Four Plans I Make For Liberation

“The fortunate Hanuman, the son of the wind, upon hearing those words of Sita, a new insult to him, thought:” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.31)

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सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा हनुमान्मारुतात्मजः।
चिन्तयामास लक्ष्मीवान्नवं परिभवं कृतम्।।

sītāyā vacanaṃ śrutvā hanumānmārutātmajaḥ।
cintayāmāsa lakṣmīvānnavaṃ paribhavaṃ kṛtam।।

At the foundation is an understanding that the path at present is not the way. I have been thoroughly convinced that simply accumulating possessions and enjoying the senses has limitations. Most importantly, there is a cap on my ananda, bliss.

There is a way to permanent happiness. I feel glimpses already. That is to say there is evidence within this lifetime; I don’t have to wait for some moment that no one has direct experience with, at least within memory.

The problem is life itself gets in the way. I know that I should get serious about my efforts in dharma, which is the real version of religion, but I have other things to take care of first. In this regard I make several plans for reaching moksha, which is liberation, the end of the cycle of birth and death.

1. Let me earn enough money to retire

Retirement is the best time. The most pressing responsibility in adult life is work. All other activities get lower priority; the daily schedule is based on the ability to reach work on time, with plenty of rest. Enjoyment in other areas has limitations precisely because of the responsibility to provide for myself and my family.

If I’m already working, let me do as well as I can. If I earn enough money, I can retire early. Then the entire day can be spent focusing on spiritual life. I will be able to fully immerse the consciousness in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan.

The dependents within the family will be taken care of. There won’t be any guilt that I have let people down. I don’t need much; just a roof over my head, a mode of transportation, and some basic food. I’m not a lavish spender by any means. I am not so interested in accumulating stuff; less is more.

2. Let me start reading books more

I have made several experiments of it. On days where I read more than I watch television, I am much happier. This is especially true if the subject matter of the books is Divine. As they say, content is king. Works like Shrimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and Ramayana are the king of all content.

Perhaps I can find liberation by reading more. I will make a routine of it. Block out a certain portion of each day to spend in connection with the Divine. This is shravanam, which is hearing. It is one of the nine processes of devotional service.

3. Let me give up my bad habits

Before I get serious about bhakti, let me give up my bad habits. First purification, then liberation. Otherwise the consciousness will always be clouded. Let me find little tricks here and there to give up consumption of impure food and drink. Without strict attention to detail, to the right and wrong, liberation will stay far away.

4. Let me move to a certain place

I am fine where I live at present, but I’ve heard that other places might be better. I understand that man has a tendency to think that the grass is greener in some other place, that after moving they fall into the same habits and the previous despondency, but perhaps it will be different with me. After all, the interest is spiritual life. Going to some place that has a better atmosphere might be just what I need. Then I won’t have any other choice but to succeed.

…

A wise person thinks in these ways; they look to improve the situation in life for good. Rather than chewing the chewed, as Prahlada Maharaja describes, they seek out eternal bliss. The taste resulting from bhakti is like nectar, amrita.

From the example of one person we see that while such well-laid plans are positive in intention and may even bring auspiciousness, it is not necessary to change much at all. That is to say a person can remain exactly where they are and not only guarantee liberation, but thrive in devotional life.

Shri Hanuman is known as Lakshmivan. He is blessed by the goddess of fortune, Shri Devi. He is fully illustrious and his fame continues to increase with every passing year. He works directly for the Supreme Lord in the personal form of Shri Rama. Hanuman stays liberated no matter where he is, even in the enemy city of Lanka.

Accepting a personal insult from Sita Devi, Rama’s wife, is no issue. Succeeding in pleasing them both also does not change the situation. Hanuman has the choice to return to the spiritual world, but he decides to stay here, to remain around for as long as Rama’s glories continue to be told.

Any person who hears those glories is truly fortunate. That hearing, in the proper mood, is equivalent with liberation. The potency of the Divine is so great that His association can arrive through just the sound of His names, like those found in the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Waiting soon for permanent break,

In retirement serious effort to make.

At liberation, for rebirth cycle to end,

Every day in contemplation to spend.

Or perhaps today more to read,

And not bad habits to feed.

But known now from Hanuman’s presence,

That God’s glories liberation’s essence.

