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 DEVOTION BEYOND DESIRES

1) atha vishvesha! vishwatman! vishwamurte! vvakeshu me’

sneha paashamimam chindi dhrdam paandushu vrushnishu
Meaning: O Lord of everyone! O Lord who dwells within
everyone! O Lord who exists as every existence! I have been bound
tightly by the noose called attachment towards my maternal
relatives i.e. Yadavas and towards my in-laws i.e. the Kuru lineage.
O Lord, please shred this noose.

2) tvayee me’nanya vishayaa matirmadhupate’sakrt

ratim-udvahataadaddhaa gangevaugha mudanvati
Meaning: O Lord of bliss! Just as River Ganga ignores all the
obstacles in her path and flows unstoppingly till she merges into
the ocean, I pray that my mind too should ignore all other
distracting factors and permanently flow towards You. With total
love, my mind should merge into You.

3) srikrishna! krishna sakha! vrishnya-rushabhaavaneedhruk

raajasya vamshadahanaanan-apavarga veerya!
govinda! go-dvija suraarti haraavataara!
yogeeshwaraakhila guro! bhagavan namaste

Bhakti Mala 5 July ~ 2020

Apirl 2019
Meaning: O Srikrishna! O friend of Arjuna! O scion of the Vrishni
lineage! O Lord who has destroyed the lineages of all those kings
who harmed mother earth! O Govinda! O Lord who has incarnated
to help the distressed Cows, Brahmins and Devatas! O Lord of
Yoga! O Guru for the universe! O Bhagavan! To you I offer
obeisance.
In the previous episode, we discussed that Kunti-devi openly
acknowledged before the Lord the mistake committed by her
family. In that context we also discussed that devotees must accept
their mistake before the Lord and seek forgiveness.
Now, in the three verses taken up for discussion this month,
Kunti-devi acknowledges one defect that exists in her and
beseeches the Lord to rectify it. In order to empower her prayer
she glorifies the Lord through various names. For this reason, we
have taken these three verses as a group.
First and foremost, Kunti acknowledges that in asking
Srikrishna to not leave them and go away, there is a defect. It was
true that the Pandavas would feel orphaned if Srikrishna were to
leave them and go away, but, at the same time, Krishna staying
back with Pandavas would cause the Yadavas to feel orphaned and
to Kunti, both Pandavas and Yadavas were her own kin. If any of
her relatives would suffer due to Krishna’s absence, she would be
pained.
This is typically the main problem faced by a woman in her
spiritual journey. Bonds of affection in women are twice as strong
as that in men. A woman needs her parental relations as well as the
marital relations. Here, Kunti directly admits that these bonds of
affection are like a strong noose pulling her down.
We often come across animals tied down using a noose. An
animal does not have the capacity to free itself from the noose. It
is the owner who has to shred or cut the noose around its neck. In

Bhakti Mala 6 April ~ 2020

other words, only the owner Srikrishna has the capacity to cut
such noose.
To lay stress on the fact that the Lord alone is capable of
cutting the noose, Kunti has addressed Him as Vishvesha,
Vishwatman and Vishwamurti in the first verse. ‘Vishwa’ is common
across all the three names.
‘You are the Lord who governs this universe (Vishvesha),
You are the inner dweller who causes it to function (Vishwatman).
In fact, You alone manifested in the form of this universe
(Vishwamurti) and hence, O Lord, You are the one who bestows
all animate and inanimate objects in creation with form and You
are the one who deprives them of form. Therefore, please
permanently shred these bonds of affection that are binding me
tightly to my family’, says Kunti.
In the first verse, is the word ‘dhridham’ which has two
meanings viz, strong, and eternal. Kunti-devi has composed her
prayer such that both these interpretations could be drawn.
If the Lord has to free us from the bondages and delusions,
what is the contribution we must offer? The answer to this is given
by Kunti in the second verse and prior to beseeching Him she
addresses him as ‘Madhupati’.
According to the Vedas, ‘Madhu’ means bliss and as such
Madhupati means ‘the Lord of bliss’ or ‘the Lord who showers
bliss’. As spiritual aspirants therefore it is our duty to lovingly fix
our mind on that Lord completely! We must strive to reach this
state of bliss.
‘If you know the answer, why are you not working in that
direction?’- anticipating this question, she herself replies- ‘O Lord,
akin to us, even River Ganga faces obstacles. Nevertheless, without
stopping she crosses huge mountain ranges and reaches the ocean.

April ~ 2020 7 Bhakti Mala

She is able to achieve this due to her undying and strong love
towards the ocean-god.
But in my case, the various worldly attractions have cast an
influence on my mind and has resulted into an obstacle preventing
me from fixing my mind permanently upon you. You alone have
the capacity to remove this obstacle and fill me with eternal and
undying love for the Supreme. This is possible only because You
are the Lord of bliss and the Lord who showers bliss’.
In other words, she is hinting, ‘I am doing my best in trying
to remain focused on you alone. However my efforts will not yield
fruit without Your blessings’. Such deep heartfelt prayer is a must
for any devotee who wishes to free himself from delusion!
This earnest prayer is highlighted by calling out to the Lord
with 10 names and with this, she concludes her prayer. In calling
out the Lord with these names, not only does she glorify Him but
she also mentions all the help He has given to her thus far in life.
Let us consider each name separately-

1. Srikrishna- For being her dearest nephew she lovingly

addresses Him by His name Krishna. But by prefixing
‘Sri’, she indicates that He is none other than the
Supreme Lord Srihari.
2. Krishna sakha- O friend of Arjuna! Was He an ordinary
friend? No. He was the supreme friend who, in the role
of a Guru, imparted the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. After
imparting this supreme teaching, in the role of a
charioteer, he sat by Arjuna’s feet and drove the chariot.
3. Vrshni vrushabha- O Scion of the Yadava (Vishni)
lineage! It means, although you are the scion of Yadava
lineage you have bestowed sovereignty upon the
Pandavas.

Bhakti Mala 8 April ~ 2020

 4. Avaneedrhruk- O destroyer of the lineage of kings! You
have reduced to dust those lineages of kings who were
harming Mother Earth i.e. You are the Lord who has
destroyed all our enemies.
5. Anapavargaveerya- O Lord who possesses eternal and
undying divinity! It means He who eternally protects
them in transcendental ways.
6. Govinda- The word ‘Go’ also means Kamadhenu. He
who has obtained the Kamadhenu is Govinda. Also,
Govinda means, ‘He who possesses that ultimate
prosperity by which He can fulfill all the cherished
desires of others’.
7. Go-dvija sura aarti haraavataara- O Lord who has
incarnated to dispel the troubles of cows, Brahmins,
Devatas! In other words, it means, O protector of all the
three worlds.
8. Yogeshwara- O Lord (leader) of all Yogis!
9. Akhilaguro- O Guru for the universe.
10. Bhagavan- O Lord who possesses all the 6 types of
prosperity. What are they?

maahaatmyasya samagrasya dhairasya yashasah sriyah

jnana vairaagya yoshcaiva shannaam bhaga iteerana
(Amarakoshavyakhya)
Meaning: Completeness in transcendence, courage, fame,
prosperity/wealth, ripened knowledge and perfectness in
detachment- these are the 6 attributes of Bhagavan.
Only the Supreme Lord has in Him these 6 attributes in full.
As such, the term Bhagavan is aptly suited only for Him. Thus, by
addressing the Lord by these 10 names, Kunti has, in a step-by-
step progressive manner, expressed her gratitude, and has also
highlighted His transcendental nature.

