Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 13.05.2019 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

As we discussed yesterday night, many are attracted to the home comfort, the home feeling of a small circle. But if people are attracted to a small circle and are ready to join, then it will become a big circle, right? And then you will say “Oh, it’s not the same mood anymore. It’s not a small circle, it’s a big circle. Why are others coming? It’s not a closed circle anymore.”

But wait a minute. You have also joined, somebody has accepted you. And now you want to close the door in front of others? “Sorry, with you we are too big a circle, so you are excluded from the nectar.” Sorry, you cannot do that. Then how to maintain the same mood that was so charming for us that when we entered this room for the first time, we said “Wow, what’s happening here?!” Our duty is to maintain that mood. And if we have enjoyed the benefit of joining this mood, this circle, we need to open this circle to all those who want to taste the same nectar. 

In the beginning, we are on the receiving side. Why? Because we come from the desert of material life. We are full of absence. Therefore, we need to fill up this vacancy that is inside. But later on, we have to stand on the other side, which is the supplier side. And if you want to enjoy the same mood that you have been receiving, try to supply others with it. Then you can enjoy the same mood, but on the other side. It’s sweet to receive, but the wise say it’s sweeter to give. 

And it’s not the complicated philosophy that will convince anyone to search for their own individual spiritual perfection. We cannot catch the supreme intellect with some intellect. Just remember these good friends of yours, the gopis. They are not satisfied with some theoretical meditation. They want something real. We also need something real. A personal encounter. To join the divine presence of the Supreme. When you sit in front of Him. ‘You and me. Me and You.’ Show others what you have found. 

From the goswamis, Jiva Goswami was the philosopher. He had written 400,000 verses about philosophy. And what is the essence of his teachings? It’s not the Bhagavat Sandarbha, it’s not the Tattva Sandarbha, it’s not the philosophical treatise. But we can say this is the essence of his teachings: Krishna Prema Mayi Radha. Radha Prema Mayo Hari.

So, what is the essence of your existence? What makes you live? This treasure and this secret please show to others. Make this ashram a focus of spiritual energy. So that all those who come with empty hands and thirsty souls, they can find the treasures and the nectar to fill up their needs. Be smart. Be intelligent. And pray. If you do these three things, you will be successful.