Day 63. Trust- 12

Let us see the result of Kuchela’s firm trust in the God. As compelled by his wife, Kuchela visited Dwaraka and met the Lord. He was keen to meet his childhood friend after so many years. The meeting was cordial and very warm. After spending a night at the palace, Kuchela returned home, without asking for any monetary help, though that was the intention of his wife in sending him to Dwaraka.

 Kuchela  forgot about all the domestic problems and without uttering a word of his poverty returned home.

Can we think of such people today. Given an opportunity all are waiting to pour their needs, more so if the listener  happens to be a powerful person- say higher official, public servant, minister, or even the PM of the country.

Again Kuchela is a great teacher to mankind as to how to conduct in front of big and mighty .( Yes in Kali age that may be difficult and even not appropriate where influencing has become part and parcel of the society life).

In the story Kuchela was rewarded immensely by the Lord without being asked  at all. That is the art of giving. The powerful and mighty  should learn from Lord that it is their duty to help the downtrodden without being coaxed, begged for.

So the Kuchela story has many lessons. But from the spiritual angle, the greatest lesson is that  trust in divine will and  not to pine for one thing or other. Many of us are not in the plight of Kuchela, fortunately, hence one should peep into the mind to see whether our mind is akin to that of Kuchela in any field.

 That will be a stepping stone in spiritual progress.

Be safe. Be happy.

ॐ तत् सत्

9 40 AM 

Day 62. Trust -11

We have all heard about Bhakt Kuchela. What we can learn from him today? Sudama was a childhood friend of Krishna  as they did Gurukula  together at Sandipany’s Ashram. There after, Sudama had not met Krishna for a very long time.

Sudama, though knew that his friend Krishna is the King at Dwaraka, he did not venture to go to him for any help though he was living in acute poverty. He only chanted the name of Krishna day and night but did not think it necessary to approach Him at any time. He took life as it is trusting in his destiny and ways of the God.

 As per the story it is his wife who asked him to visit the Lord .

The lessons for us is that one should have utmost trust in the divine will. One need not run after others for favours and recommendations as being done in Kali Yuga.( Where influencing has become the greatest mode to get the work done , the life of Kuchela is a beacon of hope to people lacking such avenues for progress).

Ananya bhakti is a word used in Hinduism. Complete trust in the divine dispensation. There are plenty of rags to riches stories even in today’s life

.(One famous case is that of our PM , which was cited by him only, that from a tea boy he ultimately became  CM of a state and thereafter the PM of the country). If not divine will , how one  can explain such a rise in life. One can cite many more cases. That is not necessary. Even today millions are coming up in life, with sheer hard work and trust in the divine.

 (The other day a report talked about a boy who lived on the platform for 6 years or so, is now a IAS officer).

 It is not mere miracle. It is the divine will that directs the world and its being. One should have firm  trust in that. At least a spiritual seeker should have that. Bhakt Kuchela is a classic example of utmost trust.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

9 am

Day 61. Trust -10

Subramaniya Iyer was born  in the village of Thirukadaiyur,Tamil Nadu, where a famous Shiva temple, Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple, Thirukkadaiyur is situated. Right from his childhood, Subramaniya Iyer was drawn to the temple and the Goddess.

One day, the King visited the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. On noticing the peculiar behaviour of Subramaniya Iyer, who was a temple priest,……  he  approached the priest and asked him what day of the month it was i.e. whether it was a full-moon day or a new-moon day.

Subramaniya Iyer who could see nothing else but the shining luminant form of the Goddess before him wrongly answered that it was a full-moon day while it was in fact a new-moon day. The king rode off informing the former that he would have his head cut off if the moon did not appear on the sky by six in the night.

Immediately realizing his mistake, Subramaniya Iyer supposedly lit a huge fire and erected a platform over it supported by a hundred ropes. He sat upon the platform and prayed to the Goddess Abhirami to save him. He cut off one rope after another in succession on completion of each verse of his prayer. These hymns form the Abhirami Anthadhi.

On completion of the 79th hymn, the Goddess Abhirami manifested herself before him and threw her earring over the sky such that it shone with bright light upon the horizon. The area around the temple sparkled with bright light. Overcome with ecstasy, Subramaniya Iyer composed 21 more verses in praise of the Goddess.

The king repented his mistake and immediately cancelled the punishment he had awarded to Subramaniya Iyer. He also bestowed upon the latter the title of Abirami Pattar or "priest of Goddess Abhirami”.( wiki).

For devotees, there are many such instances from the Indian rich history. One must have an eye and mind to see them. It requires ,definitely, divine grace- even to think on those lines.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

8.45 AM

Day 60. Trust - 9

Bhakta Prahalad, covered earlier in some detail, is from a far  distant age for the modern mind. Let us see someone nearer to the current time and well recorded too.

Meera also known as Mirabai (1498-1546) and venerated as Sant Meerabai, was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Lord Krishna. She is a celebrated Bhakti saint, particularly in the North Indian Hindu tradition.

