Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 03.01.2017, evening, Sofia)

One of the many basic features of a vaishnava is that he is merciful. He is judging according to the spirit, according to the soul. What I see is the crude, material form. What a spiritual person observes is the spiritual form. There’s no second thought for such a person. Therefore we should try to qualify like that. Not to see the spots on the moon, but to see the full moon. It is there. Little spots are also there, but the full moon is there. What is in our focus? I think in our focus should be the light. Search for the light! Shortcomings are always there. But the beauty, harmony and the grand picture is also there. So don’t let yourself be cheated by illusion. Better we try to trick illusion. But how to do that? There’s only one way to trick illusion – if you escape from its clutches.

Because how it works? It always repeats the same story. There’s nothing new in the world of illusion. It’s always the same. And we are ready to jump for the same ideas. Better we try to escape. Of course, how to escape illusion? It’s practically impossible! Krishna says in the Gita: “This divine energy of Mine is impossible to overcome.”[1] But if you find the master of illusion, then through this you can escape.

And if you come closer to the divine light, then automatically your shadow will appear. You expect that your shadow is gone, but it’s not. It becomes more obvious. If we enter the light, everything becomes more obvious, even our shadow. Until we are in the dark there’s no shadow. As soon as you enter the light, you will meet your shadow, you will cast your shadow. This is a natural consequence. So then what to do – return back to the darkness to get rid of our shadow? No! Actually then illusion has tricked you. Because she doesn’t want to lose you – as an old friend, as a very obedient servant.

We are old friends and old obedient servants of illusion. And this is not the way to trick her. Better we search for divine light. But then what will happen? You will meet your shadow. You thought that you had no shadow. But it’s the other way round – you have a long, dark and dense shadow.

But as you are all very experienced in the spiritual sciences, you have learned that demigods have no shadows. So how to recognize a demigod? If you meet somebody on the street and he’s got no shadow, it’s a demigod. Rarely will you meet such a person, but in case you meet – that’s a demigod. So, if you meet your own shadow, you might have an ambition: ‘Maybe I have to become a demigod – to get rid of my shadow.’ And it is possible. You can take a similar job like the demigods – some cosmic management. But there is one more other option. Actually what is the definition of a demigod? In the Krishna Book it is said who is a demigod. Tat priya-artham: tat – for him, priya – satisfaction, artha – goal; the only goal of the existence of such a person is God’s satisfaction, God’s happiness. This is the demigod. So you see, this is not a cosmic title or some business, job. This is a spiritual engagement.

So, one way to improve our position and to get rid of our shadow is to become a demigod. To live only for the sake of God. To serve only His satisfaction. Now everybody will say: “Yes! This is our goal.” Then tomorrow comes with the routine daily activities and our separate private interest will appear again. So, even if we agree on this point, we should work very hard even to approach, not to obtain that level.

(to be continued)

[1] Bhagavad Gita 7.14

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 09.10.2016, Ludashto)

In life in the beginning you think: “Ah, it’s very easy.” Then the middle part is more complicated; and at the end again it must be crystal clear and very simple. Ultimate things are very simple. Non-important things are very complicated. I’m a spirit soul, I belong to Krishna, there is a living and loving link between us – the wisdom of the Vedas in three short points. Maybe you have some topics to discuss?

Manohari: Gurudev, this text that you read yesterday, about the real disciple – is it available?

Swami Tirtha: It’s a pirate edition, not approved and not legal. A secret message.

Manohari: Because otherwise you always say the source. But this time you did not.

Swami Tirtha: Sometimes I say, other times I don’t say. It comes from the Akashic Chronicles. But did you like it? I think it expresses the desire. Because previously a beautiful example from the Upanishads was mentioned: when the father sent the son to study the Bhagavatam. Then when the son came back, the father asked: “Now, have you learned the Bhagavatam?” “Yes, father, I’ve learned everything!” “Ugh, you don’t know anything, go back to your teacher!” After another year he came back and the father asked: “Now, my dear son, have you learned?” He said: “Well, last time I thought I had learned, yet I didn’t learn. But now I have learned.” “Go back again!” Then after the third year the boy came: “It looks like I didn’t learn anything.” “Of course! Now you can really go back and study.”

