealthy taking it upon themselves to do more for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
has been replaced with more </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
driven activities. This in turn has made the value system topsy
turvy. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>For
example, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>athithi
devo bhava</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the core </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedic</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
idea that made just the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Grihastas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
take care of the other three </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ashramas
–</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahmacharya,
Vanaprastha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sannyasa</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But today with the disappearance of the latter three and the
pressures of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Grihastashrama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
reduced to only married life as their myopic focus, the values of
taking care of others as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
has vanished. The nuclear family reduced to a single family and now
even parents as an economic burden in old age is soon giving way to
kids being seen as a burden and with many advocating childless
marriages. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Failing
to use </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>artha</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
for </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is most certainly suicidal.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">O</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">verweight:</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Overextending towards </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is impossible without a corresponding increase in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka,
Vairagya, Bhakti</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This naturally alters the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the individual and makes them lean more heavily towards the inner
journey. We may see people renouncing their wealth like
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purandaradasa</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Pattinathar</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and completely steer towards the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha
Marga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Underweight:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This is perhaps the most common scenario, amongst us. This reduces
the individual and society to become addicted to a materialistic
life. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
more one stops supporting </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
causes, the more one pays by miring oneself in the ways of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara,</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by ignoring the traditional wisdom of the sages and civilization.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Yashas</i>:
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">One of the selfish endeavors of
the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to aggrandize itself. Thus it uses </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(resources) to amplify its relevance by contributing to causes that
add to its fame. There is the physical body of the individual that
is ephemeral and the real </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
behind eternal. In between these two is the fame body of the
individual. In the past when </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was adhered, offering others food was not even considered anything
more than duty and hence many amplified by building </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">choultries
- </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">free
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">annadana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
centers that also acted as traveller’s lodge. They also planted
many trees, dug wells and tanks. Today we still remember </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karikala
Chola</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
because of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kallanai</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dam. In the west, we see many wealthy end up as philanthrophists
towards the end of their life. Andrew Carnegie to Warren Buffet, we
see them in different flavors. But if their philanthrophy has a
sincere cause, their fame lives through their enduring gift.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>If
the fame is the primary driver, it can begin to tarnish the impact.
For example if a grandparent bequeaths the wealth to a grandchild, it
may be a nice gesture, but certainly doesn’t add much to the fame
of the individual as it is seen as selfish. Only when the actions are
centered on <i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
Principles, the fame radiates and outlives the individual.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
selfishness driven giving colors the very action. Also giving away
for vanity projects may not achieve the purpose of intended fame as
it is fraught with flaws.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Overweight:
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">If one overdoes this category,
it definitely implies the over reaching </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Usually ends in </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">frivolous,
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">vanity
projects. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tends
to amplify mistakes and lead us into vain glory.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Underweight:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Today’s economics has
pushed more of us into this category. Hence with the natural desire
to be popular and with minimal expense, we tend to make this as our
cheap ego displays like putting our name on a donated tube light or
amplifying attention on whatever little we do. The causes are not
driven by </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
but by somehow grab two seconds of fame.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Artha</i>:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
It seems very obvious, but not to all. If one were to keep $10,000
dollars at home, its value after ten years of inflation would have
reduced it to a fraction. Instead if one were to keep it in an
interest bearing account, hopefully after the devaluation by
inflation, it may maintain the same value, if not more.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Even
if one is considering </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only for the manifestation of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one will be prudent not to ignore the importance of maintaining and
managing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
so at least the resources will continue to fund the desires for a
longer period of time. The passion of enjoyment must not be so
overwhelming that it ignores even the very source that is making it
possible.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Multiply
<i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> properly</span>, else
wont last for the very reasons you want.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Overweight:
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">An overemphasis on </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
makes one tend towards miserliness, placing money over values and
people. We see many frugally living old people passing away with even
a million dollar stash in their accounts. Misplaced values is the
biggest concern. Worse yet, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
constant mapping of our wealth and the aspired amount adds to a
depressive outlook and a stressful life.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Underweight:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ignoring this category
results in reckless expenditure. Borrowing from the future as in
debts and having no regard to its consequences that are typical of
the modern lifestyle. Unfortunately this mindset was thought to be
due to economic model of the West, but due to removing </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from the ecosystem, this phony model has been adopted pan India
leading to very detrimental future.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama:</b></i>
This category is what we all are very comfortable with. We do not
think of the financial, social, moral, ethical, spiritual or any
other consequences. We just want the object of our desire. Money or
resources are just a means to an end. Typically we end up justifying
why our means was the right one. Contrary to <i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
deep insight that </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the source of </span><i>Artha,</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
we operate on an alternative paradigm. As </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
incites the emotions in us, we search for the resources that support
that end and eventually go after the resources either beforehand or
under the influence of the desire.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Overweight:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Focusing solely on this bucket is the bane to the modern man. We are
unable to experience the different dimensions of happiness brought by
wealth, while chasing this single track. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Constantly
driven by the pressures of the highly turbulent effervescent nature
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the slave to desires, man cannot differentiate between what is a need
and what is a want. Wants become mistaken as basic needs, adding to
the pressures on the mind. This results in deluded thinking and wrong
actions.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Underweight:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
this scenario, is not driven by poverty of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
then usually it is a factor of disillusionment. If such a situation
is based not on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it can result in an artificial disenchantment. This will result in
more </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
thinking leading to further decay in our actions and resources.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Svajana:</b></i>
Taking care of our family, friends and dependents can form a key
aspect of deriving more happiness from Wealth. On the way to the top,
one finds its lonely. This can be mitigated by spreading the wealth
that brings more warmth, friendship and loyalty around. <i>Jana</i>
is a concept that can expand from family, relatives to community,
<i>jati</i> and nation and beyond. <b>The degree of expansion of </b><i><b>Jana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in our mind and actions is an i</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ndicator</b></span><b>
of our internal growth.</b> In fact many <i>Jatis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
have strong support from within that they have a distinct identity
both in society and also in their financial success.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Overweight:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This must be a surplus bucket, but critical for our well-being. If
one tends to focus too much too prematurely, then it can be a drain
on one’s resources. One must be cautious in distributing with a bit
of judgment. Reckless distribution can yield unintended consequences.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Underweight:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
In today’s world, this is a casualty. The way one is already
struggling to make ends meet, depending on one’s outlook, the
welfare circle can shrink to just the family or couple, instead of
expanding outward. This selfish outlook, especially in not sharing
the abundant resources can only spread jealousy in others. Not
spreading one’s wealth and resources and hoarding it with a selfish
attitude, not only deprives prosperity from spreading in the society,
but also darkens one’s mind and hastens self demise.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Applying
the wisdom</span><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
switch from a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
centered selfish approach to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to a more inclusive attitude takes the pressure off the mind. Adding
the other buckets to harvest happiness from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adds to its bountiful nature. One is no longer forced to extract all
happiness </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">through
a very narrow channel of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This expanded mindset slowly lifts the mind towards </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It may not be possible to tend to the channels equally, as resources
available to us are diverse. Yet it is pertinent and crucial for
maintaining all these five conduits of happiness. Also important is
not overplaying or ignoring one channel over the rest.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
</span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/11/purusharthas-simplified-insight.html"><i>Purusharthas
–</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> a simplified insight</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we studied the four dimensions of maximizing human potential. While
the modern man barely thinks beyond </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha-Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sinkhole, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">as
evident in understanding the channels of happiness, we find </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
emanate and reside in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The very purpose of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and also our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janma
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As we steer away from being slaves to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
expanding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
usage to a more enlarged, all encompassing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
state, our understanding and practice of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
increases. In other words, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can be a submissive slave of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a mere tool in the hands of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
driven </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But associating </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
by supporting different layers as in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Svajana,
Artha, Yashas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
itself, helps absorb </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
into </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
thus realizing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
wisdom and eventually paving way for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>A
simple passing statement buried in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was able to unearth the layers of wisdom buried. Imagine if we study
our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Itihasapuranas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Upanishads</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
not from a story point of view, but from an intention to apply and
digest every word, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
consciousness will dominate our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May we all be benefit from such a wonderful and profound </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that will keep us focused on the real purpose of our being.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em></span></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-4631984037338552632023-09-04T06:46:00.005-05:002023-09-04T06:46:52.785-05:00Yuga - overcoming evils of Kali - 3<p> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Patterns
in human behavior seem to be a factor of time. This is obvious from
the insights of<i> Veda Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> we
gathered in</span><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/06/yuga-patterns-in-time-1.html">Yuga
– patterns in time – 1</a>.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As we get deeper in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we find there is a trending of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature with a </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">corresponding</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reduction </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and eventually </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Due to this morphed state, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
manifests many dark sides as is evident in </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/08/yuga-evils-of-kali-2.html"><i><b>Yuga
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>– evils of </b></span><i><b>Kali</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– 2</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Even a non believer and non-observer will get startled with these
dire predictions. Any astute percipient can not only map and confirm
these reasonable forecasts of logic through observing the society
around, but also measure the intensity across time. Mere assumption
of these dire facts shocks the human mind which craves for a
solution. Luckily, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Veda
Vyasa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in this 12</span></span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Skandha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
3</span></span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">rd</span></span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Chapter has kept the narration and logic simple, that our petty minds
can also track. He has been kind enough to explain the way out of
this darkness and a solution that is universally applicable, with one
caveat – </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
solution is always applicable at the individual level, though the
effects can be felt at the society level or even transform the </b></span><i><b>Yuga</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
into </b></span><i><b>Krita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Escaping
the vice grip of <i>Kali Yuga:</i></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
solution we crave has to be simple, as we found in Part 2 of this
series. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">T</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
human attention has become very ephemeral, selfish, myopic and
fraught with delusion. It also must be universally applicable, as the
distracted minds cannot process the multitude of solutions to arrive
at an apt and specific one to suit their temperment.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;">कलौ
न राजन्जगतां परं गुरुं
त्रिलोकनाथानतपादपङ्कजम्
। प्रायेण मर्त्या भगवन्तमच्युतं
यक्ष्यन्ति पाषण्डविभिन्नचेतस</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;">॥
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(SB
12-3-43)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>kalau
na rājan jagatāṁ paraṁ guruṁ tri-loka-nāthānata-pāda-paṅkajam
prāyeṇa martyā bhagavantam acyutaṁ yakṣyanti
pāṣaṇḍa-vibhinna-cetasaḥ</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>O
King! In </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
heavily influenced by the arguments of atheists, for the most part,
the masses ignore </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Achyuta</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
who is the Supreme Being in the Universe, the spiritual master, the
Head of all the three worlds. The divine beings are after HIS LOTUS
FEET, yet humans choose to ignore.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span> </span>We see a trend around the world against most organized religions.
While the logic and rationale of science seem to be rocking the
bedrock of Abrahamic thinking, the exact lack of logical thinking
seems to be plaguing the followers of <i>Sanatana Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Secularism in India has been misinterpreted to mean minority
appeasement and being vitriolic hinduphobia. Due to the lack of
connection to the roots of the civilization, coupled with the shallow
selfish thinking of the modern man, atheistic ideas seem to be the
latest trend </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(though it has
been in vogue since aeons)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Instead of being grateful to everything around, the attention has
been diverted to momentary pleasures. The former is possible only by
expanding the mind to match the Cosmic mind, which automatically
develops a reverence for the expanded Consciousness. The exalted
beings obviously are </span><span style="font-style: normal;">in awe
of the Ultimate Being, whilst the lower petty minds seem to give
special attention to ignoring the very Source.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;">यन्नामधेयं
म्रियमाण आतुर</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;">पतन्
स्खलन् वा विवशो गृणन् पुमान्
। विमुक्तकर्मार्गल उत्तमां
गतिं प्राप्नोति यक्ष्यन्ति
न तं कलौ जना</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;">॥</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(SB
12-3-44)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>yan-nāmadheyaṁ
mriyamāṇa āturaḥ patan skhalan vā vivaśo gṛṇan pumān
vimukta-karmārgala uttamāṁ gatiṁ prāpnoti yakṣyanti na taṁ
kalau janāḥ</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>A
person in death bed, distressed with faltering voice, if he takes the
holy name, he will be liberated from the chains of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Karma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and attain the highest destination. Still, people in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will not take HIS name, even when facing utter desperation.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Unlike,
desert cults that promise release from sins only by signing up,
</span><i>Sanatana Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
educates the human being on the process of bondage due to </span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It gives hope even to the worst sinner amongst us. </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/02/ajamila-hope-for-even-worst-sinner.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>We
hear the story of </b></span><i><b>Ajamila</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
who was able to redeem his trajectory and certain self destruction at
his death bed</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Something as powerful, yet very simples as taking </span><i>Bhagawan
Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that can resolve our
</span><i>samsaric</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> bondage.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Tragically,</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the human mind will not be inclined to this direction in </span><i>Kali
Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">पुंसां
कलिकृतान् दोषान् द्रव्यदेशात्मसम्भवान्
। सर्वान् हरति चित्तस्थो
भगवान् पुरुषोत्तम</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-45)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>puṁsāṁ
kali-kṛtān doṣān dravya-deśātma-sambhavān sarvān harati
citta-stho bhagavān puruṣottamaḥ</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>In
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
everything is polluted by the touch of evil, through food (and
drinks), place of living and sense contacts. Residing in the heart,
the almighty </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
destroys all the evil.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Kali</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
wields a powerful touch of evil. It pollutes through food,
environment</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and/or
sensory contacts. All these agencies </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">form
an ecosystem and</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
promote the darkness of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
residing in the heart, is not only immune, but also destroys all the
ill effects of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">श्रुत</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सङ्कीर्तितो
ध्यात</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">पूजितश्चादृतोऽपि
वा । नृणां धुनोति भगवान्
हृत्स्थो जन्मायुताशुभम् ॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-46)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>śrutaḥ
saṅkīrtito dhyātaḥ pūjitaś cādṛto’pi vā nṛṇāṁ
dhunoti bhagavān hṛt-stho janmāyutāśubham</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Having
heard, glorified (through hymns, slokas, songs), being meditated
upon, worshiped or adored, men (in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)
cleanse the evil tendencies harbored due to thousands of birth, by
the grace of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
who is established in their hearts (by the above means).</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
presence in the heart can be established in a multitude of ways.
Depending on the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>vasanas,
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">the
individual </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">choose</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
the different paths. The underlying mechanism is a gradually
increasing affinity to greater values, as embodied in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>There
is a shift in the outlook of the invididual from a limited, myopic,
self-centered </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Ahamkara</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
driven attitude to a more </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
centered, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
oriented mindset.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
This brings a radical positive change in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunakarma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
predisposition of the individual for the better. The more these
mechanisms of change are engaged as a part of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sadhana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the quicker and drastic is the metamorphosis. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">यथा
हेम्नि स्थितो वह्निर्दुर्वर्णं
हन्ति धातुजम् । एवमात्मगतो
विष्णुर्योगिनामशुभाशयम्
॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-47)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>yathā
hemni sthito vahnir durvarṇaṁ hanti dhātu-jam evam ātma-gato
viṣṇur yoginām aśubhāśayam</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Just
as discoloration and impurities in gold due to other metals get
removed due to contact with fire, as </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan
Vishnu</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
enters the heart of the spiritual aspirant, HE removes the evil
tendencies in the individual.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Veda
Vyasa</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
gives a beautiful example of gold when heated, starts giving up the
other metal contaminants. In the same way, the layers of evil
tendencies and bad</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
vasanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
cloaking the individual who assumes a mistaken identity of a body, by
constantly kindling the fire of</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Sadhana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
of associating with</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Bhagawan, </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">through
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">his</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Nama,</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
by</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a
myriad ways, gets past the chains of</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Samsara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Just as pure gold is left in the process, the real nature</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Atman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
keeps shining in the heart of the</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Sadaka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>If
we do not take the literal meaning of the word heart, but instead
take it to represent the core of the individual, the very essence of
the personality, we are interestingly left with a direct message. The
human identity revolves on the actions and predisposition of the
individual, in other words, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunakarma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
By incorporating the different methods mentioned in SB 12-3-46, a
powerful </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunakarma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation is set in motion, thereby bringing a completely
transmutation of the personality. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Thus
installing </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
would literally mean incorporating these transformative changes on a
fast track and as a culmination leading to rising above </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">विद्यातप</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">प्राणनिरोधमैत्री</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">-
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तीर्थाभिषेकव्रतदानजप्यै</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">।
नात्यन्तशुद्धिं लभतेऽन्तरात्मा
यथा हृदिस्थे भगवत्यनन्ते
॥ </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-48)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>vidyā-tapaḥ-prāṇa-nirodha-maitrī-tīrthābhiṣeka-vrata-dāna-japyaiḥ
nātyanta-śuddhiṁ labhate’ntarātmā yathā hṛdi-sthe
bhagavaty anante</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>By
engaging in learning, austerities, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Pranayama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
friendliness, pilgrimage to </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>teerthas/kshetras</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
observing strict vows, charity, repetition of mantras one cannot
attain the same purification of the mind and avoid relapsing the old
state of the mind than by repeatedly holding</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>
Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in one’s heart.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>This</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sloka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the clue to the above observation on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>GunaKarma.
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">All
the different purifactory methods do not measure up, unless
accompanied by the transformation that happens with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
established in one’s heart.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तस्मात्
सर्वात्मना राजन् हृदिस्थं
कुरु केशवम् । म्रियमाणो
ह्यवहितस्ततो यासि परां गतिम्
॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-49)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>tasmāt
sarvātmanā rājan hṛdi-sthaṁ kuru keśavam mriyamāṇo hy
avahitas tato yāsi parāṁ gatim</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Therefore
O King! Strive your best to install </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kesava</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in your heart. If you, whose death is imminent, make your mind
concentrated on this Supreme Being now, you can gain the Ultimate
state.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>In
this scenario, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Parikshit</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
was facing imminent death. In our case, we too face certain death (of
the body), except that we do not know the expiry date. The
effectiveness of the transformative power of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
established in our heart is undisputable and it leads us to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Moksha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
With a certain antidote to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Samsara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
the only pending action is to give </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
a toehold in our hearts.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">म्रियमाणैरभिध्येयो
भगवान् परमेश्वर</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">।
आत्मभावं नयत्यङ्ग सर्वात्मा
सर्वसंश्रय</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-50)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>mriyamāṇair
abhidhyeyo bhagavān parameśvaraḥ ātma-bhāvaṁ nayaty aṅga
sarvātmā sarva-saṁśrayaḥ</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
worshipful </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
the Supreme Being, is the one Being that needs to be contemplated
upon by a person facing certain imminent death. This Supreme Being is
the </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Atman</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and support of all, takes unto HIMSELF, all those who entrust
themselves to HIM. </b></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
focus </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">revolves
around placing the attention on the Universal Being. The </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ahamkara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
acts as a gatekeeper and makes one feel as if no influence of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Atman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
on the individual, when in fact, it is everything the assumed
personality falsely arrogates.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">कलेर्दोषनिधे
राजन्नस्ति ह्येको महान्
गुण</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">।
कीर्तनादेव कृष्णस्य मुक्तसङ्ग</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">परं
व्रजेत् ॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-51)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>kaler
doṣa-nidhe rājann asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ kīrtanād eva
kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>O
King!, Though </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the ocean of faults and the seat of corruption, it has one
excellent virtue. For in this age, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kirtan,
</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>singing
the glories and chanting the name of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan
Krishna</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
alone can erase all the attachments and yearning from the heart of a
man and take him to the Highest.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Kali
Yuga </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">eems
to be overwhelmingly dark by immersing everyone it contacts deep into</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Tamas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet it has one virtue, which its redeeming grace. By merely chanting</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Bhagawan Nama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
alone, one can not only erase all the bad</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
vasanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
but also create a transformation</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and
a positive yearning towards </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It expands one’s understanding and observance of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
simplicity of solution, Universal in application, very practical for
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali
Yuga</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
tendencies may seem too good to be true. Only a practitioner and a
beneficiary can attest that it is too good and also true. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We
will study the working mechanism shortly.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">कृते
यद्ध्यायतो विष्णुं त्रेतायां
यजतो मखै</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">।
द्वापरे परिचर्यायां कलौ
तद्धरिकीर्तनात् ॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-3-52)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>kṛte
yad dhyāyato viṣṇuṁ tretāyāṁ yajato makhaiḥ dvāpare
paricaryāyāṁ kalau tad dhari-kīrtanāt</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Whatever
is attained by meditation on </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Vishnu</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Krita
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
through </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Yagnas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Treta
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
through serving </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
directly or through worship in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dwapara
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
all that is obtained by </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kirtana</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(singing the name of Bhagawan or chanting) alone in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>This
is a very popular</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
sloka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
that highlights the traditional mechanisms of spirituality in every</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Yuga</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">As
understood in the first part of this series,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
<a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/06/yuga-patterns-in-time-1.html">Patterns
in time</a>,</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
time is broken into </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yugas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
based on the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
trends. Though there are different measures of time to highlight the
celestial or human dimension, the human aspect of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yuga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is largely resolved aroud </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Veda
Vyasa</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This observation is deep rooted that we find the following </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is repeated in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishnu
Purana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Padma
Purana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ध्यायन्
कृते यजन् यज्ञैस् त्रेतायां
द्वापरेऽर्चयन् । यद् आप्नोति
तद् आप्नोति कलौ सङ्कीर्त्य
केशवम् ॥</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vishnu
purana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
6-2-17; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Padma
Purana Uttara Khanda</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
72-25)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>dhyāyan
kṛte yajan yajñais tretāyāṁ dvāpare ’rcayan yad āpnoti
tad āpnoti kalau saṅkīrtya keśavam</i></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Whatever
is achieved by mediation in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Satya
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
by </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Yagnas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Treta
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
by worship in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dwapara
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is obtained by simply chanting and singing the name of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Keshava</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
solutions followed in a </span><i>Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is a factor of the </span><i>GunaKarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
trend of the society of the times. In </span><i>Krita Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
there is a overwhelming</span><i> Sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
dominance which allows the individual to perform internal
investigation through meditation. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">In
</span><i>Treta Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, </span><i>Sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
dominance is shared by </span><i>Rajas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Due to this, meditation ceases to be a dominant pathway. But as
</span><i>Sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is still the
driver, the masses pivot to </span><i>Yagas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Yagnas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. We see the
dominance of these references in </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
like </span><i>Vishwamitra </i><span style="font-style: normal;">
seeking </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
support for his </span><i>Yagnas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Putrakameshti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i>Yaga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that led to the birth of </span><i>Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Shatrugna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and the
</span><i>Ashwamedha Yagas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of
many </span><i>Ikshavaku</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Kings.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>SattvaRajas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of </span><i>Treta</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gets replaced
by </span><i>RajoTamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in
</span><i>Dwapara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, thus
seriously eroding the ability to retain long periods of focus. This
results in shorter attention span and humans get devolved to the
state where they can only do shorter duration periods of intense
worship. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, the </span><i>Gunas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
predominantly </span><i>Tamasic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and increases more and more in </span><i>Tamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as times pass by. Coupled with that we see how the human mind cannot
use instruments of </span><i>Buddhi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or pathways like </span><i>Karma, Jnana, Dhyana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
These options do not vanish or become extinct. They remain the forte
of the miniscule minority who still are geared towards it due to
their BMI and </span><i>Vasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
orientation. As the masses are emotionally excited easily, the only
remaining solution leans on </span><i>Bhakti marga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But with the corrupted minds and times, even that becomes a herculean
task leaving the only everpotent option of </span><i>Nama Sankirtan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Remembering the names, stories, deeds and love of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The potency of this antidote can not be eroded by time.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">How
does focus on </span><i>Bhagawan </i><i>Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
uplift an individual dragged into perpetual </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">?</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
</span><i>Jagat</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is pervaded by
</span><i>Ishwara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Just like
waves are part of the ocean and have no independent identity or
existence, we all exist in the same </span><i>Brahmam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet want to carve a separate independent identity. This self
arrogating principle of </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the root cause of our false perception that we are separate. This
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">core is tightly wrapped
around with millions of our </span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and fleshed with the cloth of our body. Though this entity is powered
by the same </span><i>Paramatman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the ignorance shrouded due to this </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
does not let us know about this all pervading, only real entity.
Instead it comes to believe that the body, the feelings, the
temporary perceptions of its poseessions as its only reality.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>To
grasp this subtleness one must undergo a </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation. One may have the ability to hear even a pin drop. But
in the battlefield of the mind with the jet engines of our senses
roaring, the bombs of our </span><i>karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
exploding all over and in the din and mayhem of our own making, we
are most certainly unfit to hear the subtle pin drop. In the same
way, </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
orchestrated </span><i>vasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
playout and the enslaved senses pulling it externally, makes it
impossible for look within.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
fortune of bringing </span><i>BhagawanNama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
into the mix provides a tiny toehold in this impregnable fortress of
individual on a steep mountain cliff. The </span><i>Ruchi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
developed by the association of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
through his names, </span><i>kirtans</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and stories creates a favorable after taste wanting to taste it again
and again. Even if the contact was selfish and </span><i>kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
driven, this lingering goodness begins is magical transformation.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Slowly
the impact of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
happens on this stronghold of </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
There is a certain </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation that comes about. The </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
can use only </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centered myopic </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to fuel its </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But with the arrival of </span><i>BhagawanNama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
there is a gradual but definite orientation towards </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centered </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. These
leave favorable impressions behind, but also alter the </span><i>Guna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
composition thus creating a positive upward spiral. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Through
time, </span><i>BhagawanNama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
expands the toehold into a foothold and more, as more good </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
bring the </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">All this is
made through a simple organic process of subtly rearranging the way
our </span><i>gunas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Karmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to align with a more natural and superior way, instead of the
habituated sense driven option.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An
important caveat:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>A
simple minded person immediately springs a question that despite
their repeated invoking </span><i>Bhagawan Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
they do not see any perceptible change. A critic, hyp</span><span style="font-style: normal;">o</span><span style="font-style: normal;">crite
and </span><i>adharmi</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> goes a
step further by quoting our own </span><i>itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to point that characters like </span><i>Duryodhana, Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
never got benefit from even being, seeing, talking with </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
answer lies in studying </span><i><b>Bhagavad Gita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Chapter 16 (</b></span><i><b>Daivasura sampat vibhaga yoga</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> takes an
entire chapter to highlight primarily the nature of </span><i>Daivi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Asuric sampat</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. The
</span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>GunaKarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
become so </span><i>Tamasic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
dark that by default it is oriented towards opposing </span><i>Sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
whereever possible with the strongest attack. Examples of
</span><i>Hiranyaksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Hiranyakashipu, Bhasmasura</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and others come to mind. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Lost
in this whataboutery is the grace of </span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
even for </span><i>Sishupala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(</span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/07/choose-krishna-even-if-for-wrong-reasons.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Choose
Krishna, even if for wrong reasons</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
question still remains – can merely hearing </span><i>Bhagawan Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
once purify? Most certainly, but the </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of the listener comes into the question. </span><i>Prahlada</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was the jewel amongst </span><i>Daityas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
was able to absorb the wisdom of </span><i>Bhagawan Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the womb, but his father merely displayed the worst </span><i>asuric</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
traits only to be killed by </span><i>Nrisimha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
A factor of our</span><i> GunaKarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It may be bright and sunny or rainy outside, but if I am deep in a
cave, we may never know, yet this impact will seep through. </span><i>
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">We must not lose the focus that
the heights of evil of </span><i>Hiranyaksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Hiranyakashipu</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was
not the same intensity with their next birth as </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Kumbhakarna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and as
noted </span><i>Sishupala</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Dantavakra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, their last
birth are hardly considered as villains. How did this transformation
happen? </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Association with
</b></span><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Eventually
</span><i>Bhagawan Nama, Kirtana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">learning about his</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Leela</i><i>s</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> clean up
our </span><i>vasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> pile so
much it starts connecting with the shining </span><i>Atman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
within. The fortress of </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is permanently destroyed and now becomes the eternal abode of its
sole occupant and owner. This permanent merger of </span><i>Atman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
into the </span><i>Paramatman</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
popularly understood as </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">The entire process is
clinical, subtle and happens even without any extraordinary effort on
the part of the self absorbed </span><i>Ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This process is perfectly suited for the distraction ridden, evil
driven, </span><i>kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> oriented
</span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Hence the
prescription of </span><i>Veda Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and the </span><i>Rishis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. May
</span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s </span><i>Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
continue to inspire us as it transforms anyone that comes in contact
with them. The door way to the divine qualities of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are certainly through his </span><i>Nama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in </span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. May this
biggest blessing of </span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
be available to each one of us, by </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
abundant grace.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-8773942374967448322023-08-05T16:08:00.002-05:002023-08-05T16:08:32.492-05:00Yuga - evils of Kali - 2<p> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
foundation of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yuga</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>GunaKarma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/06/yuga-patterns-in-time-1.html"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Yuga</b></i></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Patterns in time – 1</b></span></span></span></u></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we understood how the different </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>yugas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
exhibit different patterns of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We also observed there is a general trend in the reduction of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
observance from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Krita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Treta,
Dwapara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
we perceive the predominance and preeminence of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Tamas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the form of anger, greed, violence, sleep, lethargy and laziness
amplified as depression, delusion, fear and paucity (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-30</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
This </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
overwhelms and guides the nature and actions of the masses, thus
defining the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yuga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Fall
in society:</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> As
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
progresses, we observe a change in the underlying </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and eventually their expression as </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This results in the abyssal fall of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adherence standards leading to a toxic atmosphere in the society.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br /></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">तस्मात्
क्षुद्रदृशो मर्त्या</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">क्षुद्रभाग्या
महाशना</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
कामिनो वित्तहीनाश्च स्वैरिण्यश्च
स्त्रियोऽसती</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-31)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tasmāt
kṣudra-dṛśo martyāḥ kṣudra-bhāgyā mahāśanāḥ kāmino
vitta-hīnāś ca svairiṇyaś ca striyo ’satīḥ</span></i></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Due
to the influence of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga,</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
man will become dull and narrow in their outlook, lacking good luck,
gluttonous, poverty stricken (both financially and in mindset) and
overwhelmingly lustful. Women will become unchaste, violating marital
boundaries with reckless abandon.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>It
must be borne in the mind that these are not characteristics of an
individual, but that of predominant sections of the society. If one
were to observe, the entire society will and may not exhibit this
societal trend uniformly, but in varied measures. For instance, in
India, alcoholism existed even 5-6 decades ago. But they were
sporadic cases. Today’s fallen standards we see even minor children
and child bearing age women being promoted to drink with reckless
abandon, in the name of status. This is despite the fact we know the
ill effects of alcohol in greater detail. The prevalence of vice that
is limited expands in <i>Kali Yuga.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Does that mean alcoholics are bad people? This must not be
misconstrued to character analyze. As we persevere not to judge
others, but understand </span><i>GunaKarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
at the fundamental level. A person subject to substance addiction
will behave the same way as the one addicted to name, fame, status
and things. Today science proves that the Dopamine effects on the
brain biochemical pathway is the same.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Next
time, take a look around you, when in a crowded space. Obesity is
rampant, but before judging anyone, go back to its root cause. This
is a metabolic syndrome, caused by our own behavior, as it in most
cases of diabetes, blood pressure, PCOS etc. There is no ethical or
moral issue in metabolic syndrome, but it is directly correlated with
our behavioral patterns, in other words, <i>Gunakarma</i>.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>In
the same way, lust, gluttony, poverty etc when at an individual level
paints a sorry state for the individual, but at a societal level
highlights the fundamental flaw in our thinking and actions. Today we
have come to the level where Supreme Court judges have fallen to the
level of pimping extra marital affairs and justifying infidelity.
Again infidelity is an individual’s choice, but the normalizing and
institutionalizing done by such bad leaders cast a dark shadow at the
foundation of the society. Again <i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
effects are evident.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Fall
in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>varnashrama</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html"><i><b>Varnas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– a spiritual insight</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we realized the foundation of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varnas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashramas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
trend </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and a subsequent expression as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
become</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
evident.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">दस्यूत्कृष्टा
जनपदा वेदा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पाषण्डदूषिता</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
राजानश्च प्रजाभक्षा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">शिश्नोदरपरा
द्विजा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-32)</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dasyūtkṛṣṭā
janapadā vedāḥ pāṣaṇḍa-dūṣitāḥ rājānaś ca
prajā-bhakṣāḥ śiśnodara-parā dvijāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Populated
places will be dominated by thieves. </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Vedas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will be misinterpreted by perverts and atheists. The ruling class
will consume the masses, in other words rulers will be tyrannical,
brutal and self-serving. The </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dvijas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will be votaries of sexuality and gluttony.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
custodians of knowledge get perverted and abandon their duties. This
vacuum is replaced by those who can misinterpret for personal gains.
The ones in charge of society were motivated by <i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and harmony, but in </span><i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
selfish and personal gain motivated become the rulers. They encourage
similar tendencies in the society to ensure their power is safe. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
primitive fountains of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>ahara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(food), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>nidra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(sleep), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>maithuna</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(sex) and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>bhaya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(self-preservation) instead of being regulated for propelling the
individual higher on to a spiritual path, become the drivers of human
greed and lust.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the sole differentiator between humans and animals, which also
share the same primitive urges, declares a</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
samskrita subhashita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">आहार</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">निद्रा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">भय</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">मैथुनं
च समानमेतत्पशुभिर्नराणाम्
।</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">धर्मो
हि तेषामधिको विशेषो धर्मेण
हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः ॥</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">AhAra-nidrA-bhaya-maithunam
cha samAnam_etat_pashubhir_narANAm | dharmo hi teShAm adhiko visheSho
dharmeNa hInAH pashubhiH samAnAH ||</span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
regulator, self-restraint, is reduced to dysfunctional meaningless
idea and those who follow are ostracized, mocked and even abused.
