Posts Tagged ‘Guru’

When Mother was my Guest

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

I begin this with sincere prayers at the lotus feet of Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi.

United prayers of thousands, with one accord shall never go unanswered.  It was such an answer to our prayers that brought Mother to the land of Kauveri. That was my greatest pleasure to have the utmost honour of receiving the shakthi roopini as my honoured guest.

I first heard of Mother from a friend of mine who introduced me to the leaders of Sree Rama Devi Bhaktha  Mandali, in Madikeri.  I was desperate after the demise of my beloved husband.  Everything seemed dark and empty.  Added to this the responsibility of bringing up eight small children alone was a strain and I always prayed to embrace death.  With no interest in life or my surroundings I used to go about like an automaton, eating if I felt like it and crying day and night.  Though a devotee of Lord Krishna, when my husband was alive, I never prayed after his death, as I felt, in spite of all my prayers, God has let me down.

Mechanically, I used to read chapters from Bhagavat Gita, especially the second one, to feel sure of the existence of atma.  Without a proper Guru one cannot understand such things.  Now after I met Mother my ignorance is slowly clearing and I can understand a little of such matters.  After weeping I used to get very often bad headaches and chest pains and omit blood.  In spite of all cares from my parents I felt disgusted with the world which had no meaning to me.  I could not travel.  I was shunning everyone, never liking to talk.

One day my mother persuaded me to go to a bhajan.  She arranged it at the Mahila Samaj, by the Sree Rama Devi Bhaktha Mandali.  Having stayed there for five minutes I came away, unable to bear the noise of the cymbals.  After two days mother asked them to come to my house for a programme of bhajans.  She wanted me to find solace in prayers.  For that Ramnaam Sankirtan, I sat for fifteen minutes.

Next day on October 20th two devotees of Mother, Shanthakka and Sulochanakka came home with prasadam  from Mangalore and spoke to me of Mother who could cure all agonized souls.  A sudden inspiration and a desire to see Mother got into me after partaking of the prasadam.  I who could not bear to hear the noise of cymbals begged for another Ramnaam Sankirtan again in my house as I was unable to go out.  It is Mother’s advice to members of the Mandali to help a suffering child.  On October 28th another Ramnaam Sankirtan was conducted.

Mother was in Bangalore at that time.  Hearing this, my only desire was to see Her.  I prayed hard to God to fulfill this desire.  My people would not allow me to go as doctors had told them that if I travel I risk my life.  Shanthakka asked the ten members of our Mandali to have a mass pooja to pray so that I may be allowed to go.  It worked and I was sent.  Kudva Mam, the kind man with an iron will, assured my parents of my safety and took me to Bangalore on November 3rd with Shanthakka.  From Mercara to Bangalore we spoke only of Mother as I wanted to know all about Her.  Time and distance was lost on us and I who could not travel even two miles without vomiting, travelled that long distance safely.  Just that unseen power guarded us.

For fear of being detained from my one goal, Mother, I never let my sister or aunt in Bangalore know about my coming.  That night itself I wanted to see Mother.  I was unable to do so.  So I rested with the thought that I was at least in a place where Mother is.  Next day November 4th the memorable day I saw divinity.  Mother came.  I offered flowers prostrating before Her.  Patiently Mother let me be there, threw flowers over me, blessed me and washed off all my sorrows.  Lifting me from darkness to light, Mother infused courage in me.

We invited Mother to our land. Mother nodded with a smile.  At once a champaka flower from Her veni fell down.  Being a widow I had no hopes of getting it, but to my luck Mother divining my thoughts gave it to me. She said She would talk in Canarese that day, about controlling the mind for the benefit of sorrowed persons like me.  For the sake of Bombay Mandali I was asked to translate it into English.  I was stunned.  I had forgotten all languages and scarcely talked after my widowhood.  I who was so immersed in sorrow and lost all power of speech to repeat Mother’s words! How could I!  hearing Her for the first time how could I!  I who had no idea of spirituality!

