Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Bhajana Keerthana – December 13, 2025 – Mysore
When we think of Noble Perseverance (tenacity, determination), Sage Bhagiratha, Garuda, and Hanuman stand as great examples.
First Bhagiratha comes to mind when we think of noble perseverance. Let us learn of this determination and glory a little. We remember the story of how he brought Ganga to earth. So, he had noble determination. With such determination, victory is always around the corner, we think.
But, how was his resolve a noble one? He had some selfishness, did he not? He brought Ganga for the sake of his forefathers. Then, how do you label it a noble determination for general welfare? We should closely examine his sankalpa to understand.
Bhagiratha prayed to Brahma to get Ganga to earth. He had vision of Brahma. Then, he had vision of Ganga twice. He then had vision of Parameshvara twice too. When he had the power to have vision of all the Gods, he could have just prayed for Ganga to flow in the nether worlds over the ashes, or he could have collected the water in a pitcher and sprinkled it on the ashes.
He did not even wish for Ganga to stop after she flowed on the ashes. He prayed that she flow in all the three worlds. So, we initially thought it was a selfish prayer, but it is not. He only had a wish to get Liberation for his forefathers, but forgot all about it. Why else would he wish for Ganga to flow in all the three worlds? He wished for all the beings to be uplifted. There’s no selfishness in this. Therefore, it is a noble determination.
That is why Shiva, the Lord Himself, came down and held her in His matted locks. Those who have such noble determination gain glory and fame as well as immense merit.
Second story – Garuda. He acquired nectar to free his mother from slavery. That is what we see outwardly. Is that not selfish? What good does this do to the world? How does this become a noble resolve? Why is Garuda an example?
We should learn the story fully and understand his striving in detail to determine if it was noble or not. Garuda went to heaven and fought and acquired amrta (nectar, ambrosia) to free his mother from slavery. Everyone knows thi story as many puranas talk about this in the Amrta Prapti episode. Acquiring amrta, he did not become greedy. He did not consume the nectar in his possession as anyone else would have. He did not seek any ulterior motive from it. Sri Hari, the Lord, was pleased with his selflessness and therefore appeared in front of Garuda and blessed him with immortality and freedom from old age.
So, Garuda thus gained immortality without even drinking the nectar because he was selfless. Further, it caused great welfare to the worlds.
He placed the amrta on the darbha grass for the snakes to consume it. Indra immediately took it away. The desirous snakes who wanted the nectar returned disappointed and empty-handed. Since the Darbha grass came in contact with amrta, they got purified and became an important part of yajnas. The contact with darbha grass makes items pure. Thus, the worlds benefited.
As Garuda carried the potion, four drops fell in Prayaga, Mayapura, Ujjaini, and Nasik. These became very sacred places on earth. So, people benefitted greatly from it. So, we should understand that Garuda had a noble resolve.
Third, Hanuman. Everything He undertook was victorious, never a failure. His every movement is a lesson, an upadesha mantra for all. Therefore, the Gods said that merely remembering Hanuman and praying to Him bestows auspiciousness.
“O king of vanaras – Hanumana! Those who bear courage, subtle perspective, intelligence and skill in work like You do will never face defeat”.
Therefore, everyone look up to Lord Hanuman as ideal and have His vision. You will attain victory in your endeavors.
Keep these three examples in mind and attain victory in your noble undertakings. Do not be dejected or deluded by obstacles. Have faith in God. The one who believes in hard work and works hard will become a great soul. May you all strive hard and become victorious in your undertakings.
Do not stop until you finish what you undertake. You must either finish or know it is not for you and clearly give it up.
Today, we spoke about three stories to explain what a noble resolve is.
Bhajan ID 439: dēvīṁ vandē paramāṁ
Bhajan ID 252: gurūttama datta gurūttama
Bhajan ID 1294: śiva śiva śaṅkara bhavadēvā