Thus the namesake </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dvijas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
also exhibit this vice in abundance. A cursory look at the vice grip
of porn </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">in
the society </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">would
suffice. For the ones seeking more evidence, look at the numerous
namesake </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>brahmanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(not all of them) into eating meat and/or drinking alcohol, besides
providing fake, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">hollow</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
justification like</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Rama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
ate meat,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Balarama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
drank, so can we.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अव्रता
बटवोऽशौचा भिक्षवश्च कुटुम्बिन</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
तपस्विनो ग्रामवासा
न्यासिनोऽत्यर्थलोलुपा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-33)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">avratā
baṭavo ’śaucā bhikṣavaś ca kuṭumbinaḥ tapasvino
grāma-vāsā nyāsino ’tyartha-lolupāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Brahmacharins</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will not observe any </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>brahmacharya</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
vows and will be devoid of any sense of cleanliness (</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>shaucha</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
at body, mind and intellectual levels). </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Grihasthas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will cease to give alms as a part of their </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
but they themselves will take to mendicancy. </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Vanaprasthis</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will not live in forests, but amongst villages/cities. </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Sannyasis</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will be greedy to the core.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
<i>Varnas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> are completely
corrupted, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">so</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
also are the </span><i>Ashramas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The key characteristic defining the </span><i>Ashrama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
itself is turned upside down. </span><i>Brahmacharya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is where </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
foundation is laid with discipline, but it becomes either a worthless
chase of marks/performance or reckless abandon, depending on the
culture of the society. </span><i>Grihastas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are the root of the society as they support the other three </span><i>Ashramas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
with their abundance. Yet they take to mendicancy in the form of
EMIs, credit cards, loans, mortgages and a variety of justifications
that make them defunct in their role, assuming they have the
intention. Worse yet, the society has morphed beyond recognition that
they cannot perform such </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
roles, even if one desired. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It
is so normalized, that it is impossible to even imagine a debt free
life, adding value to others.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>It
is interesting that the entire category of </span><i>Vanaprasthis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
have vanished as there is no difference between them and </span><i>Grihastas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Worse yet, they do have a need for </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
regulation. With the proliferation of resort style old age homes and
dropping values of caring for aged, this age class has redefined
(spiritual)life by turning it on its head. To say the least,
</span><i>Sannyasis</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> are the
embodiment of virtues, but we see their greed in the form of pompous
</span><i>ashram</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> lifestyle or
even living the ways of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">waylaid</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Grihastas.</i></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">शूद्रा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">प्रतिग्रहीष्यन्ति
तपोवेषोपजीविन</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
धर्मं वक्ष्यन्त्यधर्मज्ञा
अधिरुह्योत्तमासनम् ॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-38)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">śūdrāḥ
pratigrahīṣyanti tapo-veṣopajīvinaḥ dharmaṁ vakṣyanty
adharma-jñā adhiruhyottamāsanam </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Sudras
</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>will
pretend to be like </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Sannyasis</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and will make a living by receiving gifts. Men who are authorities on
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Adharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will begin to interpret </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
sitting on sacred seats of respected teachers.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Vyasa</i>’s
dire predictions are evident all around us. One must be careful not
to use the deliberately misinterpreted modern caste lens, but stick
to the language of the <i>Rishis</i>, when it comes to interpreting
<i>Varnas</i>. The ones who lack the authority of <i>sadhana</i> in
regulating <i>GunaKarma</i> will interpret. Today societal pressure
is on to replace one with a lifetime of <i>sadhana</i> with a 2-3
month certificate course for doing <i>Pooja</i> rituals. While
everybody lives a life of spirituality, it is important to know the
subtler underlying factors if one wants to progress or assist others.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cracks
in the foundation:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ह्रस्वकाया
महाहारा भूर्यपत्या गतह्रिय</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
शश्वत्कटुकभाषिण्यश्चौर्यमायोरुसाहसा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-34)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">hrasva-kāyā
mahāhārā bhūry-apatyā gata-hriyaḥ śaśvat kaṭuka-bhāṣiṇyaś
caurya-māyoru-sāhasāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Women
will be shorter in stature, be prone to eating a lot, have many
children and be lacking shame. They are sharp tongued and demonstrate
strong tendencies to theivery, deceit and unrestrained audacity.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>“The
hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”, declares an old adage.
Women have been traditionally the ones who have shaped the next
generation, despite what they go through. But as<i> tamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
darkens their</span><i> gunas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the normally expected image of feminity, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">finesse
and elegance associated with women are no longer imaginable. Even
setting apart the biological differences, women seem to be trending
more towards obesity and overweight than men (though both population
are alarmingly high). </span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
reminder on gluttony is not limited to food consumed in mouth, if we
understand that soaps and serials are majorly watched by women around
the world, thus over consumption via all senses. </span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
note on short stature </span><span style="font-style: normal;">on a
futuristic datapoint</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> is yet
to be validated. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>One
will immediate counter the falling fertility numbers around the world
to critique </span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. One
must note that sensory distractions have grown over the centuries as
we have more time unlike an agrarian society. The fall in standards
is not gender specific, but as noted, it is the women who pass these
values to the next generation, thus sadly fulfilling the prophecy of
</span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Physical
intimacy even by transgressing societal norms has been given the
green flag by the reckless minded masses, even though we are paying
heavy price already.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पण
यिष्यन्ति वै क्षुद्रा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">किराटा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">कूटकारिण</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
अनापद्यपि मंस्यन्ते वार्तां
साधु जुगुप्सिताम् ॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-35)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">paṇayiṣyanti
vai kṣudrāḥ kirāṭāḥ kūṭa-kāriṇaḥ anāpady api
maṁsyante vārtāṁ sādhu jugupsitām </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Vile
men, who are cheats, will take to business and trade, besides
introducing dishonest practices in buying and selling. Men will
adopt prohibited means of livelihood as honorable and righteous even
when there is no threat of danger in social life.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>If
one just observes how much adulteration happens in the food industry,
the deliberate abuse in both food, drug and pharma sector, one can
easily understand the spirit of this <i>sloka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Money making at any cost becomes the defacto standard. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
proliferation of both drug use and cartels and even national actors
like China dumping fentanyl in US merely underlines the lack of any
respect or remorse in carrying out such business. Take another
example of the hospitals in India doing unwanted cesarean operations
only to pad up their profits. This is just an example to underscore
</span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s perfect
prediction. We don’t have to think of the scams, corruptions,
abuses in other sectors.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lack
of gratitude and grace:</span></span></span></b></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पतिं
त्यक्ष्यन्ति निर्द्रव्यं
भृत्या अप्यखिलोत्तमम् ।
भृत्यं विपन्नं पतय</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">कौलं
गाश्चापयस्विनी</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-36)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">patiṁ
tyakṣyanti nirdravyaṁ bhṛtyā apy akhilottamam bhṛtyaṁ
vipannaṁ patayaḥ kaulaṁ gāś cāpayasvinīḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Dependants</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will abandon their masters if they lose their wealth, even if they
are endowed with virtues. Conversely masters will abandon their
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>dependants</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
when they fall ill or are in trouble, even if they are loyal for
generations. Cows will be abandoned or killed when they become old
and dry.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>We
must note certainly that we do not live in a master-servant world,
which is a great thing, considering the abuses that humanity as faced
in the past by slaves and servants. But instead if we look more at
very ancient India, there has always been a concept of dependents,
which includes loyal servants of generations. This was more true with
royalty and the ultra rich. Today we can replace these as
Corporations and Businesses. All employees are depended on their
paymasters. Today neither of the parties are loyal to each other.
There is an exploitative equation, rather than mutual respect. <i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
highlights this with the analogy of the cow, which has been useful
for many, many years. But instead of taking care of them in old age,
with least mercy, they are abandoned or killed.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Topsy
turvy relationship:</span></span></span></b></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पितृभ्रातृसुहृज्ज्ञातीन्
हित्वा सौरतसौहृदा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
ननान्दृश्यालसंवादा दीना</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">स्त्रैणा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">कलौ
नरा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-37)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pitṛ-bhrātṛ-suhṛj-jñātīn
hitvā saurata-sauhṛdāḥ nanāndṛ-śyāla-saṁvādā dīnāḥ
straiṇāḥ kalau narāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>In
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
men will reject their parents, brothers, friends and relations. They
will transfer their allegiance their associates in se</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>x</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ual
matters and spend all their time in conversation with their
sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. They will be weak in spirit and
absorbed in sexual affairs.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Since
the orientation of the individual is more into physical intimacy,
there is a perversion in the way one thinks, associates and acts.
Ignoring and rejecting the dependable due to this incorrect thinking,
they lean towards the one who can aid in the perceived imaginary
happiness. The weightage of all relationships is corrupted and
biased, which leads to topsy-turvy relationships.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">नित्यमुद्विग्नमनसो
दुर्भिक्षकरकर्शिता</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
निरन्ने भूतले राजननावृष्टिभयातुरा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">वासोऽन्नपानशयनव्यवायस्नानभूषणै</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
हीना</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पिशाचसन्दर्शा
भविष्यन्ति कलौ प्रजा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-39/40)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">nityam
udvigna-manaso durbhikṣa-kara-karśitāḥ niranne bhū-tale rājan
anāvṛṣṭi-bhayāturāḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">vāso-’nna-pāna-śayana-
vyavāya-snāna-bhūṣaṇaiḥ hīnāḥ piśāca-sandarśā
bhaviṣyanti kalau prajāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>In
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga </b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
minds of men will be agitated. Oppressed by scarcity and heavy
taxation, plagued by failure of rain and want of food, and having
none of the amenities of life like clothing, food, drink, bed, bath,
decorations and enjoyments, men will look like ghosts and ghouls.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Coupled
with incorrect internal alignment and unfavorable external
circumstances, <i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> will
be fraught with strife. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lost
Values:</span></span></span></b></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">कलौ
काकिणिकेऽप्यर्थे विगृह्य
त्यक्तसौहृदा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
त्यक्ष्यन्ति च प्रियान्
प्राणान् हनिष्यन्ति स्वकानपि
॥</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-41)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kalau
kākiṇike ’py arthe vigṛhya tyakta-sauhṛdāḥ tyakṣyanti
ca priyān prāṇān haniṣyanti svakān api </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>For
a pittance people will quarrel, abandon all bonds of affection, and
fight with the nearest kith and kin until they kill them or they are
themselves killed.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>While
it may be a day today affair for mass murders in US for no cause, we
see pettiness in quarrels and fighting all over the world, getting
out of control. Life appears to have lost value and with this lens,
the rage of expressing their perverted idea of <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
seems be the controlling factor.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">न
रक्षिष्यन्ति मनुजा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">स्थविरौ
पितरावपि । पुत्रान् भार्यां
च कुलजां क्षुद्रा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">शिश्नोदरंभरा</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(SB
12-3-42)</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">na
rakṣiṣyanti manujāḥ sthavirau pitarāv api putrān bhāryāṁ
ca kula-jāṁ kṣudrāḥ śiśnodaraṁ-bharāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>People
will fail to take care of even their own old parents. Interested in
their own food and sexual satisfaction, they will neglect even
talented children of theirs.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
society will have a double whammy from both ends. Children will
refuse to take care of the aged in all societies. This may be partly
due to their lack of capabilities owing to <i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
influence on them like poverty, selfishness. On the other hand,
parents will be more focused on their enjoyment and care that they
fail to nurture the child with values. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Media
raising the child will not substitute as even poor parenting.</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
This is very evident in the </span><span style="font-style: normal;">W</span><span style="font-style: normal;">est
where many children are born out of wedlock or are with single
parents that there are numerous constraints even on the well meaning
parent, not to speak of the one lacking intention or means.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
evils of <i>Kali Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> have only
started with a small but significant proportion of the masses
behaving as if under its influence. Imagine what will happen if the
majority of the society turns to the same darker shade. Society may
seem unlivable, yet we are hurtling fast towards this dystopian
reality. Is it mere doom and gloom OR is there any hope left? As
humans we are not even realizing these changes, so it is better to
the surrender to the wisdom of </span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
who has made these perfect predictions for offering us a solution. In
the concluding portion of this series, we will understand </span><i>Vyasa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
solution to this societal ailment and why it will work.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="right" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
be continued..</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-12210009355356547822023-06-25T19:26:00.001-05:002023-06-25T19:26:17.408-05:00Yuga - Patterns in time - 1<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rishis</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
embodied wisdom. They didn’t make Nostradamus style predictions.
But they made more incisive behavioral predictions and we see them
true as what </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Veda
Vyasa</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
described as </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/08/predictions-for-kali-yuga.html"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s</b></span></span></span></u></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
patterns. We understood more from </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/04/kali-yuga-parikshits-confrontation-with.html"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Parikshit</b></i></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
interactions with </b></span></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kali</b></i></span></span></u></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
on where his domain resides. It may benefit us to take a big picture
and visualize the different concepts of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yugas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yuga</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is a measure of time. On a cosmic scale, it measures in hundreds of
thousands of years. But at a human level, it is measured more in
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
human behavior and mindset.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Srimad
Bhagavatam</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
repeatedly reiterates the above idea. We earlier saw in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Parikshit</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
encountering </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as a bull. The same idea that was introduced in Chapter 17 of Canto 1
is finding traction in the final Canto 12, Chapter 2.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ततश्चानुदिनं
धर्म</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत्यं
शौचं क्षमा दया । कालेन बलिना
राजन् नङ्क्ष्यत्यायुर्बलं
स्मृति</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(SB
12-2-1)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>tataś
cānu-dinaṁ dharmaḥ satyaṁ śaucaṁ kṣamā dayā kālena
balinā rājan naṅkṣyaty āyur balaṁ smṛtiḥ</i></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Due
to the adverse effect of time, in the age of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Kali</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Dharma,
</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Truth,
cleanliness, Forgiveness/Tolerance, Compassion, lifespan, physical
strength and memory will diminish with every passing day.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>This
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>sloka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
once again reminds that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as defined through</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>satyaṁ
śaucaṁ kṣamā dayā</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the yardstick used for measuring the </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>yuga</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
amongst humans. The degree to which their potential is maximized
defines the </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yuga</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
pattern. Let us capitalize on </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Parikshit</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
question to </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sri
Suka</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
on what are the patterns that exists in different </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yugas</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the evils seen in </span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kali</i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and how to protect oneself from it. </span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">How
</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">does
</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>Guna</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
change play out?</span></span></span></span></span></em></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Let
us look at a simple fan. It has an on-off switch and a regulator
usually with different settings. It takes a combination of both to
have the fan run at a desired speed. Even if the regulator is set to
high, but the fan is switched off, it won’t run. Let us reimagine
this analogy. There is a switch that can be pointed to </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Unlike our fan where electricity can be stopped, in the analogy,
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the electricity, but it cannot be blocked, implying a nonstop
action mode. The regulator usually has different modes 0-3 and in our
analogy we have </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas,
Rajas-Tamas, Rajas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the different options. These are preset options in the analogy.
But in real life our </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are affected by </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is affected in turn by the </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is a cyclical impact on each other so much that we can
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
always together.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vyasa</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
powerful insight is to enlighten us that what happens in an
individual gets exaggerated </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
the society, resulting in</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma’s</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
existence expressed as different</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yugas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">We
see</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>
Varnas</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>
Gunakarma</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
expression in an individual, when subject to different stages of
life, the same exudes as</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>
Ashrama</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But when</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>
GunaKarma</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
plays out as a trend in the society manifesting as its major facet,
it spans much longer due to its momentum and can impact generations
upon generations.</span></span></span></span></span></em></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
In</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i>Varnas</i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">
– a spiritual insight</span></span></span></span></span></em></a></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we saw how</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
GunaKarma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
plays out in the individual</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
this three part series,</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Vyasa</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
explains how the same acts at societal level.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
compare the different </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yugas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the first, followed by the traits and impact of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and finally how to remain immune and escape from the clutches of
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Yugas
</b></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
their nature:</b></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
idea of </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the unit of measurement is reiterated time and again. Definitely</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yuga</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a unit of time. Nonetheless,</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Vyasa’s </span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">focus
seems to be on</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the framework to define it. It is evident that the term was used
for both cosmological unit of time measurement as well as classifying
the tendency of the masses in a given period of time, based on
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adherence, giving rise to a conflated notion dominated by the former.
Let use </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
lens to study the </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yugas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by teasing out his statements and regrouping for the ease of our
understanding.</span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Krita
(Satya)Yuga</b></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krita</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has all the four legs of </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya,
Daya, Tapas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dana</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fully developed. (Note: </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dana</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shaucha</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seem to be interchangeably used as one state results in the other)
The emphasis is that </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is well rounded and fully established - (</span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>कृते
प्रवर्तते धर्मश्चतुष्पात्तज्जनैर्धृत</b></span></em></span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
सत्यं दया तपो दानमिति पादा
विभोर्नृप ॥</b></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kṛte
pravartate dharmaś catuṣ-pāt taj-janair dhṛtaḥ satyaṁ dayā
tapo dānam iti pādā vibhor nṛpa</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB</b></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
12-3-18</b></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).</span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vyasa</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
goes a step deeper by analyzing the </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that form the very fabric of </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prakriti</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva,
Rajas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are the three </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which influence the material world by its combinations. His insights
provide deep ramifications as we understand that </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are the framework for the society, be it </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varnasharma</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or the modern adhoc one.</span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krita
</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yuga,
the </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are manifest as contentment, compassion, friendliness, tranquil,
self-controlled, forbearing, finds peace in one’s true self(Atman),
possessed of equal vision and always endeavor for spiritual
perfection. (</span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>सन्तुष्टा</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>करुणा
मैत्रा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>शान्ता
दान्तास्तितिक्षव</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
आत्मारामा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>समदृश</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>प्रायश</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>श्रमणा
जना</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em>
</span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">santuṣṭāḥ
karuṇā maitrāḥ<br />
śāntā dāntās titikṣavaḥ ātmārāmāḥ
sama-dṛśaḥ prāyaśaḥ śramaṇā janāḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-19</b></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are dominated by </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krita
Yuga</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
hence it is also referred as </span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya
Yuga</span></i></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
People take deep interest in attaining higher levels of Knowledge and
austerity. (</span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>प्रभवन्ति
यदा सत्त्वे मनोबुद्धीन्द्रियाणि
च । तदा कृतयुगं विद्याज्ज्ञाने
तपसि यद् रुचि</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em>
</span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">prabhavanti
yadā sattve mano-buddhīndriyāṇi ca tadā kṛta-yugaṁ
vidyāj<br />
jñāne tapasi yad ruciḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-27</b></span></span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Treta
Yuga</b></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
is a serious impact on the </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the legs of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shrink by a fourth. </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
creeps over the space vacated by </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It manifests itself as untruth (lying), violence, discontent and
quarrel. (</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>त्रेतायां
धर्मपादानां तुर्यांशो हीयते
शनै</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>अधर्मपादैरनृतहिंसासन्तोषविग्रहै</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tretāyāṁ
dharma-pādānāṁ turyāṁśo hīyate śanaiḥ<br />
adharma-pādair
anṛta- hiṁṣāsantoṣa-vigrahaiḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-20</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Treta
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is dominated by devotion to rituals and austerities. They are not
driven to violence and strong emotions and are free from strong
lustful gratifications. Their mind is equally interested in the three
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vargas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma,
Artha</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They have a strong affinity to the three </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and most people in the society will be </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is a clear clue that </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varna</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is based on </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and not the degenerated caste system of today. (</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>तदा
क्रियातपोनिष्ठा नातिहिंस्रा
न लम्पटा</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
त्रैवर्गिकास्त्रयीवृद्धा
वर्णा ब्रह्मोत्तरा नृप ॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tadā
kriyā-tapo-niṣṭhā nāti-hiṁsrā na lampaṭāḥtrai-vargikās
trayī-vṛddhā varṇā brahmottarā nṛpa</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-2</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>1</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Due
to the lost focus on </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and settling for </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma,
Artha</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is emergence of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though devoted to their duties, the masses are driven by desires and
even duties are for a sense of honor. </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
becomes the vehicle instead of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana,
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">but
the emphasis is on rituals and austerities.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Dwapara
Yuga:</b></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is further weakened by another quarter to half the original, </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Treta
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
descends to </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwapara</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The qualities of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapas,
satya, daya</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dana</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
stand no match to the ravages of time. These noble ideas get
replaced by violence, untruth, discontent and animosity.
(</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>तप</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>सत्यदयादानेष्वर्धं
ह्रस्वति द्वापरे ।
हिंसातुष्टयनृतद्वेषैर्धर्मस्याधर्मलक्षणै</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapaḥ-satya-dayā-dāneṣv
ardhaṁ hrasvati dvāpare hiṁsātuṣṭy-anṛta-dveṣair
dharmasyādharma-lakṣaṇaiḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-22</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
dominant </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varnas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(mindset)
will be that of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kshatriya</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who are extremely motivated by the desire of fame, perform </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yagas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yagnas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
indulge in the study of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They possess wealth and are joyous with their large families.
(</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यशस्विनो
महाशीला</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>स्वाध्यायाध्ययने
रता</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
आढ्या</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>कुटुम्बिनो
हृष्टा वर्णा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>क्षत्रद्विजोत्तरा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yaśasvino
mahā-śīlāḥ svādhyāyādhyayane ratāḥ āḍhyāḥ kuṭumbino
hṛṣṭā varṇāḥ kṣatra-dvijottarāḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-24</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
One can see a swing from </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
towards more </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but the momentum of the past </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yugas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
keeps </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on life support.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>It
is important to realize that the </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varnas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or the mindset that dominate are not that of castes, but the natural
outlook of the masses. Having a right understanding of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Varnas</b></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– a spiritual insight</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></a><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
is imperative to grasp </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Veda
Vyasa</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
words.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>We
observed that </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that were dominated by </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
became </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajasic</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Treta</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwapara</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
it gets tainted as </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas-Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
veers the mind away from </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and it gets more under the sway of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
When greed, discontent, false pride, hypocrisy and envy become
prevalent, along with attraction desire and selfishness driven
actions, then it is the age of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwapara</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
fraught with </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
(</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यदा
लोभस्त्वसन्तोषो मानो दम्भोऽथ
मत्सर</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
कर्मणां चापि काम्यानां
द्वापरं तद् रजस्तम</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yadā
lobhas tv asantoṣo māno dambho’tha matsaraḥ karmaṇāṁ cāpi
kāmyānāṁ dvāparaṁ tad rajas-tamaḥ </span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-29</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Kali
Yuga</b></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and its manifestations are reduced to a mere fourth its original and
they are replaced by their counterparts of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet there is a disturbing element. The trends of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shrinking and </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
growing stay as a pattern. This makes </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to manifest more difficult situations as time moves on. The negatives
that manifested in the individual, in a small way, in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwapara</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
become well established trends by the masses in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Perversion
is the hallmark of</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kali Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
the way of life</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
tendency of people is strongly driven by desire and desire
modifications which are </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">expressed
dominantly as greed, bad behavior, merciless, meaningless quarrel.
They are unfortunate (owing to their bad</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
karmic</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
baggage and</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
vasanas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
and obsessed with material desires and their fulfillment. </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sudras</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are the dominant</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">varna</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is not birth based, but</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
guna karma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
based. (</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sudra,
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">root
word means one who wants to avoid pain, pain is the state where the
desire is not met) </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>तस्मिन्
लुब्धा दुराचारा निर्दया</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>शुष्कवैरिण</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
दुर्भगा भूरितर्षाश्च
शूद्रदासोत्तरा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>प्रजा</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tasmin
lubdhā durācārā nirdayāḥ śuṣka-vairiṇaḥ durbhagā
bhūri-tarṣāś ca śūdra-dāsottarāḥ prajāḥ SB 12-3-25)</span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
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<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
reason why </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the driver of the </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is because the </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
composition is prevailed by </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As we saw </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
became </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas
</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Treta</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and further muddled as </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas-Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwapara</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
in </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
it becomes increasingly predominated by </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expresses itself and dominates </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">as
deception, falsity, laziness, sleep, violence/cruelty, depression,
sorrow, delusion and fear, coupled with overall wretchedness
everywhere. (</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यदा
मायानृतं तन्द्रा निद्रा
हिंसा विषादनम् ।</b></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>शोकमोहौ
भयं दैन्यं स कलिस्तामस</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>स्मृत</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>॥
</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yadā
māyānṛtaṁ tandrā nidrā hiṁsā viṣādanam śoka-mohau
bhayaṁ dainyaṁ sa kalis tāmasaḥ smṛtaḥ</span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SB
12-3-30</b></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
summary, we realize that </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GunaKarma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at individual level is the foundation of</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Varnashrama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but at the societal level is the basis for</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yugas</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Unlike the short duration at the individual level of</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Varnashrama</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
impacts can be felt for hundreds and thousands of years. It is also
important to understand that while the society may have a certain</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yuga</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pattern, but it is the individual’s responsibility to regulat</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
GunaKarma</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at their level. We will learn about this after studying the last
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in depth to understand the evil effects of </span></span></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali</span></i></span></span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the next article.</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="right" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
be continued..</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></em></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-66436557343946936772023-05-24T18:18:00.004-05:002023-05-24T18:19:32.973-05:00Bharata on breaching Dharma - 4<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
conditional self imprecations have provided us with a window into
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Yet a
perplexing question remains, why and how could one be so much into
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> consciousness
and practice? Is there any clue into this extraordinary behavior? Let
us piece together this mystery before completing our exercise of
taking a peek into the remaining </span><i>slokas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>At
the </span><i>Paramarthika</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
level, there exists nothing other than </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet in our </span><i>Vyavaharika</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
level, we find </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
pervades as </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
That is why whenever </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is endangered beyond a certain threshold, HE ensures its protection
through HIS </span><i>leelas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Even the archnemesis</span><i>, Mareecha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
was able to recognize </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
real nature in his famous declaration, “</span><i>Ramo Vigrahavan
Dharmaha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">”, which means if all
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in the Universe
took a form, it will be </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Let
us go back to the birth of </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Dasratha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> obtained a
pot of </span><i>payasam</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to be
distributed amongst his three wives. The first half was given to
</span><i>Kausalya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, which was
the cause of </span><i>Rama.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> The
remainder was halved and the quarter portion of the full </span><i>payasam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
became </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
the half of the remaining quarter became</span><i> Shatrughna</i>,
through <i>Sumitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. But as
</span><i>Kaikeyi</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> consumed her
portion, which was </span><span style="font-style: normal;">quarter
portion</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">original
half first, </span><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was born ahead of </span><i>Lakshmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This establishes that </span><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was also the same form of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Just as one squeezes an
apple or orange, we get its respective juice, when a person goes
through situation, the real nature is expressed.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Saamanya
Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> (Contd.):</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>We
continue our study into the remaining </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">slokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as we try to construct a better insight into </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saamanya
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gratitude:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Every living being intrinsically exhibits its interconnectedness and
depend</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ancy
with its ancestors, especially the parents. The framework of life is
possible only with the guidance and support of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The subtle idea of indebtedness to the various entities is at the
core of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as </span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/03/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-2.html"><i>Runas</i></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Lack of recognizing this debt and worse yet not willing to repay this
debt reveals a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mindset. An ungrateful person is diametrically opposed to spiritual
progress. In other words, having gratitude at different subtle levels
accentuates one’s inclination towards a rapid inward progress.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif"><b>देवतानां
पित्रूणां च मातापित्रोस्तथैव
च। मा स्म कार्षीत्स शुश्रूषां
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः।। </b></span></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>46</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">devataanaam
pitR^iiNaam cha mataapitroH tathaivaaha cha </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">maasmakaarshhiit
shushruushhaam yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counseled the exile of my esteemed brother, acquire the
sin in the same way as a person who fails to show obedience to the
gods and the ancestors and to serve his parents.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Guidance
of the noble: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> In the world of
actions, most people seek the approval of others or possessing
certain objects as a state of achievement. This is referred as Object
Referral. In contrast, if one relies only on the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the real inner Self for guidance, it would be referred as Self
Referral. A false identification of the self as body, mind, intellect
are all modifications of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which puts them squarely as Object Referral. Since it is very
difficult even for earnest, ardent </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhakas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it is easy to observe the life of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mahatmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and use it for calibrating our position, like using GPS. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif"><b>सतां
लोकात्सतां कीर्त्या
स्सञ्जुष्टात्कर्मणस्तथा।
भ्रश्यतु क्षिप्रमद्यैव
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः।।</b></span>
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>47</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">sataam
lokaat sataam kiirtyaaH sajjushhTaat karmaNaH tathaa </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">bhrashyatu
kshhipram adyaiva yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother be expelled
this very moment from the world approved by virtuous men, from their
renown and from their (noble) actions.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bharata</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
curse implies that</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sadhu</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s
approval of</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">our
actions is crucial and lack of it makes our conditions akin to a
rudderless boat caught in a tempest amidst rocks on a pitch dark
night. While fame by doing great deeds can be a measurable yardstick,
it is critical of whose approval it gets, as fame can also be a
reflection of sycophancy.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">P</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">urpose:</span></b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The exalted goals for every human being in the different dimensions
is referred as </span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/11/purusharthas-simplified-insight.html"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i>Purusharthas</i></span></a></b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Not aligning oneself with this </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">anarta</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
misguided, meaningless, futile actions. The epitome of meaningful
actions is doing service to one’s mother. Abandoning this duty
highlights the fallen state of the person. On one count, it relates
to not being grateful, but on the other shows the lack of purpose in
life, as there is a huge disconnect in doing one’s </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>अपास्य
मातृशुश्रूषामनर्थे सोऽवतिष्ठताम्।
दीर्घबाहुर्महावक्षा</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>:
</b></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>48</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">apaasya
maatR^ishushruusham anarte saH avatishhThataam </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">diirghabaahuH
mahaavakshhaa yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
one who counselled the exile of my noble, longarmed and broadchested
brother be banished like the one who commited the sin of leaving the
ministration to his mother and engaging himself in purposeless acts.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
importance of having a purpose based on <i>swadharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gives us a way to negate the </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that keep drowning us in this </span><i>samsara sagara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">R</span><span style="font-style: normal;">esponsibility:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">provides
the direction, but one has to take charge of one’s own life. While
we may be born in certain conditions, but that is not an excuse for
staying there. One must exert </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to overcome the challenges.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>बहुपुत्रो
दरिद्रश्च ज्वररोगसमन्वितः।
स भूयात्सतत क्लेशी यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">49</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">bahubhR^ityaHdaridraH
cha jvararoga samanvitaH </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">saH
bhuyat satatakleshii yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother be always
miserable with many sons, poverty and fever and disease.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>As
exemplified in this <span style="font-style: normal;">curse, </span><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
points out that having children comes with certain responsibilities.
Having many sons indicates that such an individual has a huge role to
play in their lives. Contrast that to what we see them as being
controlled by children’s future or worse yet having a callous
outlook towards them. In the same way poverty is not a badge of
honor. If one were to be born in it or fall into that miserable
state, it is the responsibility of the individual to get out of that
state. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
normal natural state of every living being is to be healthy. While
i</span><span style="font-style: normal;">t</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
may be beyond the abilities to obtain a cure for ailments, be it
caused genetically or environmentally, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
strife to get healthy is still one’s responsibility. Not
acknowledging or playing the responsibility results in further
worsening the state.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Dependability:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Performing our responsibilities makes one dependable. Enticing the
dependents with hope and later disappointing them leads to a grave
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>आशामाशंसमानानां
दीनानामूर्ध्वचक्षुषाम्।
अर्थिनां वितथां कुर्याद्यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">50</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">aashamsamaanaanaam
diinaanaam uurdhva chakshhushhaam </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">arthinaam
vitathaam kuryaat yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother acquire the
sin in the same way a person disappoints who miserable mendicants
seeking alms and looking up to him for help.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lack
of Fear:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> A person aligned with
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is fearless. Fear is a state that appears only if one is driven by
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
If one is driven by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and is facing an uphill task of not fulfilling, the strife and
struggle does not induce fear, instead energizes the individual. But
when the focal point is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
especially when doing an action that is not sanctioned by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or society, there is a ripple effect of fear. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>मायया
रमतां नित्यं परुषः पिशुनोऽशुचिः।
राज्ञो भीतस्त्वधर्मात्मा
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">51</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">maayayaa
ramataam nityam parushhaH pishunaH ashuchiH </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">raajN^aH
bhiitaH adharmatma yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother acquire the
sin in the same way as a person, who is abusive, niggardly, impure,
unrighteous and always afraid of being caught by the king, and lives
by cheating others, acquires.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>A
thief, however smart, is always under the threat of being caught and
punished. The same </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">situation
exists for one who brazenly commits guilt and they are forced to live
in the shadow of fear. While the normal desires come with their
corresponding lack of fruition leading to fear, overcoming even them
comes by increasingly aligning with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and minimizing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Family
as an ethical unit:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Family
is the smallest </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
unit of the society. We already observed that it is the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
duty of every individual to perpetuate their lineage. While there may
be some gender preferences in the minds of the people due to ritual
practices, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
do not favor such gender preferences. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>It
is considered a sacred duty, not one driven by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to be intimate with one’s wife </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">for
procreation</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Certain times like during menstrual time must be avoided due to the
biological oddities the women endure. On the other hand, a doting
wife past her menstruation, after her ritualistic bath, when she
approaches her husband, it is the duty of the husband to oblige. It
may be strange for the traditional feminist to see such a strong
departure between the popular narrative/practice and the prescribed
course of action.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>ऋतुस्नातां
सतीं भार्यामृतुकालानुरोधिनीम्।
अतिवर्तेत दुष्टात्मा
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">52</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">R^itusnaataam
satiim bhaaryaam R^tukaalaanurodhiniim </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">ativarteta
dushhTaatmaa yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"> </span><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother acquire the
sin in the same way as a wickedminded person who neglects his chaste
wife observing the menstrual period unfavourable for conception and
had bathed after menstruation acquires.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Similarly
neglecting one’s wife (spouse) rooted in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and worse yet pining or leching for another person’s wife (spouse)
reflects not only poor ethical taste </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
infidelity</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but also results in huge </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>सधर्मदारान्परित्यज्य
परदारान्निषेवताम्।
त्यक्तधर्मरतिर्मूढो
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">53</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">sa
dharma daaraan parityajya paradaaraan nishhevataam </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">tyaktadharmaratiH
muuDhaH yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother acquire the
sin in the same way a foolish person who abandons righteous conduct
and forsakes his rightfully married wife and resorts to other man's
wife acquires.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>It
may be common sense to understand to grasp the ethics in the above
scenario, but at the root it reveals a mess of emotions blinded by
the ugly modifications of <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
in the form of </span><i>moha, mada, abhishvanga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and the like. This disease obstructs all forms of spiritual growth
and is much more toxic than at mere relationship issue.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Gunakarma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
</span></span><i><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html">Varnas</a></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html">
– a spiritual insight</a></b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we understood that birth is not the criteria for one’s </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">varna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but it is rooted in our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>विप्रलुप्तप्रजातस्य
दुष्कृतं ब्राह्मणस्य यत्।
तदेव प्रतिपद्येत यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः।।</b></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">54</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">vipraluptaprajaatasya
dushhkrutam braahmanaNasya yat </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">tadeva
pratipadyataam yasya aaryaH anumate gataH</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">।।</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>May
the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother acquire the
same sin like that of a lowbred brahmin who commits an irreversible
sin acquires.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>If
there is a <i>Brahmana,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> there is
a certain expectation. Contrary to the expected behavior, if this
</span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is committed
to a wrong trajectory, in the past </span><i>Yugas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
it created huge ripples due to the temerity of such </span><i>papas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Of course, if we were to look
at today’s scenario, many </span><i>Brahmanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
from cultured families end up eating meat, consuming alcohol and
behaving worse than a woke, we simply brush it aside calling it </span><i>Kali
Yuga</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> pattern. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was at his worst moment of his life, having lost his father; his
beloved brother – bigger than his life, left for the forest; his
own mother was the conspirator and now </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
feels that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was the co-conspirator. Faced with the worst, the pressure on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is tremendous, yet even then what comes out of his mouth was
unadulterated </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While most of us brush aside these as emotional outburst </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
inconsequential swelling of feeling, it is hard to miss the wealth of
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
buried in his statements and their practical application for all
times, provided we pay sincere attention.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the bedrock of all existence and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shows that as situation worsens, we must be fine-tuned with it even
more. The window to the past </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
society painted by the values highlighted by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
give us an opportunity to raise ours. As he repeatedly emphasizes on
the individual following the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the message echoes louder as it resonates with the absence of the
same today.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">May
we strive to understand, follow, uphold and protect </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in our lives.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-75600034907200895312023-04-11T19:22:00.004-05:002023-04-11T19:22:37.047-05:00Bharata on breaching Dharma - 3<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
imprecations, conditional upon his scheming to send </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to the forest, give us a window into what constitutes the guardrail
of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. These are
clear black and white scenarios where </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
violation has occurred. </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/02/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-1.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>In
Part 1, we extracted the pointers relevant to </b></span></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/02/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-1.html"><i><b>Moksha</b></i></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/02/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-1.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/02/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-1.html"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/03/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-2.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>In
Part 2, we studied the implications of </b></span></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/03/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-2.html"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/03/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-2.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in the society</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">. In
the next two sections, we will study the </span><i>saamaanya dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that is to be
followed by all, during normal lifestyle scenarios. These everyday
living standards imply that if one were to catch a glimpse of its
occurrence, then it is safe to assume, we are at the crossroads of
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Saamaanya
Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Continuing
the conditional curses, (</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yasya
anumate aaryaH gataH</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">),
</span><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gives us a
clear boundary where </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
has been transgressed in favor of </span><i>Adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Being
respectful, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">trustworthy and
reliable</span><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The individual is expected to have minimum standards. Respect the
ones who contribute to a healthy relationship and value to one’s
life. The central focal point of an agrarian society revolved around
cows. After receiving milk and all other forms of contributions from
the cow, kicking it only reveals a very </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
state of mind that showcases one’s apathy and ingratitude. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>गाश्च
स्पृशतु पादेन गुरून्
परिवदेत्स्वयम् </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>मित्रे
द्रुह्येत सोऽत्यन्तम्
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-31)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">gaascha
spR^ishatu paadena guruun parivadet svayam | mitre druhyeta saH
atyantam yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, incur the sin
of kicking cows, personally abusing <i>Gurus</i> and deceiving
reliant friends.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Similarly,
<i>Guru</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is the one who opens the
doors of knowledge and path of emancipation. Even if not one’s own
</span><i>guru</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, anyone in such a
status deserves respect. Ignoring their value, if one were to abuse
them, it reveals a highly </span><i>adharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
mind. We find a similar state when a person backstabs one’s own
friend or proves unreliable to them after promising to be
accountable. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
next sloka continues the same theme of being upright enough to uphold
trust and never reveal what was confided to one, in private. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>विश्वासात्कथितम्
किंचित्परिवादम् मिथः क्वचित्
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>विवृणोतु
स दुष्टात्मा यस्यार्योओऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-32)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">vishvaasaat
kaThitam kimchit parivaadam mittaH kvachit| vivR^iNotu saH
dushhTaatmaa yasya aaryaH anumate gataH ||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, incur the sin
of breaking the confidential words, spoken in private, even if they
were harsh about others.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>This
has many ramifications from interpersonal relationship on the outside
to the </span><i>gunakarma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of
the individual on the inside. Exploiting one’s trust is a very
</span><i>adharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> frame of
mind.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Basic
standards for the individual: </b></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
entire journey and evolution of the </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is dependent on its </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Imagining delusory notions, some in the society out of apathy,
ignorance or arrogance believe not doing their </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to lead to happiness. Exerting proper effort with right
understanding opens the doorway to </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>अकर्ता
ह्यकृतज्ञश्च त्यक्तात्मा
निरपत्रपः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>लोके
भवतु विद्वेष्यो यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-33)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">akartaa
akR^itajNaH cha tyaktaatmaa nirapatrapaH | loke bhavatu vidveshhyaH
yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, become a
non-doer, ungrateful wretch, a desperate person, one who has
abandoned shame and one who is fit to be hated.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Continuing
an earlier theme, <i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
expects one to be grateful. This we can by reminding ourselves of the
debt we incur at various levels, </span><i>runa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Without operating with
gratitude and with an attitude to repay, it is impossible for anyone
to get a toehold in </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> person is
tremendously hesitant to get closer or test the limits of the
boundary that separates </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>A
person following </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
automatically generates universal love in the bosom, which makes them
very likeable and no hate touches them.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Taking
care of dependents: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">One’s
spiritual journey begins with the query of what is the self (</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
At the grossest level, one arrogates the self as the body. This
allows the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to operate at a I, Me and Myself level. In a touch of extreme
selfishness, this miserable I-ness, discards even the ones that are
completely dependent people.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>पुत्रैः
दारैः च भृत्यैः च स्व गृहे
परिवारितः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>स
एको मृष्टम् अश्नातु यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-34)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">putradaaraishcha
bhR^ityaishcha svagraR^ihe parivaaritaH | saH ekaH nR^ishhTam
ashnaatu yasyaH aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, incur the
sin of eating delicious food for himself alone when he is surrounded
by his sons, wife and servants in his house. </b></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>This
<i>tamasic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, Selfish personality
doesn’t even want to share the pleasures of its belongings with the
spouse, children or servants. It wants everything for itself. This
distortion can be seen in Hitler, when he wanted his own military to
destroy German infrastructure, instead of accepting defeat. Even his
own people didn’t qualify to enjoy the infrastructure that survived
the allied bombing and attack.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Contrary
to this </span><i>adharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> state
of mind, as one starts expanding the mind to be inclusive of others,
it is able to include the welfare of others. This forces the limiting
self to be more expansive and </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Eventually this chivalry expands to the extended family,
village/town, nation and eventually the entire world, as reflected in
the popular thought of India – </span><i>“vasudaiva kutumbakam”</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the entire world is my family. At this level, one’s understanding
of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is very
subtle and reliant on its following, not mere theory.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>राज
स्त्री बाल वृद्धानाम् वधे
यत् पापम् उच्यते </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>भृत्य
त्यागे च यत् पापम् तत् पापम्
प्रतिपद्यताम् </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-37)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">raja
striibaala vR^iddhaanaam vadhe yat paapam uchyate | bhR^ityaagacha
yat paapam tat paapam pratipadyataam ||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>That
sin which was proclaimed in killing a king a woman, a child or an
aged person or in abandoning one's dependents let him (with whose
counsel my elder brother has gone to exile) obtain the same sin.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
same idea of being responsible for others is reiterated in this
</span><i>sloka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. But here the
angle is not only limited to the one’s directly depending like wife
or child, but also others. For instance, a king is responsible for
all the citizens in the kingdom. By killing the king, one is directly
hurting the root of the society. The importance of interdependence
amongst various members of the family and society is being
highlighted.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Societal
dues:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/03/bharata-on-breaching-dharma-2.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">As
explored in the </span><i>Runas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
portion in Part 2, every healthy individual in the society has a due
to their </span><i>Pitrus</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(ancestors) to keep their line growing</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This doesn’t mean become a breeding machine like some desert cults.
