Narada Bhakti Sutras Lecture 12 Su.11-15 on 12-January-2019

Opening Invocation

ॐ जननीं सारदां देवीं रामकृष्णं जगदगुरुम पादपद्मे तयो: श्रित्वा प्रणमामि मुहुर्मुहु :

Om Jananim Saradam devim Ramakrishnam jagadgurum Padapadme tayoh shritva pranamami muhurmuhuh.

Spiritual Discourse on Devotion and Scripture

On Total Dependence and Independence

What we did in the past: Total dependence upon God means total independence from everything else. That is the truth about it.

It's a beautiful sutra. So, there will be what is called worldly duties and there will be spiritual duties. And why do I use the word duty? Because people think that some worldly activities are duties.

But spiritual activities like japa, dhyana, etc.—they are voluntary. People think they are voluntary. But they are not voluntary. Nowadays, even doctors are advising people: if they have faith in God, it helps a lot to cope with even worldly problems.

Meditation and Its Practical Benefits

We are not talking about spiritual benefits. Meditation took off in the 1960s. Mahesh Yogi called it TM—Transcendental Meditation.

The system is very rational. What is it? He will give you some mantra. And just repeat the mantra. And do not worry whether you are happy or unhappy. See that you repeat the mantra. And many people got so much benefit just by being able to focus his or her mind for 20 minutes.

No more than 20 minutes. This is a beautiful instruction: Don't sit for more than 20 minutes.

But for 20 minutes, you focus upon it and see that your mind doesn't go here and there. And constant repetition for the japa. So, there is a psychological truth in it.

The Rhythmic Effect

If you hear something constantly, it becomes a monotonous thing. So, like the travelling of a train or a car, when there is a long road, smooth road, no obstructions, there is a rhythmic effect produced. And that is the heart of music.

The heart of music is rhythm, according to everybody—not according to the aesthetic science of India. The heart of music is in power, feeling, emotion.

Anyway, this is the thing that suits you. Voice also—cracky voice disturbs you. For example, Swami Ranganathanji's voice, have you heard? It puts you immediately, you know. His voice is such, there is no crack.

The intensity goes. Lata Mangeshkar's voice is very soothing. Our Uma's voice is very soothing.

And that kind of voice puts you—your pranayama also comes into effect.

On Attachment and Hatred

Anyway, what I want to say: if there is somebody who is opposing you, do not hate. Because hatred is even more of an attachment.

Hatred. Because if you are attached to somebody, you think of that person. So, that is the test of attachment.

How do you know you have attachment? The thoughts of that particular object come again and again into the mind. But suppose you say, "I am attached, but I rarely think about that object." That means you are really not attached.

Now apply it to God. I love God. How many times do I think of God? But hatred means a very powerful emotion.

You think of that object. That is why A. T. Shanmugam used to say: hatred is worse than attachment. It is nothing but attachment.

The Nature of Attachment

But what is attachment? When we say, "I am attached to another person," are you really attached to the other person? Or are you attached to something which you get in the presence of the other person?

If you say, "I love rasagulla," the poor rasagulla doesn't know whether you love it or not. But if you say, "I love chicken"—

So, chicken and kitchen are very close words. From chicken to kitchen. So, if the chicken is asked, "This person loves you, what is your opinion about it?" He says, "I gave up all hopes."

I gave up all hopes. Because there is no choice after that. The moment it gets the news, then it's gone.

So, attachment or hatred, both have nothing to do with an object. The object acts like a mirror. But it affects us.

Sometimes it gives me joy. This is called attachment. And that which doesn't give me joy, but the contrary emotion, that is called hatred.

Raga and Dvesha. Therefore, it is intense activity. Both produce intense activity.

The Activity of Attachment and Aversion

What is the activity? Attachment means we want to obtain that object by hook or crook. And aversion—dvesha—means somehow we would like to be as far away from that object as possible. But unfortunately, physically it is sometimes possible to be away.

But mentally, you are constantly with that object. So, that is why the mind is not in our control when it is possessed both by attachment as well as aversion.

After God-Realization: Following Scripture

So, the next verse goes: bhavatu nishchaya dardhya. That is, once your faith in God is formed, and you have done sadhana, and you have reached God, you have realized God, after that what should you do? Should you give up following this scripture? No, you should not.

Why? Because, first of all, you have done your job. Suppose a realizing soul—does a realizing soul really go against any scriptures? Can he go? Why he can't go against the scriptures? For two reasons.

Four Reasons Why Realized Souls Follow Scripture

One reason: He has been practising these things so much that now it has become a nature. It is not possible for him to... That's what Sri Ramakrishna says: if you practise music, it is not possible for you to take a wrong note, to go out of tune. No musician can really go out of tune.

It is impossible for him. So no devotee who has realized God can ever transgress the teachings of the scriptures. What is the first reason? Because he has made so many janmas of effort.

It is impossible for him. It has become his nature.

Second: If he wants, a worldly man can transgress worldly—what is called—safeguards, can do something wrong.

For example, he might like to steal somebody's property. What is the point of stealing property? "I become a rich man." When I become a rich man, what happens to me? "I feel that I am more happy. I am more secure."

