Sri Swamiji's 'Anugraha Bhãshãna'

Following is the transcript of Sri Swamiji’s ‘Anugraha Bhãshana’, telecast on a popular satellite channel on Tamizh New Year’s Day - Sunday, the 14th April, 2002

Sri Swamiji,

"HARE RÃMA HARE RÃMA RÃMA RÃMA HARE HARE
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE"

“ May the ‘Chitra Bhãnu’ year (name of this new year as per Tamizh calendar) bring prosperity to one and all!

It is said, ‘Aridhu aridhu mãnidarãi piraththal aridhu!’ (It is rare indeed to be born as a human being!). Our Puranas and Shãstras, too, acclaim the greatness of this human birth. One wonders, ‘what is the reason for such greatness being attributed to ‘manushya janma’ (Human birth). We have failed to realize its greatness for the mere reason that we have taken this birth!

If, for a moment, we contemplate we realize that there are various types of living beings amongst God’s creation. There are innumerable bacteria in the atmosphere that are invisible to the naked eye. Slightly bigger than these are the tiny insects, mosquitoes, bugs and worms. If we study these insects and worms, we find that even amongst them are various types. Next in this order come cockroaches, lizards and the like. If we go higher up in this ladder, we find smaller animals like rats and rabbits followed by dogs, pigs, donkeys and horses. Wild bison is found to be more powerful than the horses and donkeys. Then come the wild animals such as tigers, lions and elephants that are stronger and more powerful than other animals. Although animals such as elephants, lions and tigers are stronger than man, we find that man, who has been blessed with the sixth sense, easily tames these animals and locks them up in a zoo!

Let us now see who stands above man. Jnanis opine that there is a ‘sukshma prapancha’ (subtle world) apart from the world that is visible to us now. Great saints and Mahatmas who have incarnated in our country have proclaimed the existence of ‘sukshma prapancha’. Our ‘Itihãsas’ and ‘Purãnas’ (epics) also bear testimony to this fact. Despite all these, we refuse to believe in its existence. Unlike the insects and animals, Devas, Yakshas, Kinnaras and Pithrus are not visible to our eyes. Therefore, man refuses to believe in their existence. It is my view that it is inappropriate to deny the existence of something just because one is unable to see it.

For instance, let us assume a child is blind by birth. This child does not see this wonderful world and its beautiful colours that are seen by us. However, we see this world, live in this world, carry on various activities and enjoy the beauty of this world. Just because the blind child does not perceive this world, can it be said that it does not exist? No! We cannot. This is because we see this world. Likewise, there is a difference between our vision and that of Mahans. The Mahans are ‘Mei Jnãnis’ (knowledgeable) whereas we are Ajnãnis (ignorant). They have renounced all and live on fruits and greens whereas we are slaves to our taste buds. They have controlled their minds whereas we are controlled by our minds. They have won over the sense pleasures whereas we are lost in sense pleasures. There is indeed a great deal of difference between the Mahans and the common man! Renouncing all physical comforts, Mahans practiced severe austerities. As a result, they have acquired ‘Jnãna drishti’ with which they perceive the ‘sukshma prapancha’. Such Mahãns have given us the Shãstras and ‘Itihãsa-Purãnas’.

How are we to believe that Mahans had ‘Jnãna dhrishti’? It is common practice in our country to follow the ‘Panchãngam’ (the Indian calendar that is based on astrological calculations). On the New Year day, the ‘Panchãngam’ of that year is analyzed in order to know what is in store for us. We are also very much interested in knowing the details given in the ‘Panchãngam’. With the aid of various modern gadgets, astronomers have given us several details regarding the planetary system and stars. What is amazing is that without the help of any of the modern equipments, our Maharishis who lived thousands of years ago, have described the same in our Shastras! We find that they have accurately predicted the time of eclipse, of sunrise, etc. They have clearly described the details regarding stars, planets and the rotation of the sun. How was it possible for them to know all these details? Owing to years of penance they have acquired ‘Jnana drishti’ and with this they could perceive everything.

If one person can achieve something, it only goes to show that all can certainly achieve it! If we were to perform such penance, gain control over our minds, win over sense pleasures and tread on the path towards the Almighty, we too, can experience the same. When we look through a magnifying glass or a telescope, we perceive things that are invisible to the naked eye. Likewise, a person who possesses a mind that is focused as a result of dhyana, can see the ‘sukshma prapancha’.

