Srimad Bhagavatham - Skanda1 - Chapter 15 . Vacuum Caused by Krishna's departure to Vaikunta

Monday, July 09, 2012

P.Natarajan.

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak' )

Arjuna reached Hastinapura with a heavy heart as he was  unable to bear the news that Krishna had left Dwaraka and reached Vaikunta. He was saddened at his heart and his physical body was quivering when he addressed his brother, "  Dharmaputra, we are all forsaken by Krishna. Krishna has left the earth and has reached Vaikunta. He,  whose separation can not be borne even for a few seconds by men especially by devotees, has departed leaving us utterly helpless. None could bear the separation of a bosom friend, philosopher and guide like Krishna. He was so dear to all of us. It was due to his grace that I was able to aim accurately at the fish kept over the machine and won the hand of Draupadi in the 'Swayamvara'. He came as if from nowhere that too all of a sudden to protect her from disgrace in the Assembly. He shielded her by extending the length of her saree. It was Krishna who ate  small pieces of greens to save the Pandavas from  Durvasa's rage and curse; But for him I would not have acquired the 'Pasupatastra'  and vanquished  Bhishma, Drona and others. He became 'sarathi' to my chariot in the war field and gave the winning edge over the Kauravas. He made me to sit at ease in the chariot while he struggled to move it forward and backward as was required. Towards the end of the war, it was Krishna who spoiled Aswathama's heinous plans to destroy the Pandava Clan. Today, we stand saved as a family unit because of His grace. Krishna had performed innumerable acts in our favour.   Parikshith was born as a piece of burnt wood but it was Krishna who gave a new life to him. He protected the mangalsutra of Draupadi. Though we all made fun of Krishna,  he not only tolerated us but firmly stood as our guardian."

Krishna used to address Arjuna affectionately as 'Partha' ,' Friend', 'Aunt's son' and with other endearing names. Arjuna lamented that he didn't understand why Krishna took the avatar as a human and gave a chance to them to address Him as cow-herd and by other  mean names. He never got angry but instead kept smiling always.

Andal in her Tirupavai sang :- " We belong to a family of cow-herds. Oh, Krishna, you are also born amidst us. We had made fun of you and called you as 'mayane', a 'thief' and so on. Pl. forgive us and don't get hurt". Arjuna was in same state as Andal when she was out pouring before Krishna.

Arjuna sought forgiveness mentally from Krishna. He also added that Krishna was always ready to forget and forgive their misdeeds. It was imperative that they should confess their faults and seek His grace and pardon. They should be prepared to atone their misdeeds by doing good in future. Krishna ignored all the playful deeds and ensured Pandava's success over the Kauravas. As Krishna had left them  Arjuna experienced the unbearable loss. Krishna had advocated Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and to the world in as many as in 700 slokas. Arjuna felt strong  and clear in mind after the 'Gitopadesa' and was able to lift the Astra "Gandeepa" with valor in the war.

Dharmaputra asked Arjuna as to what exactly had happened in Dwaraka.  Arjuna replied that the Yadava Clan had been destroyed, might be because of the curse of the Rishis. Krishna also being a Yadava had left Bhooloka with  full satisfaction that he had completed the tasks and achieved the mission of ' Krishnavatar ' and reached Vaikunta.

Arjuna however brought to his memory the Gita and  Krishna's teachings. He took heart that he should not feel dejected when he could bring before him Krishna's 'thiruvadis' (padas). 'The past is past' and Arjuna got slowly recovered. He became determined to think for the future.Thus the Pancha Pandavas took heart and began consulting each other to make plans for the future.

An actor in a drama returns to his natural state once his part gets over. Krishna had completed the role and fulfilled the mission undertaken by him. We can not treat the part played by the actor as a fake. In fact he brought life to the character which he has played and which always remains green in memory. So was 'Krishnavatar & His Leela' !