Thus, marrying a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
spouse and begetting children becomes an important duty for each
person.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>अप्राप्य
सदृशान् दाराननपत्यः प्रमीयताम्
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>अनवाप्य
क्रियाम् धर्म्याम् यश्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-35)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">apraapya
sadR^ishaan daaraan anapatya pramiiyataam| anavaapya kriyaam
dharmyaam yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, never win a
(dharmic) wife, beget any children and die without performing their
duties.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>In
today’s modern age, some feel it is unnecessary or a burden to have
a child, as their strife ridden life is already oppressive.
Interestingly, such a thought would not even exist, if their
ancestors felt the same way. As we observe nature, all living beings
ensure the continuation of the species and it is the <i>dharma</i> of
every being to keep creation continuing, despite their emotions or
inability to grasp this subtlety.</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>मात्मनः
सम्ततिम् द्राक्षीत्स्वेषु
दारेषु दुःखितः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>आयुः
समग्रमप्राप्य यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-36)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">maa
aatmanaH samtmatim draakshhit sveshhu daareshhu duHkhitam | aayauH
samagram apraapya yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, have a life
of anguish by not begetting any children through his wife and not
even get a full life.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>This
thought process is reiterated in numerous </span><i>slokas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It appears these </span><i>slokas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
find relevance today, after thousands of years. It must be emphasized
that child bearing is considered sanctimonious, while modern
fascination cannot go past the mere biological process. It is also
interesting that </span><i>shastras</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
expect every human being to have a full life, thereby one can evolve
by working on their </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>prarabdha karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
An abrupt premature termination of life is deemed as a curse, whether
it was self created or by circumstances or accident. Long life was
understood to be synonymous with a productive one, not merely
existing.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Understanding
consequences of individual actions in society:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The individual may be subject to the vagaries of the mind, senses and
sense objects. Thus, there may be an enormous pressure to do whatever
one desires. For instance, the modern society’s problems with
drugs. Apart from the consumers who fuel the demand, it offers a
cheap, lucrative option to make quick money. These players do not
care for the health of the individual’s whose life is being pawned
and shortened for a quick high or money. The same is true for many
other vices in society, whether it is legal or not. Many sugary
beverages are known to create lifestyle diseases in an epidemic
proportion, as also alcohol. But both get societal approval and in
some cases even status.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>लाक्षया
मधुमांसेन लोहेन च विषेण च </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>सदैव
बिभृयाद्भृत्यान् यस्यार्योऽसुमते
गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-38)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">laakshhayaa
madhumaamsena lohena cha vishheNa cha | sadaiva bibhR^iyaat
bhR^ityaan yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, obtain the
sin of nurturing his wife, children and dependents through the sale
of lacquer, liquor, flesh, iron or poison.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Lac
is obtained from the bark of certain trees, that appear like tunnels
in response to the female lac bug sucking on the sap. Hundreds of
thousands of bugs are needed to produce a mere kilo of the lac, which
may have several uses. This has been in use in India for millennia.
This is a good example of how unsustainable resource lac can be if a
society grows around its active use. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Liquor
and poison are detrimental to the consumers and hence a livelihood
centered around it was considered </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
For millennia, there has been an emphasis on limited meat eating or
its avoidance in India. Today red meat is a known carcinogen. But the
impact on our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a subtle but important aspect more than the biological aspects. In
today’s context, there would be a lot more in this list, ranging
from alcohol to drugs. The idea of wrecking the society for earning a
livelihood is repudiated.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>B</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>eing
responsible with resources:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
There can be two approaches to generating </span><i>artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The most commonly known is centered on </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and this approach also entertains the idea that </span><i>artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is a resource only for fueling more </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Shastras</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> stipulate
that </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> following
generates </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
the purpose of </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
besides satisfying legitimate </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is to strengthen </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>संचितान्यस्य
वित्तानि विविधानि सहस्रशः
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>दस्युभिर्विप्रलुप्यन्ताम्
यश्यार्योऽनुमते गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-44)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">samchitaani
asya vittaani vividhhaani sahasrashaH |dashyubhiH vipralupyantaam
yasya aaryaH anumate gataH ||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>May
that man's accumulated extensive possessions of various kinds of
wealth be snatched away by thieves in thousands of ways if he had
counseled the exile of my esteemed brother.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Thus
it is imperative that every <i>dharmic</i> person is not only engaged
in expanding <i>Artha</i> but also wise enough to redeploy them to
strengthen <i>Dharma</i>. The accumulation mentioned here is to
highlight that a lot of <i>artha</i> is hoarded but never deployed
for <i>dharma</i>. Thus with the loss to thieves, a lost <i>dharmic</i>
opportunity is emphasized. If one were to be a fruit merchant,
instead of selling even at loss, if one lets all the fruits to rot
and go to waste, one has lost the opportunity to sell or feed others.
In the same way, <i>Artha</i> lost, abused or squandered is a lost
opportunity to strengthen <i>Dharma</i>. Reducing oneself to such a
disgrace is also considered as <i>papa</i>, if one were to observe
the subtlety of high standards.</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Utilizing
time properly:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Of all the
resources available, time is very unique. We are a product of time,
something we can never recover. It always goes only in a direction,
waits for none. One cannot store it. We can either use or lose it,
worse yet abuse it. We can manage what we do with it, but never
create more. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even amongst
the positive uses, one can find the most profitable task to focus.
Also certain times, make it conducive for certain tasks, which makes
them not only special, but also the right time to dedicate to those
tasks.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>उभे
संध्ये शयानस्य यत् पापम्
परिकल्प्यते </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>|
</b></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>तच्
च पापम् भवेत् तस्य यस्य आर्यो
अनुमते गतः </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-45)</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">ubhe
sandhye shayanaasya yat paapam parikalpyate | tat cha paapam bhavet
yasya aaryaH anumate gataH ||</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>That
sin which was proclaimed on him who sleeps during both the twilights,
let that sin be obtained by him, with whose counsel my elder brother
has gone to exile.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
<i>sandhya</i>/twilight time is the conjunction of light and dark, a
perfect opportunity for engaging in spiritual activities.
Traditionally, <i>sandhyavandana</i> has been a crucial part of
celebrating this time, a time for intense inner focus and heightened
self awareness. Even if one were not spiritually inclined, it is also
a beautiful time for sunrise and sunset that transports one magically
by the mere shades of diverse colors. Worse yet, it gives us the
opportunity to commence our day on the right footing or end the day’s
tasks. Instead if one were to embrace <i>tamas</i> and sleep during
this auspicious time, it speaks volumes of our abyssal nature. Hence
it is considered as <i>Papa</i>, abusing fortunate time.</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>These
<i>saamaanya dharma</i> are not specific to certain individuals and
no exceptions are available in observing them. These guidelines help
the individual to balance oneself in society and integrate our
personality with nature. </span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p>
<p align="right" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;">To
be continued..</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;">ॐ</span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;">तत्</span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;">सत</span></b>
</span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-71241460011322603462023-03-02T19:14:00.009-06:002023-03-02T19:16:25.000-06:00Bharata on breaching Dharma - 2<div align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Human
beings are a product of the society. We have influences on each other
and rely upon not only the current generation, but all of the
interconnected past. We can still trace many of our socio-cultural,
econo-political, biological and spiritual practices to our ancestors
from millennia ago. Yet only a very small minority can perceive this
subtle inter-connectivity and even smaller fraction is thankful for
this wondrous blessing. We stand on the layers of giants of our
ancestors, yet our ego makes us feel that it is only us that is
responsible for our greatness.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sanatana
Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the only thought process that emphasizes an idea called </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“ṛuna”,
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">being
indebted. There is also a solution provided for each major category
of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with a corresponding </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yagna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a practice to develop gratitude and repay the debt. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
primary include:</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deva
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
debt we owe to </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">;
we repay it by performing </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yagas,
yagnas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to propitiate as </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deva
Yagna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div>
</div></li><li><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishi
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna,
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
debt we owe to the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we can repay through </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishi
Yagna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
by studying the numerous scriptures and elevating our character to
match the ideals.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div>
</div></li><li><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitru
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
debt we owe our ancestors. We repay it as </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitru
Yagna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
by remembering them, doing </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">tarpana</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
by being grateful for everything we are from our genes to life.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div>
</div></li><li><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manushya
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the debt we owe to other human beings. There are numerous invisible
human beings related to our success and prosperity. We repay it
through </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manushya
yagna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
by offering food to </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">athithis</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
aid to the distressed/oppressed, through acts of charity and
philanthrophy.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div>
</div></li><li><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhuta
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ṛuna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the debt we owe to the elements of nature and all the other beings.
This is repaid by </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhuta
yagna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
offering food or water to animals, birds or insects, planting trees,
taking care of nature.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div>
</div><div>
</div></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span> </span>Dharma</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is deeply intertwined with the understanding, observance and practice
of these subtle </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>runas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and their repayment. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Bharata</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
imprecations give us a certain window into the study of these subtle
dynamics.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Analyzing
the boundaries of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Dharma</i></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
an effort to prove his innocence to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya,
Bharata</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
makes a series of conditional curses ending as </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yasya
aaryaH anumate gataH</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
We are studying these in smaller sets to gain a deeper understanding
into what are the clear boundaries of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In this set, we are investigating the responsibilities and duties of
every individual in the society towards the larger collective.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Gratitude
and b</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>eing
Accountable </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>to
our debts and duties</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As a responsible member of the society, we have to keep an eye on
paying our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Runas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(debts). Though the understanding needed is not subtle, many tend to
ignore them. Worse yet </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
violating the agreed terms of contract. The following two </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">slokas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlight the same.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>कारयित्वा
महत् कर्म भर्ता भृत्यम्
अनर्थकम् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>अधर्मः
यो अस्य सो अस्याः तु यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-2</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>3</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kaarayitvaa
mahat karma ityam anarthakam| adharma yo asya saH astu yasya anumate
aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>let
the sin incur, as to the master who afflicts the heaviest labor on
their servants, without any remuneration.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>संश्रुत्य
च तपस्विभ्यः सत्रे वै यज्ञ
दक्षिणाम् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ताम्
विप्रलपताम् पापम् यस्य आर्यो
अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-2</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>6</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">samshurutya
cha tapasvibhyaH satre vai yajNa dakshhinaam| taam vipralapataam
paapam yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>let
him suffer the sin enticing the</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>
tapasvis</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
with the promise to initiate</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>
yaga/yagnas</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
then breaking that word.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
employer exploiting the employed and worse abusing after extracting
work can easily be set as a very low bar. As also enticing someone
with false incentives to perform a great work and then going back on
one’s word is not only despicable but also a very uncivilized
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
standard.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Runa</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a very subtle idea and more so, to perceive the interconnections
with other humans and ecosystem is relatively easier when compared to
grasping our dependence on </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas,
Rishis</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitris</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
If a person cannot grasp the dependents whom we have promised
ourselves, then it is impossible for such an individual to grasp and
honor the subtler </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Runas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>पायसम्
कृसरम् चागम् वृथा सो अश्नातु
निर्घृणः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>गुरूमः
च अपि अवजानातु यस्य आर्यो
अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>30</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">paayasam
kR^isaram chhaagam vR^ithaa so aashnaatu nirghR^iNaH| guruun cha api
avajaanaatucha yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
heartless one</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>incur
the sin </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>of
preparing payasam, krisaram and cooking goat flesh for the sake of
offering and then consuming it without offering it to the Devas and
also the sin of not showing respect to one’s </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>Gurus</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>I</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">t
is customary to offer the food we eat, before we consume with either
a prayer or as offering. Thus, all what we consume gets sanctified.
But in a society where we have gotten deracinated from such
practices, we have also become increasingly a thankless society. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
this single </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka,
Bharata</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlights that an ungrateful mind will not be able to honor </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishi</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">runas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>A
thankful mind is the bedrock of spiritual progress.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
miserly attitude of ingratitude is equated to stealing in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad
Gita</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
3-13. (</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः
सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषै
। भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये
पचन्त्यात्मकारणात् ॥</b></span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ
santo mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā ye
pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt.</span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
The righteous who partake only the offerings of a sacrifice (or those
who sanctify what they consume as an offering to</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhagwan</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
are freed from all their</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
papas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(as they develop this attitude of gratitude)</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
those who cook and eat only for themselves (including avoid </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhuta</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">manusha
yagna</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
are verily consuming </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>कपालपाणिः
पृथिवीमटताम् चीरसम्वृतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>भिक्समाणो
यथोन्मत्तो यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतह् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>40</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kapaalapaaNiH
pR^ithiviim aTataam chiirasamvR^itaH| bhikshhamaaNaH yathaa unmatto
yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>wander
around the world as a beggar, seeking alms in a wooden bowl and clad
in rags.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>I</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">t
is interesting, when three </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ashramas
–</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmacharya,
Vanaprastha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Sannyasa</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were dependent on the society and most lived on alms, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has singled out wandering the world as a beggar as a curse. The
aforesaid </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ashramas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
have their focus exclusively on</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
atmavichara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharma chintana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
if one were to take to mendicancy as a way of living without any
meaningful contribution to the society then, not only is </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
apathy and lethargy condemned, it also implies a parasitic attitude
of merely profiting from the society. Such a low standard is an
accursed state and condemned. In light of the above </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gita
sloka</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it is obvious that this selfish attitude leads us to a downward
spiral of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">Don’t
be aggressive and abusive:</span></span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>गाश्च
स्पृशतु पादेन गुरून्
परिवदेत्स्वयम् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>मित्रे
द्रुह्येत सोऽत्यन्तम्
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>31</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">gaaH
cha spR^ishatu paadena guruun parivadet svayam| mitre druhyeta saH
atyantam yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>incur
the sin of kicking cows, personally abusing elders and deceiving
friends.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>T</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
is a pitiable state where one displays aggression and abuse by
deliberately violating what is easily understood as</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">These
violations of ethics are so simple that they are self explanatory.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>पानीयदूषके
पापम् तथैव विषदायके </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यत्तदेकः
स लभताम् यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>55</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">paaniiyadushhake
paapam tathaiva vishhadaayake| yat udakaH saH labhatam yasya anumate
aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>incur
the sin of polluting drinking water and akin to the person who
administers poison.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>T</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">hese
are two other easy to grasp situations where a person pollutes
drinking water or administers poison to others, which is obviously
wanton abuse. In this fallen state, when one desires to hurt others
by a grand display of their </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it highlights one’s deep </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature. One can see this in display in the various</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asura</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
characters of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Itihasapuranas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahimsa
paramo dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
says </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana
Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Here we see the exact opposite in the ones who knowingly want to hurt
others, which is crass </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharma.</span></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ब्राह्मणायोद्यताम्
पूजाम् विहन्तु कलुषेन्द्रियः
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>बालवत्साम्
च गाम् दोग्दु यस्यर्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>56</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">braahmaNaaya
udyataam puujaam vihantu kalushhendriaH| baalavatsaam cha gaam dogdhu
yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>incur
the sin of a person who disturbs the rightful worship of a scholarly
person (being done by another) and by stealing the milk of a cow
which was to meant to feed a young calf.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>T</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">hese
add another situational context to highlight the same dangerous
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
behavior. Disturbing a </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhu/sajjana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a very vicious tendency as they are involved in a life aligned
with </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which benefits all of us. To highlight this vile behavior, there is
another analogy given of stealing milk from a newborn calf. While the
abundance of milk is for all, but not at the cost of the newborn calf
for whose sake the milk was primarily intended.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>I,
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Me,
Myself lens:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There appears to be two ends of a spectrum – one centered on
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which tends to be expansive and leading to </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">moksha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the other seems to be selfish, myopic attitude centered on the
individual, based on </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mamakara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
that results in this warped </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>पाने
प्रसक्तो भवतु स्त्रीष्वक्षेषु
च नित्यशः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>काम्क्रोधाभिभूतस्तु
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>41</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pane
prosaktaH bhavatu srtiishhu akshheshucha| kaamakrodhaabhibhuutaH
nityashaH yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>be
overwhelmed by lust, infatuation and rage and be constantly lost to
the pursuit of women, wine and dice.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>T</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
direction of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the position in the spectrum determines where the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is headed and it does through the power and momentum of its own
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Desires usually rooted as </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kamini,
kanchani</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kirti</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are most easily expressed as the pursuit of women, wealth and fame.
Thus a</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Jiva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
deeply immersed in desires that lead to</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
papachintana </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">lead
to the three assured gates of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">naraka</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
(BG 16-21 </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>त्रिविधं
नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>।
काम</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>क्रोधस्तथा
लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं
त्यजेत् ॥ </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tri-vidhaṁ
narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśanam ātmanaḥ kāmaḥ krodhas tathā
lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet</span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><b>A</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><b>dharmic</b></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
fruits:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As one is rooted in desires, their mind always gravitates towards
self gratification, which usually makes</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as its first casualty. Worse yet, as one turns away from</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is a greater affinity for</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As seen in the</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Mahabharata</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Pandavas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gravitate towards</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and are determined to follow it at any cost. Meanwhile, the</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kauravas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
not only are turned away from</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
develop a strong</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ruchi</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This accelerates their self destruction. Apart from this negative
momentum, such</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also wants to propagate and perpetuate more</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
through even legitimate looking means like</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Daana</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We see these trends even today with evil forces hiding behind
philanthropy supporting disturbing negative forces.</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></i></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>यस्य
धर्मे मनो भूयादधर्मम् स
निषेवताम् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>अपात्रवर्षी
भवतु यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>42</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yasya
dharma mano bhuuyaat adharmam saH nishhevataam| apaatravarshhi
bhavatu yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>never
be attracted by </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>dharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
May he be ever indulged in </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>adharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and one who promotes </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>adharma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
through his wrongful </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>dana</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>At
one end, being accidentally or through ignorance one can get into
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic
chintana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but the worst is the deliberate cultivation of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in one self and promoting it in others.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Y</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ou
are responsible:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
When one receives numerous benefits from living in the society, it
also comes with an unwritten, but explicit expectation of being the
support when the time is right. This is more true, when one has the
abundance of resources to uphold </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but one turns away from their duties due to ignorance, arrogance or
apathy.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>तृष्णार्तम्
सति पानीये विप्रलम्भेन
योजयेत् </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>लभेत
तस्य यत्पापम् यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>5</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>7</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tR^ishhNaartam
sati paaniiye vipralambena yojayet| labhate tasya yatpaapam yasya
anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>let
the sin of disappointing a thirsty person, even though there is
abundance of water. </b></span></span></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
this scenario, sharing water, the very life of beings is the highest
duty. Especially if one has the abundance of resources but not the
heart, is a very pitiable state. In the same way, we have the
knowledge and wisdom of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
ancestors and elders available, but due to our apathy or </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we choose not to do our </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is very evident all around us in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but the focus has to be on introspection.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>B</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>eing
proactive member in a society:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There are three stances one can take – one rooted in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one against </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and one that has similar disastrous consequences like the previous,
as in apathy. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many
times actions rooted in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are due to ignorance and arrogance, which get dented due to the
punishment it attracts. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Duryodhana,
Ravana, Vaali</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the like were punished by their own bad </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and it kind of cleansed them. </span></span></span></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>But
staying neutral when </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma,
shanti</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sukha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of many involved is at play, results in attracting negative
consequences due to our non participation. If the neighbor’s house
is on fire, if one is apathetic and watching television at home,
chances are high that one’s own house may catch fire.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>भक्त्या
विवदमानेषु मार्गमाश्रित्य
पश्यतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>तस्य
पापेन युज्येत यस्यार्योऽनुमते
गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||
(VR 2-75-</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>58</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhaktyaa
vivadamaanyeshu maargam aashritya pashyataH| tasya paapena yajyeta
yasya anumate aaryaH gataH||</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>let
the sin of being a mere bystander and spectator when two opposing
quarreling groups are at each other and to not even attempt to make
peace between them.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>When
two groups are locked in a quarrel, the peace of the society is at
risk and there is every chance of a needless escalation. A mob frenzy
becomes a very destabilizing force and can even lead to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">arajakata</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
anarchy. As a sensible member of the society, it becomes everyone’s
responsibility to attempt to diffuse the situation or be proactive in
taking preventive actions. Also, being close to the action zone, one
has a better opportunity to ascertain if </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is being violated. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>It
is the duty of everyone to not only follow, but uphold and protect
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
be continued…</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></b><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></b><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span>
</div><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><div align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</div>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-1376640468715297752023-02-17T19:32:00.004-06:002023-02-17T19:33:09.414-06:00Bharata on breaching Dharma - 1<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the bedrock of existence.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Today the average </span><i>Sanatani</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is either viewing this word as an abusive one or misinterprets it so
wildly that the r</span><span style="font-style: normal;">e</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ceiver
gets confused. To make matters worse, the word </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
takes a very contextual meaning and implies quite many different
ideas depending on the context of use. Worse yet, our ignorance of
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or our not
following it has consequences for us, in as much as our abidance and
upholding brings good outcomes.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <i><span> </span>Sanatana
Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> informs us that </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
can vary with our </span><i>Varna, ashrama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and every other situation. So the same which is glorified in one
place, gets cautioned in another. There is </span><i>sa</i><i>a</i><i>manya
dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (commonly observed
</span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">), </span><i>vishesha
dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (ones observed under
special conditions), </span><i>a</i><i>a</i><i>bhad dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(ones acceptable under duress). Besides </span><i>varna dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>ashrama dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, we
also have gender specific ones as </span><i>stri dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(ones allotted for women) and </span><i>purusha dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(ones expected of men). </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
varies over space and time.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
average </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Hindu</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
mind is deeply deracinated and hence it tries to approach every
aspect of </span><i>sanatana dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
through an Abrahamic lens. This woke mindset warps our understanding
even more. To this mind, </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
appears as a list of DOs and DON’Ts. To fix this fundamental
blunder, one has to resort to the</span><i> Shastras</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span><i>
Valmiki Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> offers a simple
insight through the different interactions of the various characters
to help us understand “</span><span style="font-style: normal;">What
is </span><i>Dharma?”</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gives a long list of what not to do and what would constitute as
</span><i>adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in the </span><i>Ayodhya
Kanda</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Later, when </span><i>Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
meets </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> at
</span><i>Chitrakuta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, we get a
positive spin as to what needs to be done in the form of </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
questions. Thus</span><i> Dharma </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is
typically understood as shades of gray and the answers are a </span><span style="font-style: normal;">huge</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
spectrum, is made to realize by the black and white nature of
</span><i>adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Storytime:</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Dasaratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
perishes due to pain of separation from</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and more so under the dire circumstances he had created.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
arrived days after his death and is devastated upon learning the dark
events.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Accompanied
by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shatrughna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
h</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">e
goes to see </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at her palace to seek her forgiveness for the </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tragedy</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of abuse done in his name. She and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sumitra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were returning from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
abode and chanced to meet </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">her
on the road. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was afflicted with grief and fell unconscious. Embraced by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the seething anger exploded as sarcasm by the weeping </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
She asked that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has now coveted the glorious kingdom, but what did her </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
get, except bark clothes and forest life. With harsh words, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
tried to dump her sorrow without realizing the agony of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>This
prompted </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to vent out his agony in the form of imprecations on himself, if he
was behind the scheme to oust </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the forest to usurp the throne. The sheer numbers and magnitude of
these curses are a window into the boundaries of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but they were so frightening to </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">shakeup
and awaken</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya,</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was buried deep in her own silo of misery. As her mind’s eyes
opened she was able to realize that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was in the same boat and it was a blunder she failed to notice on
account of her prejudice and suffering.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Analyzing
the boundaries of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ends most of the lines with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yasya
aryaH anumate gataH</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
implying if he schemed or allowed the noble </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to be sent to the forest. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">All
his curses were contingent upon the clause, if he were to be behind
the scheming of sending </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to exile to usurp the throne.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
words were an outburst of deep hurt, yet as he was an embodiment of
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his words are nothing but the purest essence of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is no structure</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">d
outline</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in his expression, so we will take the liberty to group them for our
easier perception. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some
of his words focus on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the path leading to it, whilst others refer to his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajya
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But most of references are to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samanya
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
equally applicable to rank and file. Some of these aim at duties
towards the society, while some are focused on the individual
responsibilities with others being generally applicable.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><i>Moksha
Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
we always speak this as the last </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the ultimate purpose of a human life is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
very first self imprecation is about even losing this.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>कृता
शास्त्र अनुगा बुद्धिर् मा
भूत् तस्य कदाचन </b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>|
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>सत्य
संधः सताम् श्रेष्ठो यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>||
(VR 2-75-21)</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>kutah
shastra anugaa buddhiH ma bhuta tasya kadaachana| satya sangah sataam
shroshhTo yasya aaryah anumate gatah||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
the mind of the one who in any way whatsoever allowed for the
departure of my noble brother (<i>Rama</i>) the best of men who keeps
up his promise, forget the teachings of the <i>Vedas</i>.</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>उपदिष्टम्
सुसूक्ष्म अर्थम् शास्त्रम्
यत्नेन धीमता </b></span></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>|
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>स
नाशयतु दुष्ट आत्मा यस्य आर्यो
अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>||</b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(VR
2-75-28)</b></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>upadishhTam
susuukshhmaartham shaastram yatnena dhiimataa| saH naashayatu
dushhTaatmaa yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
that perverse wretch, with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to
exile, forget the subtle meanings of the scriptures taught with care
by a wise teacher. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
above two </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">slokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
imply the very essence of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru Vakya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the life of a human being. If a person doesn’t grasp the
essence of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one is lost in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Also by not grasping the subtle meanings of scriptures through the
compassion of a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">guru</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in futility of life. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">मा
च तम् प्यूढबाह्वंसम्
चन्द्रार्कसम्तेजनम् </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">द्राक्षीद्राज्यस्थमासीनम्
यस्यार्योऽनुमते गतः </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">||</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-29)</span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>maacha
tam vyuuDha baahvamsam chandraarkasamatejasam| draakshhiit
raajyastham aasiinam yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, never
behold that Rama having large arms and broad shoulders radiant as the
sun and the moon and seated as he will be on a throne. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>This<i>
sloka</i> is one of the few places<i> Rama</i>’s<i> avatara rahasya</i>
cannot remain hidden in the divine drama called<i> Ramayana. Bharata</i>
on one hand acknowledges that no one has the right to the throne but
at the same time implies. The summum bonum of our existence is to
connect and realize the presence of <i>Parabrahman</i>. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">प्रैष्यम्
पापीयसाम् यातु सूर्यम् च
प्रति मेहतु </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">हन्तु
पादेन गाम् सुप्ताम् यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">||
(VR 2-75-2</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">2</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>preshhyam
paapiyasaam yaatu suuryaamchaprati mehatu| hantu paadena gaam suptaam
yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">May
he who counseled the banishment of my noble brother become the slave
of the vilest scoundrels, may he answer the calls of nature in the
face of the sun and may he kick with his foot, a sleeping cow.</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>T</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
cow is the very embodiment of all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">devatas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
while the sun represents the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">n</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Kicking the cow, that too sleeping one represents the worst </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
distortion of mind. In the same way, making nature call facing the
sun is like blatantly abusing the representation of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which is the worst form of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aligning
our actions with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and actions incongruent to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Knowing it as the highest </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
if one </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">deliberately</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
filled with malice abuses </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the worst action one can do.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
accords the highest importance to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha
Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in life. It has a central role in all our lives. Due to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
changes and our tryst with materialism, we have grown to forget the
primacy of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as our focus and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reminds us of the same.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><i>R</i><i>ajya
Dharma:</i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
being a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kshatriya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has these special </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Varna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
based responsibilities. We discussed them in detail in</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/12/kshatriya-do-you-still-exist.html"><i>Kshatriya
</i></a><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/12/kshatriya-do-you-still-exist.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">–
do you still exist?</span></a></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>परिपालयमानस्य
राज्ञो भूतानि पुत्रवत् </b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>|
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>ततः
तु द्रुह्यताम् पापम् यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>||
(VR 2-75-24)</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>paripaalayamaanasya
raajN^aH bhuutaani putravat| tat tu druhyataam paapam yasya aaryaH
anumate gatah||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, to him let
that sin incur as to those who seek to harm a king who protects his
people as if they are his own children. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">बलि
षड् भागम् उद्धृत्य नृपस्य
अरक्षतः प्रजाः </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">अधर्मः
यो अस्य सो अस्य अस्तु यस्य
आर्यो अनुमते गतः </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">||</span></span></b><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-2</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">5</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>balishhaDbhaagam
uddhR^itya nR^ipasya arakshhataH prajaaH| adharmaH yo asya so asya
astu yasya aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
the guilt of a king, who taking the sixth part of the revenue of his
people fails to protect them, be fallen on them with whose counsel my
elder brother went to exile. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>For
ease of our understanding, we can see these <i>sloka</i> groupings in
pairs. A <i>Raja</i> is one who governs the kingdom through the
scales of <i>Dharma</i>. Unlike the extremes of corrupt powerful
rulers we are aware in history, who derive their power as an
expression of their distorted <i>Kama, </i>genuine rulers derive
their ability to rule and their power by upholding <i>Dharma</i>.