Here Mohan also thought: “I have answers! One, second, third…” And then he gave up. This is what we have to feel; whether this is a real answer or it’s not a real answer. The master wanted to stress: “Stop! This is not for speaking. This is for listening, this time is for listening.” I think it describes the situation nicely. And I like the prayer at the end: “Please, ask again who is a real disciple, because I want to become like that. It’s me!” That’s sweet.

Because knowledge is the intellectual part and realization is the mystical part. So we can speak about certain topics; but what is the substance, what is the background behind, what is the reality of what you are talking about? Are these empty words or there is something that you can rely on? I think this is more important than simple knowledge or intellectual capacities.

Just recently some very well-informed devotee who knows a lot about Jyotish[1] asked me: “Do you know how much is the power of intellect in the Twelfth House, which is for liberation?” And I guessed: “Well, I think it’s zero?” He said: “Yes, absolutely zero.” So your salvation doesn’t depend on your brain, it’s something else. And this other type of capacity – this is what we have to cultivate. Because that will help. Much knowledge – how it is said in the Upanishads? Even if you listen a lot, even if you know a lot, the divine knowledge is not revealed. It reveals only for those who have this tender capacity.

Nevertheless it’s good to know what we are talking about. Some little information is also important. But this is not the ultimate. It’s not that.

Because what I see is that first people are charmed by the new information – any stupidity they listen to, they like it. But sooner or later the level of understanding and immunity from some weird ideas raises – they will be protected from that. And they will start to search for something more substantial. So I think this is the next step – that after the hunger for new information is satiated, they will come to more reliable sources. And then we can go ahead.

But please don’t forget, this is important: it’s not only organizing, not only coming together and not only doing something – but the intention should always be how to satisfy Krishna. Because whatever we do, we have to offer it. So it’s not that ‘We can arrange things nicely or we are a strong group’ – no! This is not the point. With these activities we have to focus on the service. That higher connection should always be there. Otherwise it’s practically impossible to make your activities really a spiritual or transcendental offering. This should be the goal: always trying to satisfy the Divine Couple. Atmanam atmana – through the soul search for the Supersoul. With the best of what you have, try to serve.

[1] Hindu astrology

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto)

(continues from the previous Monday) 

Question of Yashoda: I’m always wondering how to recognize one’s own duty and not perform the duty of others? Because the illusion covers the real thing and one thinks: ‘Ah, this is my duty’ and goes forward, but finally reaches a wall and must turn in another direction.

Swami Tirtha: Well, on one hand this is very complicated, on the other hand this is very simple. I just met some devotees, they had their children born recently; actually on our visit one boy was born. And I said: “Ah, you are so fortunate, because for the next 20 years you don’t have to think what to do. Your duty is given.” So, I think this dharma, this duty, is very obvious. Something that nobody will perform instead of you – this is your duty. No one can substitute this role.

But sometimes even on the practical platform of daily life we interfere into each other’s interests and there are some clashes inside the family, inside the mission. Because sometimes we are very rude, very basic. If we become more refined, we don’t intrude in a negative way. And this is very subtle; very simple things might give trouble to others. For example I remember the younger devotees were very much upset with one of my god-sisters because they tried to arrange something and she came and re-arranged everything. It’s nothing serious, right? But still they took it very much to the heart: “Why she comes and over-rules our choice, our arrangement?” So sometimes this is a sensitive question, therefore we always need a higher vision. If considering Krishna’s desire we think it over, we accept that nothing is by chance. And if something needs to be corrected, we might also say we can wait until this correction will come.

But this is easy, this part is easy. Yet beyond all these daily duties, the main part, more important part is the ultimate duty. ‘Where is my spiritual prospect? What is my contribution to this beautiful process?’ – that is what we really have to search for. And because that is more subtle, that is more spiritual, it’s a little more difficult to understand and identify: ‘What is my service here, what is my dharma?’ therefore this type of meditation on some higher engagement or ultimate identity is very important.

Because you know, what is our chanting in the morning? This is not an antidote for karma, or some routine. But this is when you go out in the fields and pick flowers for Krishna; and then you come and offer. So if we always try to raise the level of our activities, of our meditation, of our services, then this is closer to the ideal that we are all searching for.