But here, the devotee is seeing everywhere whom? Only God. Can there be any object which can give me more happiness than seeing God? This is a condition.

Third reason: He sees God everywhere. Whom do you want to cheat? Do you want to cheat me? That means you will cheat oneself because God and the devotee have become absolutely one.

Fourth reason: This man doesn't have independence of will. He will have to follow whatever God says. Not "he will have"—even if I say, "I will have to follow," I have not really surrendered myself.

Simply, I am the ratha. I am the chariot. You are the charioteer. I am the machine. You are the mechanic. I am the house. You are the owner of the house.

Even he doesn't think like that because he has totally surrendered himself.

The Purpose of Following Scripture After Realization

Therefore, it is not right. But it is God's wish that such a person should observe Shastric rules and regulations meant for novices. Only one purpose is there.

What is the purpose? To be an example for other people. Supposing Sri Ramakrishna transgresses, do you think his disciples will have, first of all, any faith in him? "You are teaching me this and you are practising in a different way." Such a person cannot be a guru.

Secondly, the guru may be an enlightened person but he doesn't need those things. But he does it because if he does it, then his followers, devotees, will not dare to do anything against the scriptural instructions. And then what the guru does is nothing but scripture.

What guru says is nothing but scripture. And what is this scripture? It is nothing but God's own words.

Scripture as God's Words

For example, we say Bhagavatam. What is Bhagavatam? Bhagavan's story is called Bhagavatam. Now we say Bhagavad Gita. Whose Gita? Bhagavad Gita.

Why is it called Gita? Vachana you can say. Vachana means what? Prose. But Gita—what is the difference between prose and Gita? It is, you know, it soothes the mind.

That is why whenever a child is restless, what does the mother do? The mother sings lullabies, they call it, no? Immediately the baby is asleep. So Gita means that which comes out of the Bhagavan's mouth. Whatever comes out of the mother's mouth is Gita.

The Mother's Love Analogy

Do you know why? Because whatever comes out of the mother's mouth when the baby is there—is it for the good of the baby or not? When a baby is near, does the mother—what type of bhava or emotion she will be having? Love. Whatever comes out of her mouth is only loving shakti. Even if the mother is angry also, it is loving shakti.

So you remember that story? One day at five to seven in the evening, a boy was furiously running and he bumped into a gentleman. The gentleman got annoyed. He asked him, "Why don't you look where you are going?" He said, "Sorry sir, I am in a hurry, I did not see you."

He asked him, "What's so much of hurry?" He said, "My mother is waiting to beat me up. That's why I am running." "Oh, are you so eager to be beaten up by your mother?" He said, "It's not like that.

If I reach before seven, my mother will beat me up. If I reach after seven, my father will beat me up. Which is more preferable? To be beaten by mother is more preferable than anything else, because she cannot do it.

It is her own blood and flesh."

Scripture Protection (Shastra Rakshana)

So a person goes on following the Shastra Rakshana. And also Shastra Rakshana means proving that the scripture is right.

We discussed it in other context. What is one of the major accomplishments of any Avatar? What does he do? He proves that the scripture is right. You know Lord Krishna had done sadhana first without any guru, second time with the help of all gurus.

So he said, "I have attained everything." Then where was the need for him to do sadhana second time? It is for our sake.

The Importance of Scriptural Guidance

What is our sake? "Oh, Sri Ramakrishna had done sadhana without guru." Guru means scripture. A guru will always have scripture. So here is something very important.

There are some gurus who claim proudly, arrogantly, "I have not read Gita, I have not read Upanishads, I have not read any scriptures, but I am prepared to guide you as a guru." Don't trust him. Never trust a person who says, "I don't follow any scripture."

Our safeguard is: which scripture are you following? Maybe Gita, maybe Bhagavata, maybe Shiva Purana—it doesn't matter. And that is why Sri Ramakrishna, to confirm—to confirm what? That every scripture is absolutely Aksharata Satyam.

Because if somebody doesn't practise, if nobody experiments a scientist's formula, how does anybody know it is true or not? If one person does that, then everybody will get the benefit.

Anybody who can do that. The only proof of science is what? Experiment and prove. If it works only for one person, and not for other persons, then it is not science.

Every scripture is a scientifically proven formula. It works all the time. So that is why Shastra Rakshana is to be done.

Two Types of Scriptural Proof

So this is the first kind of proof. Second kind of proof is that if the guru goes away—you can't expect the guru to be always with you.

This is our experience. Our gurus have passed away long ago. Who is going to be the guide? Because we do need guidance on occasions, emergency occasions.

So what is the way? Scriptures are the way. How do they work? They work in two ways. You pray to God, open any scripture.

First of all, exactly the solution which we are seeking will be there. Because it is God's grace. Secondly, even if you deliberately open at a particular slope, because you know where the matter is available to you for your particular solution.

Practical Examples from Bhagavad Gita

For example, if you want to know what type of characteristics a devotee must have, then which chapter of the Bhagavad Gita you will open? 12th chapter. Bhakti Yoga. If you want to think about the nature of Atman, two chapters are there.

Second chapter and 13th chapter. So like that there are solutions out there. How should a devotee live? 13th chapter, 12th chapter, many other chapters are also there.

