Sharanagati
Collected words from talks of Swami Tirtha(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 06.05.2017 morning, Rila)
(continues from the previous Friday)
“With great faith King Bharata performed various kinds of sacrifice. Sometimes these sacrifices were performed completely and sometimes partially. In any case, in all the sacrifices the regulations of chaturhotra – the four fire sacrifices – were strictly followed. In this way Bharata Maharaja worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead. After performing the preliminaries of various sacrifices, Maharaja Bharata offered the results in the name of religion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva. In other words, he performed all the yagyas for the satisfaction of Lord Vasudeva, Krishna. Maharaja Bharata thought that since the demigods were different parts of Vasudeva’s body, He controls those who are explained in the Vedic mantras. By thinking in this way, Maharaja Bharata was freed from all material contamination, such as attachment, lust and greed. When the priests were about to offer the sacrificial ingredients into the fire, Maharaja Bharata expertly understood how the offering made to different demigods was simply an offering to the different limbs of the Lord.”[1]
So, Bharata Maharaj had the vision that the different personalities invoked by the mantras were like designated parts of the Supreme. It is very instructive, because beyond the external varieties we need to see the inner essence. During one lifetime we do multiple varieties of activities. But nevertheless one same spirit should be there – that whatever we do should be a gentle and loving offering to the Supreme. Dedication is not restricted only to the temple room. And when you exit, it’s strictly forbidden to perform the same activities – no. Try to bring the spirit with you. But beware the direction. It’s not that you bring the external spirit into the temple, but rather bring this spirit to the world.
A mantra – it’s very important – is defined by certain factors, certain features. For example, one aspect is the rishi-muni who transfers that mantra, who is like the protector and the main authority on that special mantra. Then there is the aspect of the Supreme invoked in the mantra. Then there is the meaning; then there is the result of the mantra. So, many different aspects are there. Therefore a mantra is also like an injection. Maybe first we don’t understand all the different aspects and depths of the mantras we chant. But if we start to practice, they will reveal. So, properly chanting mantras is not an intellectual effort. It’s an invitation to the Supreme. One B.B. Tirtha Maharaj said: “If you say Hare Krishna, this is like an invitation on your door, on the entrance: ‘Welcome’. So, don’t be surprised if somebody will knock on your door.” This is it: your spiritual practice is an invitation to the divinity. It will reveal, it will bring the guest.
“For instance, Indra is the arm of the Supreme Lord, and Surya [the sun] is His eye. Thus Maharaja Bharata considered that the oblations offered to the different demigods were actually offered unto the different limbs of Lord Vasudeva”. In this way, being purified by ritualistic sacrifices, the heart of Maharaja Bharata was completely uncontaminated. His devotional service unto Vasudeva, Lord Krishna, increased day after day. Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, is the original Personality of Godhead manifest as the Supersoul [Paramatma] as well as the impersonal Brahman”.[2]
Here, due to this proper performance of sacrifices the heart is purified. And what happened? His devotion was growing day by day. So, from this we can judge ourselves. If you feel that your devotion is growing day by day, then you can conclude that ‘my heart is purified totally’. If you don’t feel that your devotion grows day by day, then you need to perform more spiritual activities. Because the nature of material things is degradation. Entropy it’s called – that everything falls apart. Kali Yuga in a scientific word is entropy. But then what about the nature of the divine or spiritual things – should they also decompose? No, they should grow, as they belong to a different nature. Maybe slowly-slowly or in an unseen manner, but they should grow.
(to be continued)
[1] Shrimad Bhagavatam 5.7.5-6
[2] Shrimad Bhagavatam 5.7.7