Nevertheless sometimes, as you said, we reach a wall and we have to return. Even in our best wishes, we want to offer something, still we are frustrated, it doesn’t happen. But Gurudev gave a clue here, he said: “At least three times you have to try. If it doesn’t happen, then that was the desire of Krishna.” Because once he gave an instruction to the devotees: “Let’s start a restaurant in Budapest.” So, they ran, started to organize the license and this and that – but it didn’t happen. And they told when they went to Gurudev: “Maybe this is not Krishna’s desire.” He said: “No, no, no. Just go second time, go third time.” And as it didn’t happen, he accepted: “All right. This is not approved. It’s not the time yet.”

In this way we can also try to find our ultimate duties and if we cannot accomplish in one way, try to do it in another way, use your intelligence to find ways. Because spiritual intelligence means that we achieve our goals. And our goal is a better service, our goal is coming closer to these ideals like control, knowledge, peace, etc. And then it’s easier to accomplish this self-realization.

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto)

(continues from the previous Monday) 

And then Krishna starts to give a kind of secret knowledge: “Pay attention, now I will reveal you again something. As you posses the qualities, I can give this to you.” And there comes a long list about who will reach the level of self-realization[1]. If you check this list, it’s an achieved accomplishment, it’s already very high. Those who have these qualities, they will come to the platform of self-realization. Yet it’s a long process. Even if we have all these good qualities, something more is necessary. Because in one sense I feel that these are only technical details. Step one, step two, this quality, that action … But what is the heart of all this? What is the purpose of obtaining such qualities?

Then Krishna comes to the real essential points. Many consider that here really is the essential part: bhaktya mam abhijanati[2] – “Only through bhakti you can come to Me as I am. Tattvataha – as I am.” The 55^th verse is very-very important. And very beautiful also! If we always try to remember – whatever we do, whatever we have to experience in this lifetime or whatever we are exposed to – and if we can connect this to the supreme reality, then it’s easy. Here again this dharma and ‘don’t give up your duty as a fighter’ is mentioned, but I think in a much deeper, more profound meaning: “Do this for Me.”

Then comes something very important: ishvarah sarva-bhutanam hrid-deshe[3] – He is there in everyone’s heart. How many millions of times you have heard that Krishna is there in the heart of every living being? Us included; so don’t forget about that. He is the guide.

Guhya-taram[4] – the supreme secret. Here again Krishna shows His tricky side. Because you know, Arjuna wanted to escape the fight in the beginning and then Krishna started chastising him a little: “You lament on something that usually intelligent people don’t lament on”[5] – that means ‘You are a fool number one! How can you be so stupid?’ Of course He tells it in a very polite way. And here He comes back to His conclusion, so to say, because all the way through the Gita He tries to convince Arjuna: from this side, from that side, through theory, action, practice, meditation, creation… And when there is no escape for Arjuna, He says: “And now think it over and act as you like. Act as you like! It’s up to you!”

You see, many times we discuss the freedom of a human being. I think this is here. When there is only one solution: “Now choose!” But I think this is a sweet choice. And I think this unites us all, because Krishna tricked us all. He invited us for a pleasure journey and then we are stuck in the action part: “Work hard!” But hopefully “samadhi comes later”[6]. “Choose, it’s up to you, as you like” – I think this makes it so sweet, so personal and so intimate. Because with a friend you can play your jokes. Officially there is no place for jokes. Officially there is only some theoretical advice and then go. But here is some rasa manifested: “I am here with you. Trust Me! But act as you like.” Come on!

And then, “Because you are My dear friend, I will reveal tо you” – so connection! Without connection we cannot understand the deeper mysteries. And the beautiful, beautiful conclusion ma shuchah – “No fear!”

And who is dear to Krishna? Who reveals this to others. Therefore preaching is so glorious. Then finally Arjuna agrees: “Yes, my distorted vision is gone. I’m fixed. I’m ready to act – due to Your mercy.” So – no doubts. “Wherever there is Krishna, the master of the mysticism, and Arjuna, the best of archers, there is wealth, victory, power and merits.”[7]

(to be continued)

[1] Bhagavad Gita 18.51-53

[2] Bhagavad Gita 18.55

[3] Bhagavad Gita 18.61

[4] Bhagavad Gita 18.63

[5] Bhagavad Gita 2.11

[6] Reference to Shrila Prabhupada’s words: “Work now; samadhi later.”