You have doubt about the actions and reactions of gunas. Which chapter? 14th chapter. Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga.

Like that every chapter—what type of food should I take? You will open, I think 17th or 18th chapter. So like that, even if you know, but the scripture—to understand the scripture, you need a special type of intelligence and that is called Medha.

Spiritual Intelligence (Medha)

Medha means what? A special type of spiritual intelligence and that is totally different from worldly intelligence. Worldly intelligence—many clever people are there. Even pundits are there. Even professors are there.

There is an incident. Swami Ranganathanji Maharaj was in Karachi and he and Dr. Radhakrishnan were close friends.

Once Dr. Radhakrishnan happened to visit Karachi and he knew Swami Ranganathanji. So he came and stayed overnight in the ashram. Next morning, there was a newly joined brahmachari.

Next morning, the brahmachari's head had to be shaved. We have a policy: if anybody comes and joins, first thing we do is shave his head. So even if he wants to go back to his parents, it will take some time for him to grow the hair.

To make sure that... No, he was shaving. Barber was shaving. Radhakrishnan came out of his room, saw the brahmachari, immediately made sashtanga pranaam.

The brahmachari was feeling embarrassed because compared to Dr. Radhakrishnan, he was what is called illiterate person—so-called illiterate person.

So he said, "Sir, you are such a learned man and also old. Why do you make pranams to me?" Radhakrishnan said, "I know better than you all these scriptures. I have written so many books.

History of Indian Philosophy—two volumes Dr. Radhakrishnan had written and so many wonderful books, very deep thinking. But I did not have the courage to renounce the world like you. I am not making pranams to you as a pandit, I am making pranams because you decided to renounce the world."

The Symbolism of Renunciation

And this is what our scripture also tells. To show how much respect a person should give to a sannyasi, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one day he was sitting there, a donkey was passing by and he threw an ochre cloth on that donkey and made sashtanga pranams. Is he making sashtanga pranams to the donkey? No.

He is making pranams to the ochre cloth which symbolizes renunciation. That is why once, I think it was Holy Mother—there are also not good monks. Then somebody asked, "Should we show respect to them?" Holy Mother said, "Yes, you should show respect to them."

Why? She said, "You know in the fields, to drive away the birds, they will keep this scarecrow. So a bad sadhu is like a scarecrow. At least he is reminding people of the ideal—an ideal of sannyasa."

The Importance of Traditional Robes

That is why in India, people put on... I went to this institute, all suit and boot. So I didn't know—only now I know—all are monks, fathers.

All are fathers. Most of them are fathers. Some of them are putting their traditional robe. I could recognize. Some of them just simply, like any other lay person. It is necessary to put on the clothes of a monk.

What is the purpose? Not to show off that I am a monk, but to show to everybody that here is an ideal, and this person represents the ideal. Whether he will adhere to the ideal and represent the ideal, that is a different issue. But at least he is showing to you that holy mother.

An Incident with Holy Mother

You know what happened one day? She was sitting there, surrounded by some women, and one brahmachari was sitting nearby, for whatever—I think he was applying some medication or anything—and one lady devotee, most likely it is either Golap-ma or Radhu, I don't remember, she passed by in a rush, and her sari touched the brahmachari. Immediately mother fell upon her like a tigress, and said, "Don't you know, this is a brahmachari. Should you move like that? You have to move around him. Although he is a monk, you should show respect."

Now what happened: she was a well-known devotee, most likely it is Golap-ma, and the brahmachari knew about Golap-ma, that she was far ahead in spiritual accomplishments, etc. So he was feeling, "Ma, she is okay, she is advanced." Mother said, "No, she is a householder, and you are a monk. But you have just joined, but you see, you are a lying cow."

Why was mother doing that? She knew better than us that he was much less accomplished in spiritual life than the other person. But why? She was upholding the ideal.

Sri Ramakrishna and the Four Ashramas

Because incarnation comes to also validate and also uphold these four ashramas. Why Sri Ramakrishna kept Holy Mother with him, even though he took sannyasa?

It is highly unorthodox behavior. If any monk keeps his wife with him, then society will condemn him. You know why? First of all, they may be tempted to behave like husband and wife.

After all, you know, husband and wife—not strangers to each other. Secondly, a monk should be an ideal for everybody. That's an ideal.

If a monk misbehaves like that, then what is the difference between a householder and a monk? But Sri Ramakrishna had to keep Holy Mother also. That's why Swami Vivekananda had that doubt also. Sri Ramakrishna was teaching one thing and practising something else.

That is the doubt that will come if the guru keeps his wife nearby.

The Danger of Guru-Patni Attraction

Not only that—I should not say all those things—but the disciple also may be tempted by the guru's wife, guru-patni. Our Puranas are full of that story.

One of the stories is that Brihaspati's wife Tara Devi was the most beautiful wife, and Brihaspati was an old fellow. No charm. Chandra Deva joined his family as a disciple.

Immediately, he got attracted. And then this nasty story... Ultimately, Brihaspati... Tara now is living with whom? That's why he is called Taranayaka. Who? Chandra is called Taranayaka, and Shiva is called Taranayaka Shekhar.

Shekhar means one who keeps him on his head. So, guru-patni is what is called male-female attraction. Especially, if the guru is old and wife is young, and she may be a very attractive lady, beautiful lady.