We find that ‘Pithrus’(forefathers) are more powerful than human beings. Only because our ‘Pithrus’ possess ‘anugraha shakti’ (ability to bless), our Sanatana dharma advocates the worship of ‘Pithrus’ and elaborate ‘shrãrdha’ ceremonies. Our Shãstras place Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Chãranãs above the Pithrus. Higher than them are the 33 crores Devas and higher than them are the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Above all these, is the ‘Brahma swaroopa’!

Man is placed right in the middle - above the insects,animals and below the Pithrus, Devas and God. The manner in which man leads his life determines the nature of his subsequent birth/s. If one were to lead life in adherence to the words of Mahans or the Shãstras, he becomes a Deva or even God! On the contrary, if one leads his life as per his whims and fancies he is reborn as an animal.

The difference between man and animal is that the latter does not conform to any sort of rule or principle. Animals eat and sleep whenever they want and do not follow any regulations. What is the difference between man and animal if, bereft of any discipline, he were to eat and sleep as and when he desires? In spite of being blessed with ‘manushya janma’ (human birth), if one does not utilize it properly, he is no different from an animal. There will be no sorrow if we adhere to the words of our ancestors and this whole ‘prapancha’ will be filled with joy. The improper manner in which an individual leads his life is the cause of all sorrows that is prevalent in the society.

Normally, ‘Panchãngam’ is read on the first day of the year. The planetary positions are thoroughly analyzed and their effect on the coming year is predicted. However, if we are devoted to the Lord, the planetary positions will bear no effect on our lives. The ‘pramãna’ (proof) for this is the assertion by the Mahatmas that planets themselves are incapable of producing an effect, but operate under Bhagavan’s control. Therefore, they do not affect His Bhaktas.

Thyãgarãja Swami of Thiruvaiyãru was a great Rama Bhakta and has composed several kirtans on Lord Rama. In one of his kirtans, he sings,

“Graha balam emi Rama! Nee anugraha balame balam!” - He says “ Rama! What can these planets do to me when I have your blessings?” (what power do these planets possess, Rama? It is only your ‘anugraha’ (Blessings) that are truly powerful)

Likewise in ‘Kollaru Pathigam’, the Nãyanmãrs have sung, “Avai nalla nalla adiyãrgalukku miga nallave!” - the ‘Navagrahas’ do not harm Siva bhaktas.

Sri Arunagirinatha, a great Muruga bhakta sings, “Nãll en seiyyum? Vinai dhãn en seiyyum? Ennai nãdi vandha koll en seiyyum?” - What can any (inauspicious) day or fate do to me?

Similarly, Abhirami Bhattar has sung, “ Konãdha Kollum” . He prays to Abhirami Devi to safeguard her devotees from the effects of the planets.

How can the ‘Navagrahas’ affect us if we are devoted to God? If we have bhakti and lead our lives in dharmic way, the ‘Navagrahas’ cannot harm us in any way.

How can we develop bhakti towards Bhagavan? Bhakti is nothing but boundless love for Bhagavan. We cannot captivate Bhagavan through observance of arduous penance, fasts, kshetra yãtras (pilgrimage) or teertha yãtras (bathing in holy rivers). Bhagavan can be bound only by pure Bhakti.

Even an ordinary man whose mind is impure is bound by love. In villages, we find cattle in every house. One cannot think of an animal that serves man as much as an ox does. Man uses the ox to plough the fields and draw carts. He cuts its tail short so that it would move fast. He passes a rope through its soft nostrils and harnesses it. He tortures the ox in every way and when it slumps down in exhaustion, he uses his whip or lights a matchstick to force it to run again. It feeds on cattle feed that is of no use to man. All its life the ox undergoes torture in the hands of its master. When it becomes old and is no longer capable of hard labour, without a second thought the master trades it off for a younger and stronger one. He does not stop to think even for a moment that he should take care of the poor creature that had worked all its life for him! He does not feel sad over the separation.

Nowadays, we find pet dogs in most homes. The dog is of no use to man as compared to the ox. It does not plough the fields for him nor does it draw carts. But, man provides the dog with all comforts. He bathes the dog and takes it on a ride in his car. He has its health checked up regularly by a veterinary doctor! The reason for this is that although the dog does not do any hard work, it is capable of expressing its affection to its master. If the master goes out of town for a couple of days, the dog does not eat and weeps in sorrow. When he returns home, it expresses its joy by jumping on him and wagging its tail. If even an ordinary man whose mind is full of impurities and selfish thoughts is bound by love, need it be mentioned that Bhagavan can easily be bound by love?