Shouldn’t Sita Have Properly Recognized Hanuman

“O best of the monkeys, how do you desire to take me from here to the presence of my husband, the king of human beings, with such a small body?” (Sita Devi, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.30)

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कथं वाल्पशरीरस्त्वं मामितो नेतुमिच्छसि।
सकाशं मानवेन्द्रस्य भर्तुर्मे प्लवगर्षभ।।

kathaṃ vālpaśarīrastvaṃ māmito netumicchasi।
sakāśaṃ mānavendrasya bharturme plavagarṣabha।।

Friend1: I know sometimes you get questions about when the virata-rupa was shown.

Friend2: The universal form. Everything included. Not a static image, either. Three dimensional, motion, the present and the future, all the planets and their inhabitants.

Friend1: It’s pretty amazing, if you think about it. I understand why Arjuna required a special vision prior to viewing. There is no way to accurately portray that scene from the Bhagavad-gita in a painting.

Friend2: There are attempts made, but nothing is entirely accurate, as you said.

Friend1: It is certainly a wonderful thing – God proving to the doubters that He exists. He is not merely a chariot driver. He is more than a youth carrying a flute and wearing a peacock feather.

Friend2: It is so easy to be fooled, otherwise. Especially with these Salvationist concepts that are so widespread, the idea of applying intelligence, rational thinking, and logic to topics of the Divine is not always welcome.

Friend1: The proof was there in the words, the instruction provided to Arjuna. The virata-rupa was not necessary, but the less intelligent always insist on “seeing” God.

Friend2: As if the other senses are meaningless.

Friend1: Let’s transition to a similar phenomenon, but involving one of God’s most trusted servants.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: There is Shri Hanuman.

Friend2: The devotee in the monkey-form.

Friend1: Not an ordinary monkey, either. Hanuman doesn’t show the virata-rupa, but he has a form described as svarupa in one place in the Ramayana.

Friend2: The self-form, that which properly identifies him.

Friend1: The svarupa is tied to a specific accomplishment. This vision is of the gigantic Hanuman.

Friend2: Just how big are we talking here?

Friend1: Enough to take notice. Not ordinary. Beyond the ability of most expert yogis, even.

Friend2: One of the reasons Hanuman is considered amazing.

Friend1: Here is my question. When Hanuman met Sita Devi in the Ashoka grove in Lanka, she didn’t believe that he was capable of crossing over the ocean.

Friend2: Wouldn’t you be skeptical? The blameless princess was surrounded by cheaters. Ravana had transformed to the vision of an innocent travelling saint previously. This was to win her trust, to carry out his plan to steal her away from Rama’s side.

Friend1: I get the initial skepticism. But Hanuman won her over with words. He convinced her that he was sent by Rama, an incarnation of the Supreme Lord. He was there to find her and report back to Rama about her location.

Friend2: Yes, the dedicated servant had to go it alone. No one gave him advice on how to convince a doubting princess.

Friend1: The thing is, he went one step further. He suggested taking her back to Rama with him. They would cross the ocean together. Sita was skeptical to the point that she kind of insulted him.

Friend2: That the idea was due to his monkey nature.

Friend1: Yes. Crazy. Preposterous. Beyond consideration. Should never have been uttered.

Friend2: Humorous, if you think about it.

Friend1: Shouldn’t she have recognized his ability? Why did Hanuman have to subsequently display the enlarged form for proof?

Friend2: As you began in this discussion, think of how many times Hanuman has taken that size. Not many. Each one is a special occasion, something to be celebrated. Many years later the brother Bhima would ask Hanuman to show that form. Rama’s dedicated servant, a son of the wind, was hesitant. He made up an excuse at first, but eventually relented.

Friend1: Sita was skeptical on purpose, then? She wanted to see Hanuman’s amazing svarupa?

Friend2: The exchange led to the result. Similar to how Arjuna didn’t require to see the virata-rupa from Krishna, but afterwards it is a good thing that he did, Hanuman’s visual evidence is a moment to be glorified. He can do amazing things in the service of the Supreme Lord, a service which continues to this day.

In Closing:

As if his ability not knowing,

So required svarupa showing.

That form large taking,

For ocean’s leap making.

But Sita doubting him why,

When Shri Rama on him to rely?

Glorification, a memory to endure,

Way for doubters to assure.