So many such instances are there. To prevent that from happening, Hriday was frequently going to Holy Mother.

I think you must have read it in the Life of Hriday. Ramakrishna immediately said, "Hriday, why do you want to go there so many times? Where is the need for it?" Again and again he was visiting his aunt. He knew his aunt, but actually even though aunt... We should not get the idea aunt is 60 years old, and I am only 15 years old.

I think Ramakrishna and Hriday, what do you call—colleagues of the same age. Just maybe a few months or a few years difference, that's all. Hriday, he was forced to call him Mama.

This idea you know—Mama means very old fellow. Mama is mother's brother like that. Yes, mother's brother.

But their age is more or less the same. They are more like friends. And so Holy Mother was much younger than Hriday.

So that's why Ramakrishna was worried. This side of the events in Ramakrishna's life, we rarely take notice.

The Role of Scripture as Safeguard

So a guru is there to protect. His behavior should be exemplary behavior, and he should also teach shastra, because after he is passing away, what would be our ideal and safeguard? Only this scripture. Only when we realize God. Yes.

A man who has realized God, he goes beyond all rules and regulations, because he goes beyond the three gunas. All the regulations work only within the nature. Interesting.

What does it mean? Our body and mind is made up of what? Three gunas. Prakriti. When a person realizes himself, there's nothing to do with Prakriti.

And therefore, Prakriti cannot do anything to you. It cannot attract you. Then he can do whatever he likes.

So in this scripture, the question has been raised: Can you do whatever he likes? Yes, he can do whatever he likes. Does he do whatever he likes? No, he doesn't.

Why? We discussed it already. What four reasons we have given? What is that? He cannot do, because he has practised a particular way of life for not one janma.

Don't think that a person attains perfection in one janma. So many janmas he has been practising. It is impossible for him to transgress any such thing.

Our Scripture and the Great Masters

So, this is all. Until we realize God, what is our shastra? For the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna, what is the shastra? The lives and teachings of the Great Masters.

Two. Other scriptures are secondary. But even the other scriptures should be read only in the light of Sri Ramakrishna's life.

I said two: life and teachings. What is the special function of life? Inspiration.

What is the special function of teachings? Guidance. Can you understand the distinction between these two? Inspiration and guidance.

The Analogy of Sports Training

See, supposing you are inspired to become a good sportswoman. For whatever reason. When you were young—I am not saying now. When you were young. Now it is too late.

So, inspiration. You see some woman and say, "If she could do it, I could also do it." But then, she is jumping six feet. And as soon as she goes out of that place, you rush and try to jump.

Is it possible? Inspiration is to follow. Instruction is how to slowly, slowly achieve that. So, you put one small thing and jump. It becomes very natural. Then raise it by a few inches. Then do it. Then do it.

So, the teachings part of any guru is for practice. And the life of a guru—because without the life of a guru, scriptures already exist.

Bhagavad Gita exists. Bhagavatam exists. Puranas exist. Vedas exist. Upanishads exist. Interestingly, if I put the question to you: before Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji, all these scriptures were there for thousands of years—scriptures were there.

What was the type of life people were following? All superstitions had grown up around the scriptural teachings. Bhasm.

The Role of Incarnation

At the moment Sri Ramakrishna came, he cleansed all the scriptures. What does it mean? He extracted the honey.

That is the function of an incarnation. What is the function? Just now I said, what is the function? To inspire and guide. He extracts the essence.

Because if Krishna had not come, people would not have understood Upanishads. If Sri Ramakrishna had not come, they would not have understood what is the essence of Bhagavad Gita. Sri Ramakrishna extracted the essence of Bhagavad Gita.

And he said, "What is the essence of Gita? Tyagi." Tyagi means what? Tyaga—renunciation of Kama and Kanchan. And he used the word Kamini Kanchan.

We have become sophisticated. We are using Kama and Kanchan. What is the difference between Kama and Kamini? Kama means lust. Kamini means woman.

Why Sri Ramakrishna Used "Kamini" Instead of "Kama"

So why did Sri Ramakrishna use the word Kamini instead of using the word Kama? Do you know why? Because if there is no object, you cannot have a desire. Can you desire something which doesn't exist? No.

And supposing that object is there but in Australia, will you desire it? See, something is available. In the tribal area, say on Mars, somebody is cultivating something. Do you desire it? Normally you won't.

Why? You might have heard about it. You don't desire it because it is not available there. You don't know what it is.

But that which is available within reach—always Kama is available only if there is a Kamini. If there is no Kamini, there would be no Kama. If there is no Rasagulla, the desire for Rasagulla... I'm taking a practical example.

Suppose there is Bela, Jadu—not Rasagulla. Would the desire for Rasagulla arise? If you know for certain that this Rasagulla is available, but it is available only on Mars, where is Bela available? Right here.

Which one will be your desire? Bela. This word Bela—who used this word Bela? Sri Ramakrishna has used it. When a person is suffering from delirium, then jars of pickles and Bela, and if it is there... See, Sri Ramakrishna was telling, "Even the utterance of the word Bela is producing water in my mouth."