Dharmaputra  decided to leave the Earth and to proceed toward Devaloka. He groomed Parikshith to rule the Kingdom when the time became ripe. In the meanwhile, he made Surasena's son Vajran as the king before proceeding to Badrikasrama along with his brothers.

Today there exists a road called ' SATPATH '  difficult to tread upon from a place called ''Mana' in Badri. It was by the same path the Pandavas and Draupadi proceeded toward North, totally  not heeding the distress call of their subjects to come back. They left for Himalayas, did penance with an unfailing concentration upon Krishna.
They forsake their bodies in 'Prabhasa Kshetra' and attained 'Mukti'.

Vidura contemplated over all those happenings to Pandavas which stand as a history. He mediated upon the Lord and left his mortal body in the same place. He also attained 'Mukti'

It is certain that those who read or hear this Chapter 15 which describes (1) 'Krishna's departure to Vaikunta', (2) 'Pandavas' demise', and (3) 'Vidura's departure'  will be relieved from all the sins committed knowingly or un-knowingly and get blessed, become pure in the heart and excel in devotion to Krishna and ultimately attain his feet.

pn

Nine Types of Relationship between Jeevatma & Paramatma and Skanda1 Chapter 14 " Dharmaputra's Worry "

Monday, July 09, 2012

P.Natarajan.

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak' )

Lord Krishna established his Kingdom in Dwarakapuri in Bhooloka.
Dwaraka, situated in the West Gujarat is most celebrated amidst the Seven Kshetras which are Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya ,Kasi, Kanchi, Ujjaini (Avantika) and Dwaraka.The Krishna Temple at Dwaraka is on the shores where River Gomathi flows into the sea.It is believed that worship at Dwaraka Shrine liberates a person. Lord Narayana rules in all the four directions - Jaganath Puri in the East, Sri Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangam in the South, Dwarakanath in Dwaraka in the West and Badrinath in Badrikasramam in the North.

The Temple Tower in Dwaraka is made up of seven stages which represents 'Sapta Rishis'. The silk cloth in the Flag Staff is changed five times a day and it glitters (flutters) in its length of 52 Yards. It represents the 27 Stars. 12 Rasis, 9 Grahas and 4 Directions and the sum of these numbers add up to 52. There are 56 steps to climb up to reach the inside of the temple which represent the 56 clans of Yadavas who worshiped the Lord in Dwapara Yuga. Lakhs of devotees throng Dwaraka to have darshan of the Lord who appears as "Govardhana Giridhari".

Bhet Dwaraka is situated near Gomathi Dwaraka and one can reach Bhet Dwaraka by the sea route. It was in Bhet Dwaraka Krishna met Kuchela and showered the wealth upon him. These two places of worship are famous as they are situated at the entrance to India. The English  meaning of ' Dwara ' is an opening or hole and Dwaraka stands as a port of entrance to India.

We have already seen how Krishna received a tumultuous welcome when he entered Dwaraka, his abode, at the end of Kurukshetra war. People of Dwaraka could not bear the separation of the Lord during his absence when Kurukshetra war took place. It is necessary to know about the nine types of connections between Jeevatma and Paramatma:-

1. Bhagavan is a father to us. He takes care of us like his children.
2. He is also the Guardian to the human race.
3. He is our 'Seshi'. He receives and accepts the 'sisrusha' from the devotees.
4. He is 'Bharta' to us. There is no distinction in the sexes. All of us are considered as his wives and Bhagavan is considered as the husband.
5. He is 'Jneya'. We have to get to know him. We can meditate, look into Puranas and Sastras to know him more. HE is to be understood by us - the word Jneya in Sanskrit means that.
6. He is our Master or our "Swami". We are his belongings.
7. He shoulders the  burden of the entire population. He is our center of gravity.
8. We are mere physical bodies and Bhagavan is our Atma. Sri Sri Ramanuja refers this relationship as 'Sareera-atma sambandh'.
9. He is ' Bhokta '  when he is entertained by us. Just as we are happy and rejoice when we eat or wear new clothes, God enjoys in the company of the devotees which clearly depicts their love for Krishna and their happy state of mind in his presence.