Thus being a righteous ruler, the <i>Raja acts</i> not as a
figurative head of the state, but as a real protective one like that
of a father and all the citizens are his children. This was evident
during <i>Bharata</i> and eventually <i>Rama Rajya</i>.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>For
the purposes of running the state machinery, the <i>Raja</i> imposed
taxes which were determined to be a sixth of the value of the
transaction. Any higher will amount to overburdening the people,
whose expenses were also governed by <i>dharma. </i><i>Srimad
Bhagavatam </i>(SB 8-19-37) gives this clear insight into the
five-fold expenses allowed – for <i>Dharma,</i> for the upkeep of
one’s reputation (<i>yashas</i>), for taking care of one’s
resources (<i>artha</i>), for catering to one’s desires (<i>kamaya</i>)
and taking care of one’s relatives/dependents (<i>sva-janaya</i>).</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>The
<i>Raja</i> is given a boundary within with he can tax and he has to
perform his duties of protecting the <i>Rajya, dharma</i> and still
enjoy <i>kama</i> sanctioned by <i>dharma</i>. The attitude of this
protector is also outlined. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">हस्ति
अश्व रथ सम्बाधे युद्धे शस्त्र
समाकुले </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">मा
स्म कार्षीत् सताम् धर्मम्
यस्य आर्यो अनुमते गतः </span></span></b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">||</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span><span style="font-style: normal;">(VR
2-75-2</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">7</span></span><span><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>hastvashvarathasambaadhe
yuddhe shastrah samaakule| maasmakaarshhit sataam dharmam yasya
aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
the sin of him, who fails to observe the code of warfare followed by
the virtuous in a battle abundantly provided with elephants horses
chariots weapons and men, be his with whose counsel my elder brother
went to exile. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>सम्ग्रामे
समुपोढे स शत्रुपक्ष्भयम्करे
</b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>|
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b>पलायामानो
वध्येत यस्यार्योऽनुमे गतः
</b></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>||
(VR 2-75-39)</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>samgraame
samupoDhe saH satrupakshhabhayamkare| palaayamaanaH vadhyeta yasya
aaryaH anumate gataH||</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>May
he with whose counsel my elder brother has gone to exile, obtain the
sin of being killed while fleeing, at a time when a battle inspiring
fear upon enemy's side has commanded. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> </span>The
<i>Kshatriya</i>’s primary nature is to uphold and protect <i>dharma</i>.
This is due to his primary <i>guna</i> being <i>Rajasic</i> and his
secondary driver being <i>Sattva</i>. Always dynamic, yet firmly
upholding <i>dharma</i>, the <i>Raja’s </i>very life is a <i>Tapasya</i>
and hence many such great rulers in the past were referred as
<i>Rajarishis</i>. Thus the <i>Raja</i> is expected to even give his
life for the sake of protecting <i>Dharma</i>. The <i>Bhagavad Gita</i>
highlights the importance the qualities of <i>Kshatriya</i> in <i>sloka
</i>18-43 and at the center of the <i>kshatriyata</i> is being always
in the forefront in defending<i> dharma</i> and never compromising
it. The biggest ignominy for a <i>Kshatriya </i>is running away from
the battlefield, which is the ultimate domain for upholding <i>dharma</i>.
<i>Yuddha</i> is the final outcome and choice for a <i>Kshatriya</i>
to settle the <i>Dharma-Adharma</i> imbalance.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>The
emphasis from an administrator’s perspective and also the highest
<i>Purushartha</i> of every being as aspiring for <i>Moksha</i> may
appear as applicable to a select few. But these are applicable to
everyone. As we observe and follow <i>Dharma</i>, we obviously will
encounter situations where <i>Dharma</i> has to be upheld, sometimes
at a cost we may misunderstand as pricey. <b>There is no price too
high in upholding </b><i><b>Dharma</b></i><b>.</b> In the same way,
it is easy to grasp that <i>Dharma</i> alone contains in its bosom,
lasting <i>Artha, Kama</i>, and <i>Sukham, </i>but the path of <i>Dharma</i>
leads always to <i>Moksha</i> at its highest level. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> </span>Let
us continue this <i>dharmic</i> journey of understanding the
boundaries of <i>Dharma</i> by further studying the imprecations
uttered by <i>Bharata</i>.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="right" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>To
be continued…</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span>ॐ</span></span></b><span>
</span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span>तत्</span></span></b><span>
</span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span>सत</span></span></b>
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-49414364643177751342023-01-25T19:33:00.002-06:002023-01-25T19:33:59.182-06:00Repelling prosperity - Lakshmi's insight<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prosperity
is the aspiration of every living being. We found detailed simple
steps, we as humanity can do to attain and hold on to good fortune, in
<a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2023/01/attracting-prosperity-lakshmis-advice.html"><b>Attracting
Prosperity – </b><i><b>Lakshmi’s</b></i><b> advice</b></a>. In
this second part, let us dive deeper to complete the picture by
understanding what repels prosperity and what trends point to a
definite future ruin.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Background:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Indra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
aspired to know why </span><i>Sree</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
made the </span><i>Danavas </i><span style="font-style: normal;">prosperous
for a long time and more so why she was abandoning them. After giving
them a long list of wonderful attributes of </span><i>Danavas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the plot takes a turn. </span><i>Lakshmi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
hinted that anger and lust began to replace the </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
outlook of the </span><i>Danavas, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">who
now had no respect for merit or position. </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was not only disregarded, but openly ridiculed. To understand these
self destructive attributes, it may be easier to peruse </span><i>Sree</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
insights.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Replacement
of </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> with </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Krodha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. (In other
words, </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
replaced by materialistic mindset)</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Meritocracy
being abandoned. Qualified being replaced by unqualified. Hate being
spread against those with qualifications. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">No
respect for elders or qualified. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This
included no respect for fathers by sons. (Here father or mother is
addressed as the head of the family, who also happen to be the </span><i>Guru</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in many cases)</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Adharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was accepted as the way, as making money became the primary goal.
Wealth, however obtained, was cherished highly over </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Their
quiet nights were replaced with a lot of din and screams. They
ceased to perform their </span><i>homa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Sons
dominated their fathers without respect, while </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in marriage was replaced by the women dominating the married men.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mothers,
fathers, elders, preceptors, </span><i>athithis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
advisors were no longer held in esteem nor heeded to. Even the
children were raised with little to no care (especially feeding them
</span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> thoughts,
correcting them when they go astray)</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Neither</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Daana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
nor giving </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>ahuti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or offering to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Devas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were part of the norm. Every person wanted to hog all the things for
oneself. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(Refer
BG 3-12 </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">इष्टान्भोगान्हि
वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविता</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">:
| </span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो
यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव स</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">:
|| </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">iṣhṭān
bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ | tair dattān
apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ ||</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
The life was an </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yagna</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but fallen </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
selfishly took everything for themselves without sharing or offering
to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Devas,
Pitris</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>athithis</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or respectable elders.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Neither
they nor their cooks believed in cleanliness or purity of thought,
word and deed. Thus all they consumed was tainted. This resulted in
their food being contaminated and adulterated. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
didn’t keep their house tidy and all the things were scattered
randomly. The women didn’t tend to the houses or their walls. Even
domesticated animals were not properly taken care of. Even the
children’s needs were not tended, as they were absorbed in their
own.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
began to sleep well into daylight, treating night as day. There was
quarrel in every household, day and night. There was no respect for
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>swadharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as they neglected them for their choice desires. The ones who chose
inner peace and divine life, were identified for bigger disrespect
and abuse. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marriage
was not based on </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>guna-karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
any more. </span></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
knowing </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vedas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
had no value in the society. There was no censure nor guidance
against </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who had abandoned the </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">riks</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brahmanas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who knew and also who didn’t know </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vedas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were equally treated badly. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Even
the highest knowledgeable ones were reduced to menial jobs for
making a living, with no respect for their wisdom or experience.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
society values were so fallen that men started dressing like women
and women like men for entertainment and also in their behavior.
(This may draw parallels to the confused pronoun based society of
today where there is so much gender abuse by abolishing the respect
due for each)</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If
the ancestors had done any charity, the heirs even canceled the
bequests or undeserving were made as the recipients.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Instead
of turning to advisors and well wishers, when any problem arose
while facing a situation, they sought the advise of friends. These
friends would go on to advise and make them stop their </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">karmas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">swadharma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even if it didn’t profit them.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
can be misinterpreted by the woke.</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shudras</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
began to do </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasyas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
(In </span></span></span></span><i><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Varnas</span></span></a></b></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/09/varnas-spiritual-insight.html">
– a spiritual insight</a></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we clearly understood that it is the predominance of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
/ </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">defines
one’s </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">varna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Also the ones with their </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rooted in </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
do not really benefit by </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapasya</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
clearly is not the class or caste abuse ridden idea of today that
can be anachronistically juxtaposed into the original </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Varna</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
system based on </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">gunas/karmas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.)</span></span></span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">They
failed to focus on sense regulation and </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
guidance</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
observing </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapasya</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or spiritual practices. They went on to make their own unfounded
rules as their guiding principles. The disciples didn’t listen or
obey the guidance of their </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gurus</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Worse yet, these disciples were not treated as friends by the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gurus</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tired
due to the grind of day today activities, parents began to scale
down or even stop celebrating festivities on important days. Elders
in their ripe old age lost respect and were reduced to begging for
food with their own children.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gurukula</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
system, the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gurus</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were approached every morning on the list of tasks assigned, which
were assigned to improve the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna-karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of each disciple. Instead the focus was now to tend the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
physical needs. </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
bride of the household took charge of the house and began to
dominate her in-laws</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reduced
to a power struggle, she would dictate the terms to her husband,
thus eliminating </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and peace in the household. Aged parents, either out of fear or hope
divided their wealth amongst their sons, still living a life filled
with misery and affliction.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
distressed were laughed at. They became ungrateful, nonbelievers,
developed a penchant for </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
hence </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
oriented. They partook food that was not sanctioned in </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
violated every </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to fulfill their </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sree</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
exhaustive list of her reasons to abandon the once favored </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Danavas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gives us more than a pause, as there is a lot of commonality with it.
Are we headed towards the same fate as the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Danavas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>She
said where she resides all the other eight forms her also grace their
presence. The eight one referred as </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jaya</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
along with the other seven – </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">asha</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(hopeful
expectation), </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">shraddha</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(faith), </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dhruti</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(intellect), </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kshanti</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(contentment), </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">vijithi</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(victory),
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sannidhi</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(advancement) and </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">kshama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(forgiveness).
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gave her a splendid reception and honored her duly. </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vayu</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
spread gentle fragrance with a breeze bringing pleasure to on the
denizens. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
citizens of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swarga</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gave a proper welcome to </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who was accompanied by </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The impact of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was felt on earth as well, as the abundance of prosperity overflowed
everywhere. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Phalasruti:</span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ones aspiring progress, </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recommends approaching an assembly of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(by their </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sadhana</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
read this glorification of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sree</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the head, along with the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
will attain lasting prosperity.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Practical
applications:</span></span></span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GunaKarma</span></span></b></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi’s</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
entire advice and reasoning for prosperity revolves around </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
duration or height of prosperity has no connection to its future
longevity</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Danavas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fell from their zenith, as their </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
got incongruent with </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The same idea was explored in </span></span></span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/04/ailing-hinduism-inversion-of-values.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ailing
Hinduism- inversion of values</span></span></span></a></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
fact that </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Phalasruti</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recommends this to be read in an assembly of the learned as subtle
insights can be given on this </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunakarma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
transformation, is sufficient for us to realize that this is the
central message of this narration. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
also implies that the story is not a mere incident but as as vehicle
to propagate this deep wisdom.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
loses primacy, the natural tendency of all beings is to be driven by
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the objective of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the object of desire, at any cost, the first compromise is </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which results in calamitous results at our own cost. </span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Thus
anything that obstructs the free flow towards this doom is expressed
as disrespect, anger, hate for anything that represents </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dharma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
which includes the elders, preceptors, advisors or even parents</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Individual
responsibility:</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sree</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
personification in the form of qualities expressed in a prosperous
being makes us ponder the importance of us monitoring our own </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guna</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While a lot of these are subtle attributes to observe, she lays them
as simple expressions in our actions and attitude.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
we imbibe the wisdom of the sages and be bold enough to act only in
the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
way, our current situation has no bearing on our future. Such </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic
Karma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not only brings </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">punya</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but also a gradual transformation in the </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
making it naturally </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sattvic</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The reduction of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the increasing </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva
</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">results
in greater clarity in our </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">buddhi</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
attitude and direction. Thus our default nature is always intent on
</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as its foundation, not </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Depending
on the choice of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the driver, we end up as the architects of our destiny, be it
prosperity and fortune or desperation/stagnation/poverty. This is the
individual responsibility. </span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
cards we are dealt with now is a factor of our </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prarabdha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but our future is solely dependent on our individual </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Purushartha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">which
is dependant on our </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Guna-Karma</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Sree</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
promises not mere wealth, but all the glorious attributes like
victory, faith, hope, aspiration, achievement and much more. To
attract or repel her is a factor of our </span><i>gunas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. She has
made it amply clear with both the directions. It is </span><i>Lakshmi’s</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
grace that we are fortunate to listen to this wonderful narration of
</span><i>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. If we can not
only retain this deep message, but also reflect upon it periodically
and let it become our life’s expression, then we are putting the
lessons we have learnt into practice it. May </span><i>Sree’s</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
inspiration provide us the strength to understand her advice and the
strength to implement. May our lives be filled with her grace, which
includes leading our hearts to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
lotus feet of</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i>Sreepati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-67337822033903057262023-01-21T17:47:00.000-06:002023-01-21T17:47:12.766-06:00Attracting Prosperity - Lakshmi's advice<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prosperity
is at the core of every living being. Though we have reduced </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">its</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
meaning to mere riches, it encompasses the overall well being,
including health, living long life, achieving meaningful ambitions
worked for besides wealth. The word “</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>aishvarya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">”
aptly expresses this nature, inherent in every living being. The
Goddess who empowers and embodies </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>aishvarya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sree</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
popularly known as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mahalakshmi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lakshmi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/08/bhakti-now-and-then.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Today’s
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhakti</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
has reduced to transactional one</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
driven incessantly by our desires. Since our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>ahamkara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is at the helm, we are unable to lock on to even the coveted
prosperity. The</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Itihasapuranas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
are filled with wisdom on how to attain prosperity and make it last
across generations. This civilizational wisdom for this article is
from the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shanti
Parva</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mahabharata</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mahalakshmi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
herself gives a list of things to do that attract prosperity. In part
2, we will dwell on her insights on activities that repel prosperity.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Background:</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Yudhishtra</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was taking advantage of his last few days with </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was pouring the wisdom of the ages to dispel </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">doubts</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
related to </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
These are captured in the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shanti
Parva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anushasana
Parva</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to know how one can predict one will be prosperous or not in
the future. Are there any indicators that we can observe which can
indicate the trajectory?</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhishma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
narrated an age old incident, when </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharishi
Narada</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were performing their rituals on the banks of the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ganga</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the dawn gave way to the bright shining sun, they found an equally
effulgent object heading towards them from the opposite direction.
Attended by numerous </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">apsaras</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they found the divine beauty, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sree.
Indra</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
inquired who she was, where she was headed and what was the purpose
of her visit.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sree</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gracefully responded that she is desired by all beings as they aspire
to make a strong connection with her and thus to all auspiciousness.
She gives a long list of names, but these are attributes that
indicate at the highest best.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अहं
लक्ष्मीर अहं भूतिः शरीश चाहं
बलसूदन </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अहं
शरद्धा च मेधा च सन्नतिर विजितिः
सथितिः </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||
<br />
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अहं
धृतिर अहं सिद्धिर अहं तविड
भूतिर एव च </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अहं
सवाहा सवधा चैव संस्तुतिर
नियतिः कृतिः </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahaṃ
lakṣmīr ahaṃ bhūtiḥ śrīś cāhaṃ balasūdana | ahaṃ
śraddhā ca medhā ca sannatir vijitiḥ sthitiḥ ||<br />
ahaṃ
dhṛtir ahaṃ siddhir ahaṃ tviḍ bhūtir eva ca | ahaṃ svāhā
svadhā caiva saṃstutir niyatiḥ kṛtiḥ ||</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>I
am known as </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lakshmi,</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhooti,</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Sree</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
I am</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Shraddha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(faith),</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
medha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(intelligence),</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
sannidhi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(influence), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>vijiti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(victory), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>sthithi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(changeless/immutable), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dhruthi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(patience), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>siddhi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(achievements), (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>sam)bhoothi
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(prosperity).
I am </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Svaha,
svadha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>samstuthi
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(reverence).
I am </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>niyati
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(preordained
fate) and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>krithi
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(memory).</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
reside in flags, victory, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharmic</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
government, homes, cities and settlement. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Also
in those thirsting and working hard for victory and one who doesn’t
withdraw from battlefield. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
reside in those who are rooted deep in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
one endowed with great intelligence, firm in their faith in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
ones immersed in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Satya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
humble and charitable. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Formerly,
as the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were the embodiment of these qualities, I resided with them. Now that
there is grave misalignment with these virtues, I am abandoning them
and choosing to reside in you (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Indra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">).
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Indra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
politely wanted to know what were the virtues of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
that made them prosperous and what they have adopted to make </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sree
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">abandon
them abruptly?</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Sree</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
took time to assiduously impart the wisdom of how to attract
prosperity, an expression of her presence. (We will see in part 2 of
this article – Repelling prosperity – </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lakshmi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
advice, on what makes her to desert us)</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
did their </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>swadharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
with utter dedication, never lost patience and took pleasure in
treading the path that lead to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Swarga</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shree</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
reside in those who excel in charity, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shastra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
knowledge (that is expressed in action not mere rote memory), </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedic
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">rituals,
worship of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Pitrus</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Devas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
teachers, elders and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>athithis</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In
the times bygone, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
gave tremendous emphasis on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>shaucha</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(cleanliness), which reflected in their clean homes; had their women</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">abide
in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
poured libations in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>yaga-yajnas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
served elders with respect, kept fierce lid on their desires,
respected </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahmanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(not the modern caste flavor, but ones immersed in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
and always spoke truth.</span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
were rooted in faith (in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahman</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the paths that led to it and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>shastras</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">),
had a firm grip over anger, practiced charity, never harbored hate,
never envied others and protected their friends, women and advisors.
They never attacked anyone in anger, remained contented, and were
never disturbed in seeing other’s affluence and prosperity.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
were rooted in virtues, economical in their spending, not prone to
flaunting, having respectable conduct and compassionate. They
exhibited grace, simple conduct, steadfast in faith besides having
complete control over </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>kama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(desires).</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Endowed
with sweet agreeable speech and being grateful, they valued the
contributions of their servants (dependents) and advisors, whom they
aimed to please, thus earn their loyalty by providing adequate
compensation. They were ashamed to violate </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and maintained rigid vows.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
performed ablutions on sacred days. They smeared themselves with
perfumes, unguents and decorated themselves pleasantly. The observed
fasts, performed </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>tapasyas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and sang </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedic
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">hymns.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
always woke up at dawn. (They respected waking up early and going to
bed on time). They abstained partaking curds and pounded grains
(flour) at night.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
saw auspicious things like clarified butter in the morning. Having
good sense control, they began the day with chanting </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and honoring the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Brahmanas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
with some charitable donations.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Their
conversations were always centered on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
They were never the recipients of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>daana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
They went to bed by midnight and they never slept during daytime.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
took delight in showing compassion to the distressed, the helpless,
the aged, the weak, the sick and women, with whom they enjoyed
sharing their riches.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
comforted the distressed, dejected, ones drowned in sorrow,
terrified, sick, weak, emaciated, the ones who were robbed and the
afflicted. They helped others tide over their misfortunes.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Always
following the dictates of virtue, they never harmed each other. They
were enthusiastic and ready to commit to their tasks they aspired to
complete. They served with reverence all their elders.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
revered </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Pitris,
Devas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Athithis</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and partook what was left after gratifying them. They were firm in
Truth and their penances.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
never are without sharing and were never after another person’s
spouse. They showed extreme kindness to all living beings, just like
they showed each other.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
were reputed for their gifts, intellect, simplicity, striving hard
filled with faith, humility, friendship and forgiveness.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were known for their truth, charity, penance, purity, compassion,
soft sweet speeches and absence of animosity towards friends. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They
were free from drowsiness, procrastination, irritation, envy, want
of foresight, discontent and greed. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Since
the dawn of times,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who were exemplars of virtues, slowly became the examples of the
exact opposite qualities. Hence</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Sree</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
chose to abandon them as they lost the ability to express the same
opulence and virtues.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Practical
applications</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The
biggest mistake one can make is to settle for the story plot, rather
than the wisdom. An even bigger blunder will be to brush aside the
entire the wisdom of the sages due to our apathy.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Guna
Karma</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
At the root of attracting or repelling prosperity are our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karmas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Prosperity is mere </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karmaphala</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Yet we think of attaining it by luck, sheer mindless hard labor,
snatching it from others or give up on it living in desperation. The
engine that attracts lasting prosperity is our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Through the incident narrated, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhishma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is instructing </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yudhishtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
that Prosperity can be a planned event, not a random stroke of
destiny.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Lakshmi’s</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
account informs us that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who are normally caricatured as bad people were only having all the
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>daivi</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
qualities, even more than </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Indra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The essence of her advice is to transform our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karmas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as it determines the direction of our future. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
are in a state of flux and can trend in any direction. That is why
the prosperous </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Danavas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
fell off their peak glory due to a fall in their </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is a mere outward expression of our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gunas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
our internal composition. We see the same in case of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Ravana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Duryodhana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Individual
responsibilities:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Attracting prosperity comes with responsibilities predominantly at
the individual level and consequently its expression in the society.
From the extensive catalog of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we find most of her advice is centered on the individual. It ranges
from </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shaucha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">satya</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with an enormous emphasis on alignment with </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi’s</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
list of suggestions are aimed doing a list of duties, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with the right attitude. As these </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are performed they begin to have an impact in the underlying </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
get more </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saatvic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
performing </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
becomes second nature. Thus complimenting the positive cycle of
attracting prosperity. The techniques are impeccable and so
scientific that all one needs to do is their </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to commence their journey and the rest gets added along the way.</span></span></span></span></p>
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<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Social
responsibilities:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
While the individual and his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>swadharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the focus, she lays equal emphasis on sharing the fruits of
prosperity with the less privileged and challenged. Repeatedly she
reiterates the importance and the need for some of the actions to be
oriented towards the society. If prosperity is at the cost of the
society, as witnessed during most of human history, it results in
deadly changes over time. Prosperity has a longer staying power when
spread and shared with others as a part of one’s inner growth.</span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Another
important aspect is by engaging in charity, helping others, sharing,
one realizes that real prosperity is not merely wealth or flaunting
it, but can lead us deeper to spirituality. One doesn’t get
bamboozled by the glitter of materialism, but understands prosperity
from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lakshmi’s</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
guidance.</span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>To
aim for a prosperous society we must develop the subtler qualities of
gratitude, grace, sharing, cooperation coupled with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>tapasya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>guna-karma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lakshmi’s</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
advice is a sure shot recipe as she is the embodiment of all
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>aishvarya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Her grace unfolds our deeper potential. By following her advice, we
will never confuse ourselves with prosperity as the mere material
riches, but as a doorway to greater spiritual realms. May she protect
us never degrading her eternal grace due to our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>ahamakara</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
May her grace and guidance be always with us. May the Mother’s
benevolence keep us always steadfast on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Jai
Maa Lakshmi.</i></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-78130024781684926212023-01-02T15:20:00.002-06:002023-01-02T15:20:32.194-06:00Navavidha Bhakti<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhakti</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the wondrous relationship of the heart of the devotee with the
lotus feet of </b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
The root word of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhakti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>‘Bhaj’</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
which means ‘attached to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan’</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhakti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is rooted in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>prema</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and faith, an abundance of which overflows in the heart of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>bhakta</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
towards the divine entity. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">From
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhagawan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
point of view in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sri
Bhagavad Gita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we see he has classified </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhaktas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
into four – </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-redeemed.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>arthi,
jignasu, artharthi</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>jnani</b></i></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This is from a very elevated vantage point. This high standard has
fallen into the abyss as we studied it in </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/08/bhakti-now-and-then.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhakti</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
now and then</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Thanks
to numerous </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rishis,
Mahatmas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhaktas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we have a variety of classifications that give us an inkling into the
nature of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhakti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This list is most certainly not comprehensive by any means. The
purpose of this article is to make us sensitive to these subtleties
as it can guide us in correcting the imbalances of our mental status
against the real </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhakti</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
needed in the spiritual quest.</span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Flavors
of </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sakama-Nishkama
Bhakti:</b></i> Depending on the focus of <i>Bhakti</i>, we see
<i>Sakamya/Sakama</i> and <i>Nishkamya/Nishkama Bhakti</i>. In
<i>Sakamya</i> or <i>Kamya Bhakti</i>, one is devoted to <i>Bhagawan</i>,
but for a specific outcome. This would put us in the classification
of <i>Artha Bhakti</i> of <i>Sri Krishna</i>. <i>Bhakti</i> is used
initially as a crutch to obtain otherwise unattainable favorable
result. This may be a mundane trivial object of desire or a life
altering choice like getting a spouse or job or child. We see
<i>Draupadi</i> repeatedly surrendering to <i>Bhagawan</i> for his
protection as in the case of <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/04/only-krishna-saves-akshayapatra.html"><i><b>Durvasa</b></i><b>
testing the </b><i><b>Pandavas</b></i></a> or during her <i>Vastraharana</i>
abuse in <i>Sabha Parva</i>.</span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>This
finally culminates in a desireless <i>Bhakti</i> that even transcends
seeking <i>Mukti</i>. At the highest stage, a <i>Bhakta</i> has no
needs or wants warping his mind. The pure unalloyed love for the
absolute alone exists. <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/10/no-kidding-follow-this-child-part-3.html"><i><b>Prahlada</b></i></a>
did not plead <i>N</i><i>a</i><i>r</i><i>a</i><i>simha Bhagawan</i>
for any favors. <i>Bhagawan</i> could not tolerate his <i>Bhakta</i>
tortured, as was the case in <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/06/gajendra-moksha.html"><i><b>Gajendra
Moksha</b></i></a>. Even <i>Bhagawan</i> expresses the state of mind
of such an exalted <i>Bhakta</i> who seeks nothing, as in <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/01/ambarisha-ideal-bhagavata-to-follow.html"><i><b>Ambarisha</b></i></a>.</span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Apara</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(lower) and </b></span><i><b>Para</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
(higher) </b></span><i><b>Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
There are definite gradations of </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
As a beginner, the </span><i>Sadhaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is focused on imbibing values of </span><i>Bhakti, Ahimsa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
etc. There is a struggle between the </span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and the </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
ideals. The tussle may last years or </span><i>Janmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
There is a specific emphasis on rituals and ceremonies. There is an
increasing seeking of </span><i>Sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
yet the </span><i>Rajas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is not
gone. There is a clear demarcation between good and bad. Such a
</span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is </span><i>Apara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Though there is strong love for </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the </span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s mind is
attached to name and form. It can tolerate the idea of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
only in a particular tradition. It cannot perceive the entire glory,
thus gets tainted by the arrogance of limiting </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>God defined is God limited
and even defiled</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span><i>Para Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the
limitations placed in the mind are gone. There is no need for a
</span><i>murthi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, ritual or
ceremony. There is no constraint of a name and form. </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is seen in both good and bad, as such a classification itself loses
meaning. </span><i>Para Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the same state as a </span><i>Jnani</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
As one scrubs the lower values continuously through years/</span><i>janmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i>Sadana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the form of </span><i>Japa, Kirtan, Satsangha, svadhyaya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and more. In this exalted state, the </span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
sees everything as a manifestation of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Depending on the faintest of </span><i>Vasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
left, one perceives the entire manifest universe as </span><i>Vishnu</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span><i>Shiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or </span><i>Devi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
They definitely do not indulge in comparing divinities, as they
realize they are just the expression of the same.</span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Vaidhi</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span><i><b>Ragatmika Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
In </span><i>Vaidhi Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> there
is a strong emphasis on rituals, observing rules and following
traditions. The beginning stages of </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
where protection and guidance is needed for the </span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal;">t
culminate</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
in </span><i>Para Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span><i>Ragatmika Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the
</span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is intoxicated
by divine love. There are no fetters or bondages of society. Just as
the </span><i>Gopikas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of
</span><i>Brindavan</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Meera</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
cast aside the shackles of societal norms, for the pure unalloyed
</span><i>Krishna Prema</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Thirumangai Alwar </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
</span><i>Vallalar</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> dressed as a
woman not like the psychologically disturbed ones of today, but as an
expression of the highest philosophy that </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the only </span><i>Purusha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and we are all mere representation of </span><i>Prakriti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
only. </span><i>Ragatmika Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is an expression of </span><i>Para Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Vyabhacharini</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span><i><b>Avyabhacharini Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
An ordinary </span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
keeps </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and his
thoughts amidst the worldly objects. </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
remains as </span><span style="font-style: normal;">one</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
more object of desire. The attention keeps wandering from one object
to another, such is the state called </span><i>Vyabhacharini Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>On
the other hand, </span><i>Para/Ragatmika Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
doesn’t waver away from </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In the initial stages, the importance of worldly objects pale
significantly in the focus of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Eventually they vanish completely and there is only one focus in the
mind of </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
such a state of unadulterated, undiluted single pointed attention is
the nature of </span><i>Avyabhacharini Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Mukhya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(Primary)
and </b></span><i><b>Gauna</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(Secondary)
</b></span><i><b>Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Unlike the duration of time and nature of time in the above
classification, the weightage given to the object in focus </span><span style="font-style: normal;">determines
if the </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
</span><i>Mukhya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or </span><i>Gauna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In </span><i>Mukhya <span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the primary object in mind, but in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gauna
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it is interspersed and perhaps lost most of the times to other
objects of desire in the mind.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sattvic/Rajasic/Tamasic
Bhakti</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>: </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Based
on the preponderance of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one can also classify </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattvic Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is an overwhelming alignment with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and an ever increasing focus on getting rid of the subtle </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajasic Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is a strong inclination to cash in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for trinkets in life, be it for name, fame, wealth and possessions.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is arrogance, wrath, jealousy and malice even in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Usually
this is seen when there is fighting in the name of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">nama rupa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>All
these three are lower flavors of secondary </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Primary bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
there is a single pointed attention on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There are no variations seen between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
his various states. There is no such thing as undivine, as the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sees </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in all things around. There is no </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bheda</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as all are the forms of same </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is called </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samarasa
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sees </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in all situations, emotions, feelings as </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">one
unending undiluted expression of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This state is called </span></span><i><b>Ananya Bhakti</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">which
is the same as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Para
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avyabhacharini
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Nine
types of </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hiranyakashipu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was curious to know what his little first born son, </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prahlada</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had learnt from the </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ashrama</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanda</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the son of his </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru,
Shukracharya</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prahlada</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
response is recorded in </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– 7-5-23:24 as:</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;">श्रवणं
कीर्तनं विष्णो</span></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">:
</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">स्मरणं
पादसेवनम् । अर्चनं वन्दनं
दास्यं सख्यमात्मनिवेदनम्
॥ </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">7-5-23</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;">इति
पुंसार्पिता विष्णौ
भक्तिश्चेन्नवलक्षणा । क्रियेत
भगवत्यद्धा तन्मन्येऽधीतमुत्तमम्
॥ </span></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">7-5-24</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">śravaṇaṁ
kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam arcanaṁ
vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam</span></em><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">iti
puṁsārpitā viṣṇau bhaktiś cen nava-lakṣaṇā kriyeta
bhagavaty addhā tan manye ’dhītam uttamam</span></em> </i></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sravanam</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It means listening.
Unlike senses like eyes, tongue which need to be deployed, the ears
are always open. Though we may hear many sounds, we may choose to pay
attention to only the ones we focus. This implies active listening.
What is the subject? Listening to the glories, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">leelas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
virtues of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avataras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his names and forms constitute </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sravana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Studying
also needs effort, but listening to the wondrous words through the
mouth of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhu</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
very subtle and esoteric ideas can be easily understood. Thus a
simple word of listening highlights what to do, with who and the
nature of subject. This is the heart of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as it evolved into various forms like </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pravachans,
Kirtans, Upanyasas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> etc.
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the easiest way to
absor</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">b</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhava</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana.</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
In modern day and age, we tap this concept through audio books during
long drives. But its full power is in the desecularized original
application.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhava</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of wanting to listen more, even ask questions to clarify, backed by
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shraddha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the willingness to apply what one has listened are the traits of
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shravana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Parikshit</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the grandson of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna,</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
son of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Abhimanyu</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was faced with certain death in a week. He resolved to uninterrupted
active listening of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and his </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">leelas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
through </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suka. </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even
in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and his three brothers are introduced to the wondrous </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only through listening to the singing of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lava</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kusha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ajamila was able to shed an
entire </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of worst </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
filled life </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">and make a wise
choice of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hari smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
thanks only to the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sravanam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of discussion between </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishnudhootas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yamadhootas.</span></i></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kirtanam
–</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Is singing the glories of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It is suggested as the antidote to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kali
Yuga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It may be songs, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhajans</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kirtans. </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
do this in the most sickular way by singing vulgar songs or recalling
movie songs. While they emphasize and strengthen our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kirtanam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
helps us overcome this </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsaric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
burden. We take a method we are used to and apply it in its original
glory. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The
<i>Kali Santarana Upanishad</i> recommends chanting the <i>Hare Rama
Hare Rama</i> <i>Rama Rama</i> <i>Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
</i><i>Krishna Krishna </i><i>Hare Hare Mahamantra</i> as the most
powerful antidote to the ill effects of <i>Kali</i>. It could be any
<i>Ishtadevata</i> depending on our BMI<i> </i>and <i>vasanas</i>. </span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Numerous
are the examples but the list will have <i>Narada Maharishi</i> on
its top. We also find <i>Lava Kusha</i> in <i>Ramayana</i> and <i>Suka
Maharishi</i> narrating entire <i>Srimad Bhagavatam</i> to <i>Parikshit</i>,
the <i>Suta</i> disciples of <i>Vyasa Maharishi</i> as prime models.
While these exalted ones offer the highest role model, innumerable
<i>Bhaktas</i> over millennia have provided the roadmap of <i>Kirtana</i>.
The recent ones are the different <i>Dasas</i> like <i>RamaDasa,
KanakaDasa, PurandaraDasa, SurDasa </i>and <i>Meera</i> with her
<i>Bhajans</i>.</span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(<i>Vishnoh</i>)
<i>Smaranam:</i></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Constant
unbroken memory of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his names, forms and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">leelas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Even while immersed in worldly affairs, the mind is constantly
thinking about</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Paramatma.
