|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 333 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  184

Nava Ekadasha Pancha Threen Bhavan Bhootheshu Yena Vai | Eskshaithadhyaikamapyeshu Thajjanam Mama Nishchitham ||

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, I shall describe an incident took place after the great battle of Kurukshetra.  I have heard Beeshmapithamaha narrating the same to Dharmaputhra, it was after the great battle of Mahabharath, I was taken Pandavas to Bhishmapithamaha who was lying in the bed of arrows surprisingly did not let his soul in despair, waiting for the arrival of Uththarayana.  I have heard from Devavratha/Bheeshma, described the highest philosophy about ‘Gnana’, as Navadhwaras/nine gates, eleven Indhriyas/Ganana and Karma and mind and intellect, Panchabhootha, three virtues/Sathvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik, are under the influence of Prakrithi, are functioning in the presence of the supreme soul.  Oh! Udhdhava, Gnana is the knowledge of the Prakrithi that undergoes constant transformation and the ruin, and the supreme soul is eternal and changeless.  The supreme soul is the source of the functioning of all those Gnana, and Karma Indhriyas, mind and intellect, Panchabhootha, and nine gates, etc. even though the Prakrithi undergoes constant changes/aging, illness and ruin/death, the supreme soul/Sath remains unaffected by any of the changes in the body is called Vignana.  The supreme soul is indestructible; it was existed before the creation and will remain always.  Oh! Udhdhava, The nature of the supreme soul is clearly mentioned in Shastras and Shruthi, it can be experienced through the Indhriyas must have heard from the experiences of our forefathers, and it can be understood with your own observation, therefore elevate your soul to that Supreme Lord which is indestructible nature. Oh! Udhdhava, The devotion/Bhakthiyoga is the easiest method to elevate your soul.  The Bakthiyoga is relieving the mind and intellect from the interests of worldly matters, people, wealth, fame, richness and possession, and concentrating on the supreme soul with intense devotion and faith.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 332 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  183

Most of the practices in spirituality, religious and spiritual rites are performed based on the old beliefs or customs.   The Rishis and Sages advise us to get knowledge from learning the scriptures, ponder over those ideas, and follow.  Any religious or spiritual rites followed blindly will lead doubtfulness, performing any deed without the knowledge of its purpose will not  bring fruitfulness, it will not help to elevate the soul.  There are four kinds of people worship the Supreme Lord, one is Arthi, Arththarthi, Jijyasu, and Gnani who has a thorough knowledge of the spiritual and religious rites and the purpose of it.

Gnana Vijjyana Samsidhdha: Padham  Shreshtam Vidhurmama | Jyani Priyathamoatho Mey  Jyanenasau Bibarthi Mam||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, an intelligent one with the supreme knowledge attains highest of the spiritual state, therefore a Jyani/intellectual is beloved of mine. Oh! Udhdhava, the performance of Thapas, Theertham, Dhanam, and Thapam would purify the souls if it was performed with the knowledge of it.  Therefore the performance of any deed with the thorough knowledge of ‘self’ and contemplate upon me and elevate your soul.  Oh! Udhdhava, I am the Yajjapathi/Lord of sacrifices, who was sought after by illustrious Rishis and sages with the performance of Yajja, can attain with the constant contemplation and devotion in me.”

Gnana Vignana Yajjena Mam Ishta Athmanamathmani | Sarvayajjapathim Mam Vai  Samsidhdhim Munayoagaman ||

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Vishweshwara, Oh! Vishwamoorthi, kindly describe about Gnana and Bhakti yoga, although it was discussed earlier. Oh! Esha, I am helpless to recollect all of them.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 331 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  182

Yekashcharen Mahimetham Nissanga: Samgathendhriya: | Athmakreeda Athmaratha Athmavan Samadharshana: ||

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, a Vanaprastha takes shelter in the woods, living on fiber roots and fruits, attired in minimum clothes of leaves  and roam around with no 'I' or body consciousness, will have perfect control over senses, will not bother about extreme cold or heat, conduct extreme meditation and penances,  lives in the union of Bhramam/supreme bliss, did not find any difference in him and living and non-living things will have no bondage at all, even his own sense will not create an obstacle for Moksha,  they roam around with no restrictions, never bother about Shuchi or bath, always remains in a state of bliss, finally leaves the lion clothes, in this way Vanashrami lives in the woods.  Oh! Udhdhava, you attained the body of a human to immerse in Bhramavichara, therefore accept me as your preceptor, always remember the ultimate truth, while taking pleasure in the material living, you have to elevate your soul through Dhyana, Japa, Thapa, Bhajan on a regular basis, and worship me with Ananya bhakti/realization of the knowledge of ‘self’ and contemplate upon me.  Oh! Udhdhava, The knowledge of ‘oneness-in-all’ and my all-pervasive nature would enhance your devotion.  Oh! Udhdhava, Whoever practices firm devotion and contemplate upon me would attain Gnana and Vignana, ultimately they will attain my nearness, like the rivers constantly flow to attains the union with the ocean.  Oh! Udhdhava, Gnana/wisdom and Vignana/practicality of the knowledge is the supreme method to attain intense devotion and faith upon me.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 330 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  181

