Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 10.01.2019 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Friday)

“Gokula has a special protective border and this very secret square is Shvetadvip that encircles Gokula. There are four sides of this square, where Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anirudha reside. These four individual shelters are also protected by the four different human ambitions like dharma, the truth; economic progress; passion; and moksha, liberation. And also the base for these ambitions, different Vedic mantras, Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva – these are dedicated to these different shelters. There are ten directions: the four cardinal, the four secondary and up and down, and the ten directions are protected by ten tridents. The four main directions are decorated by eight mystic treasures that represent mystic powers. These are the mahapadma, padma, shankha, makara, kaccha, etc. These directions are protected by the digpalas, the protectors of the directions. And all the different colored companions of the Lord shining in bluish, yellowish, reddish and bright color are all around. Plus the marvelous energies led by Vimala.”[1]

So, what do we see here – a diamond pillar in the center, the hexagram surrounds it and the lotus flower is like a circle. And now we come to a square. Actually this square separates the divine realm from the external space. If you see any yantra-mandala in India, you will find this structure. Externally there is a square; inside it is a circle; if you go closer to the center, you will find special diagrams, and in the middle – a dot. And these four main directions are protected and dominated by these four primary aspects of Krishna – Vasudeva, Sankarshan, Pradyumna, Anirudha – who are playing a very important role in the further creation, representing the cosmic principle of beauty, the cosmic principle of identity, the cosmic principle of intelligence, etc. 

Then comes the next – the four human ambitions help us approach the divine essence. They are like gates to enter the divine realm. And the Vedas will support these human ambitions with their knowledge. But how to open the door? For example, let’s say you come from the direction of dharma. Just imagine yourself. You have accomplished everything in this worldly life: you have chanted all the mantras, you have accomplished all the rituals, given up all the anarthas, you have no other attachments. Then you are in front of the door of Gokula Vrindavan, the dharma door. How to open this door? Still it is closed. Just imagine yourself – after dedicating so many lives to your spiritual practice, finally you meet a closed door. And if somehow you have forgotten to bring the key to this door with you, then you have to go back. So, what is the key to this door? This is the fifth principle, prema. If we have prema, then all the doors will open. So please, my dear ones, don’t forget to bring the key with you. 

So, the Vedas will support these human ambitions, and then? Ten tridents are directed to ten directions: east, south, west, north, north-east, south-east, south-west, north-west, including the zenith and the nadir. Now, what is this? Tridents – in the most inviting spiritual lotus flower realm? How is that? A raise of arms in the spiritual sky?! Why are there some weapons there? Just to threaten away the materialists. We have to protect the highest ideals – from corruption, from intrusion, etc.

Then these precious stones represent the major mystic powers in yoga. For example, to read the future – do you like that? Usually we consider that something very special, very high. But actually, this is a secondary siddhi. Because, in a way, if somebody is sensitive, they can read the impression of your past and they can read the prophecy of your future. But if you go to a pure devotee to read your future, he can also tell it. He will say: “Hmm, I see two separate paths in your life. If you take one path, you will die. If you take the other path, you will live forever.” So, in case somebody has a trouble with their job, you can open such a consulting atelier. You can easily become a fortune-teller. And if you have mystic enough environment, they will buy your stuff like anything. “I see two separate directions in your life.” Really, people need only a little inspiration to go ahead. “Yes, pray more! This is the solution to your problem!” You know, if a priest will say it, nobody will listen. But if you hear the same message from a different source, then you will take it. If Swami Tirtha will say, “Surrender more to divine service”, you will yawn: “Ah, how many times I’ve listened to this!” But if you go to a motivation training and the guy will say, “Whatever you do, do it 100%”, then it will be a revelation for you: “Now I have heard the solution to all my problems. Whatever I do, I have to do it 100%.” But this is the message of Shrila Shridhara Maharaj. Please, read the books. You will find the same there. 

(to be continued)

1. Brahma Samhita, 5.5