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">To begin with it may be
limited to special times like praying, doing </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Japa</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and limited to forms of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ishtadevata
murthis</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Initially the
connection is very sketchy and even has to be forced to. Eventually,
the remembrance is undiluted and expansive. The word </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishnoh</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hints us to this effect. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
mere condition negates all the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samasara
maya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> effect. Initially
what needed a huge effort to turn the extrovert mind to inside,
becomes locked on the eternal and is happy not to shift its attention
on the trivial, ephemeral and mundane. </span></span></span>
</p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at the highest state is the same culmination of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Raja
Yoga (Samadhi)</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prahlada</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
never bothered all the tortures meted by his father, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hiranyakashipu</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as his entire mind was immersed in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hari
Smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Reminding
others of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is enough to snap out of the worst worldly problems. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hanuman</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in a gentle, melodious voice remembered </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which gave immense strength to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who was on the verge of giving up her life. This reminded the
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivatma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">of its real connection with
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Kunti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was able to stand tall </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
strong </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">amidst incredible bad
events of her life only by the constant remembrance of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and his grace. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is imperfect like in case of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kamsa</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which was fear based or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sishupala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
whose remembrance was tainted by angry words or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paundraka
Vasudeva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, whose memory
was filled with delusion. Yet, as long as the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is undiluted, all expansive and always above the highest principle,
it interestingly seems to yield the same wonderful results.</span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Padasevanam</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Constantly worshiping the feet. The picture that comes to our mind is
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
serving </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vishnu</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parvati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramesvara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
An exalted glorious uninterrupted service. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sets the most excellent example of doing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paduka
Seva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and performing the duties of himself, yet as a servant of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>For
us mortals, it is impossible to get the physical intimacy and chance
to practi</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">c</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">e
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">seva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But there is hope if we understand </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
If we stick to our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and offer all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kamala charana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
we can emulate </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
example. If we see the divinity in every being and practice unselfish
love, it will elevate our mind to such a state. Looking at </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who represents all prosperity at the feet of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
should remind us not to have it the opposite way, as many of us take
riches to our head.</span></span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Archana:</b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Is worshiping </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It can begin externally directed at a </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">murthi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or internally as a mental image. Externally if may involve the most
mundane things like a single leaf, flower, fruit or a drop of water
as suggested in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad
Gita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
9-26 (</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पत्रं
पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या
प्रयच्छति । तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि
प्रयतात्मन</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-weight: normal;">patraṁ
puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati tad ahaṁ
bhakty-upahṛtam aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ</span></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
Eventually as the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhava</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gets deep rooted, it morphs into a consistent internal one. There are
many exa</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">m</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ples
like </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shodashopachra
pooja, Sahasranama pooja, Ashtottara pooja</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Usually
depending on the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">varnashrama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
rules are laid down for the external flavor, whilst the internal one,
which is suited for advanced </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhaktas</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who have attained </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">chitta
shuddhi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
no prescribed format is needed. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gets advanced, the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narayana-Bhava</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ishvara-Bhava</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
expands to every being and everything around. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharaja
Prithu</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is often quoted as an excellent example to emulate. </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/12/two-flavors-of-highest-bhakti-srutadeva.html"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Srutadeva</b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Bahulasva</b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
offer to perspectives to this form of </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Archana</b></i></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
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</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Vandana:</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Is prayer and prostration. The </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
overwhlemed by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and perceiving the Supreme everywhere and everything is overtaken by
the Universal. The expression of such a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhava</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
may be in the form of prayers or in the form of falling at the feet
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as a representation of submitting one’s </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamakara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">An
overwhelming sense of gratitude pervades the personality. It may be
seen as thanking </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for trivial things like before eating food or realizing that one’s
life is guided solely in HIS able hands.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>This
overwhelming feeling is best captured in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Akrura</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
10-40). The entire summary of his attitude and understanding is
summarized in SB 10-40-30 as </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">नमस्ते
वासुदेवाय सर्वभूतक्षयाय च
। हृषीकेश नमस्तुभ्यं प्रपन्नं
पाहि मां प्रभो ॥ </span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-
</span></span><em><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">namas te
vāsudevāya<br />
sarva-bhūta-kṣayāya ca hṛṣīkeśa namas
tubhyaṁ prapannaṁ pāhi māṁ prabho</span></i></em><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">O
Son of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasudeva!!
Obeisance to you, the one in whom all living beings reside. O Ruler
of mind and senses! Again I offer my obeisances to you. </span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">O
Prabhu!</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Please
protect me, the one who has completely surrendered.</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>We
see a similar effect in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana
Saranagati</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The same attitude is seen when the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
led by </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shiva</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
plead </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
during </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita’s
agnipariksha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
A similar episode happens when </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
realizes his mistake challenging </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by kidnapping the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gopa</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
boys. When </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prahlada</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and subsequently </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
encounter </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">N</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">r</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">simha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s,
all they could do was </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vandana</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The scenario is same when </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gajendra</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
launches into a </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stuthi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
thinking about the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parabrahman.</span></i></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dasyam:
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
voluntarily realizing the subservient nature of one’s self and
offering in complete service. Many times wrongly translated as
servant. There is no inferiority felt here. The humility felt is at
the realization of incomparable magnitude of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Brahman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Thus as the realization dawns, one voluntarily offers to all the
bidding of the Master. There is also a prior understanding that one
does any action only due to his strength. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is blunted to the level that such realization stays permanent.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Dasya
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is staying focused on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
offering service to other </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Usually a superior gradation is seen when one can elevate </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad
Dasya Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavada
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Hanuman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is perhaps the most suitable example who is the epitome of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dasya Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But one cannot forget</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Lakshmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who toiled for the privilege of serving</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
even at the cost of his life and all creature comforts for fourteen
years. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sakhyam:
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
cultivating a friendly sentiment towards </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
To treat HIM as a very fond relative or friend, giving preferential
treatment, keeping </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at the center of all relationships and actions in life. Just like one
willingly drops all urgent work in favor of focusing on a very dear
friend, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is consumed by an intense positive bias to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is an element of transparency, innocence, complete mutual
dependence and endless affection.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gopa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
boys of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brindavan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were privileged with such wondrous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sakhya
bhava</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is perhaps the best example for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sakhya
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
though all </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
felt the same. Interestingly </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reciprocated the same </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhava</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We find </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uddhava</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who obtained </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uddhava
Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for us from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sudama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as great role models.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>In
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
we find </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guha,
Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
excelling in such a wondrous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sakhya
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">relationship
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Atma
Nivedanam:</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
complete Self surrender. This is a state of rising above identifying
one as Body-Mind-Intellect and realizing not only oneself as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
but also what is the equation between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is a complete absorption of the little </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ridden personality within the Universal Supreme. There is no separate
desire or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
left. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Mahabali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
surrenders himself to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vamana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
despite knowing his intentions and the warning/curse of his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru,
Shukracharya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad Bhagavatam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
8-22). While</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
could have burnt</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with her</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Satitva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a fact confirmed by a prior curse on</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
she is completely surrendered to the will and actions of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rukmini</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
displays the same</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhava</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
towards</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the most easiest way to approach </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahman</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as we tend to use the faculty of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(mind) the most. We tend to use it over our body and intellect more,
being emotional beings. But after studying the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Navavidha
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, we can see the
elements of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti, Jnana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma Yoga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are all blended in. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Padasevana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
relate with </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma Yoga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kirtan, Archana, Vandana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sakhyam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are certainly limbs of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti
Yoga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sravanam,
Smaranam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma-nivedanam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are easily part of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana
Yoga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Thus even the
different types of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">are a synthesis of the
different pathways to approach</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Brahman</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swami Sivananda</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlights the</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Yoga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of Synthesis mode as a fast track spiritual evolution.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Another
way to look at these nine flavors are like a ladder. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sravanam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informs us the presence of the Supreme</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">While one may not grasp
much by repeating </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kirtans/Japa</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
one is able to get a better picture, which gets established as
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smaranam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
An overwhelming realization of the magnitude makes us wanting to do
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">PadaSevanam</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or submit to this entity, which also leads us to do </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Archana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vandana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dwarfs it morphs into </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and eventually </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sakhya
Bhava. </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Finally it
culminates in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma
Nivedhana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Though it
appears like different stages, most certainly this is not a step
ladder. All the nine flavors are different facets of the same </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti
Bhava</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>One
of</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
key elements of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">It is only due to it one
gets introduced to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shravana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the roots of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
get watered through </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kirtana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smarana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Only by knowing the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti
Bhava</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> of other </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahatmas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
one is introduced to ideas of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Padasevana,
Archana </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vandana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Learning and contacting other </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
options of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasya, Sakhya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma-Nivedhana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are possible. In short </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is very infectious and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the medium in which it can be easily distributed or acquired. May
our minds evolve with the continuous contact of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma.</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
May </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">continue
to strengthen our </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May we continuously hold on to the Lotus feet of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-4330962351875240772022-12-11T18:12:00.007-06:002022-12-11T18:12:56.328-06:00Vidura's parable of our life<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
life seems to be pulled in a million directions based on the </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/08/vasanas-key-to-understand-our-past.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>vasanas</b></i></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
bubbling as desires. These </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/08/vasanas-key-to-understand-our-past.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>desires</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
are molded strongly by </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/11/attachment-simplified.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>attachment</b></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
that lead to a plethora of emotions, which we proudly label as human.
Since we have this umbrella moniker for protection, we have given the
license to lead a life filled with many aspirations, even though we
have a firm grip on an empty sac. An average person on death bed
would most likely want to rewrite his entire autobiography. Yet as we
live our daily lives, everyone is busy chasing the same mundane
illusory pleasures that end up causing disappointment and
frustration. Our current experiences are sufficient to validate this
fact, still we are driven by what we believe as hopes for our future.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>At
the same time, whenever there is a state of seeming no hope, we tend
to get desperate. The average mind opens up briefly to talk esoteric
ideas, even </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vedanta</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This kind of discrimination is briefer than the lightning as it lacks
roots and substance. Such a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vairagya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is called </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Smashana
vairagya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Absolute devastation of the mind and the things it hoped for, with
which it is extremely attached, results in the brief experience of
such </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vairagya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It is characterized by the conspicuous absence of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Viveka</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and still pining hopelessly against hopes.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
believed that the numerical strength of his vast army and the mighty
warriors like </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhishma,
Drona</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Karna</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
would help him hold the fort. He could not even imagine the death of
all his hundred brave sons who were well shielded from the wrath of
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bhima</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Worse yet, though he could digest the victory of</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Yudhishtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
he could not accept the carnage unleashed due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Aswattama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Eighteen </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Akshauhini</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
of the highest class of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kshatriyas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
were unnecessarily donated to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Yama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
only due to the arrogance of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Duryodhana</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
well rooted in the selfishness of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dhritarashtra.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
Numerous countries were now devoid of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Kshatriyas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
except the real aged or very young. Perhaps to top the scenario,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
was as much far from his hopes and desires as much as he ever was.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span> </span>Vidura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">though
completely shattered, still was holding ground due to the roots in
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
unlike </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
who was holding on to illusory hopes. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">S</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">eeing
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vidura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
more grounded, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
sought his advice. As the words of wisdom never brought any </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>GunaKarma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as in the past, they were ineffective. But if we are tuned to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and are committed to reflecting </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vidura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
message</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>,</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
we can harvest the fruits of such wisdom. When we are completely
hopelesss, we are not sure of our direction and worse yet even our
duties and responsibilities.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Dhritarashtra</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
wanted guidance on his duties at this crucial moment, still secretly
cherishing hopes, not</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">On
being sought wisdom and clarity, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Vidura</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
shares this wondrous parable, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">as
recorded in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Stri
Parva</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mahabharata</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Storytime:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vidura</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
first bowed to the Self created </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahman
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
recalled the words of wisdom from great </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who have shined their deep wisdom on </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
wilderness of life. Once a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
happened to reach a dense forest filled with ferocious animals.
Seeing wild animals like lions and wild elephants everywhere, it
dented the spirit of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The scene raised so much fright that even </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
would have been scared. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span> As
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was rightfully agitated, there were indications of more dreadful
things to come, making his hair stand on its end. As he scanned the
ten directions, his fear only multiplied. There was no hope of a
shelter in sight. Driven by mortal fear, he ran aimlessly here and
there. He could gain no distance </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">between
the fearsome creatures </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
his </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">moves.
He could not free himself from the danger, nor could he feel any
safety with or without his actions. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
realized that this terrible forest was surrounded by a huge net,
making it impossible to escape and further saw a frightening woman
with her arms stretched. His gaze fell upon the numerous five headed
snakes that towered as tall as the cliffs, felt as if they were as
tall as the skies. There was a huge pit that was covered with tall
grasses and creepers, making it impossible to be aware of what was
lurking at the next step. He got caught amongst the creepers and got
entangled beyond recognition and appeared as if a huge jackfruit
hangs by a stalk. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
found himself hanging upside down, dangerously dangling, completely
entangled in vine. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
he found himself with mounting miseries and dangers, he chanced upon
a vicious snake at the bottom of the pit. As he turned his gaze to
beyond the pit, he found a huge black elephant. It had six faces and
twelve legs. It started slowly moving menacingly towards the mouth of
the pit. Listening to powerful buzzing sounds, he saw there were
many huge beehives with giant sized bees proudly displaying their
cache. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Though
all creatures are attracted to such sweet tasting honey, it has a
special attraction for children. Many animals were attracted to these
giant honeycombs, not deterred by the dangers, but wanting to stake
their chance to taste it. They were near the mouth of the pit,
unfazed by the large swarms of bees. Periodically overburdened combs
of honey burst out streams of honey.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
hanging</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
chanced upon many such drippings of honey and thoroughly enjoyed
them. Though his life was under grave danger, his every move was
fraught with mortal danger, he found these jets of honey falling in
his mouth by pure chance very much welcome and enjoyable. He was not
satiated by the honey and desired even more. His plight could not get
much worse, still he was holding on to his hopes to taste the next
drops of honey. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>He
now realized that the vines he believed that trapped him were the
roots of the tree that was perched precariously on the pit. Much to
his dismay he found black and white rats gnawing the very root that
was holding him up in the air. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
was mortal danger and fear from all the wild creatures, the
frightening woman near the edge of the forest, the various snakes,
the odd looking menacing elephant, the swarms of bees, even the tree
he was dangling on and the black and white rats that shortened his
lifespan. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Deprived
of the senses, despite all the odds, the </span><i>brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was hopeful of his future, aspiring to chance and savor few more
lucky drops of honey. Hope was the only thing he had. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Or
was it really hope?</span></b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Parable
decoded:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhritarashtra</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was bewildered at the misery and plight of the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He was wondering to </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">kn</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ow
the source of his hope and the nature of his happiness. He further
wanted to know the whereabouts of this dreaded place and if the
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
escaped the odds. If he is still in such peril, what efforts can he
do to liberate the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Gauging
the poor understanding of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhritarashtra</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vidura</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hastened to tell this was a powerful parable shared by the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to people desirous of making progress in their spiritual journey or
achieve </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Understanding the parable correctly and translating its wisdom to
correct actions, any spiritual aspirant will make powerful strides
towards this lofty goal. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<ul><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
dense forest filled with all sorts of dangers is our world.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
inaccessible forest with the limited sphere represents our own life.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
different diseases are pictured as the various creatures that were
waiting to devour our life.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
large bodied woman who was seen is a representation of old age,
which ensures that no one can go past her from this forest.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
horrible pit that limits the human’s movement is a reference to
our physique/body. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
cluster of creepers the human is dangling perilously is the desire
for life, every creature cherishes.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
horrible dangerous snakes found everywhere, especially the one that
was tormenting from the bottom of the pit represents time. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is cutting into the life of every creature, but unaware the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">jiva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is engaged in chasing some improbable temporary pleasure.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
six faced elephant at the mouth of the pit is the year. Its six
faces represent the six seasons and the twelve legs represent the
months. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
black and white rats that were gnawing the roots, refer to day and
night that continuously cut the lifespan of all creatures. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
swarms of bees are the various desires that plague us.</span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
drops of honey we chance upon are the pleasure gratifications we
derive when our desires are fulfilled. Despite all the dangers,
humans get strongly addicted to this honey. </span></span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
wise know this is the plight of every </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">jiva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">are constantly focused
in escaping the snares of such entrapment. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Practical
applications:</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Futility
of our desires</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – The parable
reminds us the futility of our pettiness, especially when desire
morphs into greed, wrath, jealousy and violence. This does not mean
we should not have desires, but the attachment to it. In our own
lives, the toy/doll the child desperately sees as the world
disappears in its importance when the youth starts seeing the other
gender in special light of raging hormones. The desires in the
thirties lose their value in our fifties and sixties and by the time
one hits seventies and eighties, though we may be under its
influence, our capacities checkmate our desires completely.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Another
aspect of the honey tasting </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was the addiction to the desires, despite the circumstances. Just as
he repeatedly wanted to taste the honey to feel little pleasure, we
too embark upon arduous tasks for the hope to experience a short
lived chance for sense gratification.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>If
the desire gets aligned with </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it may start adding some weight behind our actions. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
big picture of <i>samsara</i></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> –
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a crucial aspect that comes from </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">viveka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and high living. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">When we
see the dimensions of our life that includes </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the miseries chasing us, the futility of our desires and the fact
that we are stuck in this rut, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we begin to see the big picture. This helps our thinking and actions
stay grounded in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Following
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and being mire in this </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one does not escape. But incorporating this vision and understanding
through </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the secret doors to escape this trapped world begin to reveal
themselves.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
powerful parable is bound to appeal to our </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Buddhi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and sprout </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But unless this wisdom translates as </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in our lives, the parable can do more damage than good. We may end up
crediting ourselves as intelligent, when our </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">viveka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
may be nothing more than our </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
helped by our memory to recall some information.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
numerous characters in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
like </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vidura</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recount many wonderful messages. They align the way we think with
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It is critical not only to periodically fill the cups of our mind
with such fresh wisdom, but more important is in reflecting upon them
and living through their guidance. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Itihasapuranas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are not mere stories, but powerful instruments to impart </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in our lives that lead us to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May these </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahatmas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wisdom penetrate our thick </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
desire fortified </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and start working both within and without. May we offer our obeisance
to these </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahatmas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who continue to guide our lives.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-13372330830894345792022-12-01T10:30:00.001-06:002022-12-01T10:30:22.270-06:00Dharma vs Desire - which is superior?<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">This popular question that arises
amongst many of us is worth pondering. If all that one aspires is
based on desires (<i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span>
and its achievements fueled by resources (<i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">),
why even bother with </span><i>Dharma?</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Even </span><i>Bhagawan Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
tells this </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
very subtle and definitely seems to be beyond the grasp of the common
man. S</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ince it is beyond our
grasp, should we even be concerned?</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
In that time, we can acquire more resources and thus fulfill more
desires. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">As many generations
have been raised in India, devoid of </span><i>Dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
foundations and also by wrecking </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
ecosystems, </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
</span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> have become
profane topics for the sickular </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and
the woke</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. Continuous assault
on </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, by inimical
forces, constantly casting them wrongly in deliberately warped ways,
the wedge between us and </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is growing exponentially. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>To
add to this confusion, even </span><i>Vedas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and our </span><i>itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
glorify </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
also as a crucial </span><i>Purushartha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
goal of life, besides </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
If </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are bad, why include them? Or are they really bad like how some
depict? Since </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is liberating from the first three </span><i>Purusharthas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and not binding, it is a pertinent question to ask which is superior
– </span><i>Dharma, Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. To learn more
let us dive into an episode from </span><i>Mahabharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
</span><i>Shanti Parva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Yudhishtra,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> shocked by
the carnage of the war, seeks the wisdom of </span><i>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who was on a bed of arrows, to guide him. While describing the
various </span><i>dharmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> like
</span><i>sadharana dharma, abath dharma, moksha dharma, rajya dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
etc, the discourse raises a doubt in </span><i>Yudhishtra’s</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
mind. Which amongst </span><i>Dharma-Artha-Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
is superior?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Storytime:</b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <b>Let
us first know there are subtle variations between the various
recensions of </b><i><b>Mahabharata</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
As our focus is not scholarly research, but more to assimilate the
wisdom, let us park th</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>e</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>variations
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>thought
for now. </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Bhishma
narrated this incident to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Yudhishtra</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
A poor </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Brahmana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
aspiring lots of wealth, was engaged in many rituals, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Yagas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
to earn the grace of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Devas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
His futile attempt made him ponder on some shortcut. He concluded if
he could find an easy to pacify being who may have access to </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Devas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
it would be a lot easier to gain the riches. His gaze fell upon
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Kundadhara</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
a</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">n
aimless</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">trivial
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">cloud.
True to his plan, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Kundadhara</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
appeared in front of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Brahmana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
with minimal effort on his part. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">He
declared that there is some </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>prayaschita</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(expiation)
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">possible
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">for
even </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Brahmahatti
dosha</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
drinking alcohol, stealing and even neglecting </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>dharmic</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
duties, but there is no hope for the one who is engulfed by
ingratitude. He opined, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">expectations</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(</span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/11/attachment-simplified.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>desire
fused with attachment</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
leads to iniquity, envy gives rise to ire, greed leads to deceit;
however ingratitude doesn’t give birth to anything.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>The
</span><i>brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, now infused
with the </span><i>Tejas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of
</span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, was now
devoid of passion and filled with </span><i>tapasya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. He saw
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">some</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
events in a dream </span><span style="font-style: normal;">state</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
He beheld </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
a </span><i>mahatma yaksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
attended by </span><i>devas </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
yakshas, instructing on wealth distribution based on human being’s
</span><i>karma. Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> came
in and fell prostrating at his feet. Responding to </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
question, </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
sought some special blessing </span><span style="font-style: normal;">to
provide happiness, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">for his
friend and </span><i>Bhakta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, the
</span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was extremely pleased and offered as much wealth that will create
happiness for the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
explained that he did not seek the wealth or even suzerainty of the
world for the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but only a boon that the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
mind must be centered on </span><i>Dharma. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Even
if he acquires riches, </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
wanted the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
be immersed in </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
by keeping it on the fore. </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
offered him the fruits of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> beyond
imagination, that too with no effort from the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
side. </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
repeatedly pleaded only for </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
which pleased all the </span><i>Devas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was
pleased to offer this benediction. </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was extremely delighted at the great achievement of his </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
friend.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> woke up to
find some hermit attire beside, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">almost
hinting his next actions</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. He
resolved to uphold </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
by going to the forest, where he could practice austerities. He was
able to feel the strong </span><i>Dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
resolve as a blessing from the divinities. He gradually reduced his
diet from fruits/tubers to bark, which he eventually replaced it with
only water and later remained alive only on air. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was now
filled with a spiritual vision. He now realized if he blessed anyone,
he could grant suzerainty of the earth. </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">suddenly </span><span style="font-style: normal;">appeared
there, drawn by the </span><i>Brahamana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
</span><i>tapasya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and his
friendliness towards him. The </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
duly worshiped him. </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
appreciated his achievements and advised him to cast his gaze on the
fate of all the Kings. The </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
saw how many great Kings were in hell, as they lost their </span><i>dharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
focus, only to be centered on </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
He pondered on the effects of </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and saw how mankind was immersed in </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(desire+attachment), </span><i>krodha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(anger), </span><i>lobha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(greed), </span><i>bhaya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (fear),
</span><i>mada</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (pride), </span><i>nidra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(sleep), </span><span style="font-style: normal;">apathy and
</span><i>alasya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span><span style="font-style: normal;">laziness</span><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
added that no one can be rooted in </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
without the grace of the </span><i>Devas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It was on the basis of this grace, that the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was able to raise up to the level where he could merely speak a
Kingship or offer wealth with a mere blessing. Overwhelmed by
gratitude, the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
prostrated at the feet of </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
seeking his forgiveness for not realizing the magnitude of the
special blessing showered upon him by the love and compassion of
</span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Accepting
his oversight, </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
embraced and then disappeared from the blessed </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Great powers like traveling across the sky, manifesting anything
desired and more were the side effects of practicing </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even as the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
attained the highest </span><i>gati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
added that, </span><i>Devas, yakshas, charanas, brahmanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>mahatmas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> cherish
the ones rooted in </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
but never value the ones who are drowned in riches, yet enslaved in
</span><i>kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Wealth does
bring happiness, but it is certainly shortlived and very little in
measure; </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> brings
immense happiness, that lasts forever.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">P</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ractical
Applications:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Which
is superior – </span><i>Dharma Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">?:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This age old favorite question that has been repeatedly raised only
due to our lack of proper understanding. We saw how </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahodara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
misinterprets in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki
Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that the fruit of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to enjoy. So getting hold of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sukham</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by any means as prompted by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is agreeable. </span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/10/best-advice-from-worst-kumbhakarna.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">Even
</span><i>Kumbhakarna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, renowned
for his </span><i>Tamas,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> refutes
this stance vehemently</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
comes with it numerous undesired modifications and when fused with
attachment alters the very fruit it was after. Since it is only </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Phala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
centered and at any cost wants to obtain it, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
comes with very unwanted and spurious outcomes. </span></span><b><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
also has one major drawback, it needs </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(resource) for it to manifest in most cases, even if it can ignore
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
devoid of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
always pulls one deeper into </span><i>papa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is either an outcome of intense efforts prompted by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or by the practice of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It can again be used to fuel more </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Thus, it is dependent and has a value based on its fueling factor.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
it can stand tall by catering to</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the direction of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is determined by</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This dependency makes it as a subset or fruit of the other two.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on the other hand stands above all. When ignored as one does while
being immersed in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha-Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fest of materialism, the results are either short lived or not
congruent with one’s desires or actions. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">When
adhered, </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
contains within itself both </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that makes it
superior to the other two.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Satsangha:</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">The </span><i>Brahmana,</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
though driven by </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
sought the </span><i>Satsangha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. His
shortsighted plan was to merely acquire </span><i>Artha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
for satisfying his </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But as one is associating with a superior being who are locked on to
a higher goal, it has a trickle down effect. </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
sought the best for the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
repeatedly pleaded for </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to take roots in his heart, though </span><i>Manibhadra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
offered a lot of wealth. If the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
had obtained the audience of the </span><i>Devas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
without the guidance of </span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
he would have definitely lost the golden opportunity by settling for
temporary </span><i>Artha-Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
choices.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Though
</span><i>Kundadhara</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was not
capable of providing anything the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
aspired, due to his superior insight, he knew what was the best for
the </span><i>Brahmana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Though
we may have many </b></span><i><b>Gurus</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
around who may not have actually self realized, as long as they
connect us with the </b></span><i><b>shastras</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– </b></span><i><b>itihasapuranas, upanishads, vedas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
along with the emphasis on </b></span><i><b>Atma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>/</b></span><i><b>Paramatma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
that </b></span><i><b>Satsangha</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will be akin to the connection to superior </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
like that of </b></span><i><b>Kundadhara</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is superior as it reaffirms our connection to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and guides us on the path of realizing our true Self.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Kundadhara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also alerted the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not to be tempted by his powers of his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and to use his spiritual vision to connect with the fate of others
who went down the path of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and inspired him to stay rooted in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This not only gave the clarity, but also enabled him to manifest the
real fruit of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Again </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
helps one to stay true to the course and avoid distractions.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">L</span><span style="font-style: normal;">imited
short term happiness or long term immense ecstasy:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
are two paths, as explained in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kathopanishad</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Preyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas.
Bhishma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shanti Parva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rephrased it in common man’s thinking as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kamachari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmachari
(Dharmachari</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
The path driven by desire or one aligned with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Because </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is shortsighted in only the enjoyment of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there is no focus on its alignment with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This results in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or a backlash. Also even if desirable results are produced there is
an inherent bias, attachment</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that limits the desired outcome in both duration and intensity.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhishma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sums this advice to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
towards the end of this episode as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">धने
सुखकला का चिद धर्मे तु परमं
सुखम </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(dhane
sukhakalā kā cid dharme tu paramaṃ sukham) – </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mbh
Shanti Parva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
He reiterates that only a fraction of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sukham</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lies in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(which is needed for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
but </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
contains the highest, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">parama
sukham</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/10/sita-rama-samvada-insight-into-nature.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">In
the literal meaning, one can realize that import by quickly recalling
</span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s discussion
with </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> as they
entered the forest.</span></a></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">धर्मात्
अर्थः प्रभवति धर्मात् प्रभवते
सुखम् </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">धर्मेण
लभते सर्वम् धर्म सारम् इदम्
जगत् </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmāt
arthaḥ prabhavati dharmāt prabhavate sukham | dharmeṇa labhate
sarvam dharma sāram idam jagat || </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(VR
3-9-30</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>From
<i>Dharma</i> emanates <i>Artha</i> (prosperity/resources/wealth).
From <i>Dharma</i> emanates lasting happiness. From <i>Dharma</i> all
is achieved. <i>Dharma</i> is the essence of <i>Jagat</i>.</b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>If
one were to focus what is the real basis of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jagat</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it is nothing other than </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Also, if one were to consider the real destination of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
it is </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which is the highest </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ananda</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
ecstasy. Thus following </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">not only gives </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as its side benefits, but leads to superior </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>D</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ivine
grace is there, still </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Purushartha</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is needed:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
are repeatedly reiterated by numerous narrations that our actions
alone don’t count. We need divine grace even to adhere to the path
of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas/Brahmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or even to fight the temptations of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Preyas/Kamacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet, despite this grace to pursue the right direction, one’s
constant efforts, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
alone is going to provide the right results. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Purushartha
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>is
translating the applied </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>jnana</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
expressing</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>
jnana </b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>as
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>guna</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>karma</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
transformation</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
though motivated by</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Artha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
by the grace of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kundadhara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the blessings of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manibhadra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was able to remain steadfast in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Still, he had to take the action by going to a forest, practice
austerities. When he realized that he had the powers to manifest
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there was a huge danger of taking the wrong path. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
same theme is seen in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/no-kidding-follow-this-child-part-2.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Nachiketa</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
rejecting </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Yama</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
wealth</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
offer laced with numerous desirable objects of pleasure. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also sought only </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a boon from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a benediction for his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
we assume, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is something a human alone can grasp or freely choose
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas/Brahmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we are blatantly wrong. This involves divine grace, as seen in
invoking the blessings of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shantipath.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
After we have taken care of this foundation, the edifice is erected
by our efforts. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Even
in the episode where </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/09/practical-krishna-solving-multiple.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Muchukunda</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
gets the </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>darshan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
of </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Shri
Krishna</b></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he had to earn his way only after his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanakshaya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
destruction of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
through his efforts. A similar fate happens to </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/02/ajamila-hope-for-even-worst-sinner.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ajamila</b></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
after spending his entire life filled with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">satsangha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sends him on the path of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but he attains </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadgati</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only after his active efforts in the right direction.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhishma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">insights
provided at the pretext of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shanti
Parva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anushasana
Parva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are replete with timeless wisdom. The most common mistake is to
merely track the plot of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">itihasapuranas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and miss the real core. This story is a strong reminder to all of us
not to commit such a fatal blunder. Many such wondrous illustrations
provide the highest wisdom in the simplest format, easily
understandable and implementable by all. Though </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was never a formal teacher, but in his bed of arrows, provides the
subtlest knowledge to the numerous questions </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">raised</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra.
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is precisely for this awesome contributions, he is revered as
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a great teacher. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vidura</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provides enormous insights to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhritarashtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but they remain mostly in the socio-political and ethical realms.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatkumara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatsujatiya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provides deep spiritual and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">insights.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Shri Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gita</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is very succinct and merely gives the essence of the different paths.
Only when we read it in conjunction with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
deep insights, we are able to grasp the practical steps hinted in the
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gita</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shanti
Parva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anushasana
Parva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
give us the practical </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">platform
to revive our connection with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhishmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
grace and words continue to inspire us to remain rooted in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which is nothing but </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
embodiment in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jagat</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-5482343723928860762022-11-24T15:57:00.007-06:002022-11-24T15:57:50.918-06:00Attachment simplified<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">“Attachment is the first child of
<i>Maya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">”, declares </span><i>Swami
Sivananda</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. He opines this entire
</span><i>lila</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
hinges on attachment</span><i>. Buddha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gave us a deep insight into all our problems as “Desire is root
cause of all evil”. Yet there is one unique attribute of the
desire, which is at the heart of this observation – attachment.
Desire is the bedrock of </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but attachment is the most central attribute that runs this engine of
desire. </span>If one were to ponder carefully, it is evident that it
is possible to imagine that desire can exist without attachment, but
attachment cannot exist without desire. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Attachment is according primacy to a
specific idea, thought, object or pattern, owing its proximity,
contact, abundance or paucity, thus governing the way a desire gets
expressed. Being a critical topic that has implications to our very
existence, not to mention our daily experiences, a deep, yet,
simplified understanding of attachment is paramount. This not only
helps us understand about ourselves, our actions, but also our
evolution and escape from this rut called <i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Nature of attachment:</b> The affinity
to do or not do an action is dependent on attachment. It provides the
impetus and intensity to a desire. The desire may well up in the
bosom by the stirring up of <i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
or by the contact of sense organs with the sense objects. In either
forms, the clinginess associated with the desire and the urge to
manifest is centered on attachment. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Desire,
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, acts at the
closest level to the </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
which perceives itself as independent, unrelated and farthest from
</span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. The closest
expression of </span><i>Bhagawan </i><span style="font-style: normal;">to
the truest nature, as understandable by us is </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>As one
stays centered on </span><i>Kama </i><span style="font-style: normal;">the
intensity and impact of attachment is the highest. As one moves away
from </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and gets
rooted in </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
attachment slowly fades, as also the vice grip of desire. This
transition is effected by a </span><i>guna-karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
transformation and can be brought about in a slew of ways like
</span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, </span><i>Jnana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Dhyana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Sliding
down from </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, it is very
obvious to see attachment intensifying. If one were to simplify </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> as field of
vision, the narrower it gets, the intensity of attachment grows
exponentially. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>It is now
obvious that b</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>ased on
the degree of attachment, desire has the ability to dissociate the
Jiva from Dharma.</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/desire-genealogical-approach.html"><span> </span>In
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Desire – a genealogical
approach</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we understood how desires morph into other emotions</span></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Attachment is the agent that morphs desire into its modifications
like sorrow, anger, greed, jealousy and more. The intensity of
attachment is expressed as the intensity of these modifications.
</span></span>Attachment is the key attribute that causes
misalignment and opposition of our Karma against Dharma. <span style="font-style: normal;">As
no </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> can remain
even for a fraction of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">a</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
second without doing a </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the bigger question arises on its alignment to </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>A </b></span><i><b>Karma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
that is aligned with </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
results in </b></span><i><b>Punya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
and one that is pitted against </b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is </b></span><i><b>Papa</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Attachment weans the mind away from </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">and slowly immerses deeply
into </span><i>Papa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. While </span><i>Punya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Papa</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> constantly
tug the </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in
opposite directions, there is no relief from attachment, which keeps
us bonded to </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>How does attachment bring about this
effect? Attachment muddies our clarity, as it is born and deeply
rooted in <i>Rajas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Tamas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is weaned
away from </span><i>Jnana</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and
</span><i>Sattva </i>due to attachments. Attachment distorts <i>Buddhi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
by introducing a deliberate bias in its functioning. As thinking is
distorted, this prejudiced lens leads the </span><i>jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
on a collision path with </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Attachment lends its weight towards </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gratification, even if it is clearly understood by the individual
that it is </span><i>adharmic</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In other words, </span><i>Buddhi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
loses its ability to think independently, clearly, logically or even
with a basic self preservation purpose. Instead the expression of the
desire is accorded higher importance and urgency, depending on the
intensity of attachment.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Attachment nourishes its origins, the
<i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, by favoring the
expression of some over the others, thus ensuring its future
presence. At the same time, the bubbling</span><i> vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that form</span><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">the desire
when it manifests express themselves through their seemingly two
modes – </span><i>raaga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(likes) and </span><i>dvesha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(dislikes). Though they seem polar opposite, from a psychological
origin point, they are exactly the same. The intensity of </span><i>raaga
dvesha</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is directly proportional
to the intensity of the attachment. Once the desire expresses, it
lingers deeply as </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but can be understood as the bias in our mind as </span><i> Ruchi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(taste / liking).</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <b><span> </span>The degree of attachment morph as the
heaviness of sorrow/loss, intensity of passion/happiness, level o</b><b>f</b><b>
rage, degree of heartburn in jealousy/greed, anxiety in separation,
fear in its absence</b>. Attachment transmutes desire as <i>r</i><i>aaga</i>
and <i>dvesha</i>. Though it appears as different, in essence it is
attachment driven desire that appears as like and dislike. In essence
the real heart of a desire (<i>Kama</i>) is attachment. If <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is conditioned only by </span><i>ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
then attachment cannot be seen separately from </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as they are fused into one and the same. This is the experience of an
average common man. If </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gets tempered by </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the focus gets weaned away from ‘I’, ‘Me’, </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">‘<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">Myself’, then one develops the
ability to see the extremely subtle margin of separation between <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and attachment. As the spiritual </span><i>sadaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
tends to rise above </span><i>Papa </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
</span><i>Punya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, overcoming the
forces of </span><i>ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is not driven by
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, but </span><i>Dharma,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">thus leaving no scope for
attachment to drive the engine of </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>The reaction of the unconditioned common
man when an idea of attachment is provided can be very shocking. They
perceive attachment is only part of normal desires, which are useful
and necessary for our daily lives. In such a confused state,
attachment is usually justifiable as way of human life, cultural,
natural, normal, desirable. While its appeal is tolerable, its real
impact can be gauged only when we want to progress spiritually. It
weighs heavily n pulls back the eager aspirant by limiting the
freedom. Attachment leads to arrogant justification or remain trapped
in ignorance. Most common people feel its pain as intense misery and
sorrow. The masks of desire and the way it morphs into other
emotions is not grasped by the untrained <i>sadaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
It may range from a selfish ahamkara based one to a very elaborate
limited dharma interpretation. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Understanding Attachment through
<i>Itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
are filled with numerous characters and incidents that remind us
about attachment and its disastrous outcomes. Usually we see them as
an expression of different emotion</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
like anger, greed or lust. Armed with our understanding of
attachment, let us wade into them for a better insight. To simplify,
let us classify them into </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centered and </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centered, so we can see the difference in the nature of the outcomes.