I just looked at Mother who was smiling and something prompted me to say “With thy grace I shall try”.  All the while Mother’s divine eyes were penetrating me and sending courage to every cell in my body.  I held tight the champaka flower Mother gave in my hands and none might believe me if I say that I had it for a year.  Though dried, it used to emanate a heavenly fragrnce, and always gave me strength to talk well. That day, while listening to Mother, I sat transfixed and with Her grace, repeated a few words of it in English.  My sister who had come to see Mother, was wonderstruck listening to me at my sudden change and was delighted to see me shine with an inner glow.

I went to Bangalore as a broken hearted desperate widow too disgusted with life and I returned full of life, my face radiant with the peace I got from Mother.  I cast off my widowhood internally as I had now steadfast faith in Mother’s words that my “Mangalasootra” is the duty of bradcasting Her principales to suffering millions and as my “Kumkum” is pure bhakthi, prem and viswas as “kankanan.”  I felt with these jewels and wedded to divinity I was no more a widow.

I was able to travel back alone as Shanthakka stayed back to drink more nectar. My people were thrilled to see me.  Never have I fallen ill after that as I have no time to think of illness.  During all the time of eating or drinking, waking or sleeping it is thirst for God that was persisting.  All other actions are mechanical.  Endless energy to carry on the additional responsibility filled me with pleasure and I find the meanings of the spiritual words easy. Dhyanam and smarana are my tonics and vitamins.

Doctors were puzzled and pleased to see my increased vigour and improved state of health.  All my problems seemed to be solved by an unseen hand.  My overnight change so sudden and fruitful was a topic for all our people.  Many come to our bhajans and kept on asking when Mother will come here.  We had to request the Vedantha Sangh, a bigger hall for conducting bhajans.  Words about Mother spread very fast.

Mother fulfills all desires of Her children.  We have to become pure vessels to receive Her grace.  In order to cleanse ourselves to receive Mother, we started Devi poojas and mass prayers. This brought fruit.  To our land of Kauveri came the incarnation of Kauveri Herself, on the 7th November 1959, just after a year and four days after my seeing Mother.  We were all happy and felt like birds of joy.  My home is called “Devi Villa’’ as though it predicted the coming of Devi, long before.  After the second Ramnaam when Shanthakka installed Mother’s photo in my house for the sankirtan, she prayed that Mother Herself should come there in person.  How very true it came to pass !

Although there are very many palatial buildings in Mercara it was this lucky house that was sanctified.  Daily before retiring to bed I used to take up the dried champaka flower and pray that the giver of that should bless our land.  Talking to Mother’s photo and laying beneath it all our sorrows and happiness after poojas, we used to feel sure that Mother would emerge out of it and bless us.

Mother came to “Devi Villa” amidst blowing of conches and arathi.  After Her entrance the house seemed to glow with Her brilliance.  We were too thrilled to act or speak as we were in ecstasies.  The thought that the Mother was actually with us in form gave us untold joy.  What touches one most is Her unselfishness, always thinking of other’s comforts first.  Mother’s needs are very few.

November 7th was a day packed with programmes.  Yet our Mother would not rest without seeing my children.  She called every one of them and spoke so lovingly, bringing peace and laughter.  After hearing Mother none can go wrong. What power made Mother pick up a rebellious child of mine among the lot and direct all attention to her, I cannot understand.  It has transformed my child completely.  What amazes one most is that once a name is uttered Mother can clearly remember it, although she has thousands of children to see.

When I am tired I go to bed directly not even wishing to speak to my children.  What a mortal mother could not do, Divine Mother did by speaking to them even late at night asking about their studies and so on. Qualities like this endeared Mother to us most and children are drawn to her irresistibly.  Her heart is an ocean of love.

November in Coorga is a very trying time with a biting cold.  It was a great wonder to us that Mother rise up at 3 am. and take Her bath in cold water. She disturbed none.  In that brahma muhoortam she was submerged in prayers becoming one with the universe.  Without a cup of strong bed coffee first thing in the morning, one cannot do anything in Coorg.

Mother would not touch anything till 8am., even then it is only a very light breakfast.  With a busy day ahead it bewildered me how Mother can withstand such strain with a light diet.  Always for Mother’s programme there was a terrific rush and the crowd used to behave very well.  It was all a wonder to us.

