NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - DEC-27-2019 : Episode 15

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram - Chapter 03 - BakthisAdhanAni:

Sutram 34:

ThasyAha SAdhanAni GAyandhyAchAryAha!

ThasyAha = Therefore, that Parabakthi, SAdhanAni = various types of devotional practices, AcharyAha = Teachers/Masters, GAyanthi = Recommended or propagated.

Meaning: To achieve Parabakthi, teachers are recommending various types of devotional practices in the Sastras itself. Sadhanas are very important and unavoidable to realize the Parabakthi hidden in us. This is being Bakthi Sutram, more importance is given as a guide to purifying our mind and sensual weakness since that is our inherited properties in us. Only through innocent deep devotion in God alone can nullify our ignorance and sensual weakness.

Deva Rishi again emphasising that Aparabakthi is the best remedy for gaining Parabakthi. Bakthi Sadhana is fundamentally divided into two parts viz. “Sadhakam or Sadhakan and Bhadhakam or Bhadhakan (Practice and Reward). Narada Rishi is considering only those teachers learnings who have realized the truth. As we know Acharyan means a person who practised and achieved the object or realized.

According to Sanathkumars’ for the prosperous life, the aspirant (devotee) must give up or renounce all AnAthmavasthus (material properties) and keep a strong relationship with Aathma (Soul) who is nirguna and nirupadhi (formless and non-attributable absolute!). Through Badhaka-Sadhaka-Sadhana, the aspirant will become the eligible candidate for God’s compassionate grace.

Sutram 35:

Thath Thu VishayathyaghAth SangathyaghAth Cha!

Thath Thu = That Parabakthi is achieved, VishyathyaghAth = By sacrificing or renouncing sensual pleasures, SanghathyaghAth Cha = By sacrificing or renouncing company.

Meaning: That Paramaprema (innocent devotion) is achievable only by sacrificing sensual pleasures and attachments. During the initial stage of Sadhana, the aspirant must stay away from anything that will prompt sensual thrust. Though it is difficult to renounce pleasure-giving activities yet one should know that such activities are untrue and it won't support the ultimate goal of Parabakthi. 

Sivoham

To be continued...

To listen to the full discourse you may please watch from the link.
https://youtu.be/QlopssmvRzA

   

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - DEC-20-2019 : Episode 14

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 02 - Para Bhathi Mahathwam:

Sutram 29:

AnyonyAsrayathwamithynye!

AnyonyAsrayathwam = Mutual dependence, Ithi-Anye = Opinion of other scholars.

Meaning: All Upasanas, especially Ghnaana and Kriya are supplementing Bakthi Upasana. Without knowledge, there cannot be any desire (Ichha) that promote Kriya Yoga. Unless one realizes Ghnaana through Kriya Yogam that Ghnaana will have no fruits.

Lord Krisha said to Udhava that you must know me first through knowledge (Ghnaanam) and then practice Vignaana along with Ghnaanam, this is the best practice. All Rishis (Saints) who earned Sastra Ghnaan and realized me. Those realized souls came to the conclusion that Anthakaranaas (Manas-Budhi-Chitham-Ahamkaram) are indivisible for the practice of Ghnaana -Kriya-Bakthi Yogam, in fact, they supplement each other to gain the ultimate "Para-Bakthi".  

Sutram 30:

Swayam Phalaroopathethi Brahmakumara:!

Swayam Phalaroopatha Ithi = Bakthi is its own fruit, Brahmakumara: = According to Sage Narada.

Meaning: According to Sage Narada, the rewards for the practice of Bakthi is itself. Since Bakthi is so precious, therefore, if one can get Bakthi there is nothing he/she needs to be achieved in life. Bakthi itself can get a person Mokham. Bakthi is also a "Swayam Prakasam" (self illuminates in every being). According to God, when a person leads his/her life without any material desires or dependance will eventually get the cream of Bakthi in me.    

Paramabakthi is permanent, joyful and self-sustained in every being. Everyone must work hard to realise this truth. 

Sutram 31:

Raja-Gruha-Bhojanadishu Thadhaiva DrushtathwAth:!

Raja-Gruha-Bhojanadishu = King, Home and Eating Food, Thadhaiva = and the like, as it is, DrushtathwAth = Seen.

Meaning: The effect of Prama Prema (innocent devotion) is not because of efforts, it is in us by nature, just like quoting an example of King, Home and Food. When the Prince got back to his kingdom, when the person returned to his own home after an interval and when hunger gets his food, all of them enjoyed the end results not because they were not having the fundamental base, it is already in them only the circumstances created the atmosphere. When hindrances go off one will enjoy the real happiness in them because Joy is the fundamental character of the Soul (Aathma), it is getting hindered only because of falls ego.

When the Jeevan (Soul) hears glories of God while it is in the body, those holy names enter through ears and reaches to the heart where God is living and make him realize the existence of Absolute Truth - Para Brahman. 

Sutram 32:

Na Thena Raja Parithosha: KshuchhandhirvA!

Thena = Therefore, Raja = King, Parithosha: = Happiness, Kshuchhandhi = Quenching hunger, Na = Not seen.