Modern Translation Concerns

Nowadays some devotees are actually recommending to translate this Kamini Kanchan to lust and greed. I know. You know why? It was women feeling that why was Sri Ramakrishna exclusive? He is as though targeting the women.

And that is what many people feel. That's why I also use sometimes, lust and greed. But the fact is, there would be no lust unless there is an object of lust.

This is the fact. So when Sri Ramakrishna was talking to his men devotees, he was using the word woman. But when he was talking to women devotees, he would be telling "man."

Yes, he said, "Even if your father is nearby, then you have to be careful about that person. Brother is nearby, you have to be careful about that person."

The Necessity of Both Life and Teachings

So, the life of an incarnation or any great saint, it must be there to inspire. But the teachings also must be there to guide practically.

Somebody wants to become a tennis player. Not tennis—what is that? Baseball? Americans? Basketball.

So, you know that all Negroes—American Africans, they call it. My God, six and a half feet, seven feet, he just goes there and does it.

The other fellow, even short fellow, like that he goes and then puts it exactly, it lands in that basket. So, that is inspiration. But you can also do and then do it.

It will fall anywhere except in the basket. So, you need also practice, infinite practice. Exceptional cases are different.

Swami Vivekananda's Golf Story

Like Swami Vivekananda playing golf. You know that? See, Swami Vivekananda went to New York. One morning he went out for a walk.

He saw the host's son trying to play. He saw—Swami never saw that. He asked, "What is this game?" "It's called golf."

So, "What you do, here is a ball. You take this as a bat." It will be a club. Because if you hold that one, it will hit everywhere except the ball.

So, what is the goal? I call it, you know, what I call that game? This is the most holey game. Eighteen holes. Not one hole.

So, Swami asked, "What is the goal?" "Eighteen times from one hole to the other hole, as quickly as possible. The less number of strokes every person can put in the 18th hole, he is considered to be one of the best golfers."

So, Swami Vivekananda asked this young boy—ten, twelve years boy—"How many strokes do you need?" He said, "No telling, it could take more."

And Swami asked, "Suppose I put this, not in other holes, but in the 18th hole, straight. Then, how much will you give?" He said, "I have got half a dollar, and I will give half a dollar." Because the boy knew that nobody had ever been able to do it.

Meanwhile, the boy's father came. Then, Swami—he heard this and said, "Swami, it is impossible. Do you want to bet?" "Yes, how much?" "I have got ten dollars."

He says, "Ten dollars was worth it." "All right, done." And he took one look, and straight it went into the hole. Eighteenth hole. It was an impossible feat.

That man pulled and said, "Swami, it is not fair. You used your yogic powers." Then, Swami said, "No, no, I did not use." "Then, how were you able to do that?" Swami said, "Simple.

I asked my mind, 'Oh my mind, do you want ten and a half dollars or not? If you want ten and a half dollars, you better put this ball in the hole.' And it said, 'Yes, I do want it.'" But it is yogic. Four means what? Concentration.

More Examples of Concentration

Many other feats were there. One day, Swamiji was walking. There was a bridge. Some cowboys were shooting at shells that were floating very fast. What was the goal? If the bullet hits a shell, then that is a victory.

Score, score. And he was watching. Hardly anybody was able, because it is moving at such fast speed.

Then Swamiji asked, "Hey, what is this? You are useless fellows." Something like that. He said, "You think you can do it?" He said, "Give."

He took the gun. And he never handled a gun. First time, Swamiji was handling the gun.

And every shot went and broke the shell. He was astounded when they came to know this was the first time Swamiji was ever using.

So, what is the secret? Concentration. Concentration is the secret. What a wonderful thing it is for us to even understand that.

Okay. So, many incidents were there in Swamiji's time. So many incidents.

The Analogy of the Well-Digger

So, what are we talking about now? So, one must protect these scriptures even after... Sri Ramakrishna gives an apt analogy. There was a man. He wanted water.

No water was available. So, he dug a well. And he got the water.

After digging the well, the instruments used for digging the well, he would keep them. He could say, "Water has come, throw them into the well." No, another person may need these instruments elsewhere.

That is what exactly these saints will do for most of us.

The 13th Sutra: Anyatha Patitya Shankaya

Then Narada is proceeding to the 13th sutra: Anyatha patitya shankaya.

Anyatha means otherwise. Otherwise means, if we do not follow the instructions of the scriptures. Usually, we follow only instructions of the scriptures.

But if we have guru, what does our guru do? He gives us the instructions. But guru's instructions and scriptural instructions—are they two different things? Or are they same thing? Not only same thing, sometimes he even modifies it according to the necessity of each disciple.

Simple Example from Sri Ramakrishna

Simple example. One day, two ladies came to Sri Ramakrishna. And it was perhaps Ekadashi or something. They did not eat.

Shivaratri. And they wanted to visit Sri Ramakrishna. And he looked at their faces.

They were, what is called, shrunk. You know, probably they were very hungry, weak. Immediately he said, "Go eat something and come."

Why? He was an inner thought reader. Maybe they were thinking of food, rather than thinking of God. So it is better.

You think of God after eating, instead of without eating and thinking of food. Which is better? So if somebody can do the same thing, without any thinking of the food etc., that is even better. That's absolutely better.