[7] Bhagavad Gita 18.78

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto)

We are at the end of the Gita, in the 18^th chapter. This is very good, because now we shall understand the conclusion. First we started with the qualities of the brahmins and we came to the ultimate conclusion: no fear! We all received some individual messages directly coming to us.

As we understood, this is a very essential part of the Gita – the conclusion. And conclusion means to summarize again, therefore Krishna started this chapter with some theory: gunas like this, qualities like that, what should we do with these gunas – boring, technical data. Then He stopped enumerating the gunas and told: “Everybody is under control.” Then what to do? If everybody is under control, that means I’m also under control, devas are also under control, demons are also under control – so what to do? And actually many people think that varnashrama-dharma is the alternative, the perfect society. But actually we shouldn’t be satisfied with a simple varnashrama, although in general societies are very far from those ideals, but we need a daiva-varnashrama – the divine varnashrama. When, although the devotees have specific different-different qualities, yet there is something higher and very common in all of us – that we are ready to dedicate our individual capacities in the service, to dedicate them to Krishna. That is the daiva platform – the divine varnashrama, where although we have different abilities, we are united in divine service. So that is a real brahmin, that is a real kshatriya, that is a real vaishya or shudra who is ready to serve, because this is the upgrade of the simple, general varnashrama.

And while performing your duties, if you meditate upon the Supreme Lord, everybody can achieve perfection. So duty, dharma is very much discussed here. Stick to your dharma, stick to your service even if you commit mistakes, because all activities are covered with some shortcomings as fire is covered by smoke. All activities are covered with some mistakes – but don’t give up. Don’t give up! Better to do your duty, even though mistakenly, than to take somebody else’s service and do it more perfectly. But many times it happens that you think: ‘The service of the other person is easier’ or ‘I can do it better. My life is so difficult, but the life of the other guy is so easy.’ This is stupid! There’s no easy life. There’s no shortcut, there’s no better solution. Everybody has to face his or her own realities. Although this material ‘reality’ is only a reflection, like a ripple on the ocean of immortality.

So, stick to your duty, don’t give up! Arjuna wanted to give up his duty, right? ‘Better I go meditate, I don’t fight.’ But don’t give up! After 700 verses Krishna comes with: “Don’t give up your duty!” And He mentions that twice. Usually few topics He discusses twice, but this one He stresses twice – in the beginning and at the end: “Stick to your duty.”[1]

(to be continued)

[1] Bhagavad Gita 3.35, 18.47

(from Vyasapuja lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto) 

Initiation means three different things. You can initiate a person into a secret. But then it’s not a secret anymore because it’s widespread, right? So it’s not a secret anymore. Or you can initiate somebody into knowledge, into a science. And actually this is necessary, because it’s impossible to practice without acquiring the proper knowledge in that scientific field. While thirdly there is initiation into a mystic process, which will change our position and from simple outsiders we turn into practitioners. We become eligible. This is the initiation – you become eligible. So it doesn’t mean that you change your dress. No! You change the ideal that you are ready to dedicate your life to! This is the point. Therefore joining the circle of the devotees is a total upgrade of our life, just like a new birth, a new life.

I would like to invite Gurudev here. Associating with him was most of the time remarkable and challenging experience. We all know this hit parade song ‘Samsara’ – it’s vaishnavas’ billboard number one. But what is the meaning of the verses? That the grace of the spiritual master will extinguish the forest fire of material existence. That connects us automatically to the reality of the great ones. I still remember once in 1985 during the summer when Gurudev entered the room while we were taking prasadam. It is described in the fourth verse of ‘Samsara’ that a spiritual master derives great happiness observing devotees taking prasadam. And such divine bliss was on his face when he observed us taking prasadam there!

But what is the last verse? The last verse is about tri-sandhyam – the three occasions during the day when I should offer my respects and remember the grace of my master. Yet actually Gurudev had that special quality that not only three times per day we remember him, but after dozens of years after his departure we still remember him and he is still with us.