Mother not only preaches but practices what She preaches.  This can only be noticed when one comes in close contact with Her. No harsh words, not even a rude expression can be got from Her.  Every servant or employee is spoken to very gently.  My servants and children vied with one another to do any little job for Her. Mother is very particular about punctuality.  Never have I seen Mother delayed for any programme. At home in every step or action, Mother teaches good manners and corrects our speech with perfection.  All that Hindu Dharma lays down is reminded to us to be followed.

It is Mother’s universal love that unites us to her children, irrespective of cast and creed on a common platform.  This She does with compassion in Her heart and elixir in Her voice.  To worried masses of humanity Mother gives a balm of peace, truth, justice and love.  Never has anyone gone back forlorn.  Rich and poor alike, from a general to a labourer who came to see Her, She treated all alike.

When Mother was here we had all our wishes granted.  We always felt a current pass through us uplifting us. One memorable day, Mother put a garland over me after a pooja. The vibrations from Her and the divine touch gave a strength to me to last for ages, rejuvenating me. There was no urge to eat, drink or sleep but just to see and hear Mother.  In my life time I cannot forget the whole sweet experience of having divinity at our home and all my prayers now are for the repetition of it.  May God grant that prayer.  On everyone’s face there is the emblem of divine love.  We see mother in every sister and brother.

When Mother leaves a house She always gives presents of new clothes to servants and archakas.  What a wonderful act?  Simple in attire and habits, ever smiling with nobility and speaking soft words are attributes of Hers to be remembered and followed.  Let us bear this in mind and march forth to spread Her gospel with confidence and truth.

I write this with profound feelings coming from the depth of my heart with loving gratitude towards Mother for taking me from death to everlasting bliss.  With the very good fortune of having such a divine guest treasured deep in my heart I have now found shanthi, where once turbulent waves roared.  May Mother always guide us.

– Mrs Bollamma Appanna

The Quest Of The Unknown

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

The search for the Unknown has existed from time immemorial in our ancient land Ajanabha–varaha; which later came to be known as Bharatha–varsha, and in our own times as India.  It has been the usual practice of such aspirants in search of the Unknown to assemble together in retreats far away from the maddening crowds at the feet of a Sadguru.  With his help, as well as constant discussions amongst themselves they tried to reach their goal.  The Guru usually was a Dharma–megha, a Shrotriya, and a Brahma–nishta.  He imparted his experience, gave the necessary guidance and watched their progress.  In such good company and environment of Satsangha, the group developed spiritual consciousness.

Shravana was followed by the practice of Manana, and Nidhidhyasana.  The aspirants after many years of sadhana eventually attained the goal which is Brahma–hood.  For, it is stated, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi.

The aspirants used to address the Guru “O Venerated one, the Vedas declare Brahman is this Universe as well as its cause.  Who is this Brahman?  How did we come into this existence?  What is the foundation of life on earth?  How can we attain the fullness in life?  Who planned this universe which functions with precision and perfect regularity?  Who really maintains the balanced condition which we witness?  What is the substratum in which we live, move and have our being? O Master, we have searched all shastras and the Vedas but get no convincing answer.  Diverse accounts are given therein.  Some say that what we see as creation is governed by time and space.  Others say that the seed determines the tree and the fruit. That is the swabhavashakthi in the seed that determines its development and dissolution.  Some talk of karma as the root cause of the existence of different species as well as individuals.  Others again attribute creation to the five great elements.  Some others declare that the Jivatma is the cause of the universe.  So we are confused and really wish to learn through your grace the knowledge that removes our ignorance (Avidya)  O’ kindness personified, teach us, we prostrate before you in all sincerity.”