April ~ 2020 9 Bhakti Mala

 By the time she concluded her prayer, she had totally
forgotten her initial desire and ended up immersing herself
completely into His Supreme Essence.
My dear spiritual aspirants! This is the primary lesson that
you need to learn from Kunti’s prayer. To be in a state that is
totally free from any desire is the ultimate state. Where that is
impossible, try to ensure that the desires you entertain are within
the tenets of dharma i.e. they should never be against dharma.
To fulfill your desires, do not seek refuge in other humans.
Directly seek shelter under the Lord. But this does not mean you
constantly think of the Lord only because He will fulfill your
desire. Do not wait earnestly seeking that they must materialize.
Practice to gradually forget the desires and instead absorb His
divine essence. Immerse yourself in that essence. God showers
far more than what is sought to those who follow this technique.
This is exactly what happened in Kunti’s life.
May this prayer by Kunti become a guiding lamp in your
spiritual pursuits! May this lamp show you the path to obtain Guru
Datta’s grace!
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Swamiji

Bhakti Mala 10 April ~ 2020

 Serial
Glory of the

VEDAS
Sri Datta Vijayananda
Teertha Swamiji

KOOSHMANDA MANTRAS – 45
India is a land of many specialities. The breathtakingly
beautiful Himalayas, Ganga and other magnificent rivers, the
wonderful oceans on all three sides, the many sacred pilgrim
centres that have been existing since thousands of years, the
various scenic locations, beautiful lakes and many other enchanting
places spread all over the country enhance its fame multifold.
While spreading the magnificence of our Vedas and the
greatness of our spiritual knowledge across the globe, our
Sadgurudeva, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is also
instilling in people the feelings of compassion, universal
brotherhood and peace.
By making available innumerable Spiritual Masters to the
world, our country has assumed the position of the universal Guru
(Jagadguru). It is the ancient Vedic knowledge that has enabled
our country to obtain the position as Guru for the universe!
Among the many laudable facts of India, that which must
find a mention is that it is a land of many languages. Unity in
diversity- this is apt for India! Indians stand as an example of unity
in diversity.
During the 1961 census, a startling discovery was made. It
was that 1600 dialects were in vogue in India which included Indian
as well as foreign languages. Among them, 150 languages were

April ~ 2020 11 Bhakti Mala

extensively used. Of them, 22 languages were notified as official
languages by the Government.
The second most-important factor is that India is the world’s
largest democracy. Democracy means, it is a Government of the
people, elected by the people. Very recently someone enquired,
‘Swamiji, you say that every aspect of life finds a mention in the
Vedas. Do Vedas speak of a democratic republic?’
In response, we chanted the below mantra-
Prajaapatir devaasuraan asrujata... sa indramapi naasrujata... tam
devaa abruvan... indram no janayeti... so’ braveet... yathaaham
yushmaangam sthapasaa’ srukshi... evamindram janayadhvamiti...
te tapo’ tapyanta... ta aatmannindram apyashan.. tamabruvan...
Jaayasyeti... …..praajanayan...
At the beginning of creation, the creator Lord Brahma created
celestials and demons but did not create a king (leader) for either
of them.
At that time, the celestials approached Lord Brahma saying,
‘O Lord! Please create a king who can rule us’.
The Lord replied, ‘O Devatas! Just as I created you all through
the process of penance, you too must perform penance and create
(elect) your king. Meditation is the tool for creation. This is my
advice’.
Pleased with this advice, all of them began penance
collectively. When they were thus engrossed in meditation, in their
hearts Indra manifested. When the same Indra manifested in all
their hearts, all of them collectively prayed to him saying, ‘O Indra
(leader)! Please take birth as our leader (Indra)’.
Agreeing to their request, he emerged from their hearts (like
the leader chosen by the masses) and accepted the position as
their king. Indra, who thus accepted this position as the leader for

Bhakti Mala 12 April ~ 2020

the celestials, considered this position as a blessing bestowed upon
him.
Indra was good-natured, humble and service-oriented. The
celestials gifted him the lordship over all the 14 worlds together
with all the luxuries therein. Then, with their permission, he
accepted them and using only as much as necessary, ruled them
wonderf ully. He treated all the Devatas kindly and lovingly’. This
was the reply I had given.
Let us now consider what this mantra has to say about
democracy.
It is a norm in the world that children are born from parents,
and servants arise from employers. However, in this mantra, the
Devatas who would be ruled, created him who would rule them. In
other words, they elected their leader using meditation as the
voting mechanism.
Meditation means ‘an extremely pure deed’ in which even a
trace of likes-dislikes, selfishness, and polarity (pakshapatam)
do not exist. This should exactly be the way voters behave. They
must observe the good qualities of the candidates and vote for
one who has them. This is hinted by the Vedas.
In the process of such selection, the voter must not succumb
to any form of force. He should listen to his heart, and in
accordance to its instructions without cheating and without
breaking rules (atma vanchana, nyaya vanchana) carefully vote
for the person whom he wants as his leader. This is what the Vedas
seek to convey.
Vedas have also hinted that citizens should be unanimous
(ekaabhipraaya) in selection of leader. He who has been elected,
should not turn conceited about it. On the contrary, he must truly
consider it a chance to serve the citizens of the land.

April ~ 2020 13 Bhakti Mala

 He who has thus been elected as the representative of the
people obtains the right to enjoy certain luxuries and, as long as
he enjoys them within limits, even the citizens approve of it- even
this point has been indirectly mentioned by the Vedas.
The person who, instead of obtaining the rightful vote of the
citizens, buys the vote cannot be termed a leader (nayaka). He is a
dictator. Even this fact finds mention in Vedas.
Just as he did not create a leader for the Devatas, the four-
faced Brahma did not create a leader for the demons either.
However, only the Devatas prayed to Brahma, learnt from him the
technique of using penance as a tool to elect their leader. They
followed the advice and created their leader.
However the demons who consist of the daityas, rakshasas
and asura races, did not follow this technique. The most powerful
among them used his physical might to suppress and torture others
and declare himself the ruler.
As Indra obtained the rulership over heaven with the
acceptance of all the citizens and through the proper election
process, whenever a problem arises in heaven, or for the Devatas,
humans, birds or animals, immediately Mother Goddess or the
Trinity step in to resolve the problem. They defeat the demons
and restore the rulership of heaven to Indra. There are many
examples of this in the Vedas and Puranas.
From this we understand that the leader who gets elected in
a democratic way, not only has the approval of the citizens, but he
also enjoys the blessings of the Lord.
Jaya Guru Datta

