Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 07.01.2018 evening, Sofia)

We shall continue our studies that we started this week. We studied the relationship between human beings and the Supreme Lord. Man and God. We agreed that we can understand a person in the network of relationships. We are always someone to somebody. Let’s say, the friend to all, or the enemy to some. I think you all know all these different relationships: family, job, etcetera. But there is one ultimate relationship that we should never forget, and it is to the ultimate source, to the ultimate cause of all causes.

In the beautiful song Radhe Radhe Govinda that is calling out the names of God, He is called Govinda. Govinda is such an aspect of Krishna, the all-attractive Godhead, who reciprocates. What kind of God we would like? Someone that died on the cross? I think we much more appreciate the one who was resurrected from death. Or someone who doesn’t listen to your prayers? I think much more we like such a person who will listen to our prayers. If God is omniscient, then He will read the last pages of the book even if we didn’t open the book. He knows what is good for us. Many times we come with different prayers: ‘Give me this, give me that’. And some prayers are fulfilled, others… I don’t know about you, but I pray for a certain thing for years now and it never happen. I know some people whose prayers are always heard. And I try to establish a friendly relationship with them, so maybe they can pray for me also, but nevertheless, it hasn’t happen yet.

Do you have such prayers that have not been fulfilled yet? I think we all have. A long list of unfulfilled prayers. Why it is not provided? If God is good – can we agree on that point that He is good? Once I was talking to a lawyer. And somehow I just told him that, “You know, God is good.” And he said, “If somebody could prove that to me.” I said, “Well, you will have a hard time. It’s very difficult to prove. If you don’t see it, then how can we prove it?” Of course, I don’t want to offend our advocate brothers if they are sitting here. But let’s agree on this point that God is good. Then why doesn’t He fulfil your desires, your prayers? Most probably they are not beneficial for us. Because He knows what is good for you. Why should He serve you in a wrong manner, give you something that you shouldn’t take?

Therefore, it is suggested to pray properly. Ask something that you want, but nevertheless give Him the freedom to provide it or not. So Govinda will respond. If there is a sincere question, there is an open answer.

And something is very important here, as we discuss relationships.  Actually, we can say that a human being is made of different relationships. Whatever we are is the creation or the result of our relationships – to our fathers, to our mothers, to our education, to culture, motherland, et cetera. These are all different relations; and ultimately, we are related to the ultimate cause of all causes and this will pervade and determine everything. Therefore, a good prayer is: “Please my Lord, help me never forget about my ultimate source. Please, give me remembrance of You”.

(to be continued)