The Sadguru, an ocean of kindness, told them “Mounam is Brahman” i.e., in the depth of silence they would find the answer for their queries.  Everything emanates from Brahman.  One should seek him in meditation.”  He very graciously instructed them according to each person’s capacity and level of understanding through proper initiation.  For, initiation is the light that lights the wick in an unlighted lamp.  Even though it may be full of excellent oil or ghee, with a good wick alone it cannot light itself to illuminate everything else around and itself either.  So the need for another lit lamp to give it the necessary life–start.  Thereafter with concentrated effort they steadily turned their minds from the outward to the inward.  The extroverts became introverts.  By sustained meditation and with the Guru’s grace they eventually succeeded in reaching the goal.  Says the Shruti…

‘Te Dhyana–Yoganugatha Apashyana Devatma – Shakthim Swa–Gunairnighoodam”

Seated firmly in meditation they saw the Deva – Atma – Shakthi, which had so long remained within them hidden by the ‘gunas’.  They realized then that it was the one who was the root cause of all that they were intensely searching and querying about.  They contacted Divinity only after rising above gunas which kept the truth hidden from their view.  Silence and Meditation formed important aspects of Sadhana.  Much more than this was the grace of their Guru at whose lotus feet they had surrendered themselves.

Times have changed.  The time and conveniences for solitary pursuit of Reality in the forest retreats are not available to the man of the modern age.  But, the Supreme Parashakti, has incarnated Herself in the person of our beloved Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi, taking the role of a world Teacher.  It is an extremely fortunate event for rejoicing that we meet together at the lotus feet of the Vishwamatha and Sadguru who is in Her illimitable mercy guiding us on the right path, by initiating us into the hidden mysteries.  Her methods are unique.  There has been no instance in the recorded history of the past and present, of the great Parashakthi having come down to this planet of ours.  Nor is there another instance of a personage, however great he may be, of having imparted Brahma Vidya on such mass scale as she has done.  The greatest of teachers in the past at the best, gave it to the selected few after great consideration.

It is to such a power that on bended knees all aspirants pray and invoke though it is invisible. Who but She and She alone has the power to do so.  The treasure She gives is priceless, yet unhesitatingly She bestowes it on us and on everyone who asks for it, and what is more She is again ready with Her gift for the next person who will come for it.  Remember in this context, Mantra is herself.  Does She not by this action fully illustrate the meaning of the Shanthi Mantra “Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornath Poornamudaschyathe Poornasya Poornamadaya Poornameva – avashishyathe;”?  This we chant in our weekly Bhajan gatherings.  Only one with infinite capacity can gift Infinity and yet the remainder will be Infinite.  What a grand situation and opportunity for those who perceive this presence of the Infinite before them!!!

By dint of sadhana, and the kind good graces of Divine Mother, the Parashakthi, may we fit ourselves to deserve to know the secret and the highest knowledge.

– Sri. B. V. RAO.

The search for the Unknown has existed from time immemorial in our ancient land Ajanabha–varaha; which later came to be known as Bharatha–varsha, and in our own times as India. It has been the usual practice of such aspirants in search of the Unknown to assemble together in retreats far away from the maddening crowds at the feet of a Sadguru. With his help, as well as constant discussions amongst themselves they tried to reach their goal. The Guru usually was a Dharma–megha, a Shrotriya, and a Brahma–nishta. He imparted his experience, gave the necessary guidance and watched their progress. In such good company and environment of Satsangha, the group developed spiritual consciousness.

Shravana was followed by the practice of Manana, and Nidhidhyasana. The aspirants after many years of sadhana eventually attained the goal which is Brahma–hood. For, it is stated, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi.

The aspirants used to address the Guru “O Venerated one, the Vedas declare Brahman is this Universe as well as its cause. Who is this Brahman? How did we come into this existence? What is the foundation of life on earth? How can we attain the fullness in life? Who planned this universe which functions with precision and perfect regularity? Who really maintains the balanced condition which we witness? What is the substratum in which we live, move and have our being? O Master, we have searched all shastras and the Vedas but get no convincing answer. Diverse accounts are given therein. Some say that what we see as creation is governed by time and space. Others say that the seed determines the tree and the fruit. That is the swabhavashakthi in the seed that determines its development and dissolution. Some talk of karma as the root cause of the existence of different species as well as individuals. Others again attribute creation to the five great elements. Some others declare that the Jivatma is the cause of the universe. So we are confused and really wish to learn through your grace the knowledge that removes our ignorance (Avidya) O’ kindness personified, teach us, we prostrate before you in all sincerity.”