Bhakti Mala 14 April ~ 2020

 BHAJANA YOGA SIDDHI
(Sri Swamiji’s Bhajans Explained)
Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji
The bhajan that we are going to take up now, was composed
during the 75th birthday celebrations of our revered Sadguru Sri
Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji at the behest of the noted
Carnatic musicians Malladi brothers.
The extremely renowned Carnatic tradition musician,
Venkatamakhi has expounded the melakarta system. In this system
there are 12 chakras and within every chakra there are 6 râgas. In
this bhajan, the names of the first ragas of the 12 chakras are
found. Isn’t it apt to glorify Sri Swamiji through raga
names? Afterall, He destroys physical and mental diseases as well
as the disease called repeated rebirths (bhava roga) through the
Raga Ragini Vidya.
kanakaangi sri jayalakshmi
ratna manohara guro! namo
O Gurudeva, who is the precious gem to the golden-hued
Mother Jayalakshmi! O Sadguru who steals the minds! To you I
offer obeisance.
(Among the Melakarta ragas, Kanakangi is the first. This
keertana begins with it’s name).
vaaksenaavati bhavati sadaa
bhaktirgaayakapriya! bhavatu
maanasa saalaga! raagagavaam
bhodhi sudhaamsho! shodhaya maam…..1
May we eternally be filled with devotion towards You, who
have retained an army of good teachings in order to destroy our
inner enemies! You, the lover of music (gayaka) reside in the
enclosure known as the mind. You are like the full moon to the
ocean called musical rays (raga kirana). Please purify our minds.
April ~ 2020 15 Bhakti Mala
 (In this verse, the first ragas of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th chakras
viz., senavati, gaayakapriya, saalagam, gavaambodhi are
incorporated).
dhavalaambari mukha nirgata jhum-
kaara dhwani jita jana hrdaya!
gurudrkkumaara ranjani! maam
kurutaadamtardhrishti maye!....2
You have conquered the hearts of the people with your
jhumkara-like melodious voice that emanates from Your beautiful
face, which, accompanied by the white beard, appears like the
bright white sky. O compassionate gaze of Sadguru, which delights
us, who are all child-like! Please make us all inward-gazing.
Upon seeing Swamiji, the first to catch our attention is His
white beard. In Sanskrit, a beard is known as ‘koorcha’. For this
reason, we say in our prayers, ‘koorchaabhiraama smita manju
vaktram’.
The sacred darbha grass that gives sanctity to the Yagna is
also known as koorcha. Even the broom is called koorcha. Like a
broom His beautiful white bread washes away the dust that has
accumulated in the mirror called mind. His face, accompanied by
that beard glows infinitely like the white autumn skies.
In this verse, the first ragas of the 6th, 7th and 8th chakras viz.,
dhavalambari, jhumkaaradhvani and maararanjani are found.
bahirantah krta yaagapriya!
shyaamalasannija mahaashaya !
shrutikaantaamani bhooshana bhooshita!
sucaritra shri saadhunuta! ….3
O Gurudeva who is pleased with the completion of inner and
outer Yagnas (bahir and antar yagas)! O Sadgurudeva, whose
feelings are totally fixed upon the dark complexioned Srikrishna.
O Sadguru who is ornamented by the most exquisite ornament
Bhakti Mala 16 April ~ 2020
known as Vedas! O Guru whose life story is really beautiful! O
prosperous one! I offer obeisance to you, to whom all sadhus offer
prostrations!
In this verse the first ragas of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th
chakras i.e. yaagapriya, shyaamalangi, kaantamani and sucharitram
are found.
tvamapara para sammelanakarta
tat tvam pada samyoga vidhaata
chitta vimohana kaaranaharta
jayashri ganapati Sachchidananda!... 4
O Sadguru Swamiji! You are the one who teaches spiritual
aspirants about the merger of individual soul into the supreme
soul! You are the one who grants the merger of the tat and tvam
words. You are the one who destroys the ignorance that is the cause
for all delusion experienced. May victory be to You, O Sri
Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.
In this verse, the term melakarta is found. (In Guru Gita, the
three verses from akhanda mandalakaram are most important. In
them, the mahavakya tat-tvam-asi and its inner significance are
explained. What we presume ourselves to be, in reality we are
not. The supreme soul manifests as the individual soul. The
experiential knowledge about this can be given only by a Self-
realized master or Sadguru. By seeking shelter under such supreme
master Sadguru Sri Swamiji, who can bestow us with this
experiential realization, let us all get uplifted).
jaati neeti kula gotra dooragam
naama roopa guna dosha varjitam
desha kaala vishayaativarti yat
brahma tattvamasi bhaavayaatmani
(Viveka Chudamani, 2-54)