What Scripture Protection Means

So, protecting the scriptures means what? Whenever we say, "protecting the scriptures," Bhagavad Gita, you take up a gun and stand there—"nobody touches you." Is this called protecting the scriptures? What does protection mean? Rakshana, that is the word. Rakshana means what? You practice it, you get the benefit, and then others might look at you and get inspiration.

This is called Rakshana. Shastra Rakshana means always... So Guru Upadesha Rakshana means what? You follow the scriptures' teaching, the guru's words, but guru's words are none other than scriptures only. But anyatha, patitya means what? The danger of falling down.

If you relax the scriptures, there will be the danger of falling down. What does falling down mean? Suppose you don't have a guide, road map, and you go—that is called patitya. That means you strayed away from your goal, right goal.

Again you have to come back. But if there is good guidance—GPS for example—then it will guide you, correct you. So anyatha, otherwise, there is apprehension of a fall.

The Example of Vishwamitra

And whenever these great souls write, they always have kept examples in mind. Now, Vishwamitra's case also we can take and apply to this. What was Vishwamitra doing? Two factors keep in mind.

First of all, he was not practising shastra's teachings. And there was no guru near him. Supposing he had a guru, and these ladies come and try to tempt him.

Would the guru allow him to fall down? Immediately he will catch hold of his ear and say, "You idiot, come away from there. Don't go on looking at them." And he would have cursed the other fellows also.

He would not have allowed them to fall anywhere. That is the first thing. And suppose guru is not there, but he must have heard from the guru: "Until you reach God, be careful about the temptations."

Guru must have said to him, "Keep away." What is the "keep away"? Earlier sutra we have discussed—earlier sutra. What is this sutra which we are referring to? So if you have been practising, then you should keep certain things Udasin Bhava.

You should be completely indifferent. Suppose some temptations come. "No, no, no, I will practise Udasin Bhava, indifference."

That is not going to work out. Because they are overwhelmingly powerful. Simply you run away from these things.

Otherwise you think that you will be there in the presence of the temptations and you will overcome them. That is not going to happen. You run away, otherwise you will fall.

If Vishwamitra—why did he allow them to sing and dance? "I will close my eyes, I don't want to hear them. I want to go to my kutiya and don't come here." If he had done, he would not have fallen.

So Shastra Rakshana he did not do. Clear indication like that. There must have been so many temptations like that.

A Modern Example

Also there was a temptation in the epic. There was such a thing in Sri Ramakrishna's life also. One devotee, he was a devotee. However good a person you might be to somebody, be careful about a woman. And this fellow, he started going to these widows, you know.

Those who are widowed, do not have anybody. Somebody came and poured out her heart. It was a genuine case.

But that first emotion, his heart melted in compassion. And he helped her. Okay, you help her, get out.

No, they became... Naturally she was very grateful. Whenever she comes near him, her eyes are filled with tears. Tears of what? To water the dried seed which is in his body.

And slowly they started to sprout. In no time he had fallen. And Somerset Maugham, it's a beautiful illustration for this sutra.

He wrote a short story called "The Rain." I don't know if any of you have read. Somerset Maugham, beautiful.

And incidentally he came and met Ramana Maharshi. And he wrote a novel—I forget—I think "The Razor's Edge" or something like that. All about the teachings of Ramana Maharshi.

Anyway, what I am telling is, Narada must have witnessed...

"What is the story, Maharaj?" "Which one?" "The Rain." "Rain." Somerset Maugham, it's called "The Rain." Short story.

What is the story? The story was, there was a public woman. There was a Christian missionary who said, "According to you, you are leading a sinful life. You have to convert," convert this and that and other things. Every day he will go and he will go on bombarding her. Every day for hours together he will spend in the presence of that lady.

And one day he fell hard for her. And then he fulfilled his so-called desire and he comes out. Then he realized how he had fallen—a sincere fellow—and he was running.

That lady—all the men are thieves. That was her worst act and he went and committed suicide. Story.

But so many of these things do happen. There is no doubt about it. So completely whatever guru says, whatever the scripture says, you have to follow.

Anyatha. Otherwise there is always the fear, apprehension. And most likely it will happen also.

Once in a while for emergency if you break the law, that's okay. So deliberately do it. Even in ordinary life, it is like that till then.

Following Scriptural Guidelines in Daily Life

Though physical activities such as taking food continue as long as one wears this body, in the world also our behavior means the behavior of a would-be devotee. How should it be? The scripture says: eat this, eat in this way, do offer puja and you offer your food materials and you pray to God and as prasada you eat.

Like this, whatever we do in life according to the scriptural injunctions. This is why every religion has got what we call samskaras—sacraments. So Hindus have got samskaras.

How many? More than 50 or 60 samskaras are there. But we know only a few samskaras, sacraments. What is that? Jatakarma.

Hindu Samskaras (Sacraments)

When a child is born, he has to be received in a particular way. And many people do not know this. When a child is born, father has to take a little bit of honey, put it in the mouth and a secret name—he has to whisper. What is the symbolism? "May your life become sweet like the honey." That means may you be happy like that.

Jatakarma. Then namakarma. And significant name should be given.

What is significant name? By calling him, he also feels nice, you also should feel nice. Pig, Bullock, Buffalo and Rat—these kind of names should not be given.

