Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 05.01.2017 morning, Sofia)

We studied the neutral relationship. And as we perceive sometimes neutral relationships on the human platform, we understand that this is killing, very painful. But in a positive sense if we can apply that, it brings a kind of stability of consciousness, the finish of inner fight and a kind of stabilized, conscious state of mind of the existence of God. And in the divine relationships this neutrality means that not so much activity is manifested, but this is a very strong state of mind.

Yet if we want to analyze further, we have to add something more to this fixed state of mind. And the first step, if we enhance this fixed consciousness of the Supreme, is some activity. This activity is service. Do you like that term? Usually we don’t like it. We want to be in the enjoyer position, not in the service mood. Although our life is basically service: we serve our family members, we serve our boss, we serve our desires, we serve our dog. Life is service; sometimes you rebel against this service commitment – especially the Bulgarians, because you are big freedom-fighters – but other times you do it naturally. For a mother to think: ‘Ah, this is a painful service to my child!’ – it’s just impossible, it doesn’t exist. And sometimes fathers are very happy to make their sons happy; they serve them in so many different ways. So there are certain cases when this service mood is a natural flow – and we love it! We are happy to do it.

Nevertheless sometimes we think that service is against freedom. Yet this is something very important that we have to understand; as it is declared in the Gita 2.64: “But a person free from all attachment and aversion and able to control his senses through the regulative principles of freedom can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord.” That means freedom has some rules. And if we follow the rules of freedom, then we can achieve the complete mercy of the Supreme – prasadam. Prasad is not only the sanctified foodstuff, but this is the extended mercy of the Supreme.

And many times we might think that service is a one way road, but it is not. It’s a mutual relationship. Service is a mutual relationship. There must be someone who is serving, who is giving; and there must be someone who is accepting. Which is more important?

Answers: Accepting. Both. They cannot exist without each-other.

Swami Tirtha: Once devotees asked: “How does the food become sanctified? How does it turn into prasadam? Did I make the ritual? I bring the plate and I chant the mantras and I throw the water and I ring the bell – is this what makes this normal foodstuff into a sanctified one? Is this my offering, my service that will turn the foodstuff into prasadam?” And actually we can say: no! It becomes prasadam if it is accepted. If Krishna accepts it – then it turns into prasadam. If you make all the extra rituals, but He doesn’t accept it – it’s not prasadam. So, following this principle I say: the accepting party is a little more important.

(to be continued)