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, get yourself freed from attachment to people and families, and understand the fact that they cannot be with you always, and remember the eternal truth of the destructible nature of people, wealth, money, richness, fame etc.. While living in the association of Puthra/son, Dhara/wife, Apthabandhu/close relatives, remember that you all have assembled in a shelter home and all have to depart their own ways, considered it as a dream.  All the relationships are formed with the influence of ‘Time’ and gradually it will get removed by the passage of ‘Time’.  The weak-minded are drenched in material welfare, possessions, body, people, money, richness, fame, etc., an ignorant constantly worries about the aged parents, wife, children, and grandchildren, get fastened in the material world and bondage and hurl themselves to the cycles of birth and death.  The strong-minded realizes the impermanent nature of Prakrithi and contemplates upon the supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings and elevates their soul and attain liberation from the cycles of repeated births.  Whoever chases the material well-being, people, wealth, money and richness, are fools, he/she will never find happiness or satisfaction in their life, people who constantly seek for sensual pleasure, is equivalent to dead, they are living in the darkness of ignorance and hurling them into cycles of repeated births.”

Yasthvasaktha  Mathirgehe Puthra Viththaishanathura: | Sthraina: Kripanadheer Moodo Mamahamithi Badhyathe || Aho Me Pitharau Vridhdhau Barya Balathmajathmaja: | Anatha Mamrithe Dheena: Katham Jeevanthi Dhukhitha :|| Yevam Grihashaya Kshiptha Hridhayo  Moodadheerayam | Athriptha Sthanudhyayan Mrithoandham Vishathe Thama: ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 329 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  180

The Panchabhoothas/Earth, Air, Ether, Water, Fire, Panchaththava, Panchendhriya, Karmendhriya are collectively known as cosmic energy, and the supreme soul is known as ‘Conscious energy’.  The ultimate truth is that the Prapancha/Prakrithi is the field of cosmic energy that undergoes constant transformation and the ruins, and the conscious energy is eternal and changeless.   In scriptures, conscious energy and cosmic energy is named as Purusha and Prakrithi respectively.  The people who are soaked in worldly matters and bondages get disturbed easily mentally; physically get exhausted due to their isolation from the conscious energy.  Therefore meditation is an essential activity to bring balance between the cosmic and conscious energies, it helps to revitalize the mind and body with conscious energy.  The meditation and Pranayama is the act of union of cosmic energy with the conscious energy, it was the highest of the revelation made by the Rishis, the knowledge of variations in the cosmic energy level in the body would drain the individual mentally and physically, hence the requirement to rejuvenate the mind and body with the practice of meditation.  They have chosen dense forest, Riverside, and streams where the increased quantity of the flow of cosmic energy exists, as the best locations or hut or houses constructed in pyramid shapes, allows the flow of cosmic energy abundantly, as an appropriate place to conduct meditation and Pranayama.  They also found the cosmic energy/Prakrithi cannot survive without the existence of conscious energy/Purusha.  The regular practice of meditation and Pranayama brings incredible results in the human body and mind as well.  It removes the cluster of unwanted thoughts, mental and physical fatigue, revives great energy level, enthusiasm, clarity of thoughts, serenity, creativity, and increases the overall performance of an individual.

Maharishi Vedavyasa wrote several scriptures, Ithihas and Purans and categorized Vedas, at the end realized that he’s not satisfied even after composing numerous scriptures, met Maharishi Narada who advised the Chathushloki Bhagavath and contemplate upon Supreme Lord.  Maharishi Vedavyasa conducted meditation for several years; as a result of his meditation, a marvelous composition was born which speaks highly about Bakthi/devotion, Gnana/wisdom and Vairagya/abandonment.  The devotion of knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as soul and his all-pervasive nature, Gnan/wisdom is the realization of ‘self’ with the practice of meditation and Pranayama and Vairagya is the detachment to the material world and bondage with the knowledge that people, wealth, money, richness, fame, etc.. are impermanent nature.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 328 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  179

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Aravindhaksha, Oh! Madhava, How did a person from Varnnashrama Dharma follow the methods of Dhyana Yoga?  How did a Grihasthashrami would perform all those methods of Dhyana Yoga you have described? How did they practice Dhyana Yoga and other household duties and responsibilities simultaneously? Oh! Prabho, kindly describe Sarvadharma, Bhakthilakshana, and Thaththvam.”