Meaning: King did not become King just because he came to know about it, he was King even before this knowledge reached to him likewise others. In other words, the fundamental elements (Bakti) already exist in us however due to circumstance we deviate from that and get confused. Therefore with these three examples, Sage Narada established the principle that "Parama Prema Roopa Bakthi is not a reward of any sadhana, however, it is in us naturally since it is full of joy and ever permanent element" in this Universe.

Sutram 33:

ThasmAth Saiva GrAhyA Mumukshubhi:!

ThasmAth = Therefore, Saiva = That Parabakthi, GrAhyA = Acceptable, Mumukshubhi: = Those realized souls.

Meaning: Therefore, Parabakthi is the best method to be adopted for those who are seeking liberation from transmigration. Parabakthi itself the Paramapadham (the world of liberation). 

===== Second Chapther Over =====

Sivoham... to be continued...

You may hear the full discourse from the link:
https://youtu.be/FLu5ljZGmNg

  

CHARDHAM PILGRIMAGE VIDEO : JUL-AUG-2010

Om Namasivaya nama:

On behalf of Parasakthi Family, I am pleased to share with you our (Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Satsang) Char Dham Trip Video for your viewing pleasure

Let us pray to God for another big one like this in the near future.

Please click the link to download/view the file.

Sivoham


https://1drv.ms/v/s!AsbSD1trbg0-l2BrVSuHCOVEi9nb?e=vT0K2r

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - DEC-13-2019 : Episode 13

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 02 - Para Bhathi Mahathwam:

Sutram 25:

SA Thu Karma-GhnAna-YOgebhyO-ApyadhikatharA!

SA Thu  = Such type of Para Bakthi, Karma-GhnAna-YOgebhya = Better than Karma, GhnAna, Yoga sadhanAs, AdhikatharA = Superior.

Meaning: Para Bakthi is much more superior to all other important types of worships (SadhanAs). Because is harmless to practice and fewer efforts are needed to realize God compare to other practices. 

Lord Sri Krishna said to his close devotee and minister Udhava that there are plenty of options available for aspirants to reach me, however,  nothing is so easy to attract me other than Bakthi Upasana. Some of the other types are Yoga, Sankhya, Dharmic Sadhana, Sadhwayam, Thapass, ThyAg etc also can be practised to reach me but only innocent devotion alone makes the devotee very pure. Without Bakthi even if one has the possession of Dharma, Sathya-sElam, Dhaya, Vidhya and Thapass it can't make the devotee purest.

Sutram 26:

PhalaroopathAwath!  

PhalaroopathAwath  = It is the highest reward for realizing God.

Meaning: Bakthi is the ultimate approach in spiritual practices because it is the Rewards given by God. The goal is most important than the approach to achieve the task. Bakthi is also the experience of NithyAnand (Everlasting joy). Praise the glories of God and get rewarded the benefits of doing all Sadhanaas of the spiritual world. In other words, Bakthi is the nature of the fruits of all other spiritual practices.

Sutram 27:

EaswarasyApi AbhimAna-dhweshithwAth DhainyapriyathwAth Cha!  

EaswarasyApi  = Even to God, AbhimAna-dhweshithwAth = Hates egotism, Cha = And,  DhainyapriyathwAth = Loves humility.

Meaning: Though God does not discriminate people, yet he loves those who practice Para Bakthi and shows anger to who behave with egotism. It is difficult to practice all other spiritual practices without self-efforts and those who put self-efforts in achieving something will eventually fall into the pit of Ego because it is self depended. Only a true devotee can realize that God lives in his/her heart. Anything that is part of one's own body he/she became the owner of that object, with this approach the devotee consumes the power of God in him/her and enjoy everlasting God-hood. Moreover, only through Bakthi sadhana one can do Aatma Samarpanam, whereas all other practices needed or dependent of self-ego and self-efforts.

Unless one completely eradicate the Ego, it is not possible to achieve God's grace and compassion. For a devotee, getting God's grace and compassion is ultimate and even greater than ascending to paradise! 

Sutram 28:

ThasyAha GhnAnameva SAdhanamithyeke!  

ThasyAha = For the pure devotion/Para Bakthi, GhnAnameva = Knowledge alone, SAdhanamithyeke = The only option available for the devotee.

Meaning: Some scholars are opinions that Ghyaan (true Knowledge) alone is the only option for the aspirant to realize God. Yes, maybe true in Vedanthik practices whereas, in the Bakthi Practice it has less importance because Bakthi is the easiest and more secure approach in the realization of God. 

As we know Easwara and God are bit different. Easwara is Nirguna Prabrahman whereas Bhagawan/God is Saguna brahman who is derived from Nirguna Parabrahman itself, hence both of them have no difference in reality except in the deep subtle form. Therefore, the opinion of some AcharyAs could be correct but not an easy approach to all. On another occasion, God himself revealed to Udhava that what one can achieve (Sidhi) through the practice of GhnAna cannot be achieved through pilgrimage (Theerthadan), chanting (Japa), charity (DhAn) and other good conducts (Pavithra KarmAs).  