We have to start a long journey. We have to cross all the layers of this material existence to reach back to that divine harmonious plane where we belong. And on this path it’s so good to meet some well-wishers and helpers. Then we can go together, we can traverse this path together. I’d like to accept you as helpers on this long path crossing this universe and trying to reach back home, back to Godhead. And my offer is: let’s share this life of experience. Let’s share the services jointly. This is the best and this is the most that I can give.

We are greatly honored to greet here our god-brothers from other missions, representing their spiritual masters. I’d like to ask you to see me as an empty figure, so that you can recognize your respective masters sitting here. Because this is what unites us. And in that respect I’m also an observer of what’s going on. So please, take me as a brother, take me as someone who shares this experience with you.

(from Vyasapuja lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto)

(continues from the previous Monday) 

“So, who is a real disciple? You keep silent. Although you know that a real one is best to understand in the light of a fake one. If you see a false person, pay attention, because a real one also exists. If there was no good or real person, there could not be a fake one either because the fake replica cannot exist without the perfect original. A fake disciple is a bad field, akshetra, unable to accept the teaching, just like when you sow a good seed in a bad field. It will not bring good results. Another one, who knows only half of a verse, is again a fake disciple, as he does not know the full sentence. And the worst type of disciple is odana-shishya, because beyond eating nothing is interesting for him.”

“I would like to be a different one!” – said Mohan, but Shri Ram kept on:

“A stupid person is stupid three times because he cannot learn from the good advice, he cannot learn from the example of others, but what is worse – he cannot learn even from his own mistakes. While a good disciple traverses three paths. Because he pays attention to the teachings, therefore he is a good listener. And not only listens, he also follows, practices the sacred teachings. And those who practice, those who follow, they will reach the goal, they will reach the divine knowledge. Who is even more advanced is able to protect the teachings. Such a person is a protector, a very elevated disciple.”

“Where should the disciple pay more attention – to the teachings, the sacred knowledge or to his master?” – asked Mohan, using the interval.

“Very proper question! But it’s very difficult to find the preference. As all the shastra will say that the disciple should pay all attention to the master, while the masters will say that the disciple should pay all attention to the scriptures. Nevertheless we have to follow the advice of the saints, therefore we have to pay attention to the shastras, although they instruct us to serve the spiritual master. The revealed scriptures, the sacred teachings say that the real meaning of the teachings opens up to such a person whose faith in his master and his God is unshakable.”

“I’d like to have this!” – said Mohan. Shri Ram did not pay any attention. Of course he heard, but he posed that he did not notice. He felt he was speaking too much, although of course he listened to the boy. Nevertheless with his impatience in instructions he only wanted to influence and inspire Mohan.

“The secret! The secret is concealed, but a real disciple is patalika, or knower of secrets of others. He does not want to interfere or intrude into other people’s intimate circles, but he knows the secrets because he pays attention. He pays attention to the face of his master; that means he understands the mood of his master and accordingly he can serve him with great dedication.”

Mohan gave up. He understood he cannot follow the never-ending words of Shri Ram Pandit, he was already lost a long time ago. He felt like empty-handed standing there and he did not know what he was asked before. He just understood he was helpless listening to all these instructions. Shri Ram noticed how embarrassed Mohan was and finally he became merciful.

“A good disciple holds the umbrella, and he enjoys the protective umbrella of his master. And the best-best disciple is the pet son or daughter of the master, just like becoming a small baby.”

Then finally Mohan put a question:

“Please, please, ask again, one more time, who is a real disciple! Because I want to answer: it’s me! I want to be a real disciple!”

(from Vyasapuja lecture of Swami Tirtha, 08.10.2016 morning, Ludashto)

Many times I have asked you: which is a more prestigious or more distinguished position – to be a master or a disciple? What do you say, Akinchan?

Akinchan: There is no guru without a disciple and there is no disciple without a guru.

Swami Tirtha: Correct. Yet if we ask anyone: “Do you feel like a guru?” he will say: “No, I feel like a disciple.” So, it’s very difficult, very hard to find gurus and I tell you it’s very hard to find real disciples.

But let me read you something.