In </span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> centric focus,
desire and attachment are fused as one. In </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centred focus, attachment is clearly seen as separate from desire and
interestingly, there is one form of attachment – </span><i>vairagya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
(being detached to the worldly ways or being attached to
</span><i>Paramatma/Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)
that is seen as liberating from the vice like grip of </span><i>Samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></span>
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Kama centered attachment:</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">
This list is literally endless. Let us club them into small patterns
for easier understanding. This may even centered around noble causes
like compassion.</span><i> Jada Bharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was a great</span><i> Maharishi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
on the verge of his</span><i> Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Moved by compassion for saving a deer, attachment to it created a
small hook which resulted him being reborn as a deer and then again
as </span><i>JadaBharata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Attachment rooted in genuine causes, still has the potential to
create a ripple in the mind, enough to even pull us out of the
doorsteps of </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Realizing the power of attachment will let us be forewarned and
appreciate its immense power. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>W</span><span style="font-style: normal;">e
find great </span><i>Maharishis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
like </span><i>Vishwamitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in
complete sway </span><span style="font-style: normal;">of attachment
(desire) is repeatedly losing to </span><i>Vasishta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in fighting, falls to the honey trap of </span><i>Menaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and pleads of </span><i>Trishanku</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The reason is </span><i>ahamkara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that fuels attachment of different forms are not looking alike. For
instance, it expressed as competition against </span><i>Vasishta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
lust for </span><i>Menaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and a
desire to prove superiority through </span><i>Trishanku</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Nonetheless all were intense desires with attachment completely and
irrecognizably fused. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Even
</span><i>Avataras</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> occasionally
display these traits and we can learn powerful lessons from. </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
who was living happily with </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in the forests, momentarily developed a desire and attachment for a
golden deer. Though scripted by the divine couple, it only shows the
importance of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">momentary</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
attachment to lower values (even with a good grasp of the higher) and
the disastrous consequences. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>We saw
how fatal it was for </span><i>Dasaratha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who was so attached to </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
yielded his life, unable to feel the pangs of separation. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Despite
the proximity to </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
his perception is clouded by his attachment to </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as his son. The same attachment as a son plagues </span><i>Kausalya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who suffers the same fate. Free of attachment, yet firmly rooted in
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, </span><i>Sumitra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
doesn’t fall victim to it. Her understanding of </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
remains untainted as she perceives him as </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>We
see how </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Ravana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
suffered from </span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">अभिष्वङ्ग
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i>abhisvanga</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This is raging desire coupled with extreme levels of attachment.
There is a complete breakdown of coherent thinking and only the
object of desire alone matters. There is no</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
adharmic </i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">option
to attain it. Interestingly </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Akampana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
the lone surviving spy comes back to exploit this weakness. So does
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Ravana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
sister, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Shoorpanaka</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Ravana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
scheme with </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Mareecha</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is a tell tale sign of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>abhisvanga</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Even during the final stages of the catastrophic war, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Ravana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
ministers appealed to his intense attachment to </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Sita</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
rather than win the war, much to the chagrin of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Kumbhakarna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Intense
attachment to one’s life gives rise to the fear of death,
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>abhinivesha</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">अभिनिवेश</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">).
This is very common with many amongst us towards the end of our life.
But there is one </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Tamasic
</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">character,
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Kamsa</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who exemplifies it the best. Even before </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
was born, he is overpowered by his end, which causes him to embrace
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>adharma</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
even more. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Sishupala</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is another in the same mold, but he expressed his fear by his abuse
of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
On the other hand, we see </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Rama</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
advice to </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Vibhishana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
not to attach </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Karma</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
with the body, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Ravana</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This is possible as one shifts the locus of attachment from the gross
body to realize the subtler </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Atman
</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">within</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>.</i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Attachment
to a certain outcome makes one passionate and when it is denied, it
can kindle raging wrath that doesn’t see any reason to be put out.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Amba</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
carried this rage across her next </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>janma</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and still was burning </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">for
revenge</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
as </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Shikandi</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Jarasandha</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
harbored great hate and need for revenge as </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
took the life of his own uncle, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Kamsa</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who happened to be his son-in-law. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Rukmi
</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">harbors
the same hate for </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as he was burning inside after his inability to stop </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
marrying his sister, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Rukmini</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The first defeat and his permanent position as a sore loser was
something he got attached through his spite for </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Attachment
morphing desire as intense lust is a common theme through out
</span><i>itihasapuranas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Yet we
get some great treasures, as it morphs as greed, in the case of
</span><i>Ahalya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Attachment
alter</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s desire as intense
jealousy in </span><i>Duryodhana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
while his father, </span><i>Dhritarashtra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
exhibited the same as selfishness. Even after the cataclysmic war, he
continued to enjoy the privileges of an honorary titular position
with his perceived enemy.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>None
exemplify better than </span><i>Yayati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
on what happens through the attachment to enjoy. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Bhishma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was a master of immense wisdom. Yet he bound himself to limited
</span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, with his
promise to his father. His attachment to his words limited him from
challenging the very forces that were inimical to the spirit of his
promise and what was superior </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Drona</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, the sagacious
warrior, was similarly attached to his employer and his loyalty,
which bound him from following the superior path, though he was aware
of it.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span> </span>Even
the </span><i>Pandavas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> renowned
for their </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
adherence, get their flaws expressed in the </span><i>Svargarohana
Parva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><i>Bhima</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was wondering why the other </span><i>Pandavas </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><i>
Draupadi </i><span style="font-style: normal;">could not follow
</span><i>Yudhishtra </i><span style="font-style: normal;">to </span><i>swarga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The response he got was stunning. </span><i>Yudhishtra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
informed him that </span><i>Draupadi</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
had special attachment to </span><i>Arjuna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Sahadeva’s</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
attachment exuded as his pride for his wisdom, </span><i>Nakula</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
as </span><span style="font-style: normal;">his pride for his beauty,
</span><i>Arjuna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s attachment
expressed as his pride and vain boasting and </span><i>Bhima</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s</span><i>
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">attachment came out as his
gluttony. Though they didn’t have these in immense measures, even
that subtle attachment threw them off the track from entering </span><i>swarga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
with their body.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
centered attachment (</b></span><i><b>Viveka + Vairagya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>):</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Attachment to </span><i>Dharma
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">results in detachment and the
destination of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. As one is
more committed to ascending the rungs of </span><i>Dharma, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">there
is a wonderful transformation every </span><i>sadaka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
can witness. Following basic </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
corrects and counters the evil effects of attachment and intensifies
a </span><i>ruchi</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for the
superior </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Holding </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> as the
only refuge, the vice like grip of attachment and desire, along with
their modifications, slowly erode. In time, </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
leads to </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Vidura</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was committed to </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
even proved that he was ready to make his lone voice heard. He even
abandoned his brother, </span><i>Dhritarashtra</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
once. </span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> saw this
master of </span><i>Dharma </i><span style="font-style: normal;">go
through his trials and tribulations with poise. After </span><i>Vidura</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
had taken to </span><i>Vanaprastha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> sends </span><i>Uddhava</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
as his special messenger with final words of advice. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Uddhava</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is another exemplar of detachment and wisdom. Yet he is used to
seeing </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in a
form and being attached to </span><i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
in only one form was an impediment to his spiritual progress.
</span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gives him a
detailed insight in the form of </span><i>Uddhava Gita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to overcome this remnance of attachment. The same happened earlier
when </span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> left
</span><i>Brindavan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, almost
appearing like abandoning the devout </span><i>Gopis</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
But the message given through </span><i>Uddhava</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
shared the same message of giving up the conditioning of the form to
perceive </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Another excellent devotee, </span><i>Sudama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
exhibited this lack of attachment to the mounds of wealth he acquired
from </span><i>Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
grace, yet remain detached, unlike his wife.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Another fabulous example of adhering to
Superior <i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and following
</span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s words to
perfection were all the citizens of </span><i>Ayodhya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Such high standard was this entire society to their attachment to
</span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
took all of them to </span><i>Vaikunta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">The same is the case with
</span><i>Vibhishana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, who was
able to escape the catastrophe facing his race, by acquiring the
courage to join </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This comes from a combination of </span><i>Viveka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Vairagya</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that
comes from the continuous practice of superlative </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Attachment in today’s modern
society:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
get</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
a complete picture let us walk through the life of a typical person.
The child born today is pampered. Not just because it is usually a
single child, but also because there are no elders in the family to
focus on teaching </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">values.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even
if they are involved, they do not know enough to share.</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
These</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
values</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are typically shunned as outdated, without even an attempt to
understand. This is largely due to </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sickularism
and also an inferiority complex on our roots. The child is taught
repeatedly to focus on education, job, career and wealth from
childhood, at beset. Child grows without any </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic
chintan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or standards to uphold. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Worse
yet, the role models are movie stars, sports personalities or
politicians; all of them devoid of</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Child
is taught to be attached to marks, success at any cost and the name
of the game is ‘survival of the fittest’.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
an adult, this individual is still entering into marriage or
relationship with the primary focus on selfish goals and needs. The
foundation of marriage is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but today we have replaced it with lust, desire and selfish wants.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many
marriages are on tenterhooks or end in mindless divorce.</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The lack of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
keeps amplifying every generation, as the entire attention is given
to mere existence, making money or flaunting it. Job/career consume
the majority of our active adulthood, when we fail to even get
awareness of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
pulled apart by the repeated stabs of attachment. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
situation doesn’t change with retired life, as the burden of the
past attachments and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
keep us preoccupied. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Worse
yet, due to attachments in old age also, instead of the emphasis on</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharma, Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Moksha,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">attachment
keeps us tethered to family politics, wasting our time on trivia and
more misery. Children not raised with</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
play out their part by ignoring their role to the aged parents,
setting bad precedence for future generations.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thus
the degrading cycle gets magnified, shortened and more calamitous.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">All
these are the consequence of a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">attached
lifestyle, devoid of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Does
that mean we give up all basics of human creature comforts?</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Attachment
is the glue in love and compassion, kindness and generosity, besides
many wonderful human expressions that are vital for the human society
and even the very definition of humanity. Yet, depending on the
position in the sliding scale between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the nature of attachment’s expression can be varied from benevolent
and caring to extreme emotions.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">What
is the optimal threshold?</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dictates that limit for each </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Even when following </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
if the intensity of the expressions/experiences tend to be stronger,
it implies one is crossing the limits and calls for moderation.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Understanding
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
comes easily from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
studying </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">itihasapuranas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and looking up to the lives of great </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mahatmas’</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lives. This informs us of the great values and standards, besides the
real potential we all can rise up to. Abiding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
progressively weans us from basal attachments that keep us bogged
down in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Switching
our focus from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
emphasis on doing our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as part of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swadharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and not the desired </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can help us grow out of our attachments as we realize our true
potential. May</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
keep us centered on understanding, following, upholding and spreading
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the only antidote to the ill effects of attachment in our lives.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-9808694315401100562022-11-06T13:37:00.008-06:002022-11-06T13:38:08.574-06:00Subtle Dharma behind Vaali Vadam - 2<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i>Vaali Vadam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is one of the most misunderstood and maligned episodes of </span><i>Ramayana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/11/subtle-dharma-behind-vaali-vadam.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>subtle
</b></span><i><b>Dharma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
behind </b></span><i><b>Vaali Vadam</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
we walked through the episode through the eyes of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to understand the view points of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We analyzed the response that was contained within </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Valmiki
Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We also projected some scenarios of possibilities, which we will dive
into in this portion. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
most common questions like why was </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
killed by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the modus operandi were deliberated between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the former’s satisfaction. Still few questions keep rising in
the cesspools of the dark </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
corners of our minds. Why did </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
have to kill </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
When </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
wife was able to recognize </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
why not </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
If at all he had to kill, why not fight him straight? At the end of
the day, he accused </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
directly, but was completely satisfied with his response, enough to
evoke strong sense of remorse and gratitude that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
would be going out of the way to resolve it earlier. All these
factors add to mystery and controversy.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Why
kill </b></span><i><b>Raavana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>?</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had numerous reasons prior to the kidnapping of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to take down </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
His entire </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avatara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was centered around </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
removal/</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">evolution</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">yet
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
is ready to accept him when he does </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranagati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Despite </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hanuman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
role as a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhoota</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he sends </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Angada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to officially send the message of peace. Even though he had the upper
hand to destroy him on his very first encounter, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asks </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to recoup his energy and fight again. What is fascinating, when
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declares </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as unworthy of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranagati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
explains to him patiently that if </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to do </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranagati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he would gladly accept him so. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(This
implies even </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">आनय
एनम् हरि श्रेष्ठ दत्तम् अस्य
अभयम् मया </span></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">विभीषणो
वा सुग्रीव यदि वा रावणः स्वयम्
</span></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ānaya
enam hari śreṣṭha dattam asya abhayam mayā || vibhīṣaṇo vā
sugrīva yadi vā rāvaṇaḥ svayam | (VR 6-18-34)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Oh
</b></span><i><b>Sugriva</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
the chief amongst the </b></span><i><b>Vanaras</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>!
Let him be </b></span><i><b>Vibhishana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
or even </b></span><i><b>Ravana</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
himself. I have personally given him an assurance of safety. Bring
him here.</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who goes on through so many hoops to kill </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the absolute last resort gives us a strong clue about </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali
vadam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is more than just hiding and hitting </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with a single fatal arrow, unseen. The other </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">puranas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
give us an additional insight of the doorkeepers of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaikunta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jaya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vijaya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>But
then why rush to kill </b></span><i><b>Vaali</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>?
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/04/opponents-in-eyes-of-rama.html"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was already hinted by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kabandha
to seek </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">friendship
over </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The very first action he takes at their rendezvous is to walk around
the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">agni</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seven times, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saptapadi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
and accept him as a his friend and brother. He did not ask about
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva’s</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
troubles with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
until later and </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">even
humors him by performing small tasks to win his confidence. He
immediately formulates a plan to call for a duel between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and hit </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
unseen. Interestingly neither the outspoken</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Lakshmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nor the sagacious </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hanuman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
do not object to the plan. Both are known for their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
observance and understanding. The probable objection of some half
baked blind critic that</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
dominance might pushed them to silence is not tenable.</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
again adds to the clue that there is more than what meets the eye. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>C</b><b>rimes of </b><i><b>Vaali</b></i><b>:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was very powerful </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vanara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who towered as a powerful leader. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Owing
to the misunderstanding that </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
blocked the cave entrance when he had ventured in for a fight with an</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asura</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> called</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Maayavi.</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Having waited
for a year and seeing ominous silence with blood flowing, the shocked
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
assumed the worst to block the cave to protect the denizens of his
kingdom. Seeing the Kingdom Kingless, he was crowned as the next
regent. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who escaped from the cave, assumed it as a plot. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
surrendered the crown and begged his forgiveness, which </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
never accepted. Apart from thrashing him, he even took over </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
beloved wife, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ruma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as a concubine. A daughter-in-law is supposed to be treated as a
daughter, per </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lists this as the primary reason for eliminating </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali. </span></i></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Vaali</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ignored his wife, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
superior advice, as he was merely blinded by rage and spite for
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He was definitely aware of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
presence and active support, yet he discounted it due to his clouded
understanding of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>There
is another crime of <i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that is implied by his own statements. As the fatal arrow was
draining his life,</span><i> Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
mocks</span><i> Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for seeking</span><i>
Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> over him to find</span><i>
Sita. Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> mentally recalls his
prevailing over </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and is confident that he was the best man to bring </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
back. It was a tacit acceptance that he knew of </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
crime. When </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> met
</span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> for the first
time, he is shown a piece of </span><i>Sari</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
with few of </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
jewels bundled. </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was able to trace the crime route. </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
implicit silence to such a crime in his territory was </span><span style="font-style: normal;">another
big crime.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>As
a </span><i>Raja</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, the one who
must uphold </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> himself became a
violator by ignoring </span><i>Sugriva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
who fell at his feet and asked for apology. He committed a grave </span><i>papa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
by taking over </span><i>Ruma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as a concubine. Though being way more powerful than </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
he ignored the crime of </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
kidnap that happened within his territory and with his full
knowledge. Worse yet, he did not even attempt to set the crime right
by following up with </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Uttara Kanda</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, 39</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Sarga</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> gives a thorough
insight into the dominance of </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
over </span><i>Ravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Why
kill </span><i>Vaali</i><span style="font-style: normal;">? </span></b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
weighed in all the crimes of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
His </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avatara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was to restore </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
having transformed himself into a powerful person who ignored the
basics of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was a menace to the society. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
responds to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
barrage of questions and gives more than adequate answers. The
responses soothe </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who accepts his guilt, but more importantly thanks </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for releasing from the effects of his own </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>When
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramavatara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
happened all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
divine beings wanted to contribute to this worthy cause. They were
born as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vanaras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In this divine play, everybody had a scripted part to play. But </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gets deluded by his own power, goes off script on to an </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
track. Worse yet, he enters into a pact of friendship, witnessed by
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Agni</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
exploits this friendship treaty by carrying on his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papakarmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Just like in a stage drama, if one of the characters go too much off
script, the director intervenes with some improvisation, the
character of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was eliminated from the remainder of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Why
kill indirectly?</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
crimes against </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ruma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
deserved a death sentence, why not engage in a duel directly to
eliminate? Some commentators opine that as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
witnessed </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
kidnapping silently in the background, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
punishment also came from the unseen background. Though it is an
interesting theory and acceptable, it appears </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has few more mysteries around this move.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhagavad
Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
comes to the rescue in understanding </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-doomed.html"><span style="font-style: normal;">We
studied the deep insights in </span><i>BG </i><span style="font-style: normal;">7-15,
</span><i>Gita</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> insights – the
doomed</span></a></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We gather that there are four broad stages of being </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">moodah,</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
surrendering completely to our lower </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
knowledge completely overpowered by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the illusory power and the final stage of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mindset with a strong hate for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">/</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">न
मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढाः प्रपद्यन्ते
नराधमाः । माययापहृतज्ञाना
आसुरं भावमाश्रिताः ॥ </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">na
māṃ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
</span></span></span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">māyayāpahṛtajñānā
āsuraṃ bhāvamāśritāḥ </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-variant: normal;">The
malefactors (</span>duṣkṛtina<span style="font-variant: normal;">)
do not seek refuge in </span>Bhagawan<span style="font-variant: normal;">.
They are the foolish, ones surrendered to following the lowest
nature, deprived of insight due to </span>maya<span style="font-variant: normal;">
and the ones filled with </span>asuric<span style="font-variant: normal;">
qualities.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>It is very easy to trace <i>Vaali</i>
quickly graduated to the third stage. He was a person who was driven
by sensory pleasures, a fact repeatedly documented. He is prone to
making quick rash decisions owing to his pride in his own strength.
Yet this habit has become deep rooted as we see the way he
impetuously rushes to take on <i>Maayavi</i> and <i>Dundhubi</i>. His
arrogance blinds him when he flicks the carcass of <i>Dundhubi</i>,
causing polluted blood to foul <i>Matanga Maharishi</i>’s <i>ashram</i>,
thus earning his curse.</span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Despite <i>Tara</i>’s superlative
well meaning advice delivered perfectly, he is blinded by hate for
<i>Sugriva</i>, who was no match for his prowess. We also see a spate
of crimes of <i>Vaali</i> which is a clear demonstration of his stage
two ailment. But when <i>Tara</i> spoke of <i>Rama</i> and his
superlative qualities, it made no dent in <i>Vaali</i>. <a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2018/03/how-female-opponents-saw-rama.html"><b>The
same </b><i><b>Tara</b></i><b> goes on to provide deeper insight
about </b><i><b>Rama</b></i><b> after </b><i><b>Vaali</b></i><b>’s
fall, as we studied in How the female opponents saw </b><i><b>Rama</b></i></a>.
Despite his wonderful pedigree, <i>Vaali</i> is completely ignorant
of <i>Rama</i>’s greatness, on account of his own regression. He
continues to measure him from his corrupted <i>dharma</i> perception.
This is a clear demonstration of the stage three of <i>Krishna’s</i>
classification of the doomed. The same disease gets exhibited by
<i>Duryodhana</i> and <i>Dhritarashtra</i> when <i>Krishna</i>
displays his <i>Viraat Swarupa</i>, but makes no dent in their
understanding. <i>Duryodhana</i> goes on to display his level four
<i>asuric</i> mindset, wanting to fight <i>Krishna</i> right away.</span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Rama</i> being unseen is more
than literal representation of the events. <i>Tara</i> tried to knock
some sense into <i>Vaali</i>, only to be ignored. In such cases, when
<i>Bhagawan</i>’s <i>anugraha</i> comes in the form of <i>Karmaphala</i>
and in <i>Vaali</i>’s special case, along with a personal
explantion from <i>Bhagawan</i> Himself, there is total clarity. But
in normal cases of us mortals,<b> every time we find unexpected
</b><i><b>Karmaphala</b></i><b>,</b> <b>it is a definitive proof that
the </b><i><b>Phaladata, Bhagawan</b></i><b>, is sending a special
message. Owing to our heedlessness (</b><i><b>Pramada</b></i><b>), we
either do not introspect to investigate or do not grasp the real
message.</b> <i><b>Karmaphala</b></i><b> is an expression of
</b><i><b>Bhagawan’s </b></i><b>presence and proof of his grace.</b><i><b>
</b></i><b>Though </b><i><b>Karmaphala</b></i><b> may not be
conducive to our expectations, it always aligns us back to </b><i><b>Dharma</b></i><b>.</b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Was
</span><i>Saranagati</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> possible? </span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That
leaves us the last question, was </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
capable of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranagati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was able to realize </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
presence only due to his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
What if </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
accepted </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
superior stature and patched up with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and joined hands with him against </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
We already noted that the defeated </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was clever enough to propose and peddle a friendship treaty with
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In case of war against </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he would easily invoke that clause and pull </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to his side. Just like we see </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Salya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
caught in the crossfires of displaced loyalty, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and all his resources too could be pledged against </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was the estranged brother of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was bound by the friendship treaty with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ravana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
To break this stalemate of wrong relationships, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
enters into not a mere pact of friendship but also declares </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as his brother. This not only cements </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
firmly in his column, but also disqualified </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is where </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the illusory power of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
went into overdrive. It tapped all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which were all turned against him and shrouded his intellect. Even if
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were literally in front of him, he would not have perceived him. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
short, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
saves </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from the predicament of these embarrassing choices, but instead
shields him by merely providing his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at the appropriate time.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
came in the form of the unseen fatal arrow. As he exhausts his
limited waning strength as an angry tirade of questions, the
responses of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
start uplifting his fallen </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Buddhi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He is able to completely grasp not only his mistakes, but also the
fact that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
actions exonerated him from all his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He is so thankful for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
grace to even take care of him, despite his fallen nature.
</span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/05/ahalyas-vimochana.html"><i><b>Prayaschita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
when it brings a </b></span><i><b>guna</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
transformation, makes one pensive and reflective, as witness in
</b></span><i><b>Ahalya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
</b></span><i><b>vimochana</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It also highlights</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhagavan’s </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">endless
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kripa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
he is the only refuge even for the most fallen.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>We
see that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jaya-Vijaya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
fall was also softened by HIS unbounded compassion. The same powerful
message emanates from the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Subtle
Dharma </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">behind
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vaali Vada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Because of our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we alienate ourselves from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Despite that HE is ever so close to us as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Phaladata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and ensures that our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
keep reminding us of his constant presence and love. Tainted by our
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
especially if we are on a fast track in the reverse direction, we
become unfit to serve in HIS </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Leelas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
especially in a positive role. Just like the lack of one’s fitness
disqualifies one from a sports team or a corrupt person unfit for a
public office, our own </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wedge us out. Still </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
doesn’t count us out. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vaali</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is laced with so much subliminal messages that it may be hard to
unearth in a few articles. In the Part 1, the entire emphasis was to
eliminate the controversies due to misinterpretation. In this
episode, we focused on understanding the subtle hidden meaning. We
also take hope that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the sole refuge, no matter what stage of our life, whether we
progress or regress in our spiritual journey. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is not merely the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
path, of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the path we need to follow </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the very embodiment of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
give us the wisdom and courage to embark on this arduous, yet the
most </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sreyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
path and the destination is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">HIMSELF.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-7121126481483140012022-10-30T10:55:00.002-05:002022-10-30T10:55:17.200-05:00Only Krishna saves - Parikshit<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">The
distressed person seeks a quick, favorable solution from anywhere.
When the problem seems to be superhuman in nature, with no
surmountable solution logically thinkable, there are very few choices
left. The one who has </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>shraddha</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
or </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>bhakti</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
looks to </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Bhagawan/
Paramatma</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
while the others succumb to its pressure or try their best facing the
odds. Sometimes the prayers gets a response, whilst many times all we
may end up is with a stronger mind to face the inevitable. Yet there
are times, when the impossible happens, with our logical minds not
grasping how. The </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>dharmic</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
minds instead focus on WHY, so we can draw lessons from it for our
lives. A similar incident happened at the end of the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Mahabharata</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
war when </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Sri
Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
restored the life of </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Parikshit</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and the </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Pandava</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
lineage. Earlier we studied how </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Krishna</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
went at great lengths protecting </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i>Pandavas</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
from inimical forces in the war and also from other consequences.
Read more in </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/06/only-krishna-saves-arjuna-tries-to-kill.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>so
many saves in a day</b></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/02/only-krishna-saves-pandava-bandho.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><b>Pandava
Bandho</b></i></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Storytime:</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Though
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is centered around the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kuru
vamsa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one has to wonder if the entire involvement of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was centered around only protecting and rescuing the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
could barely thank </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for saving them from the wrath of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhritarashtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the curse of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gandhari</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
before they got the news of the complete destruction of all the
sleeping survivors at the dastardly hands of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was completely crestfallen, a burden too much for his conscience and
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature to handle. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nakula</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had gone to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Upaplavya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and returned back with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
She was inconsolable and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhimasena</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
stepped forward to console her. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
looking from a practical lens of what has happened cannot be undone
only irked her. She being born from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Agni</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
now turned her tears into outrage. Her grief burned her so much that
she wanted revenge in the form of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
death. She declared that till such news is given she will sit in
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Praya
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Prayopavesa)</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
–</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fast unto death.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Yudhistra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mustered all his strength as he tried to resolve this new problem. He
pos</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ed</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
a question that killing </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">son
would amount to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guruhatya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He tried to reason out that her sons and brothers were brave warriors
who met a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kshatriya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">death.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said she will settle for the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mani</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(jewel) that adorned </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
head, which obviously meant defeating him in battle or even killing
him. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">With
no strong support from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
turned to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who always had a very special soft corner for her. He was the first
to stand up to her in all the past bad experiences. As she recounted
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
valor and his commitment to defend her against all odds, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
got stirred. He asked </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nakula</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to be his charioteer as he took his weapon decked chariot in search
of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Saving</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>
Bhima</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
in danger from </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Tamasic</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Aswattama</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was still under the spell of the great tragedy. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
emotions only weighed him down. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
approached </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to remind the greatest danger of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
walking straight into </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Brahmashiras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Unable to digest that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had earned the same </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to his superlative qualities, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
badgered his father, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Drona</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though of the firm opinion of the darkness in his mind, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Drona</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
relented by giving him the ability to launch it and ordered him never
to use it, unless his life was endangered. Knowing his heart, he
refused to teach him the methods to withdraw, which will give him
complete mastery.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
heart never rested in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and hence was restless, thus driving him to grief due to unwanted
ambitions. Shortly after acquiring the weapon, he visited </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dwaraka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and found </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in solitude, on a beach. Boasting on the rare powerful weapon in his
hand, he pleaded to exchange it for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s
Chakrayudha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed that all the beings put together from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas,
Manavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Asuras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will not even measure even a hundredth of his energy. But to satisfy
his curiosity, he placed all his weapons from the famous </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranga</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
bow, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaumodaki</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gada,
Sudharshana Charkra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and more. He gave the open offer to take any weapon </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
could handle.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Excited
at the opportunity, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
tried his best </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
lift,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">only
to</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fail and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">be</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grief stricken. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wondered that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
despite his great credentials from having even </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pasupatastra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to being his best friend, never even had a thought to possess it. Nor
did </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Balarama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or even his own sons like </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pradyumna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
never dreamt of seeking the weapon. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was curious to know of his plans, if he got hold of such a weapon.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
then revealed his dark side that he wanted to attack </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as soon as he got the weapon. After not fulfilling his dark desire,
he left</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dwaraka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in a solemn mood,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">after
he obtained some fine horses, lots of wealth and gems from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ought to be protected from such an evil minded </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamasic</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
person. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(<a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-doomed.html">In
</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-doomed.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><b>Gita</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
Insights- the doomed</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we learnt how </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mindset is always opposed to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Countering
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Aswattama</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brought his famous celestial chariot drawn by four divine horses –
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shaibya,
Sugriva, Manipushpa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Balahaka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Charioteered by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daruka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with the awe inspiring </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Garudadwaja</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
loaded with wonderful weapons, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ascended it, making his intent to protect </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
very clear. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
too ascended the same car. Together they went after </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was having a head start and ferocious speed.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
found </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hiding amongst the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">at
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ashram</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
chariot was tantalizingly close, it was in no position to overtake or
overpower </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">who
was charging with a clear intent</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
saw that the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
led by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
presence as a mortal threat. Saddened by his prospects (perhaps the
backlash of the guilt of killing the sleeping warriors </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
not</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
he launched the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">BrahmaSiras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to eliminate all the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(or their progeny). The fiery, terrible weapon of doomsday
proportions started approaching the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
menacingly.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Krishna
Krishna</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
everytime to the rescue: </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
immediately recognized the weapon and instructed </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to launch the same </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">BrahmaSiras
astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from his arsenal. This was the only way to protect all his brothers
and urged him not to tarry.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
alighted from the chariot, wielded his bow. He worshiped his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and requested the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to protect and be beneficial to his brothers. The ferocious </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rose to counter </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Narada</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
saw the impending armageddon and wishing to protect the denizens of
the world. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pleaded that both the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
be recalled, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">even
as they stood in front of the weapons that were about to clash and
unleash the fury, with their </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">taposhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Heeding
to the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharishis,
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">realizing
the consequences,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Arjuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
immediately recalled without a second thought. But he pleaded the
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that he launched the counter only to neutralize the threat. He was
able to revoke such a powerful weapon on account of his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and his dedication to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
an act impossible for even </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devendra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">justified</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that he launched it only due to the fear of his life and the threat
from the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Repeated assurances </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
powerful words </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">from
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
made </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
relent. He declared his defeat and offered his crown jewel </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">as
a mark of his surrender</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which was more special than all the jewels acquired by the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kauravas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This jewel will ward of thirst, hunger and diseases, fear from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devas,
asuras, nagas, </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">rakshasas
and robbers. Yet while he was cutting this deal, he redirected the
weapon against the womb of all </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandava</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
women, especially </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the only pregnant lady, who was carrying the scion of the
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Abhimanyu/Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said that his words and weapon will be effective on the yet to be
conceived wombs. He declared that despite all </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswatt</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ama</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
efforts, the unborn child of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will be born, extending the illustrious lineage of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and be famous as a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajarishi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
retorted that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was one-sided in favor of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Mocking </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
filled with spite,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
he redirected the entire energy of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">astra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
towards </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
womb as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to prove </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wrong</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
vowed that he will protect the dead child and revive it, despite the
evil actions of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Parikshit</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>an
expression of</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Krishna’s
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>limitless
compassion</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declared that the unborn child may feel the effects of the weapon,
but will be revived and will grow up to a wonderful, exemplary King,
called </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">cursed
that Aswattama will pay for this dastardly act of attacking an unborn
child with a long overextended age of three thousand years. Unable to
even have basic pleasures of food and shelter, overburdened by his
guilt, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will have to live in a pus ridden, disease bag of a body, unseen by
humans in tough jungles. Mocking the evil </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that he will witness </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kripa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his companion in the horrific night attack, will go on to educate
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who will the world for sixty glorious years. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declared the child will be protected by the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tejas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and power of his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satyam</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmacharya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declared that all what </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has declared as a blessing to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and as a curse to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will come to pass. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Saving
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Draupadi</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
After getting the crown jewel from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama,</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was overwhelmed by the remorse of his horrible acts and the
curses of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyasa,
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rushed back to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was intent on giving her life through </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prayopavesa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the other </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
plead her to give up her intent by accepting the jewel. She wanted
the jewel to adorn </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
tormented</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
could not resolve how the so powerful remaining army and the leaders
could be so easily slaughtered with futile resistance. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed the secret of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shiva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
blessing. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
unable to achieve his evil scheme, surrendered to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahadeva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who found the time of these warriors is coming to an end. So he
entered </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to perform this terrible act and as such </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was not capable to perform this deed without his blessing.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagavatam</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
account:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There is a subtle variation in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The vanquished </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is being brought to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Looking at the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guruputra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
bound by ropes, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
heart sympathized for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kripi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
his surviving mother. Despite all the heinous crimes of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
released him. In spite of facing the worst sorrow, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
did not give up </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the lens to view the situation. Everyone assembled there applauded
her, even as the compromise to take away his crest jewel instead of
his life.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Many
months later, on the eve of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
departure to Dwarka</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">trembling
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
surrendered to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
She sought protection for her unborn child as she was facing the ill
effects of the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmastra.
