Sharanagati

Collected words from talks of Swami Tirtha




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(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 6.09.2015 pm, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Friday) 

If we want to be really intelligent and learned fellows, then from the general knowledge we have to come to the specific. The basic general perception is matter, that material realm exists. But even at the first step we have a hope that there is something beyond. Because all that we observe is sure to perish. Yet we have a hope that something must remain. We have a universal fear of death and devastation. And the solution to this problem is to have a glimpse of eternal existence, divine existence. Then we understand that all that we have perceived before is only a reflection. So instead of the darkness of matter now we see the brightness of the spirit. Sometimes it is so bright that it blinds us. But don’t stop with this blindness of the spirit, the spiritual blindness. Many times it is said in the scriptures: “Oh, my Lord, Your real face is covered by divine splendor. Please, remove this splendor! I don’t want to see the splendor, I want to see You!”

So, if you have this desire to find the source of all spiritual greatness and majesty, then you are on a proper path. Because there, beyond this supreme, majestic, powerful and just God there is somebody else. Ultimately this is Lord Krishna, the All-attractive. His name means ‘attractive for all’, including Himself. It’s a very interesting point! You know when Krishna, sometimes sees His own reflection, He is mesmerized by the vision. He says: ‘Who is that beautiful guy? What is this so extremely beautiful! How it is possible that it exists!’ Of course, I don’t want to say that narcissism is coming from a divine source. But what does it say symbolically – that His own beauty is beyond His conception even! Can we imagine such a beauty that perplexes the beauty Himself? I think now we have some words, but we don’t have the conception. Therefore a teacher says: “Krishna’s path is full of miracles. Be prepared for miracles!” Just imagine to get a vision of this ultimate beauty and harmony – you’ll just faint! Better not to have such a vision, because what can I do with so many fainted devotees? Who will clean the temple? Who will cook the prasadam? So, please don’t faint! But this is not only a joke. It proves that it is far-far beyond anything that we can imagine.

So, to be really intelligent and really learned means that we are connected to that plane of reality. There are three steps of observation. One is the facts; the second is the truth. Facts are many, truth is one. But the third grade is reality, beyond facts and beyond the truth. We should be connected to that superior realm of existence. Material life is a fact, as we have this bodily birth. Eternal life is a truth. And loving worship is a reality. I hope now you see the difference between all these different gradations. Therefore, if we are intelligent, we have to be connected to this ultimate level of existence.

Then how to judge whether we are intelligent enough, or not? We have to pass an IQ test. Are you ready to make a spiritual IQ test? I will ask some questions and you have to answer. Actually, now we shall remember a very profound discussion between Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and one of His very, very elevated followers -– Ramananda Raya. Lord Chaitanya was asking questions and Ramanada was answering. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a very special avatar of Krishna and Radha together, is enquiring. Just imagine yourself in this situation: God asks you questions. Usually we ask questions: “Oh, my God! Please, tell me how is this? Please, tell me how is that?” But now He is posing the questions.

The first question is: “What is the essence of learning in the field of educational activities?”[1] So, what is learning, what is knowledge? What is your answer? ‘I don’t know!’ – that is a proper answer! We have no idea what real knowledge is. The answer – please, pay attention – is “There is no superior quality of learning than the knowledge pursued in regard to devotional service to Krishna.” So, the supreme science is how to serve God. And service means connection, service means relationship. There is no theoretical service. Theoretically I serve you, but… No way! Service is always personal. Service is always based on relationship. I have learned something from you yesterday. What is the main mantra of the small children? “Mom, mom, mom!” The more they repeat this main mantra, something will be included there. What?

Answer: Om.

Swami Tirtha: Om. So, some sacred knowledge is hidden in this basic mantra of your children. And they become more and more ecstatic by repeating it more. You see, divine reality is hidden so much even in the most basic little things that we accomplish in this life. In the same way, if you somehow reflect on the supreme truth in any way, sooner or later you will be connected there. And fortunately, our superiors and our Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told us one mantra: hare krishna hare krishna, krishna krishna hare hare, hare rama hare rama, rama rama hare hare. Hopefully by this chanting process we can approach and we can come closer to this supreme science of the spirit.

 

(to be continued)

 

[1] In Search of the Ultimate Goal of Life, by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

 



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