“The master said: “To be a disciple – this is not easy. Who is a disciple?”

Shri Ram did not want to torture Mohan, but rather he wanted to help him to understand the meaning of his words. He felt it’s very important that people come to some realized decisions and although he did not consider himself a teacher or instructor, nevertheless the young man was really an able candidate to receive the teachings. When the exchange is not only formal, but there is some substantial interaction; when this is not only words and data that is given, but the seed is sown. Teaching also enhances and serves the sacred teachings, not only studies. Both are part of the process. Because the point is not that you invent something or you learn something and you amass your knowledge in unshakable piles. No, the sacred teaching does not need data, but it needs practitioners who cultivate it. The sacred teaching wants to reveal and therefore it is searching for able candidates for that purpose. Well, a master is also a practitioner and a spiritual disciple is also a practitioner. What should be understood? That, by knowing which everything is known. And what should be reached? That, by reaching what everything is reached.

“A disciple is such a person, who lets himself or herself to be instructed” – answered quite strongly and with self-confidence Mohan. It was obvious he has really understood the beginning of the lecture. – “The master, guru, is “heavy”, unshakable. But compared to him the disciple should not be “light” or laghu. He should be a person able to be taught, therefore he is called shishya.”

“Correct, your answer is good. But I ask you again: who is a disciple?”

“Another name of the disciple is brahmachari or practitioner of the sacred science, who glorifies the Supreme Lord by his behavior. He lives in close vicinity with his master in self-control; he leads a life of sacrifice and dedicates all his attention to his studies.”

“Correct, your answer is proper. But I ask you again: who is a disciple?” – asked again Shri Ram and finally Mohan understood that this is not the time to give formal answers. This is not the official answer that is necessary, therefore a little more in silence he answered:

“The real disciple is a servant, chela.”

“That’s correct. But I ask you again: who is a disciple?” – asked again with more and more weight Shri Ram.

Mohan kept silent and nodded his head. Again he thought that he knows a lot, just like in the old story. He felt pity about his own weaknesses, but he did not mind it, because in this way he could come one step closer to the truth.”

(to be continued)

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 10.01.2016 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Swami Tirtha: Some of you have expressed that you want to join the circle of meditation – this is called circle of shelter. So, we humbly ask all those who enrolled the list yesterday to come forward and we shall deliver the mantra. Is there any question concerning the shelter?

Question: Is it possible if someone is not on yesterday’s list to enroll?

Swami Tirtha: Possible! But you didn’t ask about the requirements. I think it’s good to discuss that first. There are no requirements. Only one – that you should take it serious. Because it concerns your eternal life. It doesn’t help me, I cannot derive any benefit from that – it’s for you. So please, take it when you are serious about it!

It will bring us closer to our spiritual ideals. And one thing you have to promise me: that next time we meet, you will tell your impressions and your development. Can we agree on those terms? That you have to find some time during your day to chant this mantra in a peaceful condition of mind. The best time for this chant is in the morning. Please try to find the proper time for yourself, it concerns you! Of course, it takes some little time. But if you light some incense and if you chant this mantra, it will help you to concentrate on your eternal benefit. And you have to feel like this divine sun is rising on the horizon of your heart, you have to pray for that.

Everybody will receive a small mala[1] – it consists of 27 beads. They are 28, but don’t touch this different one. You hold it with the right hand, between the thumb and the middle finger. You count one mantra, then when you finish, you go to the second bead; in this way you reach the 27^th. Then you turn; you don’t cross the main bead, but you turn back. Then again you continue 27 times. Four rounds you do like this. And how much is four times 27? 108. In this way we are tuned to the cosmic harmony.

Of course we know that there are 108 Upanishads, secret teachings. 108 names for sannyasis in vaishnava line. 108 main servants of Lord Krishna. So it’s not only cosmology; it’s a highest type of theology and mystic experience.

When you finish, please invite into your mind all the purifying, nourishing and healing powers of the divine sun over your life.

Few more things I have to add. There are three steps that we have to achieve in our practice. The first is: we have to remember. We have to remember that we are spiritual souls. The second: we have to be conscious about it, we have to realize it, deeply understand it. And then what will happen in the third step? Happiness – this is what we have to reach in the third step. So: remember, be conscious and be blissful.