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
also get the glorious</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kunti Stuti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
where she declares that if she has to witness all the carnage any
number of times, just to witness</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grace, she was gladly willing to, as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">HIS</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grace was bigger than all the sorrows of</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Samsara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
having understood her plight shielded the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sudarshana
Chakra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was a thumb sized fetus. He saw the four armed form of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
protecting him with his </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sudarshana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on all sides. A fact he doesn’t realize in detail, until his last
days while learning </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Srimad
Bhagavatam</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Practical
Applications:</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>One
may wonder how is saving </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from the jaws of death and evil grip of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
help us, but these incidents are filled with wondrous information for
each one of us.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Never
justify violence due to personal reasons:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was overwhelmed by the slaughter of her brothers and all her
children, besides the entire surviving army. Her heart sought
justice. Yet </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yudhishtra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
despite facing the same situation tries to persuade her on the lines
of not crossing the red line of killing </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guru
putra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to anger. It would have been different if it was the battlefield
of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kurukshetra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Having spent his anger on the sleeping warriors, he was devoid of
making any next threat or action.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Yet
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
could not be consoled, as she sat in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prayopavesa</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reminded the same when he was attempting to broker peace at the best
of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
when </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was wanting nothing but war. Though it was inevitable, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlighted that the violent emotions cannot be the one to dictate
the terms, but it must be done to uphold </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even
the same crestfallen angry </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is able to forgive </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
life.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Think
before you leap:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had this track record of taking the challenges headlong without any
prior thought. On the eve of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Drona</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
death, when the raging </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had launched </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narayanastra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
without realizing how to disarm it was merely surrendering to it,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
exhibits a quixotic bravado</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had to intervene to save him. In the same way, without gauging the
strength, but more importantly the evil mind of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rushes into the action. But for </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rescue act, this would have been a huge blunder. This kind of mistake
we cannot afford in our lives.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Weighing
in the consequences and analyzing the players involved is a crucial
part of ensuring a winning strategy. Emotion must not replace logic,
but the same emotion must be transmuted to power those well thought
actions.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Stand
up for</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>
Dharma, Bhagawan</b></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will come to your aid: </b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
rushes out, the mission is to tame the evil </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who is a real threat to humanity</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Bhima</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is never hesitant to defend </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
through his own </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kshatriyata</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Any person who tries to uphold, protect or defend </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
immediately becomes dear to </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In the world, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is perceived as </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was very fond of the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for this very reason and now it became his responsibility to do
whatever it takes to protect </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhima</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Similarly,
when we try to hold on to our meager understanding of </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma,</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
negotiate the odds and remain steadfast in following it, even as we
face numerous challenges to defend and protect </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma
</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
try our best to create and be a part of the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ecosystem, we become </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
favorite. This attracts an additional invincible shield of HIS grace
that guides us on the path of </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas</span></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>This
is a </b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>fact</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
every </b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Sadhaka</b></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
will be able to experience in their inner journey.</b></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/12/saranagati-path-of-self-surrender.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><b>Saranagati</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is a very advanced state of a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnani</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
where one realizes the it is only </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
grace that protect us, makes things happen. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
realized it that only </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was the only refuge, when she saw her five super powerful husbands
unable to defend her against the worst abuse right in front of them.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
resorted to the same time tested path of seeking protection for her
unborn child, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We see </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kunti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in her </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stuti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlighting the same.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
common man is also aggrieved at not attaining his desires. In the
depths of his sorrow (s)he looks upto </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for a way out. But as we realized in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-redeemed.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><i><b>Gita</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
insights – the redeemed</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
looking up to divine help for fulfilling basal desires may be an okay
start, but the highest realization is to look up to HIM for
everything, by completely resigning our aspirations to be guided by
HIM.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Miracles
or </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Karmaphala</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
desert religions and many cults rely on belief in (even make believe)
miracles as proof of their own validity, even if there is no
philosophical or logical roots in their dogmas</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
On one hand, we saw the numerous instances, where we witness </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
bending backwards repeatedly to save the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from impossible situations. On the other hand, he seems to be
perfectly willing to let certain events happen like the massacre of
the sleeping warriors. Is there a selective bias when he applies some
mysterious standards and power?</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span> The
secret to understanding </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna’s</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seemingly mysterious actions is to understand </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Karma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
theory. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
is the only </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Phaladata</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Our actions fructify only due to HIM, though we may be doing our
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
When and how our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmas
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">will
bear fruits is inexplicable and incomprehensible. For normal events
like writing an exam or getting a mango from a mango tree struck by a
stone is evident and obvious as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Drshya
phala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet there are numerous instances we hide behind words like
serendipity where we are unable to explain the fortuitous events.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is referred as</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Adrshya phala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>When
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
indulges in these extraordinary actions of protecting the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
against maximum odds, even the stone-hearted can feel HIS grace. Yet
when we see how certain events we wish shouldn’t happen like the
abuse of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the murder of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Abhimanyu</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by the cowardly joint action of six </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharathis</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or the massacre of the sleeping </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Upapandavas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we fail to connect the dots that it was </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who let the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of these people to fructify. When the entire </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vrishni</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
clan succumb to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gandhari</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
curse</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
merely accepts her anger to terminate his own clan, as the time for
their departure coincided with the timing of her curse. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Once
we realize we will not be baffled by miracles or selective events
happening, as everything is </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bhagawan</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
grace. </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
we can learn so many lessons from these narrations and incidents, may
our mind be fixated on HIS limitless </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karuna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and may our minds evolve in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakti</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the level that we can be fit to do a complete </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saranagati</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
May HIS blessings be upon each one of us and may we realize that
every waking moment.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-47337104477376525702022-09-21T20:22:00.000-05:002022-09-21T20:22:14.685-05:00Gita insights - the redeemed<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
<a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/09/gita-insights-doomed.html"><i><b>Gita
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>insights – the doomed</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">
we understood the retrograde direction of </span><i>Preyas. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">The
</span><i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> centered focus
causes strong prejudice in our understanding, by distorting it
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">through</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
likes and dislikes, eventually strengthening the </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and thereby enslaving our mind and senses to sense objects; thus
finally immersing in </span><i>asuric</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
mindset. The direction is based on the choice we all seem to have
every single moment with every single </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Though our prior decisions may cloud our understanding and make it
seem like having no choice, we always have a choice between </span><i>Preyas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Shreyas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, for every
single </span><i>Karma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. More
importantly, we saw the </span><i>asuric</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
mind is opposed to both </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. The
disastrous </span><i>Preyas </i><span style="font-style: normal;">choices
definitely are ominous in their outcomes, yet they are coated with
pleasant attractions for the mind, which compels and impels our mind
to be enslaved in that direction.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>This
must make us wonder, what happens if one chose the path of </span><i>Shreyas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
More interestingly we find many who turn towards </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
come with many flavors, not only in their interests, but also in
their approach. We analyzed the transition that has happened to
</span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2016/08/bhakti-now-and-then.html"><i><b>Bhakti
</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>- Now and then</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is of many
types. But from an aspiration perspective, </span><i>Bhagawan Sri
Krishna</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> has classified them into
four types in the </span><i>Bhagavad Gita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
We get this insight in Chapter 7, </span><i>Sloka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
16 with an additional insight in </span><i>Sloka</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
17.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Gita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
Insights:</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
human mind has been turning towards a higher power for millennia.
While the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Abrahamic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
idea was centered around lure of pleasure or fear of eternal
punishment, the ultimate truth seeker is bound to settle for nothing
but the highest. This opens the door to many stages in between. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>चतुर्विधा
भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन
। आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी
ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ ॥ </b></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">caturvidhā
bhajante māṃ janāḥ sukṛtino’rjuna </span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ārto
jijñāsurarthārthī jñānī ca bharatarṣabha </span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BG
7-16</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Four
types of seekers, filled with virtues, turn their attention to me
<i>(Bhagawan</i>) – those distressed/being specific in their need,
the one curious to learn more, the one desirous of achieving the
ultimate and the one who lives that wisdom.</span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><b>आर्तो
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>(Artha):
</b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
a desire of an individual is fulfilled, there is no aspiration
towards anything better or higher, as the individual is in a state of
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sukha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
pleasure/happiness</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
At the outset, it may appear that the fulfilled desire may impel the
individual to achieve more. Yet if one were to categorize the
different categories of aspirations based on the vision, all these
material ambitions fit under a single category called </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
When there is a blockade in achieving the desired or when one’s
possessions are being taken away (by time or others), it causes
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dukha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
sorrow. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
studied these modifications in detail in </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/desire-genealogical-approach.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Desire
– a genealogical approach</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
the individual attempts to deploy all the available resources to
restoring </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sukha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they sometimes feel the paucity of resources in the realms that is
thinkable. This forces them to look up to a superior entity, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the interaction is for the sole purpose of restoring the missing
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sukha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This the individual hopes will happen due to restoring of some
favorable situation or an easy pathway to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sukham</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or by nullifying the causes of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dukha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
<span> </span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is reinforced by the limited understanding of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as compassionate, provider of health, wealth and all what one seeks.
Though this understanding is extremely correct, but our engagement
for this sole purpose is what limits our growth and deeper connection
with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Draupadi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
represents the best example for reaching out to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
every time she resolved that no one, including her own husbands, will
not come to her aid. When </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dusshasana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
abused her in the presence of all the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kuru
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">elders
and her husbands, she turned to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The same was repeated when she was confronted by the impossible
demands of serving </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Durvasa
Maharishi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as we studied it in </span></span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2021/04/only-krishna-saves-akshayapatra.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Only
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Krishna
</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>saves</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>
– Akshayapatra</b></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The same situation gets reproduced when </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aswattama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
launched </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Apandavastra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Uttara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
womb who was carrying the only progeny – </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parikshit</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><b>जिज्ञासु
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Jignasu):</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">These individuals have an
inkling of understanding that there is something beyond material or
immediate aspirations. There is a seeking, a thirst for knowledge.
The understanding comes from either a vague or deep realization that
eternally chasing and obtaining objects of pleasure are providing
only ephemeral happiness. The veil of happiness shrouds every sorrow.
They have the firm conviction that knowledge is the golden key that
opens doors to higher planes. Their </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">upasana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is centered around obtaining more wisdom.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
characters </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">King
Viduratha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Queen Leela</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yoga Vasishta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
both embody this quest for knowledge. Knowledge here is not the
materialistic kind, here the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vichara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is directed to understand the real nature of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman.
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
redirection involves pulling away of the mind from materialistic
outcomes, driven by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">K</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is a gradual pulling away from the world of objects and the
senses. The direction changes from the external to the internal.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>There
is a clear understanding that emanates in the increasingly </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">saatvic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mind about the existence and nature of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivatma,
Jagat</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ishvara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is evidence accruing in the mind on the differences between
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anatman</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though in the early stages there may be an extraordinary pressure
coming due to the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prarabda
Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
steady cultivation of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vairagya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
aid the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to stay tuned to a higher cause.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;">अर्थार्थी</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Artharthi):</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Perhaps the most widely
interpreted word in this </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Different commentators have given different slants. Two most common
interpretations are found. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
implies wealth, so some have literally translated it as one who is
desirous of wealth. So these </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are implied to have a desire or longing for acquiring wealth,
prosperity, long life, sovereignty. The variation implied from the
first category, which is distress driven, this one is seen as desire
driven. In other words, these are the ambitious. Often </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sugriva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vibhishana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are given as examples who were motivated by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and desired to put an end to their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brothers who were also the rulers.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
spiritual implication of this interpretation would imply the foregone
conclusion of the existence of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daivam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the over reliance on desirous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that is at the root of all their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kamya
Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This type of interpretation gives limited credibility to this
category of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Some
other commentators opine that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artharthi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is located in a different sequence, implying a gradual ladder of
increasing proximity of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
appears that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has introduced the idea of accidental, distress based call, followed
by the curious to seek more substantial knowledge and ended this
spectrum as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In between, the introduction of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artharthi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
makes us pause, why will he place wealth seeker in between the one
seeking knowledge and the one who has realized it as wisdom? Does
wealth occupy a higher place in sequence than the quest for knowing?</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Instead,
these commentators point out </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a shortened form for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
If we take this angle, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
implies as the ultimate purpose in life. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
insight makes this perfectly fit in the sequence presented by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
From a distress based temporary engagement, the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
graduates to a level where there is a clear seeking of more
information. This leads to desiring for the ultimate achievement a
human mind can aspire – </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This culminates as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that there is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivan
Mukti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
right here in this very birth or Videha </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mukti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
after shedding this body.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Examples
from this interpretation as numerous as it includes all serious
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mumukshus</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the ones who attained </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mukti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Desire to keep the mind on the highest and ultimate purpose of life
is unlike other desires as it does not subject the mind to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">raaga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dvesha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;">ज्ञानि
</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Jnani):
</b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a state of self-illumination. The person has realized the real
nature of one’s SELF. There is a complete understanding of the
nature of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and its connection to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parabrahman.
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is not a fleeting recognition, but a sustained understanding that is
borne out of the inner realization. The world of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
loses its complete grip on such an individual. There is no
expectation in such a realized </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Desires and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lose their grip as they are burnt. There is no aspiration left as the
highest has been realized. There is no seeking of knowledge as the
understanding is firm that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
himself is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnanaswaroopa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Such a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
merely continues as a tool in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’
hands. One cannot understand their real motives of their actions as
it is merely an expression of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
itself. The best summary of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jnani</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the words of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swami
Krishnananda</span></i></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>The
devotee who wants only God, and wants nothing from God or through
God, is the </b></i></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>jnani</b></i></span></span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>.
“</b></i></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Anyone
wanting anything from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is definitely stepping down on this scale presented by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri
Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Is it even a wonder, why in the very next </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
he declares that</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b>तेषां
ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्तिर्विशिष्यते
। प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं
स च मम प्रियः ॥</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">teṣāṃ
jñānī nityayukta ekabhaktirviśiṣyate </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">priyo
hi jñānino’tyarthamahaṃ sa ca mama priyaḥ </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BG
7-17</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Amongst
these types, the one who is wise, steadfast, deep-rooted in undivided
<i>Bhakti</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> excels (the rest). I
am cherished by such a </span><i>Jnani</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and such a person is very dear to </span><i>Me</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Why
me? </b><b>: </b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The
mystery in this engagement is deepened as there seems to be a
response to prayers, but not every time. The lack of understanding
that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Phaladhata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and makes the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Distam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">द्दिष्टं</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
factor as a response to our intense prayer. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On
one hand, we want to reduce </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to a mere genie that grants every prayer, every whim, every desire.
On the other hand, the impossibility of achieving intense desires,
brings equally intense heartaches.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>When
one realizes that all my prior </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
merely seem to fructify as a response to my intense prayer, even that
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Distam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was determined by my own actions. Also the fact that if one were to
do enough </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purushartha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to compensate for our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prarabda</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
interference, we may still be able to achieve our desired results.</span></span></span></span>
<span> </span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>This
understanding is required not to unnecessarily confuse ourselves why
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gives problems even to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or why bad things happen to good people. In the tussle between our
current </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">purusharthas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
exertion, and the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Praradba</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the stronger one wins. In all our understanding this mysterious
factor, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Distam</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
is completely ignored as we have no idea of its existence.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Evolutionary
ladder:</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On
the path of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreya</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the direction of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is critical. Is it always turned externally towards the objects of
pleasure or is it turning towards itself. Even in times of extreme
duress or intense desires seeking a higher goal, the mind of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
turns its gaze inwards. The connection could be very adulterated and
sporadic, yet this temporary selfish seeking still makes one look
inward and higher. This is referred to as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vyabhacharini
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in another section of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Contrast this with unconditional, uninterrrupted constant focus on
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
without a specific desired based seeking, as in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avyabhacharini
Bhakti</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the ultimate level.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
same pattern is seen in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vedas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
where the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samhitas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
focus on helping the individual to seek the higher power for specific
goals like getting wealth or having children. </span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">As
the external turns to internal, the </span><i>Vedas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
lead us through the </span><i>Aranyakas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and when the gaze is fixed on the external, the </span><i>Upanishads
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">portion of the </span><i>Vedas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
come to the rescue.</span></b></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In the same way, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">seeking
is replaced by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jignasa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
a quest for knowledge. As the understanding deepens, the focus is
only on seeking the ultimate, the very purpose of human existence.
Once the objective is attained, there is no further seeking, no more
desire, no more separate existence from the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramathma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There is a union of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Paramatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
though envisioned by different </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sampradayas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
differently, in this final stage the seeker, seeking and sought are
in unison.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>In
just two </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">slokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sri Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has walked us through the entire spectrum of a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It can fall the worst </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
state, covered by dense </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on one extreme end, whilst it has no separate identity or existence
outside of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as the highest state of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhakta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The entire engine that puts a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on this spectrum is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In some states this binds the choices and freedom of the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to a pre-determined path, almost making one think that there is no
choice. As one moves up the scale, there is a gradual understanding
that there is </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Preyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which eventually ends as our actions as an expression of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
himself.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>May
we meditate upon these two </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">slokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and try to understand our current trajectory. Let us free ourselves
from the auto piloted bad </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma,
samsara, vasana.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Let us add more </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that will let us elevate on the path of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Let us all grasp the lotus feet of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan
Sri Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and plead him not more fruits of our desires, knowledge or even
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but let us plead to realize that we are mere instruments in his
hands. Let us all aspire to be the highest category </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhaktas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and be part of his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">leela</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p>
Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-31119586634442753962022-09-05T18:14:00.006-05:002022-09-05T18:14:51.751-05:00Gita insights - the doomed<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
natural urge of every <i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
to expand. It is for this purpose it tries to acquire or enjoy other
objects. As it tries, it realizes the futility in obtaining an
expanded consciousness, thus it moves to other objects. Yet all the
time, the </span><i>Jiva</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> doesn’t
want to lose its identity. This dichotomy at the root of all our
existence. More the </span><i>vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
more the desires, more the materialistic mindset, stronger will be
this duality. Though we have seen a lot of insights and </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/08/predictions-for-kali-yuga.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>prophesies
of </b></span><i><b>Kali Yuga</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we see a stronger </span><span style="font-style: normal;">anti</span><i>
Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,</span><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">anti
</span><i>Sanatana Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, anti
Spiritual wave around. Many are blindly fueled by hate and do not
hesitate to use lies, deception and violence to peddle a motivated
selfish agenda. Naturally many raise the question, why can’t some
of these people be educated. Why do these extreme mindsets differ so
much in their understanding of simple subtle truths? Is it possible
for them to do a turn around?</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Questions
like these and many more are interested in dissecting other’s
behavior. This is certainly true, as one gets a small temporary bump
in their</span><i> sattva</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
quotient, be it due to their </span><i>satsangha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">or</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">introspection. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
entire gaze and focus must be on the internal, if our goal is
eternal, yet we get waylaid by the distractions of the external</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Though we realize this truth, the nagging question that raises the
itch of our curiosity is if there are some who are stuck on the path
of self deception and destruction and if so why?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Gita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
insights:</b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span> The
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provides many deep insights into the human psychology, the subtle
traction felt at different levels of every </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There seems to be a fundamental difference due to the choice of path
exercised. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kathopanishad</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
emphasizes the existence of only two paths/direction – </span></span><i><b>Sreyas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– the path that leads to realizing our real SELF (</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Athma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
the one that is less appealing, yet most profitable and </span></span><i><b>Preyas</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– the path that is filled with pleasures (and its complementary
pain), that is alluring, yet leads us to the mire of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
without expressing the same terminology, still highlights the path of
mire and the path to aspire. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Every
step of our journey, we are confronted with the choice to take either
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Preyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Our ignorance, apathy, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
may seemingly obliterate the choice from our vision, but the choices
exist at all times.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
our curiosity is piqued what happens if one goes to the wrong side
and if there is a </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">way
out for those who have gotten on to this path of delusion and
destruction. But as we proceed to unravel this understanding, there
is a key change needed in our deliberation. This is not the story of
our neighbor or that of someone who is reputed for such infamy. This
is the path of every </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Though we may
assume we are not on this path, this path is just the other end of
the same spectrum, we all share</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Hence instead of having a judgmental external outlook, we must alter
it to an introspective internal gaze, to find the traces of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that might mislead and guide us in the wrong direction.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
answer to the self destructive path lies in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad
Gita </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">7-15.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">न
मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढाः प्रपद्यन्ते
नराधमाः । माययापहृतज्ञाना
आसुरं भावमाश्रिताः ॥ </span></b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">na
māṃ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">।
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">māyayāpahṛtajñānā
āsuraṃ bhāvamāśritāḥ </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">॥</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>T</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
malefactors (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">duṣkṛtina</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
do not seek refuge in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
They are </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
foolish, ones surrendered to following the lowest nature, deprived
of insight due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the ones filled with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
qualities.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>मूढाः
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>mūḍhāḥ</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
: </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Usually
translated as foolish and considered the antonym of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">विवेक
</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">viveka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One
who is stupefied, infatuated, perplexed, foolish, error prone,
ignorant. This is perhaps the strongest word </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
use as an adjective to admonish an individual. Since we understand
it is opposite of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
it would imply one as lacking judgment, discretion, determination,
unable to discriminate or lacking real knowledge. </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Why
can’t such people align with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
even end up hating him? The lack of correct understanding forces a
wrong judgment in their mind and they prefer the wrong direction,
convinced that it is the right path. Just like an
alcohol/cigarette/drug addict is convinced that the fun factor with
the life killer is much bigger than the detrimental effects </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">they
brush aside</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>mūḍhāḥ
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
convinced of his incorrect knowledge and choice. This is typically
backed by the strong display of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
that lends stubbornness to this poor pick.</span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>This
error can come due to a variety of factors – bad </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
strong attachment due to bad desires and/or desire prompted
modifications like anger, hate, depression clouding the intellect,
incorrect likes/dislikes (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">raaga/dvesha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
wrongful association (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dussangha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
lack of right association (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">satsangha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
In short this state is a reflection of increased </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or reduced </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>प्रपद्यन्ते
नराधमाः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>prapadyante
narādhamāḥ</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
: One who seeks or surrendered to the lowest nature. This obviously
is worse than the first category. The individual is not merely
turning to wrong choices, but is increasingly and actively seeking it
out. The first category will be akin to someone making wrong choice
of alcohol/drug, but in the second stage, there is a proactive
seeking. This is almost the irrecoverable addiction stage. A person
who may be angry due to a certain unfulfillment of desire in this
stage will be characterized by anger as his normal nature. There may
be no rhyme or reason for the same.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Their
theoretical understanding may still be intact. They may be even able
to follow the correct reasoning, but due to their strong </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and their nature of going against the grain leads to bad
consequences.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>माययापहृतज्ञाना
</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>māyayāpahṛtajñānā</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
This category is one step worse than the previous. If the intellect
was clouded due to our bad </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the earlier category, here the intellect is clouded due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the divine nature that makes the perception of unreality as real.
This is due to an overabundant accumulation of bad </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of the highest order. Such individuals usually need a radical path to
turn back. Just like </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hiranyaksha,
Hiranyakashipu, Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Shishupala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dantavakra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were ignorant of their real nature, why they were turned always away,
despite displaying good intellect, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shrouds their potential.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>आसुरं
भावमाश्रिताः </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>āsuraṃ
bhāvamāśritāḥ</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
: </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
lowest form of useful creation. They aid in the destruction process
of this </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">leela</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Though there are more vile entities like </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">rakshasas,
pisachas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
etc, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are powerful beings with completely distorted world view. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
dwelled in depth in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-shifting-line-of-dharma-perception.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>the
shifting line of </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Dharma</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
perception</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
they embody bad attributes like cruelty, sometimes they are bereft of
some bad nature. Yet they are all characterized by their vision. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>As
seen in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chandogya
Upanishad</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the incident of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Virochana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seeking wisdom at the feet of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prajapati</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the fundamental division between </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Asuras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is evident. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suras/Devas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reject the idea of body as the real entity driving our identity.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Asuras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
firmly believe in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dehatma
buddhi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This fundamental difference in approaching </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atman</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
results in two completely opposite ways of thinking, though the later
is absolutely incorrect.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Loaded
with this dangerous incorrect knowledge, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
play a key role in the hands of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who uses their rise to level the playing field, to dispense
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmaphala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the bad actors in large numbers. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
our eyes, they are violent, destructive, but in the hands of
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they are powerful tools, as we saw how </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jarasandha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was used as a tool in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
hands. (More in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/09/practical-krishna-big-problem-different.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Practical
</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><b>Krishna</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– big problems different solutions</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Are
these four types or stages</span><span style="font-style: normal;">?</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is very evident that these four groups are not only inimical to
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
understanding or following, but also its expression. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
most certainly highlights these four categories of people who
spearhead hate against Him. Today we see them in the form of
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">deracinated
Hindus, openly violent Hinduphobes, deceptive desert cults. Yet
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagavad Gita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
7-16 gives us a clear hint that these malefactors are part of a
single spectrum. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(We
will analyze BG</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
7-16 </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sloka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
separately </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
highlight this connection.)</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
wrongful patterns whether forced due to internal or external factors
that stupefy our thinking results in bad </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brings with it </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">phala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the quantity piles up, this results in a the piling up of bad
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This has a constant impression on our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
composition. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
we get caught in the web of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
spiraling downward at a fast pace, our momentum gathers. As we
deplete our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
at a much faster pace it gives the illusion that bad people seem to
be prospering despite their actions. Eventually, all that is
remaining is the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As evil dominates such a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
their world view is completely distorted. This is typically deemed as
a divine action, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">maya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">there
seems to be one more extreme end in the spectrum. The </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
weigh on the individual so much that their maximum understanding is
centered on </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
pleasures that can be attained at any cost driven purely by selfish
interests. This is the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuric</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature, the lowest form.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>There
seems to be many parallels with a human life. But the key difference
to note here is human beings can either raise to the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">deva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
outlook by working on increasing the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sattva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
quotient or fall to the level of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">asuras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and be the embodiment of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tamas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Currently they display an admixture of both which is evident in our
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s
this eternal doom like in Abrahamism?</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">These
malefactors appear to be punished by the weight of their own actions.
They definitely seem doomed. In terms of normal timescales, this is
largely true. We live in a world that is dominated by Abrahamic
jargon and as we get more deracinated from our civilizational roots,
we tend to believe the ones who go against God like not signing up in
a particular religion or cult is doomed eternally. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
myopic limitation of Abrhamism cannot go past using dogma as a tool
for imposing ideology on masses to control them for socio-political
cause. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
this the scenario projected by </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
understanding handed over by the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Thankfully
a big emphatic NO. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span> </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
vilest person with millions of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">janmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
still holds the potential of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">moksha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><b><span style="font-style: normal;">This is akin to a
cave that has never seen light since it was created many million
years ago, yet when the sunlight of</span><i> Atmajnana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
shines, darkness has no place to hide.</span></b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is merely shrouded by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara,
vasanas, papas, punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and even </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
these layers hide the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">atma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shining in its entire glory. When these layers are removed, it
restores the self effervescent </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">atma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
These </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
do not have any impact on the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
But we feel the impact of these and the burden of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on account of the mistaken identity that we are the body, mind,
intellect, the things we possess and the like.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>How
do we change directions, make the correct choice of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shreyas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">?
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan’s</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grace is abundantly pouring on all and the only reason we function.
Yet we are unable to peer past our own shortcomings. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
offers the simplest way to cleanse these layers of adamantine muck
that has fused with our identity. As we get an opportunity to
associate through hearing/listening, reading/studying more about our
real nature (</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
understand how </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bhagawan</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
permeates the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jagat
</span></i>and trascends it as <i>Paramatma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
there is a definite rearrangement of our </span><i>Gunas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
This results in us grasping the message better with least
distortions. Complementing the </span><i>Sravana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
we slowly add </span><i>manana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
reflecting on it. This slowly takes root as </span><i>Nidhidhyasana</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and brings that inner transformation. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><i><span> </span>Satsangha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is identified as one of the easiest ways that will lead us to the
</span><i>Mokshadwara</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in </span><i>Yoga
Vasishta</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. As </span><i>Satsangha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
takes root, we are definitely locked onto the </span><i>Shreyas marga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and most certainly </span><span style="font-style: normal;">start
realizing the ever abundant constant of unending </span><i>Bhagavad
Kripa</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. May we all hold on to the
lotus feet of </span><i>Bhagawan</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
fast track our journey using </span><i>Shreyas marga</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and be assured that no matter where we are on this spectrum, we all
will realize his compassion and grace. There are no permanent sinners
who will have eternal damnation in </span><i>Sanatana Dharma.</i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-9166839073684073162022-08-10T20:14:00.003-05:002022-08-10T20:15:59.919-05:00Marriage basics - Anusuya Sita samvada<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Marriage
is an idea that is increasingly abused to <i>Kama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
fests of weird proportions today. This is the far cry from a </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
centered ecosystem, where both the spouses not only have defined
roles and responsibilities, but also a strong grounding in </span><i>dharma.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
This enabled the unit to evolve by complementing and supplementing
their strengths, yet operate as a platform where the </span><i>Purusharthas
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span><i>Dharma, Artha, Kama,
Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">) can be maximally
manifest. This effect </span><span style="font-style: normal;">permeates</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the society, which is built on such a solid foundation, enabling the
society to be peaceful and prosperous.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Excruciating
situations put a lot of stress on this fragile relationship. If
</span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is not its
foundation, the husband-wife relationship is subjected to numerous
pressures on the fault lines like relationships, finance, societal
interactions etc. No matter how strong the bond of love, at the core
it is still two individuals driven by </span><i>Kama </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
</span><i>Vasanas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Once the core
value of </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
restored in the marriage, it can elevate it beyond the normal worldly
relationship into a spiritual gateway that helps both to co-evolve.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Storytime:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Bharata</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
came to </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chitrakuta</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mountains and also enabled easier access by laying roads. It was no
longer easier to escape from the determined and loyal </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhyavasis.
Rama</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pondering on the impact of </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
army on the ecosystem, decided to move into deeper parts of the
forest. </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
along with </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmana</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reached the hermitage of </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharishi</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maharishi</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
received </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as if he was his own son (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पुत्रवत्
प्रत्यपद्यत</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">putravat</span></span></i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pratyapadyata</span></span></i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">VR
2-117-5</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
with same honors of </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmana</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Addressing
his aged wife, </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who joined them, he introduced her to the guests. </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed that due to her </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pativrata</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reduced ten nights into one (due to </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishi
Mandavya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
curse). She caused an extreme drought to end, by bringing </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">River
Jahnavi </span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ganga</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
and ensured survival for over a decade for those afflicted. He
introduced </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as their mother. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Anusuya</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
</b></span><i><b>dharma </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>insights:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Maharishi Atri</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
encouraged </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to
take refuge with his ascetic</span><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">wife,
</span><i>Anusuya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, one who </span><span style="font-style: normal;">was
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">revered by all beings and </span><span style="font-style: normal;">had
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">conquered anger. </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
gently repeated </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to receive her blessings, so she circumambulated </span><i>Anusuya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
introducing herself. </span><i>Anusuya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was very happy to note that </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was upholding the highest </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
by joining </span><i>Rama</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in the
forest, casting aside her relatives, wealth and comfort of the
palace. </span><i>Anusuya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
glorified the path of virtuous women.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Virtuous
women </span><span style="font-style: normal;">deep rooted in </span><i>dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
await highly fortunate worlds, to whom their husband is dear and to
such women it doesn’t matter if their husband is living in the city
or forest, is sinful or virtuous. (</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">नगरस्थो
वनस्थो वा पापो वा यदि वा अशुभः
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">यासाम्
स्त्रीणाम् प्रियो भर्ता
तासाम् लोका महा उदयाः </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">nagarasthaH
vanasthovaa paapovaa yadi vaa shubhaH | yaasaam striiNaam priyaH
bhartaa taasaam lokaaH mahodayaaH || VR 2-117-22</span><span style="font-style: normal;">)
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>To
the women of noble virtue, their husband is their highest deity,
irrespective of whether he is of bad character or licentious or
devoid of wealth.(</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">दुह्शीलः
काम वृत्तो वा धनैर् वा परिवर्जितः
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">|
</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">स्त्रीणाम्
आर्य स्वभावानाम् परमम् दैवतम्
पतिः </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">||
duSiilaH kaama vR^ittovaa
dhanaiH vaa parivarjitaHa | striiNaam aaryasvabhaavaanaam paramam
daivatam patiH || VR 2-117-23)</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>O
Sita! Upon reflection, I do not perceive a better friend for a
virtuous woman than a husband, who protects her in all circumstances,
the imperishable fruits of </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>tapasya</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">न
अतो विशिष्टम् पश्यामि बान्धवम्
विमृशन्त्य् अहम् </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">|
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN">सर्वत्र
योग्यम् वैदेहि तपः कृतम् इव
अव्ययम् </span></span>|| <span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;">
na ataH vishiSTam pashyaami baandhavam vimR^ishantii aham | sarvatra
yogyam vaidehi tapaH kR^itam iva avyayam || VR 2-117-24</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>Women
of evil nature, whose hearts are agitated by passions and who
dominate over their husbands(here assumption is </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Bharta</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is rooted in </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
have no understanding of virtue and vice and do not follow him (again
implying overlooking </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;">न
तु एवम् अवगग्च्छन्ति गुण
दोषम् असत् स्त्रियः </span></span></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;">काम
वक्तव्य हृदया भर्तृ नाथाः
चरन्ति याः </span></span></span></span><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">na
tu evam avagachchhanti guNa doSam asat ststriyaH | kaama vaktavya
hR^idayaaH bhartR^inaathaaH charanti yaaH || VR 2-117-25</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>O
Sita! Evil women who step over the authority of their husbands (again
emphasis is given that these husbands are deep rooted in </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
will certainly reap great infamy and decline in their
righteousness.(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">प्राप्नुवन्त्य्
अयशः चैव धर्म भ्रंशम् च मैथिलि
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">अकार्य
वशम् आपन्नाः स्त्रियो याः
खलु तद् विधाः</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">praapnuvanti
ayashashchaiva dharma bhramsham cha maithili | akaarya vasham
aapannaH striyaH yaaH khalu tadvidhaaH|| VR 2-117-26</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i> <span> </span>Anusuya</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
encouragement to </span><i>Sita</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was to be deep rooted in </span><i>Dharma</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
as it leads to evolution of the individual, obtain higher </span><i>lokas</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and achieve even </span><i>Moksha</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sita</b></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
response:</b></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sita</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
humbly stated that </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Anusuya</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
deep </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
soaked advice is a mere reflection of her esteemed character and
agreed that husband is the highest respectable person for a wife
(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">नार्याः
पतिर् गुरुः </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">naaryaaH
patiH guruH</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">).
Losing wealth is definitely not the reason for a woman to get
scornful or lose traction with </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i> <span> </span>Sita</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
exclaimed, if a husband’s character or action has no impact on the</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>
dharmic</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
standards of a virtuous wife, then what to speak of a husband who is
renowned for his virtues, compassion, one who has conquered his
senses, is deep rooted in</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>
dharma</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">,
and displays the love and affection like a mother and father. In
other words, she described her relationship with</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>
Rama</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">किम्
पुनर् यो गुण श्लाघ्यः सानुक्रोशो
जित इन्द्रियः </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">स्थिर
अनुरागो धर्म आत्मा मातृ वर्ती
पितृ प्रियः</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">||
</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">kim
punaH yaH gunaH shlaaghyaH saamkroshaH jitendriyaH | sthiraanuraagaH
dharmaatmaa maatR^ivat pitR^ivat priyaH || VR 2-118-4</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Sita</i>
went on to highlight <i>Rama</i>’s equal love and respect to all
the three queens, the same way he looked up to his mother <i>Kausalya</i>.
She assured <i>Anusuya</i> that she is committed to the virtuous path
as this was the same advice she obtained from her mother-in-law,
<i>Kausalya</i>, on the eve of their departure to the forest and also
her mother, on the eve of her marriage. <i>Sita</i> expressed her
gratitude to <i>Anusuya</i>, the one who has set the highest<i>
dharmic</i> standards by her own life,<i> </i>for renewing her
conviction over this esteemed wisdom. <i><b>Sita</b></i><b> declares
that there is no higher </b><i><b>Tapasya</b></i><b> decreed for a
woman than service/dutiful obedience/reverence of her husband</b>
(</span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN">पति
शुश्रूषणान् नार्याः तपो न
अन्यद् विधीयते </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">patishushruuSaNaat
naaryaaH tapaH na anyat vidhiiyate VR 2-118-9). <i>
</i><i>Sita</i> invoked the high standards of <i>Savitri</i>
and <i>Rohini</i> as role models.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Anusuya</i>
was immensely pleased with <i>Sita</i>’s conviction and her
standards. She offered to confer any excellent boon <i>Sita</i> would
seek. The surprised <i>Sita</i> spoke with a smile that (by <i>Anusuya</i>’s
grace) everything stands fulfilled. The response delighted <i>Anusuya</i>
even more and so she decided to give <i>Sita</i> many wonderful
divine gifts as a token to express her happiness. <i>Anusuya</i> gave
<i>Sita</i> a divine garland, jewels, apparel, a rare scented body
cream. <i>Sita</i> accepted these unsurpassed gifts of love.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> <i><span> </span>Anusuya</i>
and <i>Sita</i> proceeded to reminisce about the events around <i>Sita</i>’s
marriage. This is where <i>Valmiki</i> gives us a succinct insight
about <i>Sita</i>’s birth leading to her marriage. Eventually after
having a wonderful time, <i>Sita</i> took leave of <i>Anusuya</i> and
showed her gifts to <i>Rama</i> and <i>Lakshmana</i> who were
thrilled to see the respect and love the esteemed <i>Anusuya</i>
showed to <i>Sita</i>.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Practical
Applications:</b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Art
of giving response:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
excels in her display of how to communicate with a venerated
personality. Her etiquette during her interaction with </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a role model for all of us. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
repeated subtle </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma.