The nine type of connections between Jeevatma and Paramatma is unbreakable.
Andal aruLiSeida TirupppAvai  Pasuram No: 28 endorses the same view "- (Quote) :-
''un tannOdu uravu ingu namakku ozhikka ozhiyaadu''( 'Our relationship with you cannot be broken by you or by us').

Note:- The portion covered till here is inclusive of Chapters 11 to 13 of Skanda1. We shall now enter chapter 14 of Skanda 1.

Skanda 1 - Chapter 14 :- ' Dharmaputra's  Worry '

Dharmaputra was easily able to realize that the end of Dwapara Yuga was round the corner. He was expecting the return of Arjuna who had gone to Dwaraka to know the state of health of Krishna.   Six months have since passed by but Arjuna had not returned. The King reviewed the situation with Bhimasena and observed that people had become greedy, uttered lies, ready to insult others under the slightest provocation, showed  no respect for elders nor cared for the sick.  No auspicious signs were seen and Arjuna had also not returned. Dharmaputra was worried about the future.

 Arjuna entered with his head bowed down and eyes filled with tears. This made the King more anxious and  he inquired " Oh Arjuna, you never fear anybody. What has caused the distress ? Your shining face looks so dull. Are you sick? Did not the host accord proper respect to you? Were you not able to keep-up your word on any account?. Any problem with  your spouses? Were you defeated by any equals? Did you eat without giving alms to women or children?  Did you commit any misdeeds?
Or,has separation from Krishna weaned your physical health?"

Arjuna began his reply with a trembling voice.

( Note :- Chapter 15 gives details of Arjuna's Reply is also sent but separately - pl. look for the very important and MUST READ Chapter 15 )

pn 

Skanda 1 - Chapter 10 - ' The Desire of Dhritarashtra to attain emancipation '

Sunday, July 01, 2012
P.Natarajan

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak' )

Dharmaputra was ruling the Kingdom gloriously. Elders like Dhritarashtra were living with the King. Vidura left the place on a pilgrimage. He  visited sacred temples, took bath in the holy rivers and worshiped the deities with devotion.  Vidura met Maithreya on the banks of a river.  Maithreya was the disciple of Parasara Maharishi and Parasara was the grand son of Vasishta Muni.  Maithreya had the good fortune to receive preachings from Lord Krishna himself once.

Maithreya advised Vidura to learn more about Bhagavan and His omnipotent grace. Further performing 'Tapas' would condition the body through proper kinds and amounts of diet, bodily training, meditation, etc., to bring it to the greatest possible state of creative power. Vidura returned to the city after a long period. Dharmaputra, Draupadi, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari - all welcomed Vidura and sought details of his pilgrimage.

Vidura , while talking about the places he visited, also narrated stories from the 'Puranas'.  "Mandavya' was a sage who was ordered to be hanged for no mistake of him by the then ruling King.  But he came alive as the death weapon could not penetrate his body due to the immense effect of his 'tapas'. Mandavya , then went to ' Naraka Loka ' and questioned Yamadharma as to why he was ordered to be hanged. Yamadharma accounted that the sage had tortured a small insect when he was six years old. Mandavya pleaded that an act of six year old could not be regarded as a crime. It amounted ultimately as Yamadharmaraja's mistake and the Sage Maandavya cursed Yamadharmaraja to take birth in Bhooloka  (Earth or Prithvi) ). Yama concurred with the views of Maandavya and ordered that the acts of children up to the age of twelve should not be viewed as crime. Later he took birth in Bhooloka  as Vidura. This was the secrecy about Vidura's birth.