Her love and devotion to Krishna had brought about innumerable problems and travails to her in her married life. The in laws tried to harass and even kill her repeatedly. Yet she withstood them with firm resolve that Krishan will save her. And her belief was vindicated time and again.

Her story is well known and  will give solace to the downtrodden and helpless immensely. Her poems are a treat to the ear and mind alike.

There are plenty of devotees from the Indian history- who had the vision and grace of the God- for those who want to really see.

 For this Jnana Chakshu- wisdom eye-will be needed.

सर्वगं सच्चिदात्मानं ज्ञानचक्षुर्निरीक्षते ।

अज्ञानचक्षुर्नेक्षेत भास्वन्तं भानुमन्धवत् ॥ ( Atma Bodha- verse 66)

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

8 AM

Day 59 .Trust -8

A quick comparison between Bhagavad Gita and Prahalad Charita may be profitable.

 Do they in anyway differ in essence?

The considered view is that in essence both proclaim the same truth. But the explanation in Prahalad Charita is simple and direct as it was mainly addressed to demon kids of his own age-5 years. He himself being a small kid, no philosophical acrobatics is seen. It is direct and simple and easy to understand covered in less than 100 slokas. Then why are people not studying that well and get the fruits of wisdom.

It may not be appealing to the grown-up mind. Like Arjuna, grown ups have perennial doubts. Even the Lord had to utter some 600 plus verses to convince Arjun. But then we have no Lord to explain and clarify and show the Viswarupa. Hence, our doubts may never vanish at all.

In BG verse, 10.30 Lord Krishna states, "among demons, I am Prahalad". This validates the teachings of Prahalad Charita, if any one is looking for that.

As stated elsewhere, study of one book, hear one Guru, follow one God, that will take one to the supreme ,if destined,- Ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

 9 45  AM

Day 58. Trust - 7

 I wish to close this part with the following 2 suggestions-

1) Make it a point to read the Prahalad Charita given in Bhagavat Purana, if not done already.

2) Try to watch the movie Bhakta Prahalad- 1967- movie-that came out in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil  and Hindi. There are other movies too in different languages. But the one cited will give a lasting impression and may  help to enhance Devotion .

The song, Narayana Mantram sung by Prahalad in the said  movie is so uplifting which will move any body’s mind.

Jo baje Hari ko sada, sohi param pad pavega---

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

9.45 AM

Day 57. Trust -6

Why Prahalad like trust and belief in God is called for?

Let us take the pandemic situation. All, read all, are mortally afraid of the virus. To abide by rules or not, none is willing to take a chance without  wearing the mask. The fear of God- read here virus, imbalanced most of them, nay all of us.

People who were against vaccination are rushing to get the jab by hook or crook. Why this fear? If we have faith in the creator, why the inherent fear?

 Hence it was asked earlier, how much is our trust in God?

Prahalad, was given poison, put among snakes, thrown from the hill, drowned in water, set on fire etc.. Before each of these life threatening acts, he merely smiled and took the name of God. He was saved on all occasions.

Some may laugh at the story and dismiss the same  as mythology. Yes, it is possible. Because they are not born like Prahalad or did not have to face a  father like Hiranya Kashipu. When such forces come together the story will also become true. Till that time, it will be a mere story.

Be that the case, one can learn much from Prahalad. God has created us, hence He will protect us too. Let there be no doubt. He is doing that even now- whether we want to acknowledge that or not is a personal choice.

Jnana Chakshu- wisdom eye -can see the presence of God everywhere and in everything.

let us  yearn for such eyes.

Be happy. Be safe.

  ॐ तत् सत्

 11.45AM

Day 56. Trust -5

 Prahalad's philosophy needs to be imbibed by the modern man. First that story should be told in full to kids, when they are kids. Afterwards, the result will be limited indeed.( Parents and grandparents should ensure this without fail).

Here Prahalad teaches, the children of his age that life is a Maya, where 100 years or so of life is ebbed away in sleep, childhood, studies, work and then home management, such that no time is available/ spent on spiritual pursuits and then one day- alas- the death snatches away the Jiva. That is the story of human life then and even now.

So beautifully and clearly described over 5000 years ago. Could the modern day thinkers/philosophers improve on that?

He tells his father , the King that- "you have conquered the three worlds, but failed to conquer your own mind- of its anger and unlimited desires."  Is it not ringing some bell from the  the life  seen around?

So much of wisdom is contained in Prahalad Charita. They must make it a compulsory study in schools and even colleges. 

Will  that  remain a pipe dream?

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

 9 45 AM

Day55. Trust - 4

Prahalad Charita given in Bhagavat Purana, in a few chapters, is in fact  a complete  text for spiritual guidance/evolvement. Here he gives advice to his parents, gurus and friends on different occasions. All done with extreme politeness ,love and compassion.

There is no trace of anger in him at any point of time, though  his father –the  cruel King and his servants/soldiers put him to very many ordeals and even  tried to kill him repeatedly.

But the boy stood steadfast in his devotion to God and was ever loving to all the beings- there was no distinction in him.( That is what is now being taught, so laboriously in management and other self -help books of today).

One reading of Prahalad Charita will show that such new authors are only trying to re-invent the wheel with great effort, but with little success.