April ~ 2020 17 Bhakti Mala

 from the discourses of

Sadguru Sri Sri Swamiji

GEMS FROM MAHABHARATA
STORY OF UDANKA
(From Adi Parva)
Udanka travelled to the abode of serpents (Naga loka) and
praised profusely Ananta, Vasuki, Airavata, Takshaka and other
serpent-lords. The Almighty Lord is pleased when prayed to.
Udanka, who was totally dedicated towards his commitment to his
Guru, had prayed and lavishly praised all the serpent-lords including
Takshaka, who had stolen the ear-rings.
Among the above serpent-lords, Takshaka, Abhedya, Dushkara
were mean-minded and hence Udanka heaped even more lavish
praise on them.
Kadru was the mother of the serpents. Among her sons,
Ananta, Vasuki, Airavata and Takshaka are prominent and as such,
Udanka offered prayers to them in the same order. In future, in the
snake-yaga that would be undertaken by Janmejaya, Udanka would
play a very important role.
Ananta, Vasuki, Airavata and others, due to their profound
past merit, sought shelter in Narayana, Parameshwara and other
Devatas. On the contrary, wicked serpents belonging to the
Takshaka lineage were totally destroyed in the homa-fire when
Janmejaya performed the Yagna. It reached a state when even
Bhakti Mala 18 April ~ 2020
Takshaka’s life was endangered. Even during the time when the
Khandava forest was burning, Takshaka, who had befriended Indra,
the Lord of heaven, saved his life with Indra’s help alone.
When he had finished his prayers glorifying all the serpent-
lords, Udanka came across a strange scene. He saw two women
weaving a cloth using black and white threads. For the purpose of
weaving they were rotating a wheel that had 12 leaves. This wheel
was being rotated by 6 strong men. A divine celestial, who had
mounted a strong, tall horse was supervising the weaving work.
Udanka was perplexed seeing this. He could make no sense
of it. He neared the celestial and, with many divine prayers and
words, glorified him in various ways. Pleased with Udanka, the
celestial said,
‘O pure-minded man! O man who is steadfast in truthfulness!
O Udanka Maharishi! I am deeply pleased with your prayers. Tell
me what you desire. I shall fulfill it. I shall grant you a boon’.
Very happy upon hearing this, Maharishi Udanka said, ‘O
celestial one! Please grant me a boon that the entire clan of
serpents remains in my control’.
The celestial said, ‘Blow once into this horse’s ear. Your wish
will be fulfilled’. Udanka did as told.
Udanka blew forcefully into the horse’s ear. That was it!
Fumes began to emanate from the horse and in no time covered
the entire patala-loka (world where serpents were living). Fearing
that the final annihilation had arrived, the serpents trembled in
fright. In great fear Takshaka hastened to Udanka, handed over the
earrings he had stolen and begged pardon for his offence.
April ~ 2020 19 Bhakti Mala
 Udanka accepted the earrings. He remembered the condition
that had been put forth by his Guru’s wife that she had to wear the
earrings on the fourth day from the day she had requested. That
was the last day. He had to rush back if he had to live up to the
promise. How was he to cover this vast distance so quickly?
Reading the thoughts, the celestial said, ‘Mount this horse.
It will take you quickly to your destination. It has the power to
travel faster than wind and mind’.
Maharishi Udanka mounted the horse and in the time one
blinks the eye, he reached his Guru’s home. Exactly at that moment,
his Guru’s wife had completed her bath, worn new clothes and was
waiting for the earrings so that she could wear them. In great joy
she accepted the earrings, wore them and profusely blessed the
great Brahmin who was in front of her in the form of their student.
Having repaid the debt to his Guru, Udanka now silently stood
beside his master.
With loving eyes, Maharishi Paila looked at his student
Udanka and asked, ‘Why did you require so much time to travel to
King Poushya’s home, which is located close by?’
Udanka then narrated in detail all that had happened. He then
enquired, ‘O Sadguru! Who was the celestial who had mounted
the bull when I was on my onward journey? Who were the women
who were weaving the cloth with black and white threads?’
Maharishi Paila replied, ‘O great sage! O Maharishi Udanka!
The celestial who was mounted on the bull was Indra. The bull that
he was riding was actually his elephant Airavata. Its dung was nectar.
Now you have obtained the fortune of drinking nectar.

Bhakti Mala 20 April ~ 2020

 The two women whom you saw in the serpent-abode
(nagaloka) were Dhaata and Vidhaata. The black and white threads
which they were using to weave symbolized night and day. The
wheel they used represented a year with its 12 leaves symbolizing
the 12 months. The 6 men who were rotating the wheel were the 6
seasons.
The horse is the form of fire. The celestial who had mounted
it was Indra’s friend Parjanya. Abiding by Indra’s command, you
ate the cow dung (drank nectar) and as such you could be successful
in your mission and obtained the earrings. You, who have
completed Guru’s mission perfectly will be blessed with all
auspiciousness’.
With Guru’s permission, Udanka left for the forests and there
he slipped into deep penance for a very long time. Desirous of
teaching a lesson to Takshaka, who had harmed him, he went and
approached King Janmejaya

(to be continued)

April ~ 2020 21 Bhakti Mala

 Serial
ADI SHANKARA

Telugu Original:
Datta Peetha Asthana Vidwaan
Sri Rani Subbayya Deekshitulu

PROPAGATING VEDANTA
Maharishi Vyasa’s words filled Shankara Bhagavadpada with
renewed enthusiasm. He now understood that he had accomplished
only half the purpose for which he had arrived on earth and that
there was a lot more to be done. Authoring commentaries was
strikingly different from propagating them.
In authoring commentaries, only his intelligence and wisdom
were put to use. However, in getting into debates on these subjects,
he needed assistance from others. He also had to teach in a way
that the doctrines established by him were easily grasped.
Communication had to be affirmative, and in a crystal clear manner.
He also had to logically convince those treading different paths
and turn them on to his path.
Bhagavadpada was fully aware that it was no child’s play.
Conquering enemies through physical might was easy. To conquer
them using one’s intellectual capacities was far more difficult.
Towards this, one needed the Lord’s blessings. The divine energy’s
help was essential.
Bhagavadpada was totally showered with Vyasa’s blessings
and the Supreme Lord’s compassionate gaze. Hence, he decided
to blow the conch invoking the Vedanta battle.

Bhakti Mala 22 April ~ 2020

 Accepting the commentaries for the aphorisms of the
Brahmasutras as the arrows, mounting the divine chariots known
as Upanishads, with the assistance of Padmapada, Shankara
Bhagavadpada took on the position of the commander-in-chief and
single-handedly led the battlefront. Just as Lord Srikrishna and
Arjuna had blown the Paanchajanya and Devadatta conches to
declare the war, Bhagavadpada blew the conch known as tattva
(Supreme Essence). He beat the drum called Vedanta.
The sound of his drum crossed the limits of Kashi town and
resounded in all directions. The hearts of those who were
propagating paashanda (heretical, impious) doctrines shuddered
with fright. Yatis, Yogis, Sadhus, Munis and Sadhakas found these
sounds melodious and enjoyed the rendition. Like the sweet waters
of the Ganga, Bhagavadpada’s voice quenched the thirst of all those
who were thirsty for the Vedantic knowledge. All of them began
to eagerly await his darshan.
Swami began to visit all the villages and addressed the masses.
While blessing the ordinary folks with his darshan, he was also
dispelling all their doubts. His disciples, who saw him as a
personification of Shiva himself, began to worship him. Supreme
devotees of Lord Vishnu began to look up to him as an incarnation
of Vishnu himself and with this firm conviction began to offer
services to him.
Shankara Bhagavadpada propagated that there was no
distinction whatsoever between Shiva and Vishnu. He asked the
people to worship Shiva, Vishnu, Sun-god, Ganapati and Ambika
i.e. to perform the Panchaayatana Puja. He asked people to keep
that deity, towards whom the person had extreme love and devotion,
as the chosen deity and offer worship. Bhagavadpada’s advice thus
remained firmly fixed in the minds of the masses.