If his name is Narayana and Shiva, by that you are repeating God's name. If it is woman—Gauri, Savitri, Saraswati, Parvati, like that. Only Kali as a name should not be given because of certain reasons.

Though Mother Kali is Goddess, usually I have not seen that anybody gives the name Kali. So some names—Hindus are very good at it, in the past. Now all sorts of nonsensical names they are giving, meaningless names.

So like that. Laukika vyavahar or what is called worldly behavior should be according to the scriptural guidelines.

Dietary Guidelines

Bhojana vyapara ityadi. So what will you do about bhojana? Just because you are a realized soul, can you eat beef? Would Sri Ramakrishna eat beef? Interesting.

Ramakrishna has this to tell—forbidden food for Hindus too. What are they? Beef and pork. So beef is, of course, you know, sacred cows.

Pork means, it is forbidden even for Jews and Muslims. Christians, you know what they say? They only don't eat three things: there is something which flies in the air—the aeroplane.

And that which moves on the earth—a train. And that which moves in the water... No, no, not boat. Boat doesn't move underneath the water.

Submarine. Excepting these three, you can eat anything that's available. Because it is based upon this misinterpreted biblical interpretation.

"God created man, then God created the whole world and created man and said, 'I created this world for your enjoyment.'" And this led to what is called most selfish philosophy. The whole earth is meant for whom? For the enjoyment of human beings who are strong enough to kick the other fellow out and steal the earth.

That's why they have no conscience for killing cows and animals, even though they bring them up nicely as pets. They feed them nicely. And then in the end, for what? To kill and eat those things.

Sometimes psychologically, you know, an animal loves you, responds to you so wonderfully. Do you have the heart to go and kill next day and eat its meat? And people do that.

Anyway, pujana ityadi. If Sri Ramakrishna's body is accustomed to a particular type of food, you should eat it. It is common sense.

Say, suppose Sri Ramakrishna is taken to Andhra Guntur, and then that Avakaya—what do you think, you know, what happens? He won't last not only one day. One day itself, he will give up his body. He never wants to come back again.

"Maharaj, why is it so?" Because in those days, even today, the pigs that forage in the villages, they eat all sorts of things. It is full of worms inside. They may not be doing damage to the pig, but those who ever eat it, they used to get [sick], and some wise people realized it, so they had forbidden it.

Why Hindus Forbid Beef

Why were Hindus forbidden beef? Because of several reasons.

One reason is, beef is considered, you know, go—go-mata. It's mother. When children used to [be born], childbirth—people used to, mothers used to die. Who is going to sustain the child? The cows. That's one reason.

Second reason: cow is the most useful animal. Every part of the cow, you know, the milk, and the stool, cow dung, everything is useful for this.

Second reason. Third reason is, that Hindu philosophy says, everything is Brahman.

So, he said, "Look upon everything as God." But if you want to look upon everything God—suppose today morning you get up, read the teaching, and "I want to look upon everything as Brahman." Is it possible? Gradually, you see God in mother.

See God in father. See God in teacher. See God in any person with whom you have some transaction.

Then slowly extend this vision, evaluation. So, what about non-human beings? A tree, river, mountain, and everything non-living. Living as well as animals.

Animals as Divine Representations

So, that's why they associated rat with Ganesha. And there are also scientific reasons. If there is any food material lying in the house, they come and finish off.

And that means they are helping you not to get what? Infected. So, like that, birds are also believed [to be helpful].

Anyway, it is out of season question. Perhaps fifty years back, there was one lady, Rachel Carson. She wrote a beautiful thing, "Silent Spring."

What does it mean? There was a river. And there were trees. And there were a lot of birds and other small insects.

They used to take shelter in that tree. So, the human being had come and then cut off the trees. Then what happened? The roots of the trees hold on to the earth.

They bind the earth. Because there is no binding material, slowly the earth started falling. And then the river started flowing away.

Because there were no trees, birds have disappeared. And because... First, insects have disappeared. Because there were no insects, birds have disappeared.

And because of birds disappearing, and then the river started flooding. And when many trees disappeared, the rain stopped coming. And then she discovered the whole universe is interconnected.

Universal Interconnectedness

It is called holistic attitude. Now, it is called—every single thing in the world is interconnected. If anybody thinks something is... What do you call? And if you extinguish that species, then who will be harmed? We will be harmed.

Already 95% of the world's species have been exterminated, extinguished without trace. We are suffering from what is called nowadays ozone loss. That is global warming, they call it.

So, the whole book is about how each one of us are interdependent. So, that is why if you choose one particular animal—rat, then you choose peacock, you choose a bull, then you choose mahisha, buffalo, you choose a cow, always Krishna associated—like that, then peacock. Who? Kartikeya, Subrahmanya.

That Saraswati's? Hamsa. Lakshmi Devi's? Uluka [owl]. Like that, associate one animal, respect it as manifestation of special divinity.

It is for that purpose that slowly when you start expanding your vision, one day will come, then you can see the whole thing in a divine light. So, trees—Tulasi, Bilva, for example. Bilva is associated with Shiva.

