Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 26.08.2016 evening, Ludasto)

(continues from the previous Friday)

Where did we start our theological and theoretical journey? Offering respects to the Supreme and not forgetting that He is svarat, independent. Also we got the invitation “Now let’s meditate upon the Supreme Absolute Truth”. Then we studied the questions and inquiries of the sages: ‘Please, tell us everything that is beneficial for the whole creation. But beyond that, please describe the pastimes of Krishna also. Don’t forget about that! All right, you can talk about the benefits, but we are yearning for krishna-katha.’ Then also you have got your homework – to learn a verse by heart. Who knows that verse already?

sa vai pumsam paro dharmo

yato bhaktir adhokshaje

ahaituky apratihata

yayatma suprasidati[1]

“To become suprasida, super happy, the best dharma engagement of all humanity is that path through which they can establish a living and loving connection to the Supreme. This bhakti approach must be unmotivated and uninterrupted. And it will fully satisfy your self!”

Did we have an intro into this during this week? I do feel that we had some taste of this nectar – uninterrupted, because there were so many activities, so many engagements; and very selfless, unmotivated – because the service mood was fully present here. And the results of this were reflected on our faces.

Then we came to the magic birth of Krishna. We had spent a full day in expectation. And finally your prayers were heard – Govinda came as a gift. Shrila Prabhupad sometimes described this process as “you only have to dance and sing”. Who will not like such a religious process? Then for today we had the very blessed opportunity to offer our respects to a pure devotee. And also to invite the blessings upon this newly married couple.

All these different engagements tell only one story. It’s the same story that I tried to describe you concerning that ancient celebration in the last millennium, when you can be united in separation and you can be separated in union. We cannot meet without being separated. They exist like two sides of the same coin. One is necessary in order to perceive the other, and the other maintains the first one in order to reveal again. And usually Krishna enjoys union, but sometimes He enjoys separation.

In the beginning we tried to make a quantum leap back to the forest of the sages. Now let’s make in singing another higher connection to the mood, to the spirit that they were inquiring about.

[1] Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6