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, I shall describe the Varnnashrama in detail.  There are four Yugas known as Krita, Thretha, Dwapara, and Kaliyuga.  In the Krita Yuga all were Bhramanas/twice-born, they have attained the Bhrama Thaththvam with intense penance and austerities, therefore while living in the family they did not find it difficult in attaining the supreme Bhramam and abandon the family life whenever it requires.  In the Thretha Yuga, it was difficult to perform penance and austerities, so the Yajja and Yaga practices have come into existence.  In the Dwapara Yuga, there was a lot of difference of opinions and arguments raised; therefore the practice of worship of idols came into existence.  In the Kali Yuga, the grief and miseries of the people has multiplied, people have become selfish, unkind, and wicked natured, had a short life span and less memory, none of the above methods of realization of Bhramam, penance, or performance of Yaga or worship of idol did not help them, therefore the recitation of sacred names of supreme Lord, reading and reciting the glorious myths of supreme Lord has come into existence.”

Bhagavan continues “ Oh! Udhdhava, there are four Varnnashrama, such as Bhramachari, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasashrama.  A  Brahmachari is who has good control over senses with the knowledge of impermanent nature of Prakrithi, material well-being, people, and fame, followed with strict food habits, follows the spiritual practices contemplating upon the supreme Bhramam to elevate his soul. A Grihasthashrami is who has a sense of self-sacrifice, kindness, humility, simplicity, with the constant contemplation upon the supreme Lord. A Vanaprasthashrami is who has the sense of renunciation/abandonment, conducts pilgrimage, and contemplate upon the supreme Lord.  A Sanyasashrami is the one who is completely surrendered to the supreme Lord.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 327 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  178

Aham Athma Udhdhava Esham Bhoothanam Suhrith Eshwara: | Aham Sarvani Bhoothani Thesham Sthithyuthbavapyaya: ||

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Bhagavan, how did an ordinary person who has no knowledge of spirituality or methods of worship, etc. already stuck in the cluster of unwanted thoughts, unable to know about the subtle nature of you, how did he worship? Where should he start? Kindly narrate about it, so that it would be useful for all.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, It was the same question asked by Arjuna who was besieged with extreme perplexity about the outcome of the War, I have explained to him the glorious Gita on the battlefield, at that moment, he asked the same question to me. Later, Arjuna found it difficult to recollect them, was repeated as Anugita; I shall narrate the same to you.  Oh! Udhdhava, I  am Eshwara, reside as a soul and constant companion  in living beings, I am your ultimate asylum/creator and preserver, the human body is under the constant influence of ‘Time’, I represent that ‘Time’, mind and intellect belongs to eternal truth/supreme soul and the body belongs to Prakrithi, Oh! Udhdhava, I represent Purusha and Prakrithi as well, I symbolize Guna and I am void  of ‘Time’ and ‘Guna’, I am eternal.  The mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul is difficult to win over from the thoughts, I represent ‘Akara’, Akshara, Pranava, Veda, Manthra, Chandhass, I represent Lord Indra who is the Lord of deities, Vasu, Aditya, Vishnu, Rudra, Neelalohitha, Bhramarishi Bhrigu, Rajarshi Manu, Devarishi Narada, Dhenu in Havirdhanya, Kapila in Sidhdheshwara, Suparna in leaves, Daksha  in Prajapathi, Aryama in Pithrus, Vidhyudhdhava in  Dhaithya, Prahladha in Asura, Soma in Stars and Lord of herbs, Dhanesha/Lord Kubera in Yaksharakshasa, Airavatha in Gajendra, Yadhasa,  Varuna, Surya, Bhoopathi among humans, Ucchaishravas, precious yellow metal, Vasuki, Anantha, Shringi,  Ganga, Saras, Dhanu, Meru, Himalaya, Vanaspathi, Yava, Vashishta,  Brihaspati, Sarvasenani Skandha, Bhramayajjam,  and AVihimsinam.  Oh! Udhdhava, I represent the five essential elements known as Air, water, ether, earth, and fire, I symbolize Athmasamrodha in Yoga, Vijigeeshatha in Manthra, Anvikshiki, Vikalpa, Shatharoopa in Sthree, Swayambhuva Manu, Narayana Rishi, Kumara Bhramachari, Sanyasa in Dharma, Bahirmathi in  Kshema, Sunritham and Maunam in Guhya, Rithu Madhumadhava, Masam Margasheersham, Nakshathranam Abijith, Yuga, Dhwaipayana, Vasudeva, Hanuman, Sudharshana, Padmaraga in gems, Dharbha in Kusha, Lakshmi, Thithiksha, Saththvam, Oja, Saha, Bala, Adimoorthi, Vishwavasu, Gandharva, Apsara, Vibhavasu, sound,  Surya, Thara, Indhu, Nabas, Mahabali/Bhramanya who has lost all the wealth except Bhramanyam, Arjuna in valor, I am the creator and preserver as well.  Oh! Udhdhava, I represent supreme wisdom and highest philosophies. Oh! Udhdhava, whoever does not make an effort to change their disruptive attitude/unenthusiastic and unpleasant words, even after the constant meditation and contemplation, and engages Thapas, Dhanam and Vratham would be same as water stored in an unbaked mud pot.  Oh! Udhdhava, therefore surrender your words, mind, and intellect, to me and contemplate upon me with intense devotion and faith, elevate your soul and attain union with me. ”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 326 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  177

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Bhagavan,  Oh! Acchyutha, you have described the practice of meditation and Pranayama provides fruitful results/ Siddhi, kindly narrate that to me.”