April ~ 2020 23 Bhakti Mala

 Desirous of having the darshan of Shankara who would be
travelling with his troupe of disciples, even the Sun-God would
remain standing in the skies glowing in full splendour, watching
him. Unable to withstand the intense heat, the disciples would seek
shelter under some large tree. Laughingly Swami would follow
them there and sit with them under the shade. But the disciples
could not fathom why their master was laughing.
A little rest and then all of them would continue to walk. In
this way, during the day they walked from one village to another.
By Sunset, they would come back to the banks of Ganga, complete
their Sandhyavandana rituals, and before resting for the night they
would discuss the happenings of the day and plan for the next day.
In order to express their gratitude to the saint for the
meaningful advice and words of love, the villagers would offer to
him fruits and flowers. Some people, impressed by his teachings,
would join the groups of followers and continue the journey. In
this way, with every passing day, the number of students following
him was increasing. From a distance it appeared as if an entire
village was walking behind the master. After covering all the
villages on the banks of Ganga, Shankara, along with his huge troupe
of students, stepped into the settlements near the Vindhya ranges.
His students would be singing endlessly the Gita-bhashyam
(commentary on Bhagavad Gita), Upanishad bhashyam
(commentary on Upanishads) and Sutra bhashyam (commentary
on Brahma sutras). Recollecting the secrets contained in them,
they would rejoice, soaked in bliss.
(to be continued)

Bhakti Mala 24 April ~ 2020

 ARGUING WITH SADGURU IS A TERRIBLE SIN
(Sri Swamiji’s discourse in Mysore on 11-08-2018)
‘Tanu mana dalli vacanadali’- this bhajan composed by
Sri Swamiji is extremely dear to both Telugu and Kannada devotees.
When the essence contained in it is grasped completely, we develop
unwavering, firm devotion towards our Sadguru.
The present period we live in is totally a turbulent one and
hence it is of utmost importance to develop steady, unflinching
devotion towards our Sadguru. Our devotion towards our
Sadguru should be as steady as the stream of oil that flows
during taila dhara. (In Taila dhara oil is poured into a container
that has a small hole at its base. The flow of oil from such a
container is steady and uniform).
Water that flows from such a container does not maintain
uniform consistency. It varies depending upon the force of wind.
More importantly, droplets of water falling from the container
splash in all directions. Unlike this, the flow of oil is uniform,
steady and stable throughout the period of flow.
The moment any devotee gets upset with his/her
Sadguru, it is like an end. All the efforts put in during the many
years of association will erode that very instant. He/she has to re-
start the efforts once again right from the very first step.
‘Hunkâra’, criticizing Guru, trying to prove your point with
your Sadguru or arguing with Him about the correctness of your
actions throws you into the dreaded Rourava hell.’ – says the Guru
Gita. ‘Why do you say this about me Swamiji? I am so and so...’-
the person who argues thus with Sadguru will be allotted the first
seat in the terrible hell. Remember this with caution - speaking
thus with your Sadguru is totally prohibited. You should, with
determined practice, increase your level of devotion and ensure
that it is as steady as the taila dhara. It is extremely rare to find
such good devotees. Perhaps one in a hundred may have such
devotion.
April ~ 2020 25 Bhakti Mala
 By and large devotees are fickle-minded. All of a sudden
they lose their temper, get upset with their Guru and the like. They
are of the opinion that Swamiji is a mere human being. Their
devotion is like a ‘trading devotion’- if I bow before God, He
showers boons upon me; the more I serve the Lord the more He
will shower me with boons. They have limited themselves to such
devotion.
Immediately after the Srichakra Puja, devotees in the prayer
hall disperse in great urgency to join the prasadam queue even
before the Yoga session is complete. Even before the curtains are
drawn they stand up. This is absolutely wrong! You have to remain
seated until the Yoga session is complete and the important
announcements are done. Until your Guru commands, you should
not get up.
During Yoga session try to meditate. At that time disconnect
with this external world and focus on within. With a single-pointed
focus meditate internally. Remain unaffected by any external
noises including chatter of other people around you. This exercise
helps the mind to remain steady at a point. The mind, body and
limbs are rendered pure with this exercise. You can mentally chant
the verses from the Bhagavad Gita or any other shlokas, the Guru
mantra or other mantras known to you with steady focus during
such meditation.
Closing the eyes in meditation but focusing on the various
other topics is incorrect. Focus only on the mantra given to you.
Focus on your favourite deity. Meditate upon the six inner chakras.
All these are real yoga. Such Yoga is practiced immediately after
the Srichakra puja in the prayer hall every morning.
This body is our home within which Lord Narayana resides.
Swamiji has composed a bhajan detailing this concept. In Bhagavad
Gita this body has been addressed as a Kshetra. Who is Narayana?
Our inhalation and exhalation themselves are Narayana.
Obtaining a human birth is very rare and hence this body is
precious. We must thus try to raise ourselves higher and higher
Bhakti Mala 26 April ~ 2020
within this human birth. We have no right whatsoever to get angry
or upset with Sadguru when He scolds us. Remember that one sin
of yours has been washed out by Swamiji in this process of
scolding you.
Any new cloth, however expensive it may be, needs to be
washed after use. Otherwise the stink will be repulsive. Can you
excuse yourself from washing that dress merely because it is
expensive? Can you get annoyed with people who scold you for
not washing it? Can you say that you are a renowned personality
and hence should not be blamed by others? Just as the best silks
too need to be given for dry wash, like a washer man Sadguru washes
you in order to cleanse you of your impurities. When the Sadguru
is putting in efforts to cleanse you, is it right on your part to get
upset that you have been insulted in front of a large audience?
In reality, the vast audience should remain invisible to you.
Guru Gita says that without any feelings of shyness you must
prostrate upon seeing your Sadguru- deergha dandam
namaskuryaat nirlajjo guru sannidhou.
There are many who feel ashamed to prostrate before their
Guru. They are hesitant that others would be watching their
movements. What is the necessity to feel ashamed? You should
remain unconcerned of the people around you. The people watching
you have the same limbs/ body parts as you have. You are not
exceptional in any way. Do you feel ashamed when you are being
taken in a stretcher in the hospital? Do you feel ashamed when the
hospital asks you to wear the gown supplied by them? Even Swamiji
had to wear a gown when in hospital. Can a person feel ashamed to
show the wound to the doctor merely because the wound is located
on the thigh? Can a woman refuse to show her breast to the doctor
when she seeks treatment for breast cancer? If she claims to be
ashamed at that moment, can she survive? For hours we are willing
to stand in queues- be in theatres, rail stations, malls etc. Why
then do we feel shy to stand in the queue to meet Sadguru?

