Speech of HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – October 22, 2019 – Kamareddy
Sit erect. Focus your mind on your reath and breathe deeply. Tuesday is very dear to Lord Ganapati and Lord Hanuman. Hence join me as we chant the mantra “Om Namo Hanumate Namah”18 times.
As we chant the mantra repeatedly, our mind wishes it could chant for longer. We feel so because our mind and our intellect are calm and peaceful, hence we feel like chanting longer. It is to experience this mental calmness that we seek to visit the ashram. As soon as we step into the ashram, agitations and tensions go far away from the mind and it experiences peace. Forgetting all worries, we are calm.
Although from morning we have been busy with pujas, bhajans, mantras, the mind did not seek to run away. This is the power of spirituality (adhyatmik). Barring the spiritual path obtained with Sadguru’s grace, in no other path in the world we can obtain such peace!
How to calm the mind? Is there any cure for the mind? There is no medicine for calming down the mind. There are medicines to cure the physical disorders, but to cure the mind and give it peace, spirituality is the only medicine. Even doctors who cure many diseases, seek recourse in the spiritual path and shelter under Sadguru. Because they too want to experience mental calmness, peace, happiness on the home front, satisfaction in life etc.
All our efforts in the world are aimed at earning happiness. If everyone in the society moves on the spiritual path, then the society will be at peace. All problems in this world arise due to mental unrest or lack of mental peace. Behind all the wicked deeds and sins there is only one reason, mind. When mind is fine, everything will be fine. When everyone leads a calm, happy life then the entire society will be at peace. There will be happiness everywhere. With this, we will obtain God’s grace.
Does hunger have any religion? Hunger is the same in every entity. Our dharma prescribes, “Feed the hungry”. That’s all. For feeding, there are no restrictions. Thereafter, in order to protect your religion, your dharma, you can engage in activities connected to it. Propagate your dharma and work for its enhancement. That is for protecting your dharma. But, when someone arrives saying he is hungry, we should not look into their religion, caste etc.but should immediately feed him.
On your own, you must willingly come forward and take up activities in the ashram. The fruits of selfless actions are unlimited. As you all know, Pujya Appaji is promoting memorization of Bhagavad Gita. As of today, 800 people have memorized the Gita. In addition, there are many fluent readers. Bhagavad Gita is extremely important in our life.
These days, people think that, unlike other religions which has their own holy text (grantha), Hinduism does not have any. Such thinking is utterly wrong. In fact Hindu dharma is the first religion in this world to ever have released their own grantha (holy text). Bhagavad Gita is our sacred text which has lessons needed for every person and at every stage of life. Therefore, this text must be diligently studied.
We often complain that the Lord has not directly commanded us. But His commandments are in the Bhagavad Gita. Have we ever bothered to read and understand what He says? Neglecting our own Bhagavad Gita, we are going all over the world searching for something new. For this reason, we lack calmness. Easy translations are available for Bhagavad Gita in all languages. But, are we making any attempts to understand the meaning of these shlokas? Not understanding dharma is also adharma.
In any accident, if we argue that we did not know the traffic rules will the Govt. keep quiet? You are supposed to know the rule of the land. Similarly, it is our duty to understand the dharma. If we argue that we did not know the rules of dharma, God will say, “Ok, I will give you one more chance to understand your dharma. Until you learn the dharma you cannot reach Me.”
Bhagavad Gita is not merely a Parayana grantha (text for reading); it contains lessons which we can actually apply in our day-to-day life. Some texts are recommended only for reading; they are called Parayana grantha. But Bhagavad Gita is not so. If we put the lessons thaught in it into daily practice it will become a guiding light.
The 17th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is Shraddha-traya vibhaga yoga. What is Shraddha? It is a firm faith, a deep dedidation. Only when the faith exists, we obtain victory. Without faith, eben in trivial matters we lose. In the absence of faith, even a small thorn can kill us. When we have faith, even the mightiest axe that falls on us cannot harm us. This is the importance of faith.