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate the Ashtasiddhis to you, Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapthi, Prakamya, Eshithvam, and Vashithvam, and there are numerous Siddhis like Parakayapraveshanam/entering into the body of another person, Dhoorashravana Dharshanam, Swacchandhamrithyu, etc.  Oh! Udhdhava, Even though there are countless supernatural powers to name, I shall describe the superior Siddhi which is supreme bliss is the constant union with the supreme soul who resides as soul in you. The practice of meditation is the union of mind and intellect to supreme soul/Vishnu, who is all-pervasive, he is the protector of the shrine/Kshethrapalaka and Kshethrajja/resides as the soul in the body, to reach the highest state of ‘Thureeya’/Narayana, therefore whoever contemplates upon the ‘Formless one’ enjoys the supreme bliss/Kaivalyam/absence of thoughts, in this way elevates their souls.  Oh! Udhdhava, whoever contemplates upon me, with the constant practice of Pranayama and meditation elevates their souls and get relieved from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence with the constant remembrance of impermanent nature of the material well-being.  Oh! Udhdhava, who practices me, abandoning their ‘I’ consciousness, and contemplating upon me would realizes the knowledge of impermanent nature of Prakrithi/Sthooladhrishti and get detached from it, and attain the Sookshmadhrishiti/realization of me/supreme Lord as their constant companion.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 325 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  176

Bhagavan continues “ Oh! Udhdhava, concentrate your vision on my glorious appearance from toe to head, finally fix your gaze on my smiling face and elevate your soul, gradually forget all that you have imagined, and gradually it will take you a state of absence of thoughts.  Further, unite your soul with the knowledge of supreme soul resides in you, like the spark of fire merges in the fire.  Oh! Udhdhava whoever practices the above-mentioned method of Pranayama with utmost sincerity and dedication, would unite their mind with mine/supreme soul and attains the state of ‘ BhramaNirvana’ it would remove the anxiousness about Dhravyam/wealth, material possessions, and Kriya/deeds.  Eventually, it will provide various Siddhis as a result of the intense practice of meditation and Pranayama.”

The practice of spirituality is an experience, can be attained through Pranayama and meditation which helps to control the cluster of thoughts, and remove the unwanted thoughts.  The mind and intellect has immense potential to hold on to unwanted thoughts as well as release them, the practice of Pranayama eradicates cluster of unwanted thoughts, brings overall mental and physical health.  It is a tremendous technique to achieve peace and serenity of the mind, remove mental and physical exhaustion, and improves the creativity and productivity that reflects in every walk of life of the individual.  It is the practice of mind and intellect to get rid of interest in worldly matters, people, wealth, richness, fame, etc. which has impermanent nature causes extreme agony and sorrow, and contemplating upon the supreme soul who resides as the soul in us.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 324 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  175

The practice of devotion, reading scriptures and being in the association with the pious, saintly men and ascetics would bring tremendous transformation in the individual.  It enhances endurance, credibility, kindness, selflessness, humility, simplicity, and more importantly the ability to handle any adverse situations in life with a firm and serene mind, and consider them as the grace of the Supreme Lord, even the worst of the worst situations in the life could not break the person emotionally, they would come up from the troubles at ease.  King Pareekshith/Vishnuratha, who was cursed by the son of Rishi Sameeka, was not dejected about the curse of the Rishi, felt extremely unworthy of himself, for the arrogant act towards an illustrious Rishi.  King Pareekshith crowned his son Janameyjaya as the King and left the Kingdom, he arrived on the riverbank of Ganga, soon the illustrious Rishis and Sages were assembled, all that he was enquired how to elevate his soul form the miseries in life within seven days.  The weak mind always sees the hopelessness and miseries in the opportunities, even the trivial disappointment causes extreme anxiety and fear, the practice of spirituality is the effort to get rid of the weakness of mind and face any challenging situations in life with a calm mind.  A strong-minded person sees opportunity in every failure, with the constant practice of meditation, attains the serenity of mind and the humility to accept any life events.

Vishayan Dhyayathashchiththam Vishayeshu  Vishajjathe | Mam Anusmarashchiththam Mayyeva Pravileeyathe || Yadha  Thvam Aravindhaksha Yadhrisham Va Yadhathmakam | Dhyayen Mumukshurethanmey Dhyanam Thvam Vakthumarhasi ||

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Aravindhaksha, you have mentioned Dhyanayoga as the easiest method to attain the elevation of the soul, How did Mumukshu practice Dhyanayoga? how should I practice Dhyana Yoga? Kindly narrate to me.”