Vidura called Dhritarashtra in privacy and addressed him : " Oh King , You stood as an accomplice  to the misdeeds of Duryodhana. Pandavas in turn had suffered in the forest for 13 years. You kept silent when there was an attempt made to disgrace Draupadi in the Assembly. Lord Krishna came to her rescue. Years had rolled by, but you, Dhritarashtra, are getting drowned in worldly life which would take you no where. Be wise to hate this body and attachments. Undertake ' tapas ' -  to get to know the real ''Brahmam". Become dispassionate, and develop the attitude of being sane and firm. When your intelligence has passed out of the dense forest of moha, you shall become nirvedam (indifferent) to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard ".

Vidura continued his address and stressed that Dhritarashtra had not bowed before the Almighty from childhood and if he had done so, he might not have been a hunch back then.  It is high time that he should renounce the world and undertake ' tapas '.

Dhritarashtra realized his follies and the very next day, as advised by Vidura, left for Himalayas without anybody's knowledge. He took Vidura and Gandhari along with him.

Dharmaputra, the King and others were all worried due to the disappearance of Dhritarashtra all of a sudden. Sanjaya also was unaware of Dhritarashtra's whereabouts. Narada Maharishi appeared at the scene and dispelled the anxiety of the King and the people around. Narada explained that Dhritarashtra was safe and had just reached the abode (correct place) which was very much essential for him. Narada asked Dharmaputra not to drag Dhritarashtra anymore into the worldly affairs.  Narada further added that men lived in the world of Maya and were slaves to the ' Prarabdha ' karma and bound generally by the propensities of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Narada preached that control of mind was essential to become dispassionate and to surrender at the feet of the Lord.

Narada referred to Bhagavad Gita and brought the attention of the audience the importance of practicing Yoga.  The four stages of Yoga are (1) Yatha Mana  Samjna (2) Vyathirega Samjna (3) Ekendriya Samjna and  (4) Vasikaara Samjna.

(1) The first stage teaches  how to control the senses. A tortoise shrinks and withdraws its limbs inside the shell, the moment it looks at the enemy and comes out, once the enemy leaves the place. As and when we see or hear undesirable news, persons or objects, we should not be tempted towards them. Instead we should behave like a tortoise and turn our attention inside.

(2) The next step is to control the senses and divert it towards the form of  Bhagavan. Bhakti is the essential tool at this stage.

(3) In the third stage , it might become possible to have some control over the external parts of the physical body. Nevertheless, the control of mind would be a difficult task. Ultimately practice makes it possible to unify our mind with 'Atma'.

(4) In the final stage, we should pray intensely to focus and attract the attention of Bhagavan. The one who has excelled in all these four stages is considered a true Yogi.

Narada informed that Dhritarashtara  had reached South of Himalayas to practice yoga. He also said, " On the banks at Saptasrota where the Ganges divides into seven branches, Dhritarashtara is now engaged in beginning ashtanga yoga (a) by bathing three times daily, in the morning, noon and evening, (b) by performing the Agnihotra sacrifice with fire and (c) by drinking only water. (d) This helps one control the mind and the senses and frees one completely from thoughts of familial affection.

 One who has controlled the sitting postures [the yogic asanas] and the breathing process can turn the senses toward the Absolute Personality of Godhead and thus become immune to the contamination of the modes of material nature, namely mundane goodness, passion and ignorance.

 Dhritarashtara will have to amalgamate his pure identity with intelligence and then merge into the Supreme Being with knowledge of his qualitative oneness, as a living entity, with the Supreme Brahmam. Being freed from the blocked sky, he will have to rise to the spiritual sky.

 He will have to suspend all the actions of the senses, even from the outside, and will have to be impervious to interactions of the senses, which are influenced by the modes of material nature. After renouncing all material duties, he must become immovably established, beyond all sources of hindrances on the path."

 Narada told Yudhishtra that Dhritarashtra would quit his body, on the fifth day from then and his body would be burnt at once and Gandhari would also attain moksha along with him. .

Vidura, being affected with delight and grief,would then leave that place on sacred pilgrimage. Yudhishtra kept his instruction in his heart and so was able to get rid of all lamentations

 Having spoken thus, the great sage Narada, along with his Veena, ascended into outer space.

pn