Just before we left dor this conference in Pune, we had a direct experience of what faith is. All of us declare that we have lot of faith. But, our faith gets tested when difficulties actually land on our head. More often, faith vanishes the moment difficulties land on us. Just as a fly that sits on our hand flies away the moment we share our hand, our faith vanishes the moment we are faced with difficulties. Our faith should be like the flimsy fly, but it must be sturdy and firm like the eagle.
In the NTR Grounds Hyderabad, we had a first-hand experience of true faith. For past 4 months, Narayana Garu has been toiling night and day. I have a detailed account of his toil. He has been canvassing for this program for the last few months without leaving any stone unturned. It so happened that on the day of the program, a bandh was declared and busses were off the roads. Despite all inconveniences, many devotees turned up. Only a few remained back. By a large, many turned up. Just as soon as the chanting started, it began to pour incessantly. All the electronic equipment gets damaged if water falls on them. Therefore they had to protect their instruments.
With full gusto, everyone was chanting Hanuman Chalisa. Seeing the downpour, Swamiji said “let us chant at least once”. Everyone presumed that with one chanting the program would come to a close. Then, it was said, “let us chant 5 times”. Despite the rain, people continued to chant loudly. Many had not brought umbrellas and even if they had, they forgot to open them, engrossed in chanting. Protecting their heads with kerchiefs, or bags or books, they continued to chant without stopping. “This is our sanatana Hindu dharma”. I felt seeing them. This shows the training received from Sadguru. No one wanted to get up and go home. They continued to chant.
Meanwhile Swami Paripoornanda had arrived to witness the program. He was seated beside me. Swamiji had initially mentioned that after 5 times the chanting would come to a close. But them it went on for the 6th round, 7th round and it continued. When the 18th round began, Swami Paripoornanda asked me, “How many rounds will they chant?” I replied, “I have no idea. Normally Swamiji conducts it for 9 or 11 rounds. No idea of today’s program”. The chanting was going on in full gusto. Not even a child was willing to get up. Elderly people were coughing but refusing to move. They were also chanting with full enthusiasm. Later, in His speech, Swamiji said, “All of you have become Maharishi Valmiki today”.
In the initial days of his penance, Maharishi Valmiki could not even say, “Rama”. Hence the mantra was initiated to him as “Mara”. As he chanted, Mara Mara.. it transformed into Rama, Rama. He was surrounded by anthill, but still he refused to budge. He was engrossed in his penance. Only after Lord Brahma arrived and blessed him, he moved from there. Since he emerged from an anthill (Valmika), he was known as Valmiki. What were his strengths? Unflinching faith, determination, ability to sit without getting disturbed and total devotion. This unflinching faith transformed a dacoit Ratnakara into Maharish Valmiki.
When Sadguru himself declared that all present there had transformed into Maharishi Valmiki, is there any greater certificate that a devotee can seek? Among those who have sung the glories of Lord Rama, Maharishi Valmiki occupies the foremost position. Only due to him, we know of the story of Rama. Sadguru took us to that level.
Sitting without moving the devotees chanted 18 times. It was a never before experience. Even I was drenched. Appaji initially refused the umbrella. But then we forcibly retained an umbrella over His head. Everyone including Appaji was totally drenched. But then, due to the heat emerging from the chanting, our clothes dried there itself.
To talk about faith (Shraddha) is different, to directly experience it is different. What we saw in Hyderabad was Shraddha. In Kali-yoga we cannot sit in penance for so long until anthills cover us completely. But then, withstanding the climatic disturbances, withstanding the heat, cold and rains, if we continue to chant His names with devotion, it is penance. I shall not reveal the fruits of such penance. Because by mentioning it, I am bringing it downs to a very low level.
The Supreme Lord enables the individual soul to realize the Supreme Soul. This is actual benefit of chanting Hanuman Chalisa. Can such supreme benefit be obtained with any ordinary mantra? Many who couldn’t come watched the program online and wished that they could have come for chanting.