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, listen to me carefully about meditation, take a seat in a comfortable place and sit straight, it will expand the lungs maximum level and helps to intake large quantity of air to strengthen it while sitting straight, the fluids in the backbone helps to preserve the body temperature at a required level.  Oh! Udhdhava, keep your muscles relaxed and sit for a while without any movements, keep your hands rest on your thighs, fix the vision on the upper end of the nose /Nasagra/not downwards.  The mind has the capability to attract the sound or appearance/form, hence the practice of meditation is the process to arrest the unwanted thoughts, and concentrate on the supreme Lord who is formless one, is beyond sound or form. Oh! Udhdhava I shall narrate the practice of inhalation and exhalation/Pranayama to you, breathe in air in a large quantity in your lungs is called Poorakam, holding it for a few seconds/kumbakam, and releasing the air/breathe out/Rechakam.  This process of Pranayama promotes blood circulation, strengthen the lungs, digestive systems, revitalize the blood cells, arrest the thoughts completely which leads to the state of serenity.  Oh! Udhdhava, practice the recitation of Omkara, while Pranayama increases the concentration, and contemplate upon Lord Surya and visualize my most charming appearance of dark cloud complexion, beautiful face, four arms holding Shankha Chakra, Gadha, Padmam,   pleasing smile on the face, beautiful neck, and cheeks, adorned in magnificent Makara Kundalam on the ear, the chest is adorned in various ornaments of precious yellow metal, Vanamala, Kausthubham, Srivathsam and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, decorated in Kireeta, Kadaka, Katisuthra, and marvelous anklets, Oh! Udhdhava envision that magnificent form of mine that would please your eyes.”

Vahnimadhye Smareth Roopam Mamaithadhyanamangalam || Samam Prashantham Sumukham Dheerghacharu Chathurbhujam | Sucharu Sundaragreevam Sukapolakam Shuchismitham || SamanaKarnna Vinyastha SpuranMakara Kundalam | Hemambaram Ghanashyamam Srivathsa Sreenikethanam || Shankha Chakra Gadha Padma Vanamala Vibhooshitham | Noopurair Vilasath Padham Kausthubha Prabhayayutham ||Dhyumath Kireeta Kadaka Katisuthrangadhayutham | Sarvangasudharam Hridhyam Prasadha Sumukheshanam ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 324 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  175

Nirapeksham Munim Shantham Nirvairam Samadharshanam | Anuvrajamyaham Nithyam Pooyeyethyanghri Renubhi: ||

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Krishna, there are several methods described by the Bhramavadhis to achieve the elevation of the soul, which is superior among them? Which is the easiest one? Kindly describe to me.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, learning the essence of Veda is the superior method of elevation of the soul, I have reinstated Veda and advised to Lord Bhrama that was retold to Sanakadhis and they narrated to Saptharishis, in this way the Veda circulated among the illustrious Rishis and Sages.  In due course of time, the recitation of Veda has become prominent without realizing the essence of it that was sung in praise of me residing as a soul in them, therefore they could not elevate their souls.  One set among them utilized the Vedic chants to attain material well-being, which has impermanent nature, without the realization of performance of deeds brings material welfare and the contemplation and meditation upon supreme Lord elevate the soul. Some of them started following old traditions and beliefs, like Paganda.  Oh! Udhdhava, I shall describe the superior method of elevation soul, surrender your thoughts and deeds to me,  and practice constant contemplation and meditation upon me, you will become independent, without any expectation, attachment and fear,  eventually, the cluster of unwanted thoughts will disappear and you will attain supreme bliss.  Oh! Udhdhavan, the practice of meditation and contemplation upon me would bring the serenity of mind; you will experience happiness all around you.   The people who have considered the supreme Lord as their eternal wealth, with the firm mind would remain serene always, people who accept all the happenings in life as the grace of supreme Lord would remain in a state of bliss wherever they go. The devotees who consider me as their greatest wealth would not ask for any material well-being, he /she will not ask for anything other than me, they remain serene and constantly engages in the contemplation of me and attain peace, they will not have any enmity towards others, they are well focused, attain the serenity of mind, I will follow them always and collect the dust from their feet to purify me.   How did people who are soaked in worldly matters and bondage attain an elevation of the soul? Oh! Udhdhava, you can attain me easily with the Bhakthiyoga, unlike knowledge in scriptures and Sankhya Yoga.  Therefore worship Me with the Bhakthiyoga and remove all the impurities of the mind, like the dirt in the gold is removed with the intense heat and creates stunning ornaments with it.  The people who are drenched in material well-being, matters, people, wealth and fame, remain extremely anxious and fearful, finally, it hurls them into the cycles of birth and death.  Oh! Udhdhava, therefore constantly contemplates upon me and attains union with me. ”

Mayyarppitha Mana: Sabya Nirapekshasya Sarvatha: | Mayathmanam Sukham Yaththath Kutha: Syadhvishayathmanam|| Akinchanasya  Dhanthasya  Shanthasya Samachethasa: | Maya Santhushtamanasa: Sarva : Sukhamaya  Dhisha: ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 323 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  174