April ~ 2020 27 Bhakti Mala

 If your Sadguru scolds you, do not feel ashamed. Understand
that some sin from the ancient past- perhaps from some past birth
- has been plucked out by Him. You must be grateful that He has
been merciful to you and must applaud yourself for that. Many
true devotees eagerly wait for that situation when their Sadguru
would scold them. This is especially seen in the Sikh tradition.
When slippers are hurled upon them by their Guru they are happy.
They wipe the slippers of other devotees with their sarees as this
frees them from sin.
The dust from the feet of other devotees is truly sacred.
In many temples we come across the names of people engraved
on the flooring such that other devotees necessarily have to walk/
trample upon them during temple visits. People who engrave their
name seek that the dust from the feet of other devotees should
fall upon them so that their sins are eroded.
In previous eons the kings would pay and hire families to
scold them. These families would find faults with the king and
would scold him. They would spread lies about the king to the
citizens who in turn would condemn the king believing this gossip.
The king’s sins would transfer to such people who falsely gossiped
about him. The sins of the sinner transfer to the person who
gossips about him.
Therefore we should with great eagerness await that moment
when our Sadguru will scold us. Trying to justify our actions, prove
our correctness before Him are all wrong. ‘You scolded me in
front of a large audience. I am not like that.. this was the truth…
that was not right..’ through such arguments you are bringing
Swamiji down to your level. You have reduced Him to human level.
If this is the case, where is the necessity to bow before Him? Why
should you accept Him to be your spiritual Guru under such
circumstances?
If you have reverence for Swamiji, then unmindful of His
scolding or abusing in public you must remain calm. If this is
followed, you will be drawn closer to Swamiji. On the contrary if
Bhakti Mala 28 April ~ 2020
you try to prove your correctness to Him, you will increase your
distance from Him. Humbly accept your mistake. ‘Unknowingly I
have committed the mistake. I was arrogant. Thank you for
correcting me. This ego of mine needed to be shattered. Thank
you for shattering it’- we should in fact be thankful every time we
are scolded.
It is incorrect to remain focussed on our public status and
public image. Social status is irrelevant in Sadguru’s presence.
This is what Guru Gita declares emphatically.
Now all of you should make a promise that you will memorize
the Guru Gita and learn its meaning. When you understand Guru
Gita you will understand the significance of Guru. Otherwise you
can never ever understand the significance of Spiritual Guru despite
singing limitless bhajans, despite limitless seva, despite sweeping
the entire ashram premises regularly. You will never grasp Guru
tattva. Understanding Guru Gita is the only means to understand
Guru tattva.
For helping you in this aspect, in the beginning itself, many
decades ago I imparted the knowledge of Guru Gita to you. I taught
you the holy text and also many times explained the meaning in
detail. It is imperative to understand the meaning of the Guru Gita
verses. Try different techniques to help memorize the verses.
There was a prayer which I struggled to memorize as a child.
I then tried to link up each phrase in the verse to its meaning and
using this technique memorized the verse completely.

vedân uddharate jaganti vahate

bhu-golamudbibhrate
daityam dârayate balim chalayate
kshatra-kshayam kurvate
paulastyam jayate halam kalayate
kârunyam âtanvate
mlecchân mûrchayate dashakriti-krite
krishnâya tubhyam namah

April ~ 2020 29 Bhakti Mala

 Vedân uddharate- He who lifted up the Vedas. Who could
this be? - I thought. Who could have rescued the Vedas? It had to
be the fish incarnation wherein He rescued the Vedas. With this
clue I remembered the phrase. Rescuing Vedas meaning rescuing
the scholars who protected the Vedas. Vedic knowledge had got
submerged completely. The Lord lifted up such scholars.
jaganti vahate- He who held up the mountain. This was
connected to the story of Kurma avatara wherein the Lord in the
form of a tortoise lifted the mountain on His back. Using this
technique I memorized this line.
bhu-golam udbibhrate- He lifted up Earth. I understood that
this was the boar incarnation (varaha).
daityam dârayate- He destroyed demons. I thought- which
was the first incarnation wherein He destroyed demons? With this
clue I remembered the Narasimha incarnation and thus memorized
this phrase.
balim chalayate- He tricked Bali. This had to be Vamana
incarnation.
kshatra-kshayam kurvate- He destroyed the Kshatriyas. So
this had to be the Parasurama incarnation.
paulastyam jayate- He conquered the lineage of Paulastya.
i.e. Rama. The entire story of Rama came to memory.
halam kalayate- He who levelled the land using the plough
i.e. Balarama.
kârunyam atanvate- Among all the incarnations, Krishna is
the incarnation that overflowed with compassion. This was the only
incarnation where compassion played a significant role. In all other
incarnations, compassion was depicted only when necessary. It
was more duty-bound. But as Krishna, He was an epitome of
compassion. As such this verse instantly brought to memory
Krishna’s story.
mlecchâm moorchayate- He who rendered such mlecchas
unconscious. So this had to be Kalki avatara. Mlecchas are those
Bhakti Mala 30 April ~ 2020
who abandon shastras, dharmas, humanity, who do not respect
women and parents, who lack devotion towards God and who eat
other living animals alive.
dashakriti-krite krishnâya tubhyam nama%- only this last
verse contains reference to Krishna. From this it is evident that
this hymn pertains to Krishna’s incarnations.

Using the last verse as the reference we can understand that

the 10 main incarnations of the Lord are extolled in this hymn.
Until I mapped the verses with their stories, I was struggling with
his hymn. When I understood that this verse explained about the
10 main incarnations, I worked backwards. What were the 10
incarnations of Krishna – I figured it out and then understood the
meaning. With this I could memorize the hymn completely.
Using such techniques memorize Guru Gita. For such
memorization we must have absolute concentration. We must not
become slaves to the mobile. We must not get distracted when
the mobile rings. We must use it only in our spare time.
We should not give importance to our physical body. We
should abandon the insults and accusations hurled upon the physical
body. If someone were to laugh at us, we get offended. Let them
laugh, what do we lose? If someone ridicules us, our sins transfer
to them. On the other hand, where they laugh for a true joke, then
no issues.
As you memorize the Guru Gita, your retention power
increases. Your concentration levels increase. As it increases what
we have learnt stays in memory. All of you have now promised to
memorize Guru Gita. Please abide by your promise.

April ~ 2020 31 Bhakti Mala

Divine Experience
By profession, I am a psychologist, but I also studied dance.
I combined both disciplines and developed a technique called
‘Dance Therapy’. While doing this, I sometimes experienced how
I would be switching into the patient’s body and understand their
problems from within. I did not know what to do as I had no one to
help me understand this new ‘world’ that had opened up. I was
attracted to reading books about India and her Gurus. I thought
that, maybe, if I could find a Guru I could tear away this doubt. I
said to myself, that this is what I need: A Guru to guide me in this
world I cannot see.
I prayed, for over two years, and waited for this Guru to come.
Then in 1983, one day a friend, Peter, informed me that his Guru,
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji was coming to Switzerland
and Germany. I mentally debated if I should go to see Him. One
night, I had a dream where an Indian saintly man was playing a
piano in a church with Peter standing next to him. I also had interest
in music, so this dream convinced me that I should go to see Sri
Swamiji in Germany.
I went to the venue where Sri Swamiji was staying and sat
with the others awaiting His entry. I did not see Him or His picture
before, so I did not know what to expect. After some time, Sri
Swamiji entered the room, went straight to Grand Piano and started
playing. This incident amazed me, as it seemed almost exactly as
the dream I had. I sat there and wondered as to how an Indian Guru
can be so accomplished on the piano. This was my first meeting.