The Sadguru, an ocean of kindness, told them “Mounam is Brahman” i.e., in the depth of silence they would find the answer for their queries. Everything emanates from Brahman. One should seek him in meditation.” He very graciously instructed them according to each person’s capacity and level of understanding through proper initiation. For, initiation is the light that lights the wick in an unlighted lamp. Even though it may be full of excellent oil or ghee, with a good wick alone it cannot light itself to illuminate everything else around and itself either. So the need for another lit lamp to give it the necessary life–start. Thereafter with concentrated effort they steadily turned their minds from the outward to the inward. The extroverts became introverts. By sustained meditation and with the Guru’s grace they eventually succeeded in reaching the goal. Says the Shruti…

‘Te Dhyana–Yoganugatha Apashyana Devatma – Shakthim

Swa–Gunairnighoodam”

Seated firmly in meditation they saw the Deva – Atma – Shakthi, which had so long remained within them hidden by the ‘gunas’. They realized then that it was the one who was the root cause of all that they were intensely searching and querying about. They contacted Divinity only after rising above gunas which kept the truth hidden from their view. Silence and Meditation formed important aspects of Sadhana. Much more than this was the grace of their Guru at whose lotus feet they had surrendered themselves.

Times have changed. The time and conveniences for solitary pursuit of Reality in the forest retreats are not available to the man of the modern age. But, the Supreme Parashakti, has incarnated Herself in the person of our beloved Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi, taking the role of a world Teacher. It is an extremely fortunate event for rejoicing that we meet together at the lotus feet of the Vishwamatha and Sadguru who is in Her illimitable mercy guiding us on the right path, by initiating us into the hidden mysteries. Her methods are unique. There has been no instance in the recorded history of the past and present, of the great Parashakthi having come down to this planet of ours. Nor is there another instance of a personage, however great he may be, of having imparted Brahma Vidya on such mass scale as she has done. The greatest of teachers in the past at the best, gave it to the selected few after great consideration.

It is to such a power that on bended knees all aspirants pray and invoke though it is invisible. Who but She and She alone has the power to do so. The treasure She gives is priceless, yet unhesitatingly She bestowes it on us and on everyone who asks for it, and what is more She is again ready with Her gift for the next person who will come for it. Remember in this context, Mantra is herself. Does She not by this action fully illustrate the meaning of the Shanthi Mantra “Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornath Poornamudaschyathe Poornasya Poornamadaya Poornameva – avashishyathe;”? This we chant in our weekly Bhajan gatherings. Only one with infinite capacity can gift Infinity and yet the remainder will be Infinite. What a grand situation and opportunity for those who perceive this presence of the Infinite before them!!!

By dint of sadhana, and the kind good graces of Divine Mother, the Parashakthi, may we fit ourselves to deserve to know the secret and the highest knowledge.

The easiest path to attain our Aspiration

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

For us Hindus, Moksha deliverance from Ajnana, (ignorance) has been the only highest aspiration for millennium.  Thinkers past and present have held that as the supreme goal one should aspire to reach in this very life itself.  The prescribed path is to approach a truly Brahmanishta Shrothriya Guru, with the age–old practice of holding ‘samidhas’ in both hands as an offering and to obtain his kind grace for being initiated by him on the path to attain the goal.  Every one of the Rishis and shastras affirm that the goal is reached when the initiate himself becomes Brahman.  For Brahma-vid Brahmaiva Bhavathi’ says shruthi.

It is our good fortune that our Guru is Parashakthi incarnate.  There is none higher than Parashakthi.  For these two reasons quite much more is expected of us.  Firstly our life has to be set to a key of the Model Grihastha, so that those who see us and our mode of living would be spreading the most high principle taught us by the Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi and be spreading among mankind Her Glory on the Universal basis.

