Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 05.01.2020 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Shyama Tulasi: In the beginning of the lecture you said that our understanding of Krishna is a little theoretical, and in a theory there is always a place for doubts. In the last two months I have been drowning in very bitter doubts… 

Swami Tirtha: No, no, no! I cannot listen to this! Vishnu, Vishnu, Vishnu! And? And it’s over? ‘And I want to declare it boldly that this period is over!’ Jay! Any more questions? Fine! 

Yes, bitter periods will come. Be prepared. It’s easy to be a good bhakta when it’s easy. But we have to be a good bhakta when it’s not easy. Later on you will see how useful that was. Usually we are stupid, we want to take only the pleasant experience. But a wise person will take the useful experience. So what type do you want to be? A wise one. 

So be grateful for the difficulties. Some periods in life are extremely painful and difficult. But actually everything depends on your mental state. External conditions didn’t change. Nothing happened, but you start suffering. And then nothing changes around you and your suffering is gone. So what have we read from Shridhara Maharaj? Ma-ya, ‘not that’. It’s not real. Suffering is not real. The soul can’t suffer. Maybe matter can suffer, but matter is also an illusion. So ultimately there is no suffering. What to speak of bitterness? Bitterness is only for remedy. For life you need salt, right? Whenever you are in a crisis, in an accident, first they will insert some salt into your system. Isn’t it, how is it called?

Answer: Sodium Chloride, физиологичен разтвор.

Swami Tirtha: Correct, this is what I mean. So, when you hear the propaganda of a saltless diet, pay attention – it’s dangerous to your life. Health depends on salt. And happiness depends on what? 

Answer: On sugar.

Swami Tirtha: On sweets. Yes. And where is the place for bitterness? Sorry, there is no place for that! Yesterday I received a little bag as a present: a small jar of salt and a big dose of sweets. I was very happy: ‘All right, life is provided and happiness is also provided’. 

So let’s take the best remedy – the mahamantra.