Three Aspects To The Arrow Used To Defeat Ravana

“The mighty Rama, who possessed extraordinary strength, consecrating in accordance with the mantras prescribed in the Vedas, taking that great arrow – which was capable of removing the fears of the entire world and the Ikshvaku dynasty, capable of taking away the glory of His enemies, and conducive to His own happiness – fixed it on His bow.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kand, 108.13-14)

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तमुत्तमेषुम् लोकानामिक्ष्वाकुभयनाशनम् |
द्विषतां कीर्तिहरणम् प्रहर्षकरमात्मनः ||
अभिमन्त्र्य ततो रामस्तं महेषुं महाबलः |
वेदप्रोक्तेन विधिना संदधे कार्मुके बली ||

tamuttameṣum lokānāmikṣvākubhayanāśanam |
dviṣatāṃ kīrtiharaṇam praharṣakaramātmanaḥ ||
abhimantrya tato rāmastaṃ maheṣuṃ mahābalaḥ |
vedaproktena vidhinā saṃdadhe kārmuke balī ||

It was a great struggle. Fighters of terrific ability within both parties. A war like the world had never seen. Since the beginning of time there has been conflict between the good and the bad, labeled as sura and asura in Sanskrit. This particular war involved the worst of the asuras.

Known as Rakshasas, they could change their shapes at will. The ability is described in Sanskrit as the kama-rupa-siddhi; the mystic perfection that allows to take any form desired. A pretty neat trick, but those with ill-intent take advantage to be able to further harass the innocent.

The embodiment of pure good, shuddha-sattva, arrived for this special occasion. He could defeat people that were even invisible. Using only sound He had previously rid the world of the menace known as Tataka. Now He was ready to lead the army of good, consisting of inspired monkeys and bears, against ogre-like creatures expert in black magic.

The battle was epic enough to take up many pages in the sacred Ramayana of Valmiki. The culmination was the flight of a single arrow, marking the victory of Shri Rama, who as an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is never defeated. That arrow has several notable characteristics.

1. Capable of removing the fears of the entire world and the Ikshvaku dynasty

The scream was enough. The name befitting, Ravana terrorized the entire world. With ten heads and twenty arms, gifts from above, he went about asserting his power and strength. A powerful leader can be a good thing, as the head of state has the main responsibility of protecting life and property.

When the leader is of bad character, however, the opposite takes place. Innocent life that gets in the way of the criminal’s desires is cast aside. Property gets taken instead of protected, and everyone lives in fear. Ravana’s men would not leave well enough alone. They used to regularly visit the remote forests to feast on the flesh of renounced sages. Intentionally choosing the weakest among them in terms of physical ability, the ogres were a menace to everyone.

Rama’s single arrow had the ability to remove the fears of the world. Those fears extended to the Ikshvaku dynasty, as well. This was the family in which Shri Rama appeared as the son of King Dasharatha. The arrow originally came from Lord Brahma, and it had special powers.

2. Capable of taking away the glory of His enemies

The standard situation is that God has no enemies. The dichotomy results from personal preference. If someone is good to me, meaning they offer me some kind of favor, I consider them a friend. If the opposite is true, that person becomes my enemy.

The Supreme Lord is self-satisfied, atmarama. Therefore, how someone treats Him is not relevant. It makes no impact on His view.

समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः।
ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम्।।

samo'haṃ sarvabhūteṣu na me dveṣyo'sti na priyaḥ।
ye bhajanti tu māṃ bhaktyā mayi te teṣu cāpyaham।।

“I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.29)

There is a single exception, and it is with respect to the devotees. They serve Him with love and affection, and Bhagavan can’t help but take notice. Those who become aggressors against such servants earn the wrath of the Supreme Lord.

That was true in Ravana’s case, and so the arrow was ready to destroy the target. Ravana became Rama’s enemy by harassing Rama’s wife, the blameless Sita Devi. He and his men had attacked and killed so many sage-devotees in the forests. Ravana’s “rap-sheet” was quite long.

This arrow would take away the king’s glory. He was proud of his accomplishments, though he didn’t have the courage to battle Rama previously. He identified with his land of Lanka, though it had belonged to the half-brother Kuvera. That glory was set to expire anyway, but Rama gave a more discernible evidence of the influence of time.

3. Conducive to His own happiness

Though the arrow is an inanimate object, it is like a devoted servant, as well. Anyone who serves Rama makes Him happy. The Supreme Lord is so merciful that He remembers a single act done in His favor. That is to say if a person falls back into the ways of illusion after the fact, there is no offense taken. Rama remembers the good and forgets the bad.