Bhakti Mala 32 April ~ 2020

 The next Sunday, we were invited for a Homa performed by
Sri Swamiji. I wanted to go and I knew that it was customary to
take some flowers. I searched my garden and could not find any
that were really beautiful but I had grown carrots that year which I
took. I had an interview with Sri Swamiji and I offered Him the
carrots. He took them and handed them to His assistant and
mentioned something to him.
One week later I went to another program and the same thing
happened. I handed Him the carrots and again He called the assistant
and said to him, “Please tell her what happened”. Ramesh, the
assistant explained, “Sri Swamiji asked for carrots, and as we
started cooking we noticed that we had no carrots. As it was a
Sunday, we couldn’t get some anywhere, so we went to Sri Swamiji.
Very calmly He said, ‘Don’t worry, they will come’ and then you
came with such beautiful carrots”. When Ramesh finished talking,
Sri Swamiji looked at me and with a big smile, He asked, “Would
you like to come to India?” Very happily I said, “Yes! I would love
to come”.
My first trip to India was set. I went to the Mysore Ashrama
and stayed for six months. I was very fortunate to travel with Sri
Swamiji on His tours outside the Ashrama for that period.
Christmas time was coming and I wanted to spend that time with
Sri Swamiji. Sometimes travelling with Sri Swamiji to small
villages was a problem for me to adjust, but I did it somehow. One
day Sri Swamiji called me and said, “I think that you should go
back home, these trips are too strenuous for you”. I answered,
“Oh no! Swamiji, I want to spend Christmas with you”. He replied,
“Okay, but do not complain”, and I simply said, “Yes Swamiji”.

April ~ 2020 33 Bhakti Mala

 The next day a young girl came up to me and said that Sri
Swamiji had instructed her to take me to her house and make me
comfortable. I was touched; it was His motherly care. He had said
that I shouldn’t complain, yet He was providing all the comforts
for me. Everywhere we went; the local people were taking care of
me.
On the eve of Christmas, the group was camping in
Pithapuram, near the temple that was dedicated to Sripada
Srivallabha, a previous incarnation of Sri Guru Dattatreya. In the
temple there, a very old murti of Dattatreya was installed. I was
invited to sit just in front of the murti to see the milk abhishekam.
As I was meditating on the process, I experienced the Lord Jesus
Christ. This experience was so real. Feeling His presence, my soul
jumped: Oh, He really exists! I was raised in the Christian belief
and heard all the stories about Christ in my religious education,
but it was Sri Swamiji who made me experience His real presence.
This experience opened up many channels within me to meet that
higher truth.
After I met Sri Swamiji, the experiences of transgressing
my physical body had stopped, instead. He gave me new
experiences, or the seed of spiritual life. Once, a priest was
explaining the meaning of Sri Swamiji’s bhajans and he told us to
sit and meditate on His Holiness. At that moment Sri Swamiji was
walking amidst us. He came up behind me and gave a gentle tap on
the top of my head, the Sahasrara chakra. Immediately I fell into
deep meditation for almost two hours. This was my first initiation.
It felt like a planted seed just beginning to sprout. Sri
Swamiji was opening the spiritual door of His domain. I did Kriya
Bhakti Mala 34 April ~ 2020
Yoga classes with Him, even to this day I continue with the practice
and also started to teach. Before going to the Ashram for the first
time I had the idea of going there and doing nothing else but
meditate the whole day. But Sri Swamiji made it clear and said,
“Fifty, fifty”, half meditation, half work. Which reminded me of
the Latin phrase, ‘ora ed labora’ (pray and work).
During my extended stay in the Ashrama, besides yoga, I also
learnt bhajans, Kannada, Telugu, pujas and how to play the
harmonium. All these skills have supported me in pursuing my
spiritual goal and attainment of ‘peace of mind’. By His grace, I
further had the strength to complete my graduate degree in
Indological studies at the University of Zurich, next to my
challenging schedules; as a career advisor and my involvement in
His DYC Switzerland seva. I feel so fortunate to experience His
loving and wise guidance in my daily life.
The greatest miracle that Sri Swamiji did is the
transformation He has caused in me and in the devotees that
surround me. I have experienced Him as mother, as father, friend
and teacher. In different instances, He has shown the qualities of
each, helping me on the emotional level to evolve from the clusters
of day to day sorrows and happiness. Like a mother, He has shown
me unparalleled compassion, and helped me to develop self
confidence. He handles all our problems in a subtle way. I would
realize it only after the challenged situation was over getting a
sudden flash of how He had walked with me through the difficulties.
At times I still cannot grasp what it really means to have the good
luck of being safely taken over the wild ocean of life in the boat
called Guru.

April ~ 2020 35 Bhakti Mala

 Since then I have been in His fold, and I still wonder; Swamiji,
who are you? What are you? Every time I visit the Mysore
Ashrama, or see Him, it is like the first time. I have no answers to
these questions, I just experience. How does He do the things He
does? It is beyond our mental capacity to grasp it. All I do is bask
in His energy and feel its warmth. He is the truth, in fact, He is my
life.
In silence, without expectation, He takes care. Sri Swamiji
used to tell me that I should write my experiences so that others
can benefit from them. In 1995 a publication, ‘The Silent Teacher’
was released. This book contains very subtle experiences with Sri
Swamiji. After that, Sri Swamiji said, “Swamiji teaches through
these experiences”.
He looks after the smallest details of our lives; gives
suggestions for our health and wealth, our conduct and work. He
is at the same time Guru and Guide for millions of people and yet
present for our individual needs. He says, “No one comes to Me,
I have the responsibility to bring them, this is my Sankalpa”. When
He calls, there is usually a hidden hand that guides one to meet
Him, like a person who would suddenly appear and tell: Oh, that is
exactly where I have to go, please follow.
During a longer stay at the Mysore Ashrama, Sri Swamiji
told me that I should teach yoga to the women who would come to
the Ashrama. Smt. Gayatri had taught me step I and II of the Hatha
Yoga Sri Swamiji had developed, and now I had to teach. He
instructed that I should come early to the classroom, and stay there
whether one person, several persons or none would come to the
class. If no one would show up I should sit and practice Hatha and
Bhakti Mala 36 April ~ 2020
Kriya Yoga. Many days, there was no one, so I was able to sit and
practice. I used to feel that I was elevated to the heavenly abodes.
In the afternoons, I used to do garden work or any other work.
Many times I said to myself: This is how it must be in heaven.
He said: “Don’t ask for experiences, just think about the ones
you have had, they will again strengthen you.” Yet He continues to
give; again and again. Whatever He says or does, is very precious
to me. I would normally write down every detail and reflect upon
them. I observe Him, and I am still amazed as to how He can attract
so many people from different levels of society. Some of them
might not be interested in spiritual matters, but at least, He keeps
them from involving themselves in negative karma. For Him there
is no distinction between age, color, creed, race, social standing,
educational achievement, and all the dogmas of society. Everyone
receives something from Him.
Seva is an opportunity, where our spiritual discipline can be
enhanced. Sri Swamiji has created an environment where He allows
devotees to participate in Seva. He preaches, ‘Service to Man is
Service to God’. He gives certain projects to certain individuals
so that they can alleviate the burdens of their karma.
Jaya Guru Datta.
Experience shared by
Ursula ‘Shabari’ Honegger, Switzerland