 Dheho Api Dhaiva Vashaga: Khalu Karma Yavath Swarambhakam Prathisameekshatha  Yeavasasu: | Tham Sa  Prapancham Adhirooda Samadhiyoga:  Swapnam Punar Na  Bhajathe Prathibudhdhavasthu: ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, whenever you get stuck in the cluster of thoughts, make a thorough evaluation of it, whether it would do any good to you and others, the cluster of unwanted thoughts causes’ physical exhaustion.  Oh! Udhdhava, understand the ultimate truth that the mind and intellect is the source of the supreme soul, and it is preserved by me, remove all those thoughts that cause weakness and anxiousness with the sharp sword-like wisdom, understand my all-pervasive and flawless nature and contemplate upon me, and remove all your qualms.  The human bodies undergo constant transformation and ruin, finally merges in the Prakrithi and again the Jeeva assumes a body with the unfinished desires, thus the cycles of birth and death continue.  Therefore, accept whatever happens in your life as the grace of the Supreme Lord, if you keep contemplating upon the supreme Lord it will elevate your thoughts from grief and sorrows, like the drunkard, never take notice of his misplaced clothes.  Oh! Udhdhava, the soul attains the body as a result of desires in the mind of male and female, eventually the Beeja deposited from the male to the female womb and the growth of the fetus begins and the birth takes place.  The body obtained as a result of the Kama/lust and Karma/physical relationship should be elevated to the supreme soul with the practice of Bhakti Yoga, perform all the deeds with the constant remembrance of me, and surrender the fruits of the deeds to me, and receive all those happenings in your life as a the grace of the supreme Lord.  Oh! Udhdhava, contemplate upon my virtues which is beyond Gunas, sung in praise of me and my all-pervasive nature, I am your constant companion residing as soul, I have no expectation or attachments, and  I am beloved my devotees.”

Mam Bhajanthi Guna: Sarve  Nirgunam Nirapekshakam | Suhridham Priyam Athmanam Samyasangadhayo Guna: ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 322 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  173

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the thoughts are under constant control of the three virtues of Sathvik, Rajasik and Thamisk which cannot harm the supreme soul, like the change of seasons do not affect the sky.  The sthoolashareera/body undergoes constant transformation and ruin, the Sookshmashareera/soul has neither birth nor death.  The misfortunes, failures, grief are an unavoidable part of the human life, therefore the remembrance of the supreme soul that is void of three Gunas, with the constant practice of Dhyanam, recitation of scriptures, sacred hymns, the performance of various religious and spiritual rites and keeping engaged your mind on the various Dharmic rites, you can gradually get rid of the impurities of the mind, like the continuous friction of two bamboo plants or any wood produces fire.”

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Krishna, I have been soaked in the interests in worldly matters and bondage for several years, like animals/dog/shamelessness, donkey/ignorant and goat/gobbling nature, how did the practice of meditation and contemplation remove the impurities of the mind? Kindly narrate to me.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the reason for the mind reluctant to leave the unwanted thoughts is due to ‘I’ consciousness and self-importance which is caused by the over the influence of Rajoguna/lust, desire, greed, jealousy.  Oh! Udhdhava, the supreme soul is the source of these Gunas, the more you nurture the habits of Rajoguna, there will be no control over it, and finally, it will lead to destruction.  Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate a legend, once the Sanakadhis went to Bhrama Loka and met Lord Bhrama, and enquired to Bhrama “ Oh! Prabho, Oh! Father, the mind and intellect are the under the constant influences of the three Gunas, which is originated from the supreme soul, and  the fleeting nature of the thoughts in the mind is inseparable, so how could we abandon the thoughts and contemplate upon supreme Lord?”   Oh! Udhdhava, the Lord Bhrama could not give a precise answer to the questions of Sanakadhis.  He contemplated upon me; hence I have assumed the form of Hamsa and appeared before them.” 

Yevam Prishto Mahadeva:  Swayambhur  Bhoothabhavana: | Dhyayamana: Prashnabeejam Nabhyapadhyatha Karmadhi: || Sa  Mama Chinthayath Deva: Prashnaparathi Theershaya | Thasyaham Hamsaroopena Sakashamagamam Thadha ||

Krishna continues “Oh! Udhdhava, The Sanakadhis enquired about my whereabouts, I replied to them “Oh! Muni, you have enquired about me, is there any difference between you and me?” The thought forms the differences in people, with the influence of the three Gunas such as  Rajogunas are lust, desire, anger, passion, etc. Thamogunas are laziness, lethargy, exhaustion, dullness, fear and grief; and the Swathikgunas are honesty, love, kindness and affection etc are under the constant  tie with the thoughts, the person with a balanced state of mind will not let the thoughts overrule him with the knowledge of ‘self’.  The thoughts are expressed either by words, or action; therefore it depends on the nature of the individual to handle the thoughts tactfully.  The supreme soul preserves the mind and intellects during the three states of wakening, sleep and dream, without this knowledge, if the mind and intellect wedge in the cluster of thoughts, it would become difficult to elevate the soul.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 321 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  172

Yevam  Gurupasanaika Bhakthya  Vidhya Kutarena Shithena  Dheera: | Vivrishchya Jeevashayamapramaththa:  Sambadhya Chathmanamadha Thyajasthram ||

