Three Examples Of Atma-Nivedanam

“The best examples of atma-nivedanam are found in Bali Maharaja and Ambarisha Maharaja. Atma-nivedanam is also sometimes found in the behavior of Rukminidevi at Dvaraka.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.23-24 Purport)

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Prahlada Maharaja gave a response to the father that can simultaneously serve as a guide for devotional activities leading to the ultimate perfection of liberation from the body. The achievement is not exclusively reserved for the afterlife, i.e. after death. The soul liberated while still living is known as jivan-mukta.

The father was something like jivan-baddha; bound to material life while living in the material world. He did not follow any of the nine principal outlets of devotion to God explained by the son. Any one of the activities qualifies as devotion, but some authorities have applied a sort of ranking system, considering a particular activity to be superior to another.

The first entry in the list is sufficient: shravanam. Just hear about God. Read a book, listen to a recorded lecture, or simply attend a genuine sadhu-sanga gathering. Not a place for aspiring artists to display their talents, but a meeting to popularize, prachara, the teachings of the Supreme Lord. The words spoken will automatically include His gunas, which are transcendental glories.

The last of the nine processes mentioned is atma-nivedanam. Giving up everything, in total surrender, to the interests of the Supreme Lord. This state of being can incorporate any of the other eight processes; it is the spirit of the service which counts. Some authorities consider devotion to the transcendental body of Vishnu to be atma-nivedanam. Though genuine saints can be found in any place and any time period, with their achievements not always publicly known, Vedic literature provides several examples of great souls who were surrendered in full.

1. Bali Maharaja

This was an interesting case because there was a lot at stake. It is much easier to surrender fully to the transcendental path when there isn’t much to hold on to. This is one of the reasons for the recommendation to take sannyasa, which is formal renounced life. Abandon anything that will hold you down. You could have all of the money in the world, but if you are constantly worried about this issue and that, there is no peace of mind. In the same way, if you are distracted by this responsibility and that, even with a genuine desire to succeed it will be difficult to focus on devotion to Vishnu.

As a king Bali was something like formally attached. He was not in the renounced order, but when a mendicant of small stature arrived in his kingdom begging alms, Bali did not hesitate to part with his possessions. The royal advisors cautioned against haste, correctly identifying that the beggar was actually the Supreme Lord ready to take everything from the kingdom. Bali did not mind, for in full surrender a devotee can live with many possessions or none at all.

Vamanadeva, the incarnation of Bhagavan as a dwarf-brahmana, asked for as much land as would cover three steps. Vishnu is not limited by the size of His externally-manifest body. Therefore, the first two steps easily covered the entire cosmos. The last was reserved for Bali’s head. This gesture symbolized total surrender, which the demon-like people in the royal administration could not understand.

2. Ambarisha Maharaja

Another king totally surrendered, he once unfortunately came in the path of the wrath of Durvasa Muni. Ambarisha was blameless, but anger sometimes gets the better of people. In this case he was directly protected by Lord Vishnu, who sent His sudarshana-chakra to chase Durvasa Muni far and wide. Finally giving up, Durvasa asked for help. Vishnu recommended seeking pardon directly from Ambarisha. The king was more than ready to forgive. A surrendered-soul he held no grudges.

3. Rukmini Devi in Dvaraka

An incarnation of the goddess of fortune, she had a most interesting marriage story. There was prior arrangement made by the brother to have a union with a person named Shishupala. He was of bad character, and more importantly Rukmini already had her heart set on Krishna, who lived in Dvaraka at the time. In a secret letter she gave Him hints on how to come take her away by force just prior to the marriage with Shishupala.

Everything went according to plan, and the queen lived happily with her husband in Dvaraka. Rukmini served her husband daily and surrendered to the point that she dreaded the sunrise each morning, as that time indicated the start of a new day, wherein Krishna would be taken away from the home to tend to daily affairs in the kingdom.

A person needn’t strive for atma-nivedanam directly. The property is mentioned as a way to praise other saintly people and accurately describe their position with respect to the Supreme Lord. Hearing is sufficient. One who has heard well can then pass on the information to others. This is known as kirtanam. Devotees are known to offer prayers and remember Vishnu. Some view Him as a friend, and others take Krishna to be a dependent requiring constant attention. There is worship of the deity and also the desire to carry out orders. Infinite variety exists in bhakti-marga, which means that true liberation is actually the beginning to eternal life.

In Closing:

Not actually the end,

In eternal time to spend.

Like Bali Maharaja so,

And Rukmini ready to go.

Ambarisha one ever forgiving,

Devotee in blissful mood living.

Such that automatically surrendered,

In any way service rendered.

Four Kinds Of Sacrifices Prompted By Desires

“There are certain sacrifices to perform to attain a good son or to attain elevation to the higher planets, but sacrifices prompted by desires should be stopped. However, sacrifice for the purification of one's heart or for advancement in the spiritual science should not be given up.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 18.2 Purport)

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Sannyasa and tyaga. The official renounced order of life and giving up attachment to external objects and objectives. The Vedas offer so many recommendations for sacrifice. Follow this particular procedure at this specific interval. Observe a vow relating to eating and sleeping on a particular day within the lunar calendar.

The opportunity to follow the Vedas or a culture derived from the same based on the distinction between body and spirit is what separates the human beings from the animals. Austerity, cleanliness, compassion and honesty should be the immediate results from religion; otherwise, the system followed is either not genuine or deficient in key areas.

While sannyasa and tyaga are praised as beneficial and necessary at some point in the journey through life, how to deal with the contradictions arising from maintaining life itself? Tyaga is based on a spirit of renunciation, and at the same time sacrifice is rooted in desire.