We cannot bind Bhagavan through severe austerities. Even the Nãyanmãrs have sung, “Kãdhalãgi kasindhurugi kanneer malgi” (shed tears with deep love). If we were to have such bhakti the planets cannot affect us in any way. The easiest way to develop such bhakti is to chant the Names of Bhagavan. In this Kali Yuga, it is very difficult to practice tapas or observe ‘vrata’ (fasts). It is not necessary to undertake kshetra yatrãs or teertha yatras.

Nãyanmãrs sing, “Natrunnai ãvadhu nãthan nãmam NAMASIVÃYAME!” - good company is verily the Lord’s Name ‘Namasivãya’.

The Ãzhwars too, have sung
“Kulam tharum, Selvam thanthidum
Adiyãr paduthuyar ãyinavellam
Nilam tharum seiyyum Neell visumbarullum
Arullodu perunilam allikum
Petra thãyinum ãyina seiyyum
Nalam tharum sollai nãn kandu konden
NÃRÃYANÃ enum nãmam!”

Therefore the easiest way to attain the Grace of Bhagavan is to chant his Nãma! For this, we have to seek the guidance of the Guru.

For instance, let us take a mud-pot. It is a petty object, which costs a rupee or two. We buy it from the market and break it if it has any defect. But, is it possible for us to make one? If we wish to acquire this skill, we should work as an apprentice under a potter and learn the intricacies involved in making a pot. Even to acquire a worldly skill, which is within the limits of our level of comprehension, we have to work under a person who is an expert in that field. Bhagavan, Devas and the Devata Lokas are beyond our level of comprehension. If we desire to have darshan of Bhagavan and receive his ‘anugraha’ (blessing), we should surrender ourselves to those who are ever in communion with Bhagavan and are ever immersed in God-consciousness.

Let us assume that there is a very wealthy industrialist who owns a huge bungalow and several cars. He has several servants at his disposal. He finds several people living on the platform just across the street. When this man retires to bed at night, he does not get even a moment’s sleep. He worries over the problems that he has to deal with the next morning at his office. In order to maintain his social status, he indulges in various activities, which deprive him of mental peace. He is unable to sleep, as he has no ‘shãnti’ (mental peace). When he looks at the poor people sleeping on the platform, he thinks that they enjoy peace and are free of mental tension. On the contrary, the platform-dweller thinks that the wealthy man is leading a very happy and peaceful life! The truth is that neither of them experience ‘shãnti’. Anything can be earned in this world but shãnti is hard to come by.

In Srimad Bhãgavatam, Kuchela comes to have darshan of his childhood friend Sri Krishna. Krishna tells Kuchela, “ Kuchela! You are the very personification of poverty and I, the very personification of wealth, being Lakshmipathi (Consort of Lakshmi - Goddess of wealth). But, both of us enjoy ‘shãnti’. The reason for this is the ‘anugraha’ of our Guru. When we completed ‘Vidya Abhyãs’ (education) at Sãndeepani Gurukula and took leave of Him, our Guru blessed us that we would always enjoy Shãnti!” -- “Guroh anugrahenaiva pumãn poornah prashãntaye!”

If we surrender ourselves to the Guru, lead our lives in the mãrga shown by the Guru and chant Bhagavan Nãma, we will not encounter any sorrow in life.

Of late, we are witnessing riots and outbreaks of violence in our country. Such acts of violence have given rise to a feeling of insecurity amongst us. But there is no reason to feel insecure. India is Bhagavan’s favourite child. Bhagavan’s grace is ever flowing on our nation. The Saptha punya nadhis(7 Holy rivers) flow across this land and all of Bhagavan’s avatars have occurred here. Countless Mahatmas have incarnated on this ‘bhoomi’ (land). There was a time when Japan was the most dominant economic force in the world. Until recently, countries like the United States dominated world economy. Now, Bhagavan’s drishti has fallen on Bhãrata Desa. In a very short span of time, India will become the trendsetter in economy and all other fields.

May Bhagavan bless us all with all prosperity during this Chitrabhãnu year! "

GOPIKA JEEVANASMARANAM!
GOVINDA! GOVINDA!”

NOTE: Any discrepancy/lapse in the translated version of the Upanyasam is the sole responsibility of the person/s who translated the work from Tamizh into English.

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