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Yogeshwareshwara, I have a doubt still lingering in me, kindly remove all my qualms. What is the reason for the grief?”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the mind, and intellect originated from the supreme soul, the thoughts of three Gunas initiates in it, eventually, the mind stuck with the thoughts related to people, matter, sound and appearance, like the heat/Sookshma in the atmosphere causes the woods/Sthoola to absorb it and when it crushes with each other/friction produces fire and burns into ashes/Sookshma.  In this way, the mind and intellect lean on the cluster of thoughts while the person is awake and it disappears while asleep, like the thread spread across the clothes, forget its origin from the cotton, in the same manner, the mind and intellect forgets its origin from the supreme soul.  Oh! Udhdhava, you have to approach a preceptor who helps you to come out  of the cluster of thoughts with the supreme knowledge, the ignorance can be removed with the powerful sword of knowledge of Bhakti and Vidhya, along with the constant practice, you can unite your soul with me.”

The human mind and intellect are either wedged in the harsh experiences of the past or anxiousness about the future, both are destructive nature of thoughts.  The positive thinking removes the cluster of unwanted thoughts, anxiousness, and it prepares the mind to fight against any adverse situation with a serene mind.  It can be achieved through rigorous practice of meditation, Pranayama, reading, and recitation of scriptures, being in the association of saintly men and ascetics.  We have no hold on the past and future, therefore living in the present without the knowledge of the supreme soul in vain. One should learn lessons from the harsh experience of the past, and plan the future without getting overexcited, with the awareness of it may or may not work due to the influence of ‘Time’.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 320 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  171

Thasmathvam Udhdhavothsrijya Chodhanam Prathichodhanam | Pravriththam Cha Nivriththam Cha Shrothavyam Shruthameva Cha || Mam Eka Meva  Sharanam Athmanam Sarvadhehinam| Yahi Sarvathma Bhavena Maya Sya Hyakuthobhaya: ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, listen to me carefully,  it is not easy to attain me with the knowledge of Veda or Vedantha, Scriptures, practices of Yogas, offering charities and contributions, recitation of Vedic chants, or following series of vows and austerities, or offering an abundance of wealth and money as charity to Brahmin or good causes.  You can attain me with the constant association with the intellectuals, pious, saintly men and ascetics, and learn from them, discard your attachment and interest in worldly matters and practice contemplation upon me; it will elevate your soul from the miseries and grief.  Oh! Udhdhava, there are several illustrious Rishis and Sages, and pious souls attained me in that way, I shall name them Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Naga, Mriga, Gaga, Vidhyadhara,  Manushya, Vaishya, Shudra, Sthree, Vrishaparva, Bali, Maya, Vibheeshana, Sugreevah, Hanuman, Riksha Gaja, Gridhra, Vanika, Vyadha, Kubja, Vrajagopis, Gopas, Yagnapathis, etc. Oh! Udhdhava, I have lived in Vraja engaged in various amusing sports with the female of cowherds of Vraja, later I have to leave them and left with Rama to Mathura.  The female cowherds who were completely surrendered to me, discarded their families and children, wealth, cows, possessions, etc..And devoted their mind and intellect upon me and served me sincerely, were finding it impossible to live in my absence.  I have performed Maharas with them for several hours to please them have seemed seconds to them, they were completely soaked in a state of ecstasy, did not notice the passing of time.  Eventually, they understood that I have not separated from them, he realized my eternal presence in their hearts as soul, they did not feel the pain of separation, with the constant remembrance and contemplation, they have united their souls with mine, like the greatest Yogis, who takes pleasure in the union of supreme Bhramam, like a river continues its journey until it merges with the ocean.  Oh! Udhdhava, You are aware of all that, those women of cowherds of Vraja fallen in love with me, they were attracted by my appearance, they were not know my real nature, gradually they realized that I am not only their beloved one, but also the inseparable soul resides in them and attained the supreme Bhramam.  There are countless souls attained me with the association with the saintly men and ascetics, realized my nature of Bhramam, so it won’t be difficult for you.  Oh! Udhdhava, therefore discard those things have and haven’t heard, I am not the one to terrify the souls, whoever surrendered to me, with the knowledge of my all-pervasive nature, and resides as a soul in living beings, will remain fearless always.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 319 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  170

Kripalu Akrithadhroha Thithikshu: Sarvadehinam | Sathyasaro Anavadhyathma Sama: Sarvopakaraka: || Kamairahithadheerdhantho Mridhu: Shuchirakinchana: | Aneeho Mithabhuk Shantha: Sthiro Maccharano Muni: ||

Udhdhava speaks “  Oh! Prabho,  Oh! Uththamasloka Oh! Lokadhyaksha, Oh! Jagathprabhu, you are absolute Bhramam, you are Purusha and you are beyond Prakrithi, you have incarnated on the Earth at your own will.  Oh! Bhagavan, kindly narrate which sort of people should be associated with to augment my devotion? Which kind of devotion would provide the union with you?”

 Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, you should be in the association of kindhearted people who do not take pleasure in hurting others, people who are self-contented, receives all the happenings in the life as the grace of Lord, curious to learn scriptures, truthful, knowledge of oneness in all, helping minded and selfless people.  Oh! Udhdhava, be in the association of people who have no interest in worldly matters, or desires, pure-minded, no greed for wealth or possessions or fame, people who are void of jealousy, ego, and  pride, be in the association of  saintly men and ascetics who take limited meals, serene, and pleasant.  Oh! Udhdhava, be in the association of saintly people who may or may not be profound in Shastras and scriptures, but recites my glories with intense devotion and faith/Ananyabhakthi, with the realization of the presence of me in their hearts as well as in living beings.  In this way, you can elevate your soul to the supreme Lord, listen to my myths with intense devotion and faith, singing in praise of me, and dance in a state of ecstasy, and like a servant completely surrender to me, perform all those deeds with the constant remembrance of me and surrender the fruits of the deeds to me.”

Suryo Agnir Bhramano Gavo  Vaishnava: Gam Maruth Jalam | Bhoorathma Sarvabhoothani Bhadhrapoojapadhani mey ||

Bhagavan continues “ Oh ! Udhdhava, I shall describe whom should be worshiped, listen to me carefully, Lord Surya, Agni, Bhramana who has the knowledge of absolute Bhramam, Gava/cows, Vaishnava/devotees of Lord Vishnu, Gam,  Maruth, Jalam, sky, Earth, individual soul and all the living beings on the Earth.  Oh! Udhdhava, practice contemplation upon a specific form of me, and conduct meditation and elevate your soul, with the knowledge that the supreme Lord is Kshethrajja who resides as a soul in living beings and protects the shrine/body and achieve the knowledge of oneness in all.  Oh! Udhdhava, it is impossible to achieve elevation of the soul without Bhakti yoga and the association with the ascetics and saintly men.  There is no available method to raise the soul from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.”

Prayena Bhakthiyogena Sath Sangena Vinodhdhava | Nopayo Vidhyathe  Sadhryang Prayanam Hi Sathamaham ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 318 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  169

Gam Dhugdhadhohamasathi Cha Baryam  Dheham Paradheenamasathprajam Cha | Viththam Thva Theerthikrithamanga Vacham Heenam Maya Rakshathi Dhukha Dhukhi || Sath Sanga Labhdhaya  Bhakthya Mayi Mam Ya Upasitha | Sa Vai Mey Dharshitham Sadhbir  Anjjasa Vindhathe Padham ||

Krishna speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate an interesting legend to you, there was a huge peepal tree and there were two birds sitting on the two different branches, one was sitting on the lower branch was keeps twittering, taking pleasures in the fruits, and restless/Jeevathma.   The other bird sitting on the top of the branch/Paramathma was silently watching all the deeds with the knowledge that the bird sitting in the lower branch is not different from him.  Suddenly the bird sitting on the lower branch looked up and saw the other bird serene and contented even though it was not taking pleasure in the fruits.  It inspired the bird sitting on the lower branch and started practicing calmness and eventually, it reached on the top of the same branch where the other one was already seated, looked at it in awe and realized that they both are the same.  An ignorant is a Nithyabadhdha, he is not free from worldly matters and bondage, constantly engages in seeking sensual pleasure, he is over-dependent and attached to people, wealth, possession, fame, and richness, in this way he isolates himself from the supreme Lord.   An intellectual who constantly engages in the practice of meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord who resides as soul gets liberated from worldly matters and bondage remains Nithyamuktha/liberated soul and with the constant practice attains nearness to supreme Lord.  Oh! Udhdhava, my nature as the supreme soul is Universal and it is independent, like the air that has the nature of the free flow, like dreams that are not real.  The thought creates bondage and attachment, intellectual frees him from the cluster of thoughts like waking up from the dream.  Oh! Udhdhava, listen to me carefully, do not praise anyone or do not disgrace anyone, even if a person follows all those religious and spiritual rites, recite Veda, visit shrines, reading scriptures, without elevating the soul with the supreme knowledge, lacks serenity of the mind, it would be same as taking care of a cow that will not give milk or birth to a calf .”

Krishna continues “ Oh! Udhdhava, The person who is taking care of a cow that has stopped giving milk, having a  wicked wife, body full of ailments,  having evil children, and the wealth that never been used for charitable purposes, speak unpleasant words, and never practiced devotion, would remain unhappy always and no one can protect him. The person who is practiced devotion keeps away from the sorrows and eventually, the sorrows remain unhappy in failing its attempts to make the person dejected. Oh! Udhdhava, the more you are devoted to me, you will be freed from the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence, therefore practice singing in praise of me, contemplating upon my glorious pastimes and myths, and perform all the deeds selflessly, follow Dharma, Artha, and Kama without taking pride in it, in this way you will attain intense devotion and faith on me, and  always remain in the association of saintly men and ascetics, and contemplate upon me, perform all the deeds with the constant remembrance of me and surrender the results to me.”