Therefore, the argument of GhAna alone is the best practice have no supremacy over Bakthi because God loves Bakthi than other approaches in reaching him.

Sivoham...To be continued...

You may listen to full discourse from the link.

https://youtu.be/Pqeq4evkY7s

NARADA BAKTI SUTRAM - TAMIL UPANYASAM - DEC-06-2019 : Episode 12

Om Namasivaya Nama:

Narada Bakthi Suthram -  Chapter 01 - Para Bhathi Swaroopam:

Sutram 20:

Asthyevamevam!

Asthyevamevam  = Such types of examples exist to know the Bakthi Yogam. Especially those Pooja, Kadha Sravanam, Aathma Dhyanam and Total surrendering to personal God.

To enrich the Bakthi in a person, one should adopt and follow these super divine qualities such as Swadharmanushtanam along with Sradha, Himsa-Mukta Pooja (Not to harm any being on account of doing Pooja), Touching and seeing the God in his/her various forms, Seeing God's presence in every being, be brave, determination, Respecting elders and devotees, Showing compassion towards poor and needy, Friendship with other devotees, strictly and slowly detach from sensual pleasure-giving activities, Practicing meditation, chanting God's glories, Showing interest in learning about the true knowledge, having wise people company, Self-less and Ego free lifestyle can easily take the aspirant's soul to God.

The best example sighted by Sage Narada was Vrindavan Gopis who could reach God even without having the knowledge of Vedas, Sastras, proper Guru or even Thapass (Penance). The medium they followed was sheer innocent Bakthi. Wow! what an easy formula to realize God within and outside. 

Sutram 21:

Yadha Vraja GopikAnAm!  

Yadha = How and whichever way, Vraja = Residents of Vrindavan / Gokulam, GopikAnAm = Gopis.

Meaning: Sage Narada considered the Vraja Gopis are the apt example for the Para Bakthi because they gave up everything for the sake of Sri Krishna and did total surrendering to him. They are the embodiment of "Sheer Innocent Bakthi".

Udhava says that he salutes wholeheartedly the Charanaas (feet of) Vraja Gopis because they are so pure and unmatchable devotion towards Lord Krishna). 

Sutram 22:

ThathrApi Na MAhAthmya GhnAna-Vismruthyapa-VAdha:!

ThathrApi = Even there, Mahathmyaghn, MAhAthmya GhnAna-Vismruthyapa-VAdha: = Can't say there is a blemish for sighting Gopis as the best example since they approached Sri Krishna without the recognition of divine glory.

Meaning: Some may ask is it wise to refer Gopis are the right example for Para Bakthi? Did not they approach Krishna to quench their sensual pleasure? In fact, this question was raised by Parikshith Maharaja himself who is considered to be one of the supreme devotees of Lord Vishnu.

According to Sage Narada, even if they approached Krishna in that manner, still they would achieve liberation (Moksha). An example is referred here is that whether knowingly or unknowingly if you touch the fire won't it burn your skin? likewise, whichever medium it is, as long as once a person established his relationship with God, eventually, his/her final destination is the abode of God only. Moreover, Narada explained to re-confirm that though they initially, may be attracted by Krishna's charming nature, but after knowing him in deep, they lost their sensual mindset and got converted to the pure ocean of divine consciousness. This is the reality even in today's life. 

In the end, Gopis made only one request to Krishna that please give us a seat in your lotus feet not his full body or heart where his permanent companion Sri Maha Lakshmi (Rukmini) resides. 

Sutram 23:

Thadh VihEnam JArAnAmiva!

Thadh = That extraordinary divineness, VihEnam = without, JArAnAmiva = The love shown to adultereres.

Meaning: If that divineness was laking in them, then they would have shown the love of a Kulada (Prostitute) showing her untrue love and affection towards her temporary sexual partner (Adulterers). Whereas the divine love of Gopis and permanent nature of their affection shown to Krishna indicating that their love for Krishna was even more than their life itself. 

Sutram 24:

NAsthyeva Thasmin Thath Sukha Sukhithvam!

NAsthyeva = Never, Thasmin = In that, Thath Sukha Sukhithvam = Happiness in others joy.

Meaning: There is no exchange of joy or happiness between them because both of them are very subjective involvement when both achieve what they want then their relationship ends. 

Lord Krishna said to Gopis that, you were so divine now and you broke all the hurdles and obstacles that normally one would face in their journey of spiritual life. Therefore, you are in me and I am in you (Merger of JEvAthma and ParamAthma). I would like to grant you a reward. Your divine activities will remain the rewards of the activity itself (Sukrutham). Because, in reality, I won't be able to reciprocate even if I had one Ayus of Devas (approximately 12.96 million years / 12 crores 96 lakhs of human years) for the unafflicted love and affection you have shown to me. You are greater than the greatest! Hereafter I will be your life energy (PrAn) and all of you are in Me. The Upanishads reminds us that "The basis and ultimate abode of every innocent divine love (Prema) is the realization of Soul (Aathma) which Aanantha Swaroopa (the ocean of happiness).

First Chapter (AdhyAya) completed here.

Sivoham...To be continued...

You may watch full discourse from the link:

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