That arrow would bring happiness to Rama since it would serve to relieve so many anxieties for people dear to Him. It would reunite Him with Sita. The club and disc held by Lord Vishnu accomplish the same, as do the cutting words of the representatives on earth, who teach the imperishable science of yoga descending from the Vedas and works like the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam.

In Closing:

Final arrow from bow to send,

Reign of terror soon to end.

Of Ravana as enemy taken,

Since piety by him forsaken.

For world fear no more to endure,

That weapon victory to ensure.

In many ways trouble’s elimination,

From Shri Rama at war’s culmination.

What Is Wrong With Honoring Limbs Of A Universal Body

“The performance of different yajnas for the demigods is considered to be worship of the limbs of the Supreme Lord. The demigods are considered to be different parts of the universal body of the Lord, and therefore the ultimate purpose in worshiping them is to please the Lord by partially worshiping His different limbs.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Ch 46)

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Friend1: Let me describe a scenario for you.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: I am a first-time father. My child is still an infant.

Friend2: Boy or girl.

Friend1: Girl.

Friend2: Alright.

Friend1: People come over. They play with the baby. They make different remarks.

Friend2: Hopefully of the positive variety.

Friend1: All-positive. They keep saying how beautiful she is. Some people even make her smile.

Friend2: That is good.

Friend1: In one sense, I feel as if these people are appreciating me, as well. Granted, I have nothing to do with the child or their behavior. The only relation is biological. You could say that there are behavioral influences, but those manifest later on.

Friend2: Right. You can’t really teach an infant much about life. You can only give them love.

Friend1: Unconditional. Even if they are crying for no reason, it seems, you can’t change your disposition. They are a baby, after all.

Friend2: Yes, without conditions. Your offering of love is not dependent on how they behave in response.

Friend1: When these people say nice things, when they compliment the baby, I feel good about myself. It’s almost like I want them to say these things. They are paying honor to me, though indirectly.

Friend2: That is completely normal.

Friend1: I realize that. Here is the transition to the realm of spirituality. Are not the demigods, the devas residing in the heavenly realm, closely related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead?

Friend2: They are like His deputies. Heads of different departments of the government to manage the material creation.

Friend1: Would it not stand to reason that appreciating the demigods would please the Supreme Lord?

Friend2: Absolutely. Shri Rama says something to that effect. Those who don’t show proper respect to Mahadeva, the destroyer, will never receive Rama’s mercy.

Friend1: I get the respect angle, but what about worship? Say I am classified as a demigod worshiper. I am known to have different pujas and the like for pleasing this divine figure or that.

Friend2: What is the issue?

Friend1: I’m asking you. How is that not pleasing the Supreme Lord?

Friend2: It’s indirect. The comparison is made to the limbs of the body. You are worshiping different parts of the universal body of God, when viewing Him that way.

Friend1: What is the harm, then?

Friend2: It’s not a clear good-bad type thing. The idea is that worshiping directly will bring a higher benefit. Moreover, when worshiping only the limbs you might forget to what they belong.

Friend1: As in seeing the big picture?

Friend2: Right. You are interested in a specific aspect of material nature, while forgetting the bigger picture. You could get so lost in your interest that time runs out in the valuable human form of life. You spent it in sense gratification instead, which you could have enjoyed in any other kind of species. Better to worship the entire body and beyond: the person to whom it belongs. That is why Krishna is known to be more than the virata-rupa, or the universal form. He is the all-attractive one, and connecting directly with Him is superior to any other kind of spiritual practice.

In Closing:

When as giant body to see,

Demigods the limbs to be.

So for sure respect giving,

But not highest mode of living.

Benefits since indirect connection,

But mind still on reflection.

Better for the person understanding,

Who over all planets commanding.

Why Wasn’t Dhruva Guilty Of Wasting Vishnu’s Time

“In the Hari-bhakti-sudhadaya there is another example, forwarded by Maharaj Dhruva. He says there, ‘My dear Lord, I have practiced austerities and penances because I was desiring to receive something from You, but in exchange You have allowed me to see You, who are never visible even to the great sages and saintly persons. I had been searching out some pieces of broken glass, but instead I have found the most valuable jewel. I am therefore fully satisfied, my Lord. I do not wish to ask anything more from Your Lordship.’" (The Nectar of Devotion, Ch 46)

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Friend1: Let me describe a scene to you.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: You are in a store.