Because the core is missing in their writings i.e. Devotion to God/ spiritualism.

 Result, after reading countless such books, the reader is still at the cross roads of confusion.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

 10  AM

Day 54. Trust- 3

 We have all  heard about Prahalad’s devotion. 

Are we having similar devotion? To what extent?

In the story, he was a mere boy of 5-6 years of age.

·         Most of the readers must be pretty older than that. They must have had great experiences in life, must have read many books- including spiritual books, must have done puja, study and even visited many temples, many times- even written books and given lectures....

·         All great indeed and part of devotion.  But, did they get the devotion referred to by Prahalad ?

Are they having Ananya Bhakti- single pointed devotion- to God?

Worth asking. Let us ask-----

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

10 AM

Day 53. Trust -2

 Being a spiritual blog, I wish to spend some time on the story of Bhakta Prahlada and the relevance of the story to all of us.

Every senior citizen in this country will be familiar with the story as also their children. But it will be worth while to check with their grandchildren. Do they know the story and how much?

 How much even the grown up knows and with what benefit.Is it yet another story  read and dismissed ? Or does it have far reaching lessons to the modern man?

 What essentially  is Prahlad’s doctrine?

It is very simple and straight forward-there is only Lord Narayana in this world and His name is the greatest thing to be uttered , remembered and revered. Then all the problems  faced will vanish. For this one should have deep faith, trust and dedication.

Very simple, to comprehend and even to practice. But for sceptical minds, it will be difficult indeed. Here is  the lesson for all of us, kids and grown ups alike.

Are we ready to take a peep in to the great lesson?

Be happy . Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

 10 AM

Day 52. Trust - 1

Greatest service is to share with others the joys of living

All those who trust and believe in God hope that He will help them in times of need. People will have their own experiences to narrate. I wish to share two incidents-

 I was in Guwahati in 2015 for a banking seminar. After the event we went to Kamakhya Devi temple. While returning around 7 PM, it rained badly leading to flooding of roads. We were held up in a way side café till 9 30 PM and were not knowing how to reach the guest house. All were worried as we had to catch an early morning flight on the next day.

I remember, praying to Goddess and was sure that as we are returning after Darshan, She will show the way. Thereafter we were told that there is a short cut through the ARMY camp but they don’t permit civilians to pass. We took a chance and went there.

First  we explained the situation to the sentry, then the gate keepers’ office personnel, but they were not willing to oblige. We showed our credentials and requested them to speak to higher ups…. After a lot of haggling, Lo, we were permitted to pass and in 10 minutes reached the guest house.  How did this happen, if not for the intervention of the Divine force?

2.

 In 2003 or so, I was going to Sabarimala temple, Kerala. At the first phase, I had to travel from Kurla Terminals to my native place in Kerala. The train was around 8 PM. Though I had started well on time  from home due to unprecedented traffic, I reached late and the train had just left. I was really worried.

 At that moment a Rickshaw driver came forward and asked my problem. When narrated, he assured help to board the train. He took me through a dark, narrow road near the tracks and assisted me to  board the train, which was held up at the signal near Vidya Vihar.  Needless to say, all along I was praying to Lord Ayyappa to help .

 Looking at that incident, then and now, I am convinced that it was the Divine intervention, that helped me to catch the train.

For a devotee, such things will be even common.

 It is stated that God is with us always. His help will come in many ways… One can be rest assured.

Be happy. Be safe.

 ॐ तत् सत्

10  A M

Day 51. Search- 10

Before we shift to a new area it is time to take a self- check/search , as in spiritualism, self- effort is paramount.

Vedanta talks about abjuring fully 6 vairies and acquiring 6 sampathis—it is good for a seeker to check where one is placed from time to time.

Six vairies- enemies	Six sampathis- assets
1 Kama	sama
2 Krodha	dama
3 Lobha	uprati
4 Moha	titiksha
5 Mada	shradha
6 Matsara	samadhana

The most important enemy of the man/woman is stated to be  Kama- desire, check that then the road ahead will be smooth, so asserts, Bhagavad Gita.

Be Happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

9 30 AM

Day 50. Search- 9

 Greatest service is to share with others the joys of living

Who will teach Hinduism to Hindus is a question that cropped up in my mind while going through some uncomfortable videos recently.

An average Hindu/ girl today is divorced of the real essence of the religion, which was covered earlier too. Though the Hindu philosophy is very simple, the same is delivered as highly complex by many with the result the layman is confused.

ü  Who will correct the misconceptions?

ü  First, who will tell the real tenets?

ü  How to reach the masses?

ü  Will the temples take up the task?

ü  Will the Hindu religious bodies, which are in thousands, bell the cat?

Million-dollar questions indeed. It is sad when the Hindu boys and girls cut a very sorry figure on their own religious principles.

Formal education of today/tomorrow may not help in this regard.

With many parents lacking proper education even, how they can supplement?

Questions galore. Should one ask them or ignore them?

 What choice is before us? Worth  a serious thought. Don't you think ?

Be happy. Be safe.

 ॐ तत् सत्

10AM