|| 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 ||