Friend2: What kind? Retail? Hardware? Book? Actually, those are becoming a thing of the past.

Friend1: For sure. One day children will ask their parents about what they were. Bookstores will be considered like a museum exhibit, the way of our ancestors for accessing information.

Friend2: There is always the local library, but even that is going digital in many ways.

Friend1: For this example, let’s say it’s your big box retailer. Something like a convenience store but more.

Friend2: Where you can get groceries and clothes. Where they have a little of everything, and they are open most of the time.

Friend1: And on the weekends their parking lot resembles one associated with a rock concert or football game.

Friend2: It’s amazing, isn’t it? In some small towns this kind of store is everything. It is the place to be on a Saturday.

Friend1: You are in this store, looking for a specific item.

Friend2: I am able to find it?

Friend1: You are not. That is the premise.

Friend2: I hate asking people for help. For some reason I will continue searching for a while by myself. I get upset about it, in fact. It’s like I’m punishing myself for not being smart enough to figure out the solution on my own.

Friend1: For this example, you have finally given up. You ask someone who works there. They bring someone else in for support. It turns into this whole ordeal, with people checking the stock room and the like.

Friend2: Okay. Do they eventually find it?

Friend1: They tell you to come back the next day. The item is in their system, but right now it’s at a different store. This local store will order it for you and the next day it will be available.

Friend2: Alright, cool.

Friend1: Here’s the thing. By the time you arrive the next day you no longer want the item.

Friend2: Why? I have found a better price? Some other store had it in stock?

Friend1: Worse. You simply changed your mind. The desire is gone.

Friend2: What do I tell the store people?

Friend1: You are honest about it. Obviously, they are upset, but they don’t show it. This is part of the business; it goes with the territory. Changing customer demands. Worst case, someone else might want to buy it, and at least it will be in stock going forward.

Friend2: Okay, so no harm done.

Friend1: Can we say that, though? Didn’t you waste everyone’s time?

Friend2: Sure, but what can you do?

Friend1: I’m asking in relation to the Dhruva story.

Friend2: From the Shrimad Bhagavatam?

Friend1: Yes.

Friend2: You want to know if going to the forest and meditating for so long was a waste of time?

Friend1: Obviously, it wasn’t. The story wouldn’t be passed on to future generations if there weren’t lessons to take away. My concern is with Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Friend2: What about Him?

Friend1: Dhruva sought a meeting. A five year old, a little impulsive in the desire for revenge, there was something specific he wanted. Authority figures, people he had respect for, guided him in the direction of isolated meditation. They said that if anyone would be able to help him, it would be Vishnu.

Friend2: The wise understand this. Go straight to the top. You could approach a deputy, but the extra benefits, which turn out to be more valuable, are missing.

Friend1: And we know that the added benefit here was purification for Dhruva. The question is, wasn’t Vishnu’s time wasted? The Supreme Lord got called to the scene and then the desire suddenly vanished.

Friend2: You mean Dhruva wanted something in the beginning and by the time the order supplier arrived he changed his mind?

Friend1: Yes. Exactly! Is there no penalty for that? Should we be so casual in our dealings with someone so important?

Friend2: There is a key difference here.

Friend1: What is that?

Friend2: The desire changed because of the meeting with Vishnu. The Supreme Lord was responsible for the shift, to where Dhruva no longer wanted anything. The boy compared the previous desire to pieces of broken glass and the meeting with Vishnu to the most valuable jewel.

Friend1: We should blame Vishnu, then?

Friend2: There is no one to blame. Do you have any idea how many people pray to God on a daily basis for trivial things? Think of the players on the sideline hoping for a kick to be good in football. Think of the child wanting a bike for Christmas. Even good health is not that important in the grand scheme, since death arrives at the end for every person.

Friend1: Okay, but not everyone gets a face-to-face meeting with God the person. They can pray all they want, but it doesn’t mean someone picks up the phone on the other side, so to speak.

Friend2: It is the same distinction, for sure. Bhagavan’s eyes and ears are everywhere. Dhruva didn’t waste anyone’s time, since the meeting ended up helping so many people. It is natural for a person to start their devotional life with a specific desire, such as for wealth or the removal of distress.

चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन।
आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ।।

caturvidhā bhajante māṃ janāḥ sukṛtino'rjuna।
ārto jijñāsurarthārthī jñānī ca bharatarṣabha।।

“O best among the Bharatas [Arjuna], four kinds of pious men render devotional service unto Me—the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.16)

What matters is the result of the connection. After the fact, does the person change their ways? Is consciousness purified? Vishnu never would have arrived in Dhruva’s presence if there wasn’t going to be something important occur as a result.

In Closing:

Like Supreme Court taking the case,

High chance of past to erase.

So with Dhruva the meeting,

With Vishnu on Garuda seating.

Shifted desire but time not wasted,

Since nectar of Divine’s grace tasted.

Revenge to broken glass compared,

Since now of higher purpose aware.

Two Comparisons For The Before And After With Dhruva Maharaja

“A person who wants to give everything in charity to Krishna but does not want anything in return is considered the real renouncer. Thus, a devotee will refuse to accept any kind of liberation, even if it is offered by the Lord. Real love of Krishna becomes manifested when Krishna becomes the recipient of charity and the devotee becomes the giver.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Ch 46)

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Wouldn’t you want to give your child everything? In the beginning the innocence and cuteness are overwhelming. In the morning time there is no need for an alarm clock. They wake you up with their crawling. You can hear the sound as they approach.

Seeing your face the reaction on the other side is always excitement, sometimes accented with dance-like movements. Your name is audible in their baby-talk. They don’t want much; just that you stay close by.

Would not any parent feel indebted through such attachment? A similar story occurred with Dhruva Maharaja. Though well beyond the stage of infancy, he was still a young child. The maturity was not yet to the point of understanding the cruel nature of life, that you don’t always get what you want. He took expert advice, from his mother and also Narada Muni, that for fulfilling desires the best person to approach is Lord Vishnu.

1. Pieces of broken glass

Dhruva wanted revenge on his step-mother. She refused to allow Dhruva to sit on the lap of his very own father, who was the king. Embarrassed, humiliated, and made to feel inferior to other members of the family, Dhruva took to renunciation in the forest. This was a legitimate desire in his eyes, and the urge for fulfillment was something like a burning sensation.

The comparison to pieces of broken glass came after the fact. This was the effect of a face-to-face meeting with Lord Vishnu. He is the personal side of God. Not an abstract figure. Not someone left to the imagination. Not a concept or a coping mechanism. Not an entity only visible in the afterlife, Vishnu arrived swiftly with His eagle-carrier, Garuda.

From a few moments of direct contact the mentality changed. What was revenge going to do in the long run? So what if the step-mother could learn a lesson? Is sitting on the king’s lap going to solve every problem going forward? Knowledge came to Dhruva, putting the initial desire into the proper perspective.

2. The most valuable jewel

Another interesting change occurred. Realizing the mistake, understanding what is truly valuable in life, the natural tendency is to simply shift the desires. Stay away from broken glass and go for gold. Aim for the top prize.

Yet Dhruva awoke to the fact that the highest achievement already belonged to him. Vishnu’s association was enough. Compared to the most valuable jewel, the now mature young boy did not want anything else. The all-compassionate father of the entire creation, Narayana, was ready to offer one of His sons anything desired. The request would not be denied.

The purification led Dhruva to not ask for anything. Simply to remember Vishnu and serve Him in the future are enough. This is an example of the Supreme Lord becoming the recipient of charity and the devotee acting as the giver. The mentality doesn’t make sense when operating on the material platform. Take from those who have and give to those who don’t.

Vishnu, who is also known as Krishna, already has everything. What could we possibly give to Him in charity? The answer to this secret lies in the devotional process itself, which is started easily through the chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Like pieces of glass shattered,

Original desire no more mattered.

Since with Vishnu to meet,

Long in meditation’s seat.

As child Dhruva only small,

But receiving benediction tall.

Still not wanting anything more,

Just that in future service in store.

Why The Peacock Feather And Not The Snake

“One friend challenged Krishna thus: ‘My dear friend Damodara, You are an expert only in eating. You have defeated Subala only because he is weak and You adopted cheating means. Don't advertise Yourself to be a great fighter by such action. You have advertised Yourself as a serpent, and I am the peacock who will now defeat You.’ The peacock is the ablest enemy of the serpent.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Ch 46)

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Friend1: I find it interesting that the items in Krishna’s apparel ensemble seem to be as important as Krishna Himself.

Friend2: Who is Krishna and what items are you referring to?

Friend1: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan.