Shiva will never get diabetes. Because from morning delivery, what is he doing? Abhisheka with water, and then bael patra and bael fruits. So, that is why he will never get [diabetes].

And Tulasi is a very highly medicinal herb. And this is associated with whom? With Vishnu. Like that, so many—this Ganesha, Ganesha Puja, early morning you are supposed to collect.

Navapatrika. Nine types of—nine varieties of these herbs. That means people knew they were all medicinal herbs.

The Meaning of Aushadhi

In fact, somebody had told—do you know what they said? Every plant is a medicinal plant, provided we know what it is. So, it is called—the word for medicine in Sanskrit is called Aushadhi. So, how did this word come, Aushadhi? So, the name of the plant is Oshadhi.

Oshadhi. But it has a property called quenching your burning. That which quenches your burning, means puts out the fire, is called Aushadhi.

So, early morning, the Jataragni is burning you. What do you do? Idli, dosa, vada—this is what? Aushadhi. Similarly, 12, 12:30, again Jataragni.

And again, rice, sambar, dal, etc.—that is Aushadhi. Every day, whatever we eat is what? Aushadhi. And if we have got some particular problems, there is an Aushadhi.

There it is. An Aushadhi—that pleasure, etc., etc. What are we talking about? That the whole universe must be deified.

Deification of Nature

It is called deification. Deification means—you know what? Rivers—all rivers are female. Only one fellow, lonely fellow, male fellow: Brahmaputra. Yes, Brahmaputra.

So, then, all the mountains—this is Himavan. This is? What Parvata? What is that? Indrakila. Indrakila Parvata.

Like that, different Parvatas. Arunachala, for example. What does Ramana Maharshi say about Arunachala? Shiva.

It is Shiva in an immovable form. The whole hill is Shiva Linga. So, if anybody goes around, they are like going around the world.

Giri Pradakshina is a very, very popular thing. So, Vrindavan Pradakshina, etc., etc. The dust of Vrindavan is sacred for all Hindus.

So, it is like that. So, what are we talking about? Deifying. So, bhojanadishv, just whatever suits you, you will have to observe.

But after realization of God, you can eat anything you like. Sri Ramakrishna can be given beef juice. Supposing your doctor says, "You must drink beef juice."

What will you do? Chicken juice. You know what they say? Chicken soup they have. Chicken soup.

Juice you have objection. Soup you don't have objection. If you go on like this, you land in the soup.

If the doctor tells you, what to do? You have to do. Because doctor is God only. That's why everything is accepted.

But deify that. Deify the animal. Deify the mahisha. Deify the goat. Deify the chicken. Deify everything like that.

Slowly mind will be purified. So, what is he telling? Even ordinary life is only up to then. Though, physical activities such as taking food continue as long as one wears this body.

Chapter Four: Different Views on Attaining Bhakti

Then Narada enters into the fourth chapter: Tad lakshananani vaksyante nana mata bhedaat.

Definitions of this bhakti will now be stated in accordance with different views.

Different people have different views about bhakti. But they are not talking about definitions of bhakti. Even though that is what the sutra tells.

He is talking about how to attain bhakti. How to attain bhakti. So, because Narada had already given a beautiful definition of what is... What is the definition? It is—what is the nature of devotion? It is supreme devotion to the supreme object called God.

That alone deserves the name bhakti. But we are novices. We have just started our journey.

How to develop that bhakti? For that, various people helped. Why? Because they attained bhakti by following a particular path. Naturally, they will recommend.

"I arrived here." Just like you know, you have a problem and you take some medicine and you get cured. Naturally, through your experience you recommend the same medication also for other people like you.

Many Paths, One Goal

So, he is going to tell: Nana mata bhedaat. By this sutra, Narada is also indicating that you follow any teacher you want. If you have shraddha and follow the instructions of the guru, you will reach. This is what exactly what Sri Ramakrishna says: "Jato mat, tato path."

"As many faiths, so many paths"—it will take the person exactly to God's feet.

So, Bhagavan Krishna also supports this view and says: "All men are following my path." Krishna is also calling. He is also calling whom? Allah only.

Somebody complained to one of our Swamis: "A nuisance, you know, five times a day." "No, it is not a nuisance. He is reminding you in case you forget.

You think of your own God. You don't need to call God by Allah. You can call him by Krishna, Rama, Christ, Buddha—whatever name you want or Om.

But it is a beautiful reminder, isn't it? Why don't you think that Sri Ramakrishna is reminding us five times. Anyway it is inevitable. Anyway you have to hear it.

Why not interpret it in the most proper way? So make everything positive so that you do not get disturbed by anything. So if we can convert it into a reminder—or even better, do you understand what words he is uttering? Where? Some sound you are hearing. Convert it.

He is uttering Omkara. Like that, you know. Same thing—Omkara he is doing.

What is important? It all depends upon... So we will stop here. Today, tonight we have 7:30. Okay.

Closing Prayer

ॐ जननीम् शरदाम् देविम् रामक्रिष्णम् जगत् गुर्म्

पादपद्मे तयोः स्रित्वाः प्रणमामि मुहुरुमु

Oṁ jananīṁ śaraḍhāṁ deveṁ rāmakriṣṇam jagad-gurum

pādapadmetayosritvā pranamāmi-muhurumuhu