The mode of life prescribed is simple living and high thinking practiced intensely in the service of Divine Mother which is true service to humanity that will bring ideal Peace all around.  So long as our faith is firm this is easy enough.  Yet it becomes necessary to very carefully examine every action we perform meticulously, to get to the roots by the process of intelligent logical enquiry without allowing the faith to become credulity.  Scripture declares the Truth and Philosophy argues out the same.  Even then God is not comprehended easily at all times, though he is so closely hidden in the darkest caves of our own hearts in everyone of us, because he is not apparent unless we seek him deep down in ourselves.  The fact that our Divine Mother Herself is the manifestation of Parabrahma is forgotten because of the Avidya Avarana.  Therefore it is that the holy upadesha that we got from Her has to be constantly reflected and meditated upon before the God-vision becomes permanent.  Deep reflection has to be followed by meditation and contemplation until we grasp the reality within us and life is recreated.

Worship is an aid to contemplation.  In worship there is the worshipper and the worshipped also.  The worshipped is the Divine Mother, the Parabrahman in form.  This form in the course of worship is transcended into the Formless, when the trio worshipped, worshipper, and worship merge into the one and there is no separateness experienced.  At such times one feels the stillness, a calmness without ripples of mind waves or any kind of thoughts.

Meditation is not an argument; it is just holding oneself steadily face to face with truth.  All our energies are focused on the goal and every other thought excluded.  The idea meditated upon is allowed to expand and grow; all distracting ideas, disturbing influences retire to the background and one continuous thought alone flows viz:- the thought of the Guru.  This is called ‘Nidhi Dhyasana’ and is described as Ekaartha Vritti Pravaaham’.  Every aspirant therefore must have his Guru.

The Guru teaches about the Truth upto a certain point after which the individual should assimilate the Truth conveyed by his own personal effort through self-discipline, which makes the union with the Parabrahman permanent and everlasting.  The self-discipline, meditation, and self-effort are called by the name yoga.

It is stated in the Shvetashwataara Upanishad and elsewhere that when the awakening takes place scripture no longer is necessary for the awakened person and therefore may be discarded, just as when after the threshing the grain is collected and the chaff discarded, or after eating dinner the leaf on which the dinner was served is thrown away, meaning thereby that once ‘Anubhavam’ is got, scriptures which were necessary as the preparing ground for obtaining that experience are no longer wanted by the person.  This no doubt is true but is a partial fact.  For one does not throw away the baby from the wash basin along with the water that bathed it clean, a lurking danger that exists when thinking ceases and action is likely to become routine liable to error creep and thus land one into  a dangerous situation unwillingly.  Therefore almost all the great and wise teachers have cautioned and laid stress on worship even after one has become a Muktha.  For the sake of himself as well as for lokasangraha even after the final Beatitude is obtained one should continue Upasana i.e. worship, and Swaadhyaya i.e. study of the holy scriptures.  Otherwise there is always a possible danger of one slipping into the abysmal depths of ignorance as many unfortunates have in the past.  That is why the great Achaaryaas of yore, who have spoken highly of Atma Pooja have themselves composed stotraas and worshipped images of deities in different forms not withstanding their firm belief in the Adwaitha which they preached in all its serious aspects to their own immediate disciples.  They have stated that gods like Indra become very jealous of mankind that try to obtain Brahma knowledge and throw in the path of such aspirants obstacles to divert them from their aspirations.  The case of Vishwamitra’s tapas being rendered useless is a well-known instance.  Thus it is that Upasana should not be given up even after final Beatitude has been attained lest in the maayic world one slides down into Avidya, and Vismriti caves into him enveloping him into deep forgetfulness.  It is at such a juncture that the all-kind and gracious Sadguru comes to the aid of the disciple to save him.  It is precisely for this reason one should have a Sadguru and not depend on his own capabilities, for learning by trial and error is a costly affair when one can get easily all the care from the teacher.  As far as we are concerned we are fortunate in as much as our Divine Mother looks after us every second wherever we are.  She has advised us to perform Bhajan, read scripture, practice meditation, to worship daily, contemplate at all times so that the continuous flow of Ekaagratha is not lost sight off.  By these everyone who has come to the sacred feet of Divine Mother must reap the richest reward viz:-attain Poornathwa.

