Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 10.01.2016 evening, Sofia)

I’m very happy that yesterday we agreed on some basic points: life is good, it has got a spiritual goal, we are all searching for blessings. And also please remember the three facts: the first was that we are spirit souls, eternal souls; the second was that we belong to the Supreme, we belong to God; and the third factor was that there is a living and loving contact between us. It’s very simple: I am not the dying body, material construction, but I am spiritual energy, soul; I belong to the supreme source, God Supreme; and we have a relationship based on affection. He is affectionate to me and I also try my best to show some of my willingness. But we have to find ways to implement all these truths in our life. Because it is not simply that we agree on these points, but we have to realize them, we have to put them into practice.

In order to learn something more about this spiritual science, we have to learn, we have to study some revealed scriptures. For today I have brought one of the most precious and most treasured scriptures of India, which is considered to be the ripe fruit of the Vedic revelation. Veda means ‘knowledge’ – material and divine knowledge; plus spiritual wisdom. So it’s like a huge tree containing all information. And this is not a barren tree, this is a fruit-bearing tree. And the most precious fruit of this divine tree of knowledge – this is the Shrimad Bhagavatam, or the Bhagavata Purana. It’s a revealed scripture connected to the Supreme, Bhagavan.

Actually this is a discussion – a discussion between the wise men of the previous age, previous old times. Their meeting was very similar to our meeting here. We all understood that today there is a meeting, so we came. In the same manner they also had the information that a very important spiritual discussion was going on – so ‘let’s go there, let’s visit!’ This was an exchange between the lecturer and the audience – they had some questions. And one of the main questions was: “Which is the best path? There are so many ways of religion and spiritual processes – which is the best one, the most direct one?” Is this an actual question? I think very much! Even more processes and ways are known today. Therefore we have to know what is good and what is the best.

Then the advice is given: sa vai pumsam paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokshaje ahaitiky apratihata yayatma suprasidati[1] – “For all the humanity the best way to approach the Supreme is through which they can reach devotion to God, bhakti, divine love. And this approach has to be unconditional and permanent, because by this the atman, the soul inside will be supremely satisfied.”

So just imagine yourselves to put this question: “What is the best way?” And imagine yourself receiving the same answer: “The best way for all is that through which you can reach divine love. In your spiritual endeavors you have to be unconditional and permanent. Then you will enjoy supreme bliss in your heart of hearts.” Do you agree? Yes!

But then a little more information is coming. How to reach?

(to be continued)

[1] Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6