NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - NOV-29-2019 : Episode 11

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 15:

Thallakshanaani Vaachyanthe Nana Mathbhedhaathu!

Thallakshanaani  = Significance of those devotional acts, Vaachyanthe = Said, Nana = By various, Mathbhedhaathu = difference of opinion.

Meaning: Definitions of this Bakthi is propagated or stated by various scholars are in different views. However, the Bakthi remains pure and the respect for Sastras are beyond everything for a true aspirant or devotee, since the Sastras are considered to be the word of God. 

According to Sage Narada, it is difficult to explain the beauty of the spiritual experiences, yet it is laid down for the sake of disciples and future generations as clarification. The explanation is possible depends upon the velocity of one's brainpower but the real experience is beyond that.

Narada Rishi is quoting Sri Prahladan's nine types of Bakthi (Devotion) Lakshana (Significance) are one of the best approaches to the practice of Bakthi Sadhana. They are namely, Sravanam, Keerthanam, Smaranam, Padasevanam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dhaasyam, Sakhyam and Aathma Nivedhanam. 

Sutram 16:

Poojaadhiswanuraaga Ethi Paaraasarya:!

Poojadhishu = Doing Pooja etc..., Anuragaha = Interest, Ithi = by that Bakthi, Paaraasaryaha = Son of Parasara Maharshi Sri Veda Vyasa.

Meaning: According to Sri Veda Vyaasa Maharshi, when a person gets an interest to do Pooja for his/her God means he/she is in the path of devotion (Bakthi Marg). 

Sage Narada has carefully picked up 3 important Rishis' concepts as the best and pillars of Bakthi Sadhana and quoted their wisdom in his Sutras. They are Kaarmikam, Vaachikam and Maanasikam (Karmana/Action, Vacha/Speech and Manasa/Mind) as devotional practices.

Doing Pooja is considered as Karmik activities or Karma Yogam according to Sage Veda Vyasa. Doing such Karma (Pooja) will finally reward the aspirant/devotee Moksham (LIberation). The only condition one should do Pooja without any expectations. Besides doing Pooja, when a devotee gets involved in the construction of a temple and installed an idol of God in a temple is also considered to be an act of devotion. 

Sutram 17:

Kadhadhi-shwathi Garga:!  

Kadhadhi-Shu = Listening to divine stories, Garga: = According to Acharaya Garaga Maharshi. Ithi = Bakthi Sadhana.

Meaning: According to Garga Maha Rishi, getting interested in listening to the glories/divine stories of God is considred to be the signification of devotion!

Sutram 18:

Aathmarathya-Virodhenethi Sandilya:!  

Aathmarathya-Virodhena = Any act that is not opposing to enjoy the realization of Self, Sandilya: = According to Sandilya Maharishi.

Meaning: As long as any devotional activities that do not disturb or create obstacles in the practice of self-realization is considered to be a sign of devotion. 

Sutram 19:

Naaradhasthu Thadharppithakhilaachaarathaa Thadh  Vismarena Paramavyakulathethi Cha!  

Naradhasthu = According to Narada, Thadharppithakhilaachaarathaa = Surrendering everything to the lotus feet of God, Thadh-Viswmarane = If one forget that supreme God, Paramavyakulatha Cha = Gets highly disturbed.

Meaning: According to Sage Narada, when an aspirant/devotee surrenders all his activities to the lotus feet of God, the devotee gets into the highest feeling of oneness. At the same time, it happens to face separation then he/she cannot bear the pain of such separation is considered to be the significance of Para Bakthi.  

1. Vyaasa Maharshi = Pooja = Karmana

2. Garga Maharshi = Kadha Sravanam = Vaachikam

3. Sandilya Maharshi = Aathmanandam = Manasikam

4. Narada Maharshi = Sarva Samarpanam = Total surrenderance to God.

Sivoham - To be continued.

You may watch full discourse from the link:

https://youtu.be/1_eWf3KsC6c

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - NOV-22-2019 : Episode 10

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 13:

Anyadhaa Paathithya Sankha!

Anyadhaa  = Otherwise, maybe, Paathithya Sankha = apprehension of fail

Meaning: If the established or accomplished personality did not follow the Sastras, there could be a chance of falling into the Maya flow and lose his/her achievement. Because the Maya is so powerful it can shake anyone in this Universe.

Sage Narada says, as long as the mortal body and mind exists, there is a possibility of meeting the danger of Maya. Until a person who absolutely unites with the ocean of Advaita, he/she must follow the Sastra because it is needed to sustain every second of life. Those who are discriminative and intellects should not trust the mind because it may deceive you anytime Deva Rishi even siting Lord Siva as an example by connecting with Mohini Avatar. 

By following Sastras nothing to lose, there is only gain for self as well as others.

   

Sutram 14:

Lokopi Thaavadeva, Bhojanaadhi-Vyaaparasthu Aasareera-dhaaraavadhi !

Lokopi = Customs, rules and regulations of mundane (ordinary) life or material world physical activities, Thaavath Eva = As long as it exists, Bhojanaadhi-Vyaapaaraha: = Eating habits and desires, Aasareera-Dhaaraavadhi = As long as the body is active.