And now we are more strongly connected. Not only in common conviction, but also in our practice, in our prayer. Take this as a chance for spiritual progress in your life. Be very serious about it, always greet the sun in your life, so that you can be a reflective mirror of the sun – bright and pure! And I’m sure that this mantra will guide you in your spiritual path where to find your eternal prospect. And when you are clear about your practice, it will help you to stabilize more and more. I wish that you all become like small little suns – bright and shining for others, after you had been illuminated by the divine light.

Keep on going with this spiritual practice; do feel that we are united on this platform and that your individual success is success of all. And the success of your brothers and sisters is also your success. And don’t forget the meaning: From the unreal lead me to the real! From the darkness lead me to the light! And from death lead me to eternity! You can fill these words with the best of your wishes, with the best of your prayers – for yourself and for others. May all the blessings come upon you all! May all your elevated spiritual ambitions are fulfilled completely; so that you can work for your own benefit, be useful for others and ultimately live for the glory of the Supreme Lord.

[1] rosary

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 10.01.2016 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Imagine yourselves on a lonely island; you have survived the first night. And what happens at dawn? You expect the light to come. This beautiful symbol that happens every day in this world – that the light appears – this helps us to understand how we should proceed. We have to be there on time. We have to be full of expectations. Never mind that we are still in darkness, but we are facing the light. And we are sure it will come. The first rays… even before the first rays come, the hue will tell us. All of a sudden this lonely island becomes inhabited. And you know, when on the horizon the first touch of the sun disc appears, immediately there is a big change. Until that moment the darkness prevailed; from that first ray, the light has overcome. Then in a very few short moments the full sun disc appears on the horizon. And just as the sun disc will reveal everything around us, in the same way if on the horizon of our heart and soul the spiritual sun appears, it will shed light on everything. No darkness, no sufferings, no misconceptions anymore. Everything is crystal clear. Crystal clear who am I. I’m a spiritual soul. Crystal clear where I belong. I belong to the Supreme. And crystal clear what is the nature of our connection. It’s based on affection. Therefore we have to pray to this divine sun to appear on the horizon of our heart and soul.

The sun is the eye of the Supreme Lord Krishna – to observe us during the daytime. And this is the eye of a well-wisher. It’s not the eye of a judge, it’s not the eye of a spy – it’s the eye of our well-wisher. What happens at sunsets? Then the other eye of the Supreme reveals in the sky. The full moon is the other eye of our well-wisher – to observe you when you are sleeping. Our Lord has two eyes, just like you and me. Day and night He is observing us in a well-wishing manner, so that we awake.

Some of you want to join the circle of meditation – this is called circle of shelter. What is the nature of this meditation? All those who participate chant one mantra. Mantra is for liberation of our mind and consciousness. And this mantra is very simple: Asato maa sad gamaya… you know it. So that from the unreal we could come to the real. From the darkness we could come to the light. And from death we could reach immortality. We have to pray, we have to do something about our own spiritual progress. Not simply wait until it happens; we have to be active participants in our own salvation, so to say.

In this circle of meditation we have some brothers and sisters doing that in Hungary and in many places all over the world, here in Sofia also. We repeat this mantra 108 times. Why 108? Why not 100? Well, 108 is a very important number. Is anybody here well-versed in astronomy? What do you think, how much the distance between the Moon and the Earth is bigger than the diameter if the Moon?

Answers: 108.

Swami Tirtha: Correct! I see you are very well informed in astronomy. It’s 108. Let me ask you another question: how much the distance between the Sun and the Earth is greater than the diameter of the Sun? What is your guess? I think it’s not so very difficult. Actually this is 108. If you use your second brain, Google, and you check the real numbers based on today’s measurements, you will find this is like 107.6, or 109.2, or something like this. But the proportion is 108, right? This information is not provided in the universities, not provided in the scientific academies; yet now you know it. It’s a very mystic cosmic proportion. So, if you chant our mantras 108 times, then you are in tune with this cosmic order. This is so important to find a harmonious connection to this world, to perceive the divine presence and the divine order in this beautiful cosmic structure.

(to be continued)