The whole process by which Atma Saakshaatkaara is got is somewhat like that of seeing the expressions on one’s own face by watching the image in a plane mirror. One cannot get the idea of the face he possesses unless he looks in good light into a reflecting surface like water which is still or a plain mirror which is clean.  The source of bright light may be the Sun or a lamp.  When he is at a correct distance from the mirror one gets the best glimpse of his face though it is laterally inverted i.e. a reversed image is what one sees.  The impression is good enough but not exact, yet that is how others see him.  The Guru is the source of light, the sun.  the mirror is the mind of the aspirant that has to be calmed or stilled and kept free from ripples or violent, turbulences, or agitations, which is achieved by the practice of the methods prescribed by the Guru outlined earlier, i.e.Bhajan, worship, reading of scriptures, meditation etc.  For us the object of worship is the Divine Mother or Her images or Pictures taken on different momentous occasions. Her declarations and letters to devotees as well as disciples are our scriptures that should be studied assiduously, and meditation prescribed is the rule.  Her leelas which are manifold have besides a normal simple meaning, a profound adwaitic significance that needs to be discovered and explained to our fellow travelers.  The recent messages and declarations of Divine Mother published in Dharmadesam, and the letters that have appeared in print in the publication  — ‘Path to Beatific Peace’ need the most careful study for such of those who cannot follow English easily proper renderings in our own languages like Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam etc., are the immediate need.  Group study and discussions in mandalies on topics contained therein would be extremely profitable, for they contain the cream of Her declarations and pronouncements full of lofty enriching enlightenment. Are they not shruti, for they are words emanating from the ‘mukha-padma’ of our Divine Mother, the Parashakthi Herself?  In these days when Dharma has to be salvaged not only in Bharat but the whole world has to be saved from the chaos, it is our first duty to master Her techniques which she has given us and be ‘best equipped to be the instruments that can carry Her advice to those who are groping for light and guidance in the vast world around us.  We should lead them to the sacred feet of Divine Mother.  Let the whole of humanity look up and come to Her sacred presence and get their shares of the ever flowing boundless Grace is my fervent prayer.

– Basroor Venugopal Rao

Guru Bhakti

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Guru Bhakti is reverential love and sanctified feelings towards the Gurudev.  It is total surrender to Satguru and absolute faith in His words for they are veda-vakyas.  Doing obeisance with humility and reverence, perfect obedience in carrying out his commands, worshipping His lotus feet with love and devotion, listening to His holy upadesh and sincerely practicing it are the multiple expressions of Guru Bhakti.

It is not possible for any aspirant to attain the highest if only he has Guru Bhakti.  The Guru’s grace frees the sadhaka from the thralldom of matter and the fetters of prakrithi.  The surrender at the lotus feet gives peace to the agitating mind and ushers steadiness and composure.  What is the secret of Guru Bhakti?  It is complete self-surrender backed by sincere and earnest effort.  Faith in the words of the guru is the first and the last rung in the spiritual ladder.  The identification of the guru with the supreme is a great stride in the spiritual path.

Guru bhakti is the grace of the divine and is not a result either of intellectual knowledge, interpretation of shastras; good vocabulary; or scholarship.  Meditation, satsang, austerities, and vairagya — (the essence to realize that Paramathma is the abiding and eternal truth and everything else is transitory), induce detachment and dispassion.  The guru will imperceptibly help the aspirant from downfalls and shield him to resist temptation.  The redeeming grace of the guru is a sheet-anchor for a sadhaka.  The impenetrable armour of guru’s grace protects the chela from the piercing darts of the prarabdha.  With surrender, the guru helps to erase the disturbing elements of the mind and gives him strength to do sadhana and overcome maya.  Guru bhakti transforms the ego-sense into infinite consciousness.  It is the culmination of the three yogas and the foundation of the spiritual life.  Without Guru bhakti one cannot proceed even an inch.  Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi has often said to serve mankind is the service of the guru who manifests and pervades as one supreme shakthy.  Guru “uchista” is the bodhana given by the guru.  True and abiding happiness is at the lotus feet of the Guru, but the ringing note is unconditional surrender.