Meaning: As long as the devotee or acharya is acting as a model for self as well as others, he/she should follow the customs of the material world. Also, one should take care of the required level of food until the body has its life in it. 

Narada Rishi says an accomplished person's body is an instrument belongs to God. His/Her body is very much needed to re-establish virtues for future generations. Therefore, even though he/she is already enlightened or accomplished (Siddha), maintaining a body which will help them to move around and spread the message of God. Such a person can always ask for food to maintain the body from the like-minded or from the devoted people. If he/she gets the food it is OK if not still OK. A true devotee will give credit to his/her Prarabdha instead of blaming or praising God or Doners. 

Another reason why one should take care of the body is that as long as the body is in good condition he/she can do Thathwa-vichara (meditating or contemplating on the cause of Aathma) through which he/she can attain true knowledge (Ghyaan) that will guarantee Mokha (Liberation).

Such devotees need to enjoy the luxury of food, shelter and comforts. A very minimal that is required to sustain the body is more than sufficient. So that humility and devotion still grew in them.

Sivoham

To be continued...

You may watch full discourse from the link:

https://youtu.be/P27cVPrjN5s

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - NOV-15-2019 : Episode 09

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 10:

Anyaasrayaanaam Thyago-Ananyatha!

Anyaasrayaanaam  = Abandoning all other support, Thyago = Renouncing, Ananyatha = Other than Bhakti. 

Meaning: Once a devotee surrender himself/herself to Lord Vishnu (or other Upasanamoorthy) as an exclusive devotion, he/she attains God by itself. Such devotees never depend on anything other than the grace of God. 

Sage explains further that only through Bakthi every one including Gopikas, Cows, Trees, Snakes and Animals etc were attained God-hood, therefore, why not others could try to experience it. Since God is in the pure heart of devotees and devotees are in the purest heart of God, they always think about each other. God said once that he does not know anything other than his devotees and he is so busy taking care of devotees welfare.

Sutram 11:

Loka Vedeshu Thadhanukoola Charanam  Thadhwirodhishu Udhaseenatha!

Lokavedeshu = Whether ordinary life or Vedic life, Thadhanukoola-Charanam = Follow that is favourable to Bakthi, Thadhwirodhishu = Stay away from non-favourable, Udhaseenatha = Indifferent / Rejection.

Meaning: Any undertakings, whether Manasa, Vacha or Karmana, that creates obstacles to the progress of devotion must be outrightly rejected by the devotees. Whether the action belongs to worldly or spiritual matter. 

Deva Rishi is giving a warning signal to those who are trying to practice Bakthi Yogam. Devotees must surrender to God and do everything for the sake of God only.

Sutram 12:

Bhavathu Nischayadhaar-dyaa Dhoordwam Sastra-Rakshanam!

   

Bhavathu = Let it be, Nischayadhaar-dyaa Dhoordwam = Those who attained the divine-hood or firm establishment made in devotion or after realization of God, Sastra-Rakshanam = Must protect rules and regulations of Sastra (Scriptures/Doctrines of spiritual conclusions). 

Meaning: Even after realization, the devotee must respect and follow the discipline set by the various Sastras.

Narada Rishi says; though after abandoning all resources the Aspirant (Devotee) will become a realized divine personality. Yet, even such realized souls must respect and follow Sastras to set examples for future followers. All activities in line with Bakthi Marg are to be regularly practised for everyone's welfare. If this is the instruction for realized persons then what about casual people!

Sivoham

To be continued.

You may listen to full discourse from the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODc0Ck4KDPo

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - NOV-08-2019 : Episode 08

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 07:

Sa Na Kaamayamaanaa Nirodharoopathwaath!

Sa = That Paramaprema Roopam (The supreme devotion), Na Kaamayamaanaa = Not lustful nor worldly desires, Nirodha-roopathwaath = In fact, it is the nature of suppression (Thyaagam). 

Meaning: Those who attaining Para Bakthi, will not have worldly desires or lustful view towards God. Moreover, they consider whatever they have to sacrifice to gain genuine Bakthi as their sacrifice or natural suppression for achievement. 

Prema (Devotion) is constantly moving towards God whereas the Kaama (Desires) is the mind's constant approach towards Vishaya (sensual pleasures). They are exactly opposite to each other like North and South poles. Those who always think of God will eventually receive the vision of God whereas, those who think of Vishaya will lead them to achieve Vishya Sukha only. Yath Bhavam Thath Bhavathi. Just like practice makes perfect.  

Human's interest in Aadhyathmikam (Spiritual) is also natural, however, it needs the right circumstances and practice to develop. Achieving Aadhyathmic Ecstacy is the ultimate goal of human beings. Lord Sri Krishna said those who surrender their mind to him need not worry about anything in life, thereafter it is his job to take care of them. 

Sutram 08:

Nirodhasthu Loka-Veda-Vyaapaaranyaasa:!