Despite all inconveniences, people chanted in joy. After witnessing this Shraddha, I went for a conference on Shraddha-traya vibhaga yoga (17th chapter) in Pune. It is a wonderful chapter that requires daily reading. We must frequently ask ourselves, “What type of faith do I have? I am praying, I am singing bhajans, I am doing annadana- but under which classification do I fall?”We must analyse daily.
There are three colours-black, red and white which stand for tamas, rajas and sattva respectively. Under which classification do I fall? Through this analysis, it is enough if we lead ourselves towards the right path. “Uplift yourself by yourself” -Uddharet AtmanAtmAnam- says Lord Krishna. You must ensure that you do not fall down to lover levels. You must uplift yourself.
In the 17th chapter, the Lord’s compassion is revealed. At all times, the Lord is filled with compassion. But since it is not visible, we complain, “The Lord does not have any compassion”. If anyone complains thus, ask them to read the 17th chapter of Bhagavad Gita. They will get a glimpse of the Lord’s infinite compassion.
In the beginning of this chapter Arjuna asks, “You are talking of the Shastras scriptures). But not everyone can hold on to them. When we can complete the actions with faith, where is the necessity for following the Shastras?”
Often we hear this remark, “it is enough if faith exists. Why do we need Scriptural guidelines?” Will you accept the same theory for worldly dealings? “I desire to study well and appear for the exams. But writing exams is not really needed, isn’t is, for I have the right desire?” Will this theory be acceptable?
In every transaction, there is a definite procedure to be followed. There is a pattern laid down by elders. When driving on the highway, we follow the road guidelines given to us for our safety. Similarly, the Lord has given His guidelines through Scriptures. Arjuna is questioning the necessity of following those scripture. “Why do we need them, when faith is enough?”-he asks. “I do not know the scriptures; I am not keen to learn them; I do not understand them, but with faith and devotion I will perform the rituals. Isn’t it enough?”
Krishna replied, “Let me tell you that faith (Shraddha) is of three types. Do not classify everyone’s faith in the same bucket. The faith shown by those who are filled with goodness (sattva) if different from the faith of those who are filled with passion (rajas) and the faith of those who are filled with ignorance (tamas). Among these three, only those who are filled with goodness tread the right path. Only such people visit ashrams and temples, bow down perfectly before the Lord and also include the well-being of others in society in the prayers offered.
Those who faith is coupled with passion (rajasic Shraddha) do not pray to the Devatas. They worship yakshas and rakshasas. They do not visit temples. Furthermore, they pray only for themselves. Forget the society, they do not even pray for their family members.
Those whose faith is coupled with ignorance (tamas Shraddha) lack devotion towards Gods. They worship the ghosts and spirits. Such faith leads to ruin. Hence, it is important to decide the type of faith one has. What is important is to latch on to the right path. For this, it is essential to know about the right path. Without walking on the right path, we cannot get the right results.
There are people who worship trees and stones with devotion. They have absolute devotion and this devotion assumes importance. As they have the right devotion and the right mind, they obtain the right rewards.
While explaining these classifications, Krishna speaks about food. This assumes extreme importance in the present period. The food we eat is filled with impurities. Earth has lost all its nutrition. It is filled with poisonous chemicals now. The chemicals transform into the fruit and rice we eat. Nutrition is lacking. Food that is sattvik i.e. when it is pure and tasty, it is good for us. Sadly, we attach importance to taste and forget about purity.
Do you know that only a tiny portion of the tongue can feel the taste? Yet, we give it absolute importance to that small portion and seek only tasty foods. If we conquer that small portion of the tongue we are helping ourselves. The Lord explains about the food that helps elevate us.
What more can we say of His compassion? Arjuna had put forth one doubt, but the Lord clarified 5 points. This reflects His compassion. When only one question is asked, He is clarifying 5 points.