It is conformed on the sadhaka to obey the guru, whose words are “Amritha-dhara” based on supreme knowledge, and a wider and deeper vision, while the sadhak’s knowledge and vision are limited.  It is like a man on the hills who can see miles in front while the man on the plane can see only a small portion.  The only condition for the manifestation of grace is surrender.  Then the “I” will remain an unattached observer of actions and thoughts and be convinced that everything is being controlled by the higher power and the ego should  submit to it.  The ego has to be sacrificed and one needs strong perseverance, but the guru’s grace will protect and aid the aspirant, which he on his own  is incapable of achieving by his own efforts.  True bhakti is a matter of intense feeling and it is unshakeable whatever the trials and tribulations are; his mind remains unmoved.

Guru bhakti is the kernel of dharma.  All Gods are propitiated if and when the guru is propitiated.  We in our ignorance are not able to realize His glory and greatness, just as the sun to our naked eyes seems no bigger than a huge ball due to the distance.  The guru’s grace is the pillar and support for a sadhaka, for it flows in a mysterious way if one only opens oneself with total surrender, and dedication, sincere and earnest prayers.  One can always keep contact with the guru for distance is not a barrier.  Constant communion opens a channel between the guru and shishya, for the grace and light to flow.  Reverence and humility alone can break down the prison walls built brick by brick by ahankara, and crush the web woven by the notion of “I and mine.”  The relationship between guru and shishya is one which goes much deeper than anyone can understand.  He cannot reach the guru by growing higher but the guru comes down in His infinite compassion, responding to his appeals, Disciple should execute guru’s will follow His lead and do His bidding with intense devotion, pure and unselfish motives, and untainted with desires.  Guru bhakthi elevates the mind and culminates in jnana.  The grace of the guru falls on one and all alike, as the rain falls on trees, shrubs, plants, weeds, and grass, uniformly but the growth depends on ones potentiality.  The guru comes not when we want but when we need.

Govind, the farmer, tall with a calm face, friendly eyes, hospitable and God fearing, lived in a village near Dhond, with his faithful wife, and two sweet children.  The rustic farmer lived a simple life, cultivating his few fields, and contemplating on tragedy of life, and the mysterious way of nature: The year passes and never returns, the days of the year are unrolled while the days of his own life are shortened, and how time eludes.  Life like a candle flickers in the wind and vanishes.  Man sits to plan but old age creeps in and his energy is diminished.  The scene of song and dance passes away in the twinkling of an eye, sorrow and misery takes vantage.  Man clings to glory and wealth, vying with one another in the ambitious race for power and fame.  He thus wonders at the instability and the diverse problems confronting life.

Very near his hut, under the deep shade of the spreading branches of an old and majestic tree a few disciples gathered in the evening to pay homage and listen to the words of a Guru.  Govind was extremely eager to join the group of devotees, but knew not how to approach.  Early one morning when he was in his fields at work he saw the venerable Guru passing along the bund of the field. Mustering courage he fell at the lotus feet of the guru, who blessed him and enquired his needs.

Govind replied “Maharaja, I have no desires, my only wish is to surrender and seek peace at Thy lotus feet.”  The Guru smiled, and to test his sincerity and obedience asked him to cut the crop in his field.  Govind was only too glad to carry the behest of the guru.  He ran home to fetch a scythe and started to cut the crop which was yet unripe.  The wife in bewilderment followed him and so did his friends and neighbors, who were amazed at the sight.  They failed to persuade him to desist, for he was too absorbed in his act.  Next morning Govind met his Guru, who had learnt that the crops had been cut.  The guru said, “I may have asked you to cut the crops, but should you not exercise your discrimination?”  “Maharaj,” said Govind “when everything has been surrendered where is the intellect to discriminate?”  The guru smiled and was pleased at the steadfast faith and total surrender of Govind.  At the harvesting time all were amazed to notice that Govind’s crop yielded the thrice the quantity, than it usually did.  The grace worked its own wonder.

– V. R.