Nirodhasthu = Those who suppressed the desires, Loka-Veda-Vyaapaaranyaasa: = Abandoning all Worldly and Vedic activities.

Meaning: Once a devotee became genuine, then all his/her suppressed desires will become a sacrifice. Such activities could be from worldly matters or even Vedic desires. Everything is surrendered towards their personal God. 

Deva Rishi says that humans activities are prompted by the basic desire called "Kaama", the activation takes place through body, sensors and Mind (Sareera-Indriya-Manas). This could be for worldly living or the purpose of spiritual realization. Irrespective of anything, everything must be surrendered to God and work. 

Vaideeka Karmas are divided into two groups viz Pravruthi Dharma and the other Nivruthi Dharma. Pravruthi Dharma is for achieving worldly belongings and Nivruthi Dharma is for the liberation from transmigration system. 

A devotee must give up all Pravruthi Dharmas and follow Nivruthi Dharma. Once he/she realizes the Aathma Thathwam, he/she need not follow any type of Dharma. They are free from everything. Everything is needed only up to see me, once those who received my vision (Darsan) they are above all mundane rules, regulations and customs.  

Sutram 09:

Thasmin Ananyatha Thath Virodhishu Udhaseenatha Cha!

Thasmin = In that exclusive devotion, Ananyatha = Indifference (Bedhabhava), Thath Virodhishu = Obstacles, Udhaseenatha Cha = Free from affection.

Meaning: Once the devotee made up his/her decision to stick to one God concept (surrendered to him), thereafter, he/she will not entertain any other approaches to change his/her mind. In other words, all other messages that may occur as obstacles. However, the devotee need not disrespect other conviction or belief.  

Sage Narada emphasizing this part because there are plenty of books and message that criticise devotees and their trusted holy books. A true devotee will not fight or quarrel with them because of his/her conviction strong towards his/her God.

To be continued...

Sivoham.

You may listen to full discourse from the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYduF9BK1g

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - NOV-01-2019 : Episode 07

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 05:

Yath Praapya Na Kinjith Vaanchathi, Na Sochathi, Na Dweshti, Na Ramathe, Nothsaahi Bhavathi!

Yath Praapya = Those who attained or obtained, Kinjith Na Vaanchathi = Has no desire for anything, Na Sochathi = No Sorrows, Na Dweshti = No anger, Na Ramathe = Not interested in the sensual and pleasurable activities / No Joy, Uthsaahi Na Bhavathi = No feeling to act for anything self.

Meaning: Once a Sadhaka achieves devotion towards God, then he/she is not expecting anything in life except being with God itself. Never feel the sorrows of mundane life, never get angry with anyone, never get excited to enjoy the material life and never work towards self-gain. 

A real devotee will never allow his mind to wander around in this sorrowful world. He/She has a firm conviction that there is nothing to be achieved other than realizing God in himself/herself. 

Sage Narada explains certain facts and its characteristics of this material life that people usually come across. Once a person aware of its qualities and symptoms then he/she can be vigilant to defend its attack on him/her. It is not easy to become a "True Devotee". Those facts are 1. Sokha  (The loss of our favourites will create a big bad impact on our Chitha/Mind is called Sokha (Sorrows). In other words, all material comforts and enjoyments will eventually end up in sorrows. 2. Dwesha (A person or item that can create sorrows will produce Dwesha/Anger), 3.  Raaga (Those who either a person or an item that can provide happiness or joy is called Raaga), and 4. Rathi (Fulfilment of a favourable situation or a person or an item that creates a transformation of his/her mind is called Rathi). When a person gets the Rathi Sukha from the material or worldly activities that will not last for a long. Therefore, Narada Rishi says, put your mind and soul in God so that such Rathi Sukha will last forever until one achieves Mokha. This activity is also known as "Aathmarama Kreeda". Do all imaginations and joyful moments with your own Aathma/Soul. The Aathma is none other the God itself.

A true devotee will always say that "He/She would like to happily accept whatever be the rewards of Prarabdha Karma and practice spiritual activities. 

Sutram 06:

Yaghnaathwaa Mattho Bhavathi, Sthabdho Bhavathi, Aathmaa-Raamo Bhavathi!

Yaghnaathwaa = After known, Mattho Bhavathi = Became spiritous or intoxicated, Sthabdho Bhavathi = Become like a strong pillar, Aathma-Raamo Bhavathi =  Becoming a realized/rejoicing one's self or in the supreme spirit.  

Meaning: Those who achieved or realized Prama Prema (Highest pure devotion towards God) will act like an intoxicated person, not bound by local customs, he/she does not lose his/her conviction, in other words, stand like a strong pillar and defend any types of odds that may come in life and became a realized soul or rejoice one's self just like supreme spirit. 

So a true devotee during his/her sadhana period, achieves the most important rewards stage by stage viz.  "Labdhwa" (Received from God), "Praapyaa" (Achieved through self-efforts) and "Ghnaathwa" (Accomplished or Attained).    

Sivoham

To be continued.

You  may watch full discourse from the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwY0tYROPWU