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though it appears as
common sense or general knowledge and also a fact that </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had repeatedly heard about from her elders, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is so thankful for </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
providing this timely reminder. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
represents the golden standard in her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pativrata
dharma </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
tapasya. </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The fact she
highly commended </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
observance, yet highlighted the basics of this subtle path informs us
that there is more that meets the eye. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
assured that she will use the standards of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Savitri
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rohini</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
delighted </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
offered an excellent boon. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">neither rushed to cash
it, nor brushed it aside in apathy. Instead she expressed contentment
due to the blessing of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This not only showcases </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">excellence in communication,
but</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">also
informed </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that she is not going to disrespect her blessing by making a choice.
This opened the doors for more blessings.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Humility
is the central essence of our highest character that gets expressed
in our words and actions </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
others, especially esteemed ones</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Is
the advice only for women?/Is this not another display of Patriarchy:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The feminazis and folks who
are convinced about patriarchy will read these passages as a proof
that women have been </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">relegated</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to service of husband. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
suggestion is to ignore</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
behavior</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, yet focus</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ing</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sewa </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
worse yet they have stated this is their</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Enough content
to up the notch on the usual hinduphobia.</span></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Before
one rushes to jump to odd conclusions like this, one must give little
credit to the conversation between the two highest </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">saatvic
tapasvi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> minds. If we
oversimplify the situations of all women, let us assume that all
women follow such high </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ideals. They may encounter only three types of husbands – very
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">(ones
who don’t care about </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
ignorant / apathetic ones and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ones.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Let
us operate under the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">assumption
that</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-weight: normal;">पति
शुश्रूषणान् नार्याः तपो न
अन्यद् विधीयते</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">patishushruuSaNaat
naaryaaH tapaH na anyat vidhiiyate VR 2-118-9</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">).</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>To
the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">woman
married to an </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tamasic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
husband, overlooking the faults may be easier when compared to
abuses. This totally alters the very playing field. We hear terms
like gas-lighting, hoovering in relationships, such toxic ones
besides physically/mentally abusive ones do not find any place in any
relationship. Sanity and self-preservation may be higher priorities
in such a case, rather than salvaging a nonexistent relationship with
no potential. So we limit our focus to the scenario where there is no
abuse, but there is no active </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
engagement from the husband.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>A
husband respects the marriage and his wife is the basic </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">assumption.
The </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wife putting the focus on her husband and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has a stronger possibility to win over her wayward husband than the
one who gets argumentative with his faults </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
pit their egos for winning an argument</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
For our scenario, let us assume the husband has no impact due to her
high </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
standards. Still the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">titiksha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of such a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">pativrata</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is going to aid in her rapid spiritual growth.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>If
the husband is apathetic, the longer and stronger the woman maintains
her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
guidance, bigger is the possibility of her positive impact on him. If
the husband is worthy of such an adoration, then the</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
dharmapatni</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> feels a
stronger pull on her standards. This allows the rapid complementary
assistance of mutually aiding each other in this spiritual path. We
will see one such incident from </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in another blog.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Thus
the insistence of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that using the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bharta</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as a portal for setting a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
path for a virtuous woman is ingenious. She is the real glue for the
family and is the torchbearer for the next generations. The virtuous
woman is using her family, irrespective of the husband’s standards
to gain fast traction in her own spiritual journey. Being naturally
the nourisher, caregiver and </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">emotionally
bonded to the family, it becomes hard </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">for
any woman </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">to rise above
these confines. Even if one were to follow loose standards prescribed
by the so called liberals, there is no scope of rising above,
spiritually. But </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shastras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provide the mental makeup and opportunity for the woman to use the
same conditions to catalyze her inner journey towards realizing her
real Self.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Does
this have no role for men? We saw in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya-Sita
samvada</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> that the role
assigned to the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to be the real </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharta</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one who upholds </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
thus become the noble person, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">aarya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Irrespective of the gender, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
want both to evolve spiritually and also co-evolve as a pair. The
most difficult part for the modern person is to bridge these ideals
into our daily lives as we have not seen anything better.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Virtuous
woman is <i>tapasya</i> in action:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once again, let us look at a
woman not from her gender role, but as a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in such a role. The typical family bondage is limited to only </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
level interactions. But forcing to raise the standards by setting one
for the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">pativrata</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sets the tone for the entire household. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do
we need to follow </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only because others in the family or society are following or is it
something that will help us irrespective of other’s behavior? If
the answer is the latter, then </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
recommend such a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for the virtuous woman, as it has the maximum impact across
generations.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
self-certified liberal mind will waste its time in asking why there
is no male counterpart for </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Savitri</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
while the ones following </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Savitri</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the role model will be making giant strides in their personal and
spiritual growth. The virtuous woman uses her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
standard, irrespective of the situation, to focus on meeting her
personal excellence.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>The
virtuous woman is focused on her </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">guna</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
transformation, overcoming her </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">prarabda</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and conditions her mind unconditionally, irrespective of the
situations. Her attitude is rooted in deep </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">viveka</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vairagya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hints this state as looking at the worldly pleasures, prosperity and
poverty/adversity with detachment (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">दृष्ट
लोक पर अवराः</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dR^iSTa
loka paraaparaaH</span></span></span></i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
VR 2-117-27</span></span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Role
models:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> All the characters
conversing be it </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama-Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri-Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not only set stellar standards to follow, but highlight others prior
to them as role models. We see how </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
repeatedly invokes </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Savitri,
Rohini</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and also is
thankful for </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">as
the role model. It is important to note that these personalities are
not being followed for popularity or appeal of an idea, but they
represent the ideal state of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
they symbolize. Following role models must always be for principles
and never for personalities. Unfortunately we have flipped the basic
equation and are due for a correction.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>It
also becomes imperative for the elders to pass the advice, wisdom,
standards and life experiences to the receptive next generation. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
excel in this regard. Their superlative </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
adherence was world renowned, yet when </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
appears, the couple eagerly wanted to share all their deep insights
without any prompting or desire. Similarly </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
confers many gifts to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as she proved she was worthy through her thoughts, words and actions.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Role
of husband-wife:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri
Maharishi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> sets the
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">standards</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in edifying his wife, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusyua</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who is beyond excellence with her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya,
sadhana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and in following
her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
A total stranger in the forest, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
gets a stellar introduction about her glories and urges </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to tap into her wisdom. Interestingly </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
highlights </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pati shusuruna</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as the highest </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
for the woman. Thus both </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Atri</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anusuya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
display their path to rising in this spiritual journey as a couple.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also provide another example of how to strive for always maintaining
the highest </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
despite our precarious conditions.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
modern man is used to only thinking from the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
perspective. This makes us wonder these </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ideals as impossibilities, when these were the standards of every
person in our civilization for thousands of years. Our assumption
that, modern gadgets and way of thinking has made these ideals as
outdated, is completely fallacious. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
were, are and will </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">always</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
be </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivas, </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">cloaked
with a body and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">indriyas,</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
steeped in our </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasanas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The modern or liberal way of viewing will not alter these basic
facts, nor will our ignorance of it. As we expand our mindset from a
very myopic and limiting </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
based one to increasingly </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">our understanding of
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purusharthas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and realizing in this very life starts growing.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>As
we find many lessons in this simple conversation, ranging from </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
keen attention on the ecosystem impact to reiterating </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
understanding to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ramayana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is not a mere story with interesting plot twists, but a library of
information that ought to be slowly sipped, enjoyed, assimilated and
lived by. May </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita-Rama</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provide their choicest blessings in helping us translate their lives,
example into ours.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN">ॐ</span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN">तत्</span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN">सत</span></span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-8224908566499710862022-07-22T20:08:00.005-05:002022-07-22T20:08:43.716-05:00Marriage basics - Kausalya Sita samvada<p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>Marriage
is a wonderful phenomenon where there is more than blending of the
body, emotions, finance and families. The Abrahamic idea is that of a
contract that can be broken at will and thus the idea of divorce and
pre-nuptial agreements built into such a contract. On the other hand,
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Sanatana
Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
views it as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
to foster two </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>jivas</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
to walk cooperatively along this journey. They complement and
supplement each other in this journey, firmly rooted in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The challenges this foundational societal unit face are also to be
resolved with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Unfortunately, as we get cleaved and farther off from </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
today’s Hindu marriages are increasingly aping the Abrahamic ones.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"> <span> </span>The
role models available for us to emulate in the society are getting
minimal. In the past, all one were to do was look at their parents or
grandparents. Let’s not despair, say the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>shastras</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and they offer not only numerous examples, but also many characters
voicing their wisdom in a simple and profound manner. One such
incident happened on the eve of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Rama</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
departure to the forest, when </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Kausalya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
advises her daughter-in-law </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Sita</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and gets the reassurance of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Dharma</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
as the foundation in their marriage.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Storytime:</b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>One
of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
wives, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
put him on the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmic</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
backfoot by invoking </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">two</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
untimely boon</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to obtain the kingdom for her son </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharata</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the other seeking </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
her co-wife’</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
son) to fourteen years of forest life as an ascetic. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had no tinge of sorrow and we gather more of these details in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2020/04/ramas-example-of-how-to-handle-extreme.html"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><b>Rama</b></i></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
example of how to handle extreme reversals</b></span></span></span></u></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
understanding his father’s predicament, on his own volition, leaves
for the forest, when </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lakshmana</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
insist on accompanying him. Unable to refuse their requests, despite
his protests, the trio get ready and sought the permission of their
parents.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>They
arrive at </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
palace, who brought his wives to see </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
one last time, along with them.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">appeal</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to stay overnight is politely turned down by</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as also his offering to give his treasury and comforts.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Kaikeyi</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
turns the heat by giving </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and even </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
tree bark based attire. Seeing </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in such a pitiable state brought anger, tears and deep anguish to all
gathered to see the trio. As </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gave the orders for </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sumantra</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to bring a chariot, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
fell unconscious, unable to see the trio clad in hermit clothes.
Overwhelmed by sorrow and tears, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was shifting constantly between an unconscious and a burdened state
of mind. The chariot was ready to whisk the trio to the forests.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
quickly had the choicest jewelry brought for </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who shone like the illuminated sky due to the rising sun. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>Kausalya</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
advice:</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
emotionally overwhelmed </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya
</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">embraced
her daughter-in-law and smelled her head (a typical custom to show
affection to younger ones, something very endemic and special to
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharatavarsha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
alone). The advice is more out of anxiety, rather than in
anticipation. The following conversation is best to be understood
with their original words.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">असत्यः
सर्व लोके अस्मिन् सततम्
सत्कृताः प्रियैः </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">भर्तारम्
न अनुमन्यन्ते विनिपात गतम्
स्त्रियः </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">asatyaH
sarva loke asmin satatam satkR^itaaH priyaiH | bhartaaram na
anumaanumanyate vinipaatagatam gatam striyaH || 2-39-20</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>Addressing
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Mythili</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
of exemplar character, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i>Kausalya</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;">
said, “</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>Women
of poor character, discarding all the wealth, affection showered by
the husband in the past, tend to overlook and perceive/magnify only
the current inabilities and lack of potential of the spouse”.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">एष
स्वभावो नारीणामनुभूय पुरा
सुखम् </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">अल्पामप्यापदम्
प्राप्य दुष्यन्ति प्रजहत्यपि
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">eshhaH
svabhaavaH naarinam anubhuuya puraa sukham | alpaamapi aapadam
praapya dushhyanti prajahatyapi || 2-39-21</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
is no limit to the apathetic attitude of women of such poor
character. Forgetting all the past affection and wealth showered,
because they landed in an awkward situation or poverty or less
preferable situation, they not only censure their husband, but also
leave them completely.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">असत्यशीला
विकृता दुर्र्गाह्याहृदयास्तथा
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">युवत्यः
पापसम्कल्पाः क्षणमात्राद्विरागिणः
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">asatya
shiilaaH vikR^itaaHdurgraahya hR^idayaaH tathaa | yuvatyaH paapa
samkalpaaH kshhaNamaatraat viraagiNaH || 2-39-22</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Women
in youth, afflicted by passion (</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">kama,
krodha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
are predisposed to cruelty and can be heartless. It is extremely difficult to
predict their stance or direction. They can be extremely quick to
become apathetic (and thus severe the relationship with their
husband). (Such women can never be </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">pativratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">न
कुलम् न कृतम् विद्या न दत्तम्
नापि सम्ग्रहः </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">स्त्रीणाम्
गृह्णाति हृदयमनित्यहृदया
हि ताः </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">na
kulam na kR^itam vidyaa na dattam naapi samgrahaH | striiNaam
grihNaati hR^idayam anitya hR^idayaahi taaH || 2-39-23</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(For
such women devoid of virtues) Noble descent (theirs or their
husband’s) doesn’t matter. Nor does the good deeds done in the
past, nor the education nor the fond gifts given nor their husband’s
acting per their beck and call matters. These do not find a permanent
place due to their ever changing hearts. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">साध्वीनाम्
हि स्थितानाम् तु शीले सत्ये
श्रुते शमे </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">स्त्रीणाम्
पवित्रम् परमम् पतिरेको
विशिष्यते </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhvinaam
hi striiNaam tu shiile satye shrute shame | striiNaam pavitram
paramam patiH ekaH vishishhyate || 2-39-24</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
for virtuous women (</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pativratha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
being established in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(Truth), </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shila</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(good character and values), being rooted in </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vedas</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(having the ability to rise above the attractions of </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">indriyas,
manas, kama, krodha</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">),
husband is the highest and most sacred entity and the best of all.
(NOTE: This is not a blind belief nor a </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
driven approach. This taps the woman’s innate emotional connection,
but opens the door way to a spiritual one using the husband as a
gateway)</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">concluded
her advice by reminding </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that she needs to see </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
though divested of his throne, as her </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">daivam</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
whether he had a lot of riches or not (</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">तव
दैवतम् अस्तु एष निर्धनः सधनो
अपि वा </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">tava
diavam astu eshhaH nirdhanaH sadhanopi vaa 2-39-25</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>Sita</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>’s
response:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
politely responded that she will live by those words. She was aware
of a wife’s duties and she had heard about this advice earlier
also. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was not comfortable to be mapped against the backdrop of women of bad
character. She hinted the same to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that it was not worthy to make such a comparison. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Just
like the moon is always associated with the cool radiance, she will
never part </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
gave two wonderful examples of the uselessness of the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Veena</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
without the cords or a chariot without wheels. In the same way, a
woman devoid of her husband is pushed to such a pitiable state.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bereft
of her husband, even if blessed with children, a wife cannot remain
happy (</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">न
अपतिः सुखम् एधते या स्यात्
अपि शत आत्मजा </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">||</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
na apatiH sukham edheta yaa syaadapi shatatatmajaa || 2-39-29</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN">मितम्
ददाति हि पिता मितम् माता
मितम् सुतः </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>|
</span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span><span lang="hi-IN">अमितस्य
हि दातारम् भर्तारम् का न
पूजयेत् </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: medium;"><span>||
<span>mitam dadaatihi pitaa mitam
maataa mitam sutah| amitasyai hi daataaram bhartaaram kaa na
puujayet|| 2-39-30</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
father, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">mother
and children can only give limited happiness. A husband provides
limitless felicity. The word used here is </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharta
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">भर्ता
हि दैवतम्</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">bhartaa</span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hi daivatam 2-39-31</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the one who upholds. What does the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
uphold? </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Such a husband provides unlimited happiness, but also opens the doors
to other planes of happiness. Since the relationship is based on
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the final outcome is always lasting </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sukham</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and even </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mukti</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hearing
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
words brought tears of joy to the troubled yet </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">saatvic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
mind of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">P</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">ractical
applications:</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;">Is
this advice only for women?</span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
biggest resistance will come from the so called modern educated
person, who may think that all these rules apply only to a woman and
these are patriarchal echoes of the past. In reality, the message is
applicable to both, though the case seems to be set in the context of
two women sharing during a distressed time. The idea of upholding
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and character is not gender specific, nor is it limited to certain
type, class or community. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
example of being a role model in the toughest of times is a definite
reminder to all humanity in as much as </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
example being applicable to all.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yet
one must not underestimate the overwhelming responsibility of women
in holding the family unit and also maintaining the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ecosystem in the household.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>A</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>rt
of communication:</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
During a stressful time, when </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
finds herself in an unimaginable abyss of sorrow, she not only
advises </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
but also communicates her anxiety. No one would have imagined </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was of very noble birth, filled with all good qualities, will
flip overnight. Though she did find herself as the favorite queen of
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dasaratha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
her treacherous act was impossible to conceive even in a nightmare.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who had demonstrated her noble qualities during her married life,
still had to add a polite response without actually saying that
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
fears were unfounded. She also closed the loop, leaving no scope for
any lingering doubts. When we communicate we must ensure that we give
a clear message and when we listen, a firm polite message is needed
to ensure that the original message has been imbibed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Role
of elders:</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was raised in an environment of protection. Later in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ayodhya
Kanda</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aranya
Kanda</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
her questions on simple things in nature and her child like innocent
delight in enjoying those simple pleasures reveal that she was
completely unaware of what lay ahead. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya,</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
though completely swayed by her love for </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
knew that the maximum blow for a human being could come only from
their loving spouse, as their relationship is built on love, trust
and faith. Seeing </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kaikeyi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
inflict a fatal wound, she wanted to ensure that </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama-Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
relationship doesn’t meet the same fate.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Kousalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
knew both </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were bound to </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet as a mother and elder, she wanted to remind a few words of
wisdom. This is an act of love, not one due to fear or mistrust on
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Just like a parent wishes and reminds a child for their exams,
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ka</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">usalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
takes it upon herself to give advice to </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who not only reassured her, but also added more insights to the
theme. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
responsibility of the elders and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is to emphasize constantly on the wisdom of our roots. One can never
give up due to the lack of response or the apathetic attitude of the
next generation. Many times, it may be the method of deliverance that
may be at the core of the communication gap. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>If
we enter a dark cave with a flickering low wattage lamp, issue of
darkness is due to the lack of the light we bring in.</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
In the same way, elders/</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
minded not only may have to raise their own standards, but also find
a suitable mechanism for sharing. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
broken </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ecosystem depends on us to step up to the situation, by improving us
standards and passing the baton to the next generation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Character:</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are at the foundation of everything in </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Prapancha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It is the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that drive the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
int</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">e</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">rpret
the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Working directly on the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">gives
a lasting foundation. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana
Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has insisted in cultivating good qualities from childhood. These
qualities directly translate to our </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">gunas</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
thus impacting our </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As we understand, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the engine that drives </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
leads to </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
creates more opportunities for new </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
thus the engine of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">keeping
moving</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yet,
by working directly on our </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gunas,
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
we are able to effectively regulate </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma,</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
thus bringing an element of control which helps us avoid the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsaric</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
cycle. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
emphasis</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on character and its importance is only amplified in the dignified
response of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In fact, she goes to the extent of saying that mapping her against
the backdrop of an </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">adharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
person itself is a patently wrong scenario. She is incapable of
leaving the path of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and her</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pativrata</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Distractions
of a </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><b>Kama</b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
driven life:</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though
the advice seems to be about character and the importance of
maintaining a superior </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharmic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
standard, it is targeted to be like a reminder, just like a
guard-rail is intended to remind the danger, not to test our luck.
Lack of character gets amplified as </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can drive the individual berserk. There are no safeties built in when
the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jiva</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is mired in bad character. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
worsens this by exponentially adding up bad </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The free fall into </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">papa</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is normally resisted by the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saatvic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
nature and character. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/desire-genealogical-approach.html"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Kama</b></span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
comes with an entire host of modifications</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
foreboding of such a catastrophic direction is evident in one’s
character.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>W</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>hy
is husband treated as God in Hinduism? - </b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>भर्ता
हि दैवतम्</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>bhartaa</b></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
hi daivatam 2-39-31</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
many Indian languages and in the culture of India, husband has always
been treated as a </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devata</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Blindly following this has resulted in many social stigmas and evils.
Yet we get a deep insight into why was that a practice from</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Sita’s</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
response. She uses the word</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">B</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">harta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
refer to </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
In </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samaskrita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
there are a plethora of words that indicate the husband like </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">pati,
kaanta, raamila, naatha,aryaputra, vara</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and of course </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
choice makes us wonder its meaning. One who upholds is </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bharta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
What is the husband upholding is evident by one of the words that
describes the wife – </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sahadharmini</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sahadharmacharini</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Wife is the one who walks along the path with her husband in the
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">marga</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which implies that the husband is </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">bharta</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
only if he upholds </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">DHARMA</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Unlike
the western and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Abrahamic</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lens of marriage, which is a contract, driven by </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanatana
Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
views the institution of marriage as a place to hone, uphold and
propagate </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
contains in itself both </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and has its final goal as </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
emphasis has been given to create this ecosystem of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
starting at family as the basic unit. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
will be gross misunderstanding to view marriage from a mere </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lens or by cleaving </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Unfortunately today most of the Hindu marriages are devoid of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
resulting in the same problems plaguing the Indian marriages as in
the west and in many cases even worse. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is at the root of marriage, thus providing a firm foundation for the
society to build over it. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kausalya
Sita samvada</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brings again to the fore these subtle truths. As we try to grasp the
deeper meaning beyond a simple conversation of an aggrieved elder
cautioning a younger person, we realize that these instances are
filled with wonderful treasures that will benefit every person who
pays attention. May we use this opportunity to reflect on our own
lives, especially the married ones to treat both spouses with respect
and help create an atmosphere of </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the family. By striving to adopt such an approach, the usual
strife between the spouses will be minimized and a fantastic
ecosystem for </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can be created. Even if one may be aged, it is now the perfect time
to revive </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the husband-wife relationship. May </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rama</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sita</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
choicest blessing be upon us to give us enough </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shraddha</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Buddhi</span></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to look at their role model and emulate in our lives.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></span></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></i><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123869814586379534.post-44935596715040235172022-07-04T11:48:00.000-05:002022-07-04T11:48:46.528-05:00Lessons from Yayati - Satsangha<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Yayati</i><span style="font-style: normal;">’s
life has been a huge treasure trove to unlock the wisdom of a typical
human life. We can charter all the low points and the stratospheric
heights a human being can traverse through in this spiritual journey.
The preface of this wondrous incident was through </span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/04/lessons-from-yayati-prelude.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Prelude</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;">. Most of
us are perhaps stuck in the bottomless pit of </span><i>samsara</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
due to desires. This insight of this endlessness was evident in
</span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/04/lessons-from-yayati-endless-desire.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Endless desires</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
When we develop </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
through continuous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we find the futility of chasing desires as we now desire detaching
from its vice like grip, which we gathered in </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/05/lessons-from-yayati-renunciation.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>-
Renunciation</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
The path of adhering to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
yields the subtler higher </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of felicity as seen in </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/05/lessons-from-yayati-swarga.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– </b></span><i><b>Swarga</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
discussions between </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is priceless as it brings us timeless wisdom in </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/06/lessons-from-yayati-wisdom.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Wisdom conversations 1</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2022/06/lessons-from-yayati-wisdom_27.html"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Lessons
from </b></span><i><b>Yayati</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
– Wisdom conversations 2</b></span></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
brings us to the concluding portion of his life.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>To
reconstruct a better picture we are going to attempt to blend two
instances referred in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one from </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adi Parva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and a concentrated message of wisdom given by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Duryodhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Udyoga Parva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This is to obtain a better idea of the events centered around the
last portion of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
history. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Storytime:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pratardana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
were performing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vajapeya
yagna </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">at
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Naimisharanya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
As the skies were clouded with the smoke from the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yaga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was falling from the higher </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">loka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
down to earth. His fall was arrested by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who engaged him </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
very thought provoking wisdom filled conversation. As we recall,
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
fall was due to his pride that he had done</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> tapasya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
par excellence</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
led him to believe that he was superior, when he had no insight into
other’s </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This tainted his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and led to his fall. But all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
he had came to the rescue and make him seek </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
even in the fall.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>The
discussions with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
made him realize that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was a great </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mahatma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and deserves some help to restore his real state. He now retrains his
questions to know the identity of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
subtle responses to technically difficult question of following
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and doing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sadhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
without its aid must have made </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
realize the value of such a wondrous being in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to know from where he came, where and why he was heading.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed that he is falling from the higher </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
into the lower plane of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">naraka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
this world of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
earth. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His
fall is hastened by the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokapalas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
on account of the taint, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamkara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brought to him and it was due to the blessing that he got this
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
His fall will be imminent after the questions are over.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">wanted
to know</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
if he had any </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">punyaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to his </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">past</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
good </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed him that as long as there are cows, horses, forests and
mountains filled with beings, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had earned felicity in the higher </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Having learnt about what was his, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declared that he was offering all that was his for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and he can immediately regain what was lost. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declined the offer citing that as a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmajnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
alone was qualified to receive such a gift. Moreover as a </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kshatriya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he can only give and never receive. He refused to set a precedent on
what was not the norm.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Pratardana
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">introduced
himself by name and asked </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
if he had any higher realms against his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punyakarma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
assured that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pratardana
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">had
numerous higher </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
endless time waiting for his good deeds. Even if he spends seven days
in each place, he will not see an end to the pleasures waiting.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pratardana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
now offered all these realms to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
again declined citing that a king of similar energies should never
seek the religious merits like </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yoga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
austerities of another king, driven by selfish needs. Even facing
total calamity due to fate, a king must never choose a censurable
path. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
king must always be centered in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and being such a person he cannot accept such an offer at any cost.
One who knows the consequences of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and involves only in the right activities while avoiding the wrong
ones is considered wise, filled with energy and purity of heart.
While doing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
even if one has doubts regarding their outcome, the entire focus must
be in doing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not weighing the profit or loss. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
contains in itself both </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
asserted </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
introduced himself as son of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ushadaswa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and posed the same question. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed him that all the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
illumined by the sun was awaiting him. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
now offered all of them to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Since </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had already declined getting anything in charity, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
offered that something trivial can be given as a token and it can be
exchanged. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
again declined, stating that he has been afraid of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Even for jest, he never exchanged or bartered what was not rightful.
How will he still abide in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
if he cut corners he queried. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not to be left out countered him to consider taking it as </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and not a barter. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said he cannot enjoy what is not his. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Sibi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
son of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Usinara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
now posed the same question. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
praised that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">never
spoke or thought ill of anyone who got </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
from him. Knowing about what awaits him, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pursued </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daana
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">angle
by saying that what he had given he cannot take back. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
countered that just like </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has all the credit, even </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
still has the same. Getting others fruits of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
will never taste sweet. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
now presented their predicament. Having given all their </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which was not accepted by </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
they will now face </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Naraka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
without having obtained the desired result of seeing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
enjoy the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punyaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Confronted by this quandry </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was unable to give a clear solution and hence appealed to the wisdom
of the four </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajarishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Yet he was firm in not chartering new paths. (Perhaps the new paths
he forged in marrying </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Devayani</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and eventually </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sarmishta</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
proved too costly for him)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was puzzled at the five golden chariots that appeared and wondered
whose ride it was. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed it was for the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rajarishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who were performing </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vajapeya
yagna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
opined that they can follow later, whilst </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
suggested that they can go together. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">(NOTE:
The following is found in some recensions like </span><i>Kumbakonam</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that seem to fill a lot of the blanks)</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Connection
with <i>Yayayti</i> revealed:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As they were conversing, they found a herd of deer led by a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapasvini</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who was also leading a life akin to them in the forests. Draped in
deer skin, a lady whose only wealth was her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Madhavi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
strolled into the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yagnasala</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
She was extremely pleased at the feats of her four children. (</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Madhavi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
had </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka, Pratardana,
Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
through a different husband). On seeing </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">in a state of descent </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">she
saluted him.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wanted to know why </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Madhavi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
saluted this divine being and what was the understanding behind.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Madhavi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
informed that </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati,</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the son of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nahusha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
was her father and hence the maternal grandfather to all the four.
She said that after Puru’s (her brother) coronation, he had left
for </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
She wondered what he was doing here.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasumanas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
told her about his fall from</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The deeply concerned
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Madhavi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
addressed </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and said, just as sons even daughters are equally connected to the
parents. She requested her father to accept all her </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and regain </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Since they were his offsprings, there was no </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">daana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
barter or charity involved. He was duly entitled to share, just like
the children and grandchildren share the wealth of the parents. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Yayati
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">now realized the
connection with all. He declared if there was any benefit from all
their </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tapasya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
he will consider himself redeemed by his daughter and his grandsons.
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The word used to refer to
the ones </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">born in same
lineage,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> who are able to
make such an impact is </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dowhidra</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitris</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are specially pleased with the offerings from the daughter and her
progeny. Even today </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dowhidra,
kutapakala </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">(when the
post noon sun is hot) and sesame are very revered for </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pitris</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
who hold cleanliness, renouncing anger and not performing </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sharddha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with haste as key elements. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>The
message in the race:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
reminded </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to take the chariot to swarga, who urged all the four grandsons to
join him immediately on their chariots.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> said the chariots
and its path were available only because they had overcome</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rajoguna</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">After finishing the
ritualistic bath to signal the end of the </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yagna</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
all of them ascended their chariots, spreading their </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
all over as they went to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asked </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that he felt </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as his friend and thought he will be the first to gain admittance to</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yet </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Usinara</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
son, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
seemed to be leading everyone and leaving others way behind. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
earned tremendous wealth, yet gave away everything in </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">daana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Thus he is foremost amongst them. In terms of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daana,
Satya, Dharma, Tejas, </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">patience,
compassion, enthusiasm in whatever is being done, </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
embodies them in infinite measures, which contributes to his
superiority. Despite having all these, he is the abode of humility,
which is the reason why his chariot went past the others.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Ashtaka</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
pleaded to know more about </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
as the feats he seemed to have achieved is beyond words. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
said he was the son of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nahusha</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the father of </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Puru</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">He was their maternal
grandfather. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vanaprasthi</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who gives away everything (in his case 101 horses with excellent
qualities) and who lives the life of a </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Muni</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
attains </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swarga</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He gave a detailed account of his </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">daana</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahmanas </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in the form of land, gold, wealth and kine. He upheld </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
in all the places under his reign. All his subjects also upheld </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(reference is made as </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Agni</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shining, which refers to speech. Can also interpret that everyone had
spectacular progress by following </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">He had never spoken one word
of untruth. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
declared that </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satya</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
alone is revered and cherished by the wise. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
shared that anyone discussing these incidents without a trace of
jealousy will be immensely benefited by achieving the same</span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
lokas</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> as they do.</span></span></p><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Epilogue:
</span></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
We now have to taverse to the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Udyoga
Parva</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mahabharata</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
On the eve of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Krishna</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
peace mission, numerous </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
like </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kanwa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
advised </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dhritarashtra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Duryodhana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to compromise and prevent this mass destruction. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
narrated many historical incidents and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
life was one. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Narada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
account paints more details in filling the gaps. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On
his return </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati
</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">approached
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and sough</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">t</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
clarifications on his situation. In </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Narada</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
version, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
acts in pride and lets his vanity blind his respect for </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rishis</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It appears before </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Indra</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
asks the questions we saw in the </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swarga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
episode, </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
actions were colored by his </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ahamakara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
which led to his fall. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Brahma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
clarified that </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brought him to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swarga</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and it was the same that led to his fall. The hearts of everyone is
covered by ignorance (</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">ajnana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
His return was possible to re-enjoy what was his, due to his
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dowhidras</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
still had one lingering doubt. His vast </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">punyaphala</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
was limitless, yet it was cut short and he saw an end to it. Why?
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
again highlighted that pride alone </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
responsible for the evaporation of all his good </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Once PRIDE touches a person, it is sure to bring calamitous results.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brahma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
noted that anyone who is able to follow the rise </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
due to his wonderful good </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">karmas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
know the reason for his fall and his restored glory will be able to
successfully handle tough challenges in their life. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Practical
Applications:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Karma,
Karma, Karma</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The entire journey of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
revolves around the human struggle to evolve. With the base
assumption that one is rooted in </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
we face an onslaught of our past </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphalas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vasanas</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This everchanging scenario presents us with numerous opportunities,
yet our </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">vasana</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
proclivities pull us towards the past. Desire coupled with attachment
is the driver of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Samsara</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
pure </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
(desire) and/or</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Artha </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">centered
life will always lead to </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Papa</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by its very nature will try to protect itself and won’t hesitate to
expose the performers of </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to outlast.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>On
the otherhand, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
always leads to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
It contains within it the merits of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Artha
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kama</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not only protects itself but the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which was upheld also protects the ones who uphold it. (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>धर्मो
रक्षति रक्षितः</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharmo
Rakshati Rakshitaha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
. Eventually </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Punyakarma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
deep rooted in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also produce </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Viveka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
which results in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vairagya</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
This elevated state due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">leads
to</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Moksha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://satchitanandareflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/desire-genealogical-approach.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span> </span>The
attachment laden desire meanwhile results a plethora of emtions and
qualities like pleasure, pain, ang</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>er</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
jealousy, greed, hatred and more</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Thus </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can take us up or down depending on its nature. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
saw a meteoric rise and a great fall and was again able to rise up
only due to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
provides a safety zone where only the good </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are nurtured. Just as in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
experience, going to higher </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">lokas</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is not a shield against the basal nature, nor does it prevent from us
chartering a trip to the abyss.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Ahamakara</b></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
The constant misunderstanding of our “I” leads to mistaken
identity and actions. One of the side effects is Pride, which always
results in a fall. When the ones who have realized their self nature
are ignored, abused or wrongly acted against, it always results in
calamitous results. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span> </span>Humility
is the hallmark of real knowledge </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">विद्या
ददाति विनयं</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">).
Only learning to live based on </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shastras</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
besides constantly associating with </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
can give that humility.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Detachment</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
Even while adhering to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or performing a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">yagna</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
or giving away </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Daana</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
one must focus on being detached to the outcome. If the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karmaphala</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is the only focus, then it will dent the potential expression of the
fruits. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ashtaka</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
found that quantitivately though matching </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sibi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
the latter’s detachment gave him the slight edge in that spiritual
journey.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Satsangha</b></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yayati</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
despite his great fall, due to all the past </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">punya</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
by constantly adhering to </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dharma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
understood that the only redemption anyone having such a great fall
can have is </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
While our association with sensory objects, </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">indriyas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
drive our </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">manas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
outward, </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
does the opposite. They help us understand the reality and guide us
to be grounded in it. </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
also provides the necessary environment for us not only be aware of
the true potential, but also effect the transformation.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span>Yayati</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
life through its extreme swings may not happen to us in a single
lifetime. But that is the story every </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jivatma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is going through across many </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">janmas</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Recalling</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yayati</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">’s
story and the wondrous insights will keep us deep rooted in</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Dharma</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Satsangha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
are the only refuge. May be constantly seek them at every step of our
life, so we can achieve the highest potential and our real nature of
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moksha</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.14in; margin-top: 0.17in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Sans; font-size: medium;"><span lang="hi-IN"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">ॐ</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">तत्</span></span></span></span></b><em><span style="color: black;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></em><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Nirmala UI;"><span lang="hi-IN"><span style="font-style: normal;">सत</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>Satchitanandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912198636769834489noreply@blogger.com0