April ~ 2020 37 Bhakti Mala

ASHRAM NEWS
Sri Swamiji toured places in Karnataka like Shivamogga,
Nisarani and Sagara in the month end of February before
reaching Aloor Shivalli on 1st March. Sri Datta Anagha Lakshmi
Vratam and Hanuman Chalisa parayana were performed by
the local villagers. In the evening, amidst the serene farm
environment, Sadguru Puja and Datta Kakada Arati were
performed. This event concluded Sri Swamiji’s visit to the
Malnad region of Karnataka.
Sri Swamiji reached Tirupati after a short visit to Hubballi
(Karnataka). On 2nd March, Sri Balaswamiji climbed the steps
of Tirumala Hill via Alipiri. On 3rd March, Sri Swamiji and Sri
Balaswamiji took darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy at
Tirumala in the morning. Hundreds of devotees were blessed
with the opportunity to get darshan of Lord Venkateswara
and Sri Swamiji in the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord
Venkateswara Temple. In the evening, Sri Swamiji blessed
thousands of devotees with a wonderful Bhajan session at the
venue for Nada Neerajanam in Tirumala. On 5th March, Sri
Swamiji visited Sri Venkateshwara Vedic University in Tirupati
in the morning and blessed the students there. Sri Swamiji
later visited Sri Datta Govinda Vanam Ashram in Tondavada.
Hundreds of devotees performed Sri Datta Anagha Lakshmi
Vratam. Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti, gave Aarti to Sri Datta
Anagha idols and blessed devotees with a wonderful discourse.
Sri Swamiji left to Mysuru Ashrama on the afternoon of 5th
March. Sri Balaswamiji visited Madanapalli Ashrama on 5th
March and returned to Mysuru Ashrama on the next day.

Bhakti Mala 38 April ~ 2020

 On 10th of March, Lakshmi Jayanti was celebrated at Sri
Padmavati Sannidhi at Sri Datta Venkateshwara Temple
complex in Mysuru Ashrama in the divine presence of Sri
Swamiji and Sri Balaswamiji. Sri Swamiji gave instructions to
the devotees regarding the precautionary measures that must
be taken to prevent the Corona virus attack.
On the auspicious occasion of Shârvari Yugadi (the new
year as per Hindu traditions) on 25th March, 2020, Sri Swamiji
performed a special Sri Chakra Puja at Avadhoota Datta
Peetham, Mysuru in the morning. Panchanga Sravana (listening
to the Almanac for the year Shârvari) also took place during
the Puja. Later, Sri Swamiji performed Sheetala Devi Homa
for the protection and welfare of the Universe and earnestly
prayed to Mother Goddess to relieve the world from the deadly
Corona virus. Thereafter, Sri Swamiji took the Ugadi chutney
as part of the tradition on behalf of all the devotees and blessed
the devotees on Facebook live by giving assurance that there
is no need to worry or fear regarding the Corona virus even
though it has taken into its grip the entire world, since the ever
compassionate Lord Hanuman is bestowing His protection.

April ~ 2020 39 Bhakti Mala

 Sri Swamiji’s
LIFE HISTORY
(Telugu original: Kuppa Krishna Murthy)
Translated by Dr.P.V.Nath

Sastry did not know the special words like “Drik, Drishya”
and hence he sounded rude in putting the question. But he had a
subtle imaginative power. It is the result of Upasana conducted
through generations, thought Dasambotlu.
“Uncle, you have not replied, Don’t I deserve an answer” he
asked.
Dasambotlu was moved by this question. He said, “You know
many things. Do you mean to say that the sun who sets in the
evening is dead and is born new again in the morning?”
“No, if he sets here, he is seen rising in another part of the
world.”
“So?”
“Oh! Yes! Uncle, I understand it now. It is “me”, who is
thinking that “I” am seeing the rising and setting of the sun that is
wrong. “He” is always the same and is revolving round. If the sun
sees himself, he cannot see himself as rising and setting daily.
Am I right?”
“If so, my son, how is it that something that is not there
appears to be present?”
“It is because the earth comes between myself and the sun.”
“It is ok then, is it?”

Bhakti Mala 40 April ~ 2020

 “Not really. I am seeing the sun. I do not see him when some
obstacle comes in my way. How can that be Parabrahman?”
“Are you really seeing it? What are you seeing it with?”
“Of course, with my own eyes!”
“Ok, you are seeing the sun who rises and sets with your
own eyes. I agree, but what about the sun who does not rise and
set?”
“What? As the sun and myself are different, I am able to see
him. Because of that I consider that he has birth and death” .....
Sastry who was thinking loudly till then, sudenly stopped thinking.
Both of them remained silent for an indefinite period.
Early in the morning of the next day, the milkman saw the
front door opened and the lights were on in the house. Hesitantly
he walked in and saw the two in deep meditation. In his own thinking
level, he thought that they had gone to sleep in the sitting position.
He shouted, “Sir”
Seeing the milkman with the wooden stick in his hand,
Dasambotlu said, “You have been blessed by Lord Parthsarathi.”
Sastry silently offered his salutations to the milkman. Seeing this
unusual behaviour from Sastry, the milkman ran away. Sastry stood
up ready to go.
Dasambotlu continued his conversation that was left the
previous night and asked, “Was he seen without the medium of
“Karta and Karma”?
“Ok uncle, it is not as though we catch him when we find
him. He is neither seen nor not seen.” Sastry then put on his
slippers ready to go. One could hear the cows in the shed shaking
their head after their sleep and the bells on their neck making the
ringing noise.
“Nephew, I feel like offering my youngest daughter’s hand
to you in marriage. Would you accept my offer?” Dasambotlu
suddenly put forward this proposal.
April ~ 2020 41 Bhakti Mala
 “Have I to get married?”
“It is not in my hands. I know that the fate has decreed that
you end up having to marry twice.”
“It does not matter as to who I marry then. It has nothing to
do with my consent.”
Sastry was never known to be polite in his talk. He was always
curt and up to the point. What a funny lad, does he not know that
he has to polite to his guru?
Sastry went along the side streets, passed through a dense
shrub. For some reason he could not get rid of a niggling thought
in his mind.
“This uncle of mine preached me so much. How can he be
offering his daughter’s hand in marriage?”(Knowing that I am going
to end up marrying twice.) Is he ignorant? Or is he just one of
those who simply say things without really meaning them?
Definitely not.” I must learn to understand what he says and not
find faults in his talk.”
Knowing that I am desitined to have two marriages, he has
offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. Despite knowing that I
am not destined for family life, he is prepared to offer his daughter.
Why? Sastry got annoyed with himself, as he did not get any answer
for his doubts.
He decided to sit under the tree and started conducting
“Gayatri” japa. He started off loudly repeating the mantra and soon
went into samadhi. Sometime later he reached home. He was told
that his maternal uncle “Narasimha Swamy” had been to the house
that day and offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to Sastry. The
elders had decided to accept the offer. Sastry when informed of
this, simply said, “Oh, is it so?” and kept fell silent.
(to be continued)

Bhakti Mala 42 April ~ 2020