Friend2: God has associated apparel?

Friend1: It is a contributing factor to the superiority of the saguna form. Both nirguna and saguna are the same, as God does not change. It’s sort of like knowing that I exist based on things that I have built versus seeing me in person.

Friend2: Interesting concept. Please elaborate.

Friend1: If someone never met me but wanted to know who I was, they could enter a house that I had built. Perhaps they purchased it. At first they might not really care about how the construction was completed.

Friend2: Right. Most people are more interested in the price, the square footage, the location, the heating and cooling elements, etc.

Friend1: One day the homeowner learns that I built the house with my own hands. This is their introduction to me. They get an idea of who I am.

Friend2: There is a hint of knowledge. Indirect association through appreciation of accomplishments.

Friend1: Doesn’t even have to be appreciation. Any sort of interaction. They could be upset with me based on a perceived error. Regardless, they will know me better if they meet me in person. I do not change in either instance. How they choose to associate is up to them. I am the same individual in either case.

Friend2: True, but I see what you are saying about the saguna aspect.

Friend1: With the Supreme Lord, the inclusion of the word guna is a little misleading. “With or without gunas” is from our perspective. For Krishna gunas always refer to transcendental features or glories.

Friend2: Instead of “material qualities,” which is the commonly used definition.

Friend1: The saguna form has apparel. In the manifestation of Vishnu, Bhagavan has four hands and corresponding items to hold. As Rama, He carries the bow and arrow.

Friend2: Back to your original point, the idea is that Rama’s bow is as important as Rama Himself?

Friend1: Importance applying to the worshipers. That is how they see the prince of Ayodhya. Valmiki Muni says that the pure devotees don’t mind where they reside, heaven or hell, since they always have Rama standing with His bow and arrow in the heart.

Friend2: That is nice.

Friend1: With Krishna there are many items of association, with one being the peacock feather.

Friend2: For sure. Goswami Tulsidas mentions that the peacock doesn’t have estimable qualities otherwise.

Friend1: You mean that it is a lower animal?

Friend2: Not lower or higher, but certainly not one to go out of your way to appreciate. Yet ever since the peacock’s feather became associated with Krishna, people refer to it as mora.

तनु बिचित्र कायर बचन अहि अहार मन घोर |
तुलसी हरि भए पच्धर ताते कह सब मोर ||

tanu bicitra kāyara bacana ahi ahāra mana ghora |
tulasī hari bhae pacdhara tāte kaha saba mora ||

“The peacock has a strange body, speaks in a cowardly way, eats snakes for food, and has a ghastly mind. Tulsi says that Shri Hari still uses its feathers to adorn the head, and therefore everyone now says, ‘mine.’” (Dohavali, 107)

Friend1: That’s the Sanskrit word for peacock?

Friend2: Hindi, I think, and it also means “mine.” To use the same word means that there is some affection, and the only cause is the association to Krishna.

Friend1: Here is a question. Why the peacock? Why not wear some other kind of feather?

Friend2: You have a problem here? You know, there is some similarity in behavior to Krishna.

Friend1: What do you mean? In addition to wearing the peacock feather, the Supreme Lord has some other association?

Friend2: The peacock is known to be a great enemy to snakes. One of Krishna’s friends made a joke in this area, saying that Krishna is like a serpent who will be defeated by the peacock-like friend.

Friend1: Interesting. But isn’t Garuda known to be the enemy to snakes?

Friend2: The bird-carrier of Lord Vishnu. Yes, and that is another cause for association. The peacock and Garuda have something in common, and Garuda is directly associated with Bhagavan.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: In the pastime with Kaliya, Krishna is the enemy to snakes.

Friend1: That’s right! Krishna danced on his hoods, leaving the imprint of His lotus feet.

Friend2: An easier way to apply tilaka. Anyway, we can try to speculate as to the cause for this item or that, but there is nothing to change the situation. It is what it is. The peacock feather brings to mind Shri Krishna and His all-attractiveness, so the peacock gets some auspiciousness as a result. If you can remember Krishna while seeing a snake, all the better, as consciousness is the key to making progress in the human birth.

In Closing:

When dealing with Kaliya the snake,

Imprints of lotus feet to make.

So also as enemy to scorn,

Like with peacock whose feather worn.

Which ever since on Krishna’s head,

By image to transcendence led.

With Vishnu’s flower and Rama’s bow,

Same as personal association so.