When food and water are impure and contaminated, how can we expect a healthy mind? People who are 20 years are said to be calcium deficient. All children are busy within mobile games, no one seeks to play in the Sun. along with food deficiency and impurity, mind has become impure. Parents do not have the time to impart good lessons to children; children have no patience to listen to their parents.
The Lors says, “Ensure foor purity. This will ensure good mental health along with good physical health. For various reasons, at times physical health may get spoilt, but mental health should be good. Continue exercise. Do not give up. As soon as a child is born, the mother gives up exercise and other activities. She is just 30; having a baby does not imply that one must become laid back in life. Her health; her exercise she cannot simply abandon.
Only if mothers are healthy, the society will be healthy. Only if she maintains her health, her future child will also be born healthy. In the past, even after 12th delivery, the mother would give birth to a healthy child. These days, in second delivery, the mother would have lost the ability to give birth to a healthy child. This is because of defect in food intake.
Are we safeguarding our water resources? We are drinking water from plastic water cans. Plastic is modern demon. He is a demon who spoils everyone’s health. He has now become all-powerful and is tormenting the entire universe. Wherever we go, we are seeing plastic. Please henceforth do not drink water from plastic bottles. Never give water to children in plastic bottles. All this is part of the sattvik food habits prescribed by Krishna in this chapter.
Keeping plastic bottles in a car is extremely dangerous. The bottle is the car is exposed to the Sun’s heat. After sometime we drink that water. Along with that water, many chemicals from that plastic enter into us. Using Micro oven is yet another dangerous tool. Use copper bottles instead of plastic bottle.
We are earning to spend for ourselves and not to spend on hospitals. Hence if we ensure that are food habits are healthy we can avoid these trips to hospitals.
RO water drains all the minerals from the water you drink. The water tastes good but is devoid of minerals. Further the water is stored in plastic bottles which further depletes the water quality.
In the past water was stored in copper containers. Entire night water was allowed to remain in that container. Water should be left at least for a few hours in that copper container. Even those living in cities must follow this. Any water must be stored in a copper container or silver vessel. When water is stored in a copper vessel, all required minerals seep into the water. Water turns pure and healthy. We must not drink water directly from that copper glass/pot. From the copper pot we must pour the water into another glass and then drink it. Since we are unable to increase the quality of food, let us at least increase the quality of water.
Traditions are nothing but habits that lead to healthy lifestyle. That is why so many rules were dictated.
Please avoid non-stick. Just because it is easy to clean, many ladies have of late switched to non-stick vessels. But if you use non-stick, you cannot clean the intestines and stomach of the accumulations therein.
In the past, iron was used more often for cooking. Cooking in it increased iron intake. But now, in the name of fashion, iron has been thrown out of the kitchens. Now again of late, many millionaires have switched back to the ancient style of cooking use coal stove, they have understood that good health lies in cooking properly.
Krishna said, “Cook pure food. Ensure cleanliness. Offer the food to God prior eating”. After all, it is God who provided us with all this food. Without His energy and grace, we cannot get food. So with gratitude we offer the food to Him. It is a way of thanking the Lord for the food given by Him. Thanking Him and then eating, ensures that our mind is calm and at peace.
In the 17th chapter the Lord explains about faith, about food, penance (tapas), yagnas and charity. Even charity is of three types. “Give charity merely because it is your duty. Do not have any expectations from it. Do not keep such calculations. Just give because it is needed”. Such charity is sattvik charity. Similarly, even yagnas and penance we must choose the sattvik path.
Such actions when performed properly are ’sat’karma; else they become ‘asat’karma. This is what Swamiji reminds us in Gita sara.
Perform Kriya yoga. Exercise and pranayama is a must. Can’t you allot at least 10 mins for yourself in a day? Household chores is no excuse for escaping from exercise. Household chores do not help with strengthening the body. Some exercises are a must for everyone. I request all the ladies and mothers to please take care of your health. Praying to Sadguru to bless you all with good health.