Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.05.2019 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Aradhana: You mentioned that we should make steps towards our original self, sat-chit-ananda. And is it correct what I understood, that some of these steps are to put Krishna in the center; the maha-mantra is purifying us; and not to be sad? Three steps.

Swami Tirtha: Correct. It’s a good to-do list. 

Aradhana: Are there other steps? 

Swami Tirtha: Actually, all the instructions of the Vedas help this goal to be realized. Even the smallest little detail tells the whole story. There are tons of instructions coming from the scriptures and the tradition. Maybe we cannot embrace all these advices, but at least the major points we have to try to integrate into our life. It is said that the ultimate goal of all the Vedic instructions is the happiness of Lord Vishnu. Also it is said that all these instructions have two main conclusions. One is: always remember Krishna; and the second is: never forget Him. Therefore we can say that the last miracle tells about the first miracle. Because there is a unity, there is a structure, there is a spiritual network behind this. And the last drop will tell everything about the first drop, the last miracle tells everything about the first miracle. 

And what is the last miracle? The last miracle is that we sit here. That we have followed this beautiful invitation: ‘Come, take your share of the divine bliss!’ Isn’t that a miracle? That such an invitation exists and it can reach us? And also that we can respond to such an invitation? It’s a full miracle! And that miracle tells everything about the first miracle.

 But now comes your speculative mind, and you will say: if it is true in one direction, it should be true the other way around as well. And I couldn’t say that this is not valid. What does it mean – the first miracle contains everything about the last miracle? So, the meeting of Radha-Govinda contains our sitting here today?! I think by the mercy and the divine savior activity of Chaitanya Mahaprabu we can agree on this point. Because as a merciful God, Krishna as a God of love, He has a plan to invite these parts and particles back. But there is a plan, there is a divine plan. So, if there is an invitation, then we only need to say this magic mantra: ‘Yes’. 

Krishna Priya: Is Krishna inviting everybody? 

Swami Tirtha: Basically yes. In case He does not invite someone, they are invited by Radharani. Is there anybody who is excluded from divine mercy? It is impossible! If ontologically everybody belongs to Them, who is excluded? Some understand this situation, others understand and do something about it, still others don’t understand, they don’t pay any attention to this. But nobody is independent of the divine power and divine origin. 

Lila-Avatar: If we are all in the to-do list of Krishna and Radha to go back to Them, do we have a chance to complicate this plan for returning back with our to-do list ? To mess up things.

Swami Tirtha: Yes. Yes, because we share the divine qualities. And if They have a plan for salvation, then we have a plan for damnation. Therefore, our only duty is not to give trouble to the divine plan, to avoid our negative interference in the divine plan. If you cannot help, at least don’t block it.

Question: How can we be happy in separation? The first impression when coming from a Christian temple here into a Vaishnava temple is that instead of shedding tears, everything is jolly. In our tradition, one of the most beautiful definitions of poetry is transcendental nostalgia in separation. I remember you said that the language of the lover is poetry and the language of the mystic is silence. How to be happy in separation? 

Swami Tirtha: By dancing, chanting the holy names… Separation is dramatic, but it’s not tragic. Because there is no happy ending in a tragedy. But in a drama we can expect a happy ending. We never know what’s going to happen. And you know, shedding tears is not bad. But it’s a big difference whether you shed tears due to sadness or happiness. One thing is declared in the shastras: “If there is fire, there is water as well”. So if there is the fire of the burning separation, you will shed the tears, the water of the pain. If there is the warmth of the loving emotions, again you are in tears. Yet the quality is a little different. 

But if we cannot shed tears, either of deep separation or spiritual bliss, then let’s laugh instead.