1. A good son

This is a step up from the cats and dogs. Rather than engage in sex without control and without limitations, follow a regulated way of life. Followed under regulative principles, this kind of sense enjoyment is actually equivalent to Shri Krishna.

बलं बलवतां चाहं
काम-राग-विवर्जितम्
धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु
कामो ऽस्मि भरतर्षभ

balaṁ balavatāṁ cāhaṁ
kāma-rāga-vivarjitam
dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu
kāmo 'smi bharatarṣabha

“I am the strength of the strong, devoid of passion and desire. I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O Lord of the Bharatas [Arjuna].” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.11)

A man and a woman come together through the marriage institution. They desire progeny. A good son. Someone to carry on the family name. A conditioned soul to hopefully rescue from the cycle of birth and death. In the exceptional case, someone who might rescue the parents from their dependence on illusion, maya.

There are recommendations for sacrifice in this area. One of the more well-known instances is King Dasharatha described in the Ramayana. At an advanced age he was still without a son, despite having beautiful queens living in the kingdom. At the advice of a brahmana he conducted a yajna. The queens partook of the remnants of that sacrifice, prasadam, and became pregnant soon thereafter. The ruler of Ayodhya previously without a son was blessed with four wonderful, pious and beautiful boys.

2. A suitable husband

Someone to protect. The parents will not stay around forever. Otherwise they wouldn’t mind taking care of their daughter for life. Someone who is good-natured, pays attention to duty, and sets a good example.

The unmarried girls can play a role in this, as well. There are sacrifices and vows recommended for obtaining a good husband. Perhaps seek the favor of Lord Shiva, the great-god. In the case of the gopis of Vrindavana, they worshiped Goddess Katyayani. She is a specific form of the wife of Shiva. Parvati Devi originally observed her own austerities to win the best husband, Mahadeva. Through her favor she can help others to obtain a suitable match.

3. Wealth

A common question that may arise from an uninformed or unintelligent journalist towards a specific politician relates to profits:

“What role do profits play in a company? More specifically, are profits necessary for employment? How do we make sure that people get good paying jobs?”

The inquiries are silly because the entire purpose of establishing a business is to earn profit. There are no jobs without enough money coming into the company. Even a so-called non-profit corporation looks to at least earn enough money for salaries to be paid, i.e. they don’t work for a loss.

Profit is one of the four rewards in life described in Vedic literature. Artha is beyond the jurisdiction of any politician or leader. The desire for profit is what serves as the impetus for work.

Therefore, a person starting a new business venture might look for some extra help in gaining success. They perform a sacrifice to earn the favor of Ganesha and Lakshmi. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and he clears obstacles from the path towards success. Lakshmi Devi is the goddess of fortune, and she can shower blessings upon the endeavor.

4. Elevation to the higher planets

Here the desire is technically known as paramartha. The interest or profit relating to the afterlife. Death will arrive eventually, and to where exactly I will go I am not sure. Perhaps by following a specific yajna I can at least reserve a lengthy time in a parking spot within the garage known as the heavenly planetary system after death.

…

Shri Krishna explains that a person does not stay in that place forever. There is something like a card that gets stamped upon arrival. The duration of validity is commensurate with the amount of pious credits accumulated. Once the time expires, the individual is susceptible to returning to the land of birth and death.

ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्ग-लोकं विशालं
क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्य-लोकं विशन्ति
एवं त्रयी-धर्मम् अनुप्रपन्ना
गतागतं काम-कामा लभन्ते

te taṁ bhuktvā svarga-lokaṁ viśālaṁ
kṣīṇe puṇye martya-lokaṁ viśanti
evaṁ trayī-dharmam anuprapannā
gatāgataṁ kāma-kāmā labhante

“When they have thus enjoyed heavenly sense pleasure, they return to this mortal planet again. Thus, through the Vedic principles, they achieve only flickering happiness.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.21)

The contradictions relating to sacrifice get resolved through the elimination of personal desire. Follow yajna as a matter of duty, for pleasing the enjoyer of sacrifice, Yajneshvara. In the case of Dasharatha, the desire for a son was for ruling the kingdom properly. Since his heart was pure, that sacrifice yielded the amazing result of the Supreme Lord Himself appearing as the son.

With the gopis of Vrindavana, their desire was to have Shri Krishna as a husband. The sacrifice was not materially motivated. A person can pay respect to Ganesha, as well. Many poets of the bhakti tradition begin their works with a prayer to Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati. They hope to have the blessings of that amazing family in order to please the Supreme Lord. Any sacrifice intended for His benefit is worthwhile, not violating the spirit of sannyasa or tyaga.

In Closing:

Sannyasa and tyaga for attachments freeing,

But sacrifice also for Supreme Being.

With Dasharatha wanting a son,

Gopis for best husband to come.

Violation of principles to tear?

Not since higher purpose aware.

To Krishna closer coming,

Less in maya becoming.

How Can You Say That Material Knowledge Is Useless

“When Prahlada Maharaja was asked by his father to say something from whatever he had learned, he considered that what he had learned from his spiritual master was the best of all teachings whereas what he had learned about diplomacy from his material teachers, Shanda and Amarka, was useless.” (Shrila Prabhupada, 7.5.23-24 Purport)

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Friend1: In reading the story of Prahlada Maharaja, I found a clever play on words.

Friend2: Yeah? Where?

Friend1: When Hiranyakashipu, the father, took Prahlada on his lap. This was after the teachers assigned to deprogram the boy had finished the first stage of instruction.

Friend2: The father was affectionate at the time. Tears streamed from his eyes and he smelled the child’s head.

Friend1: The father asked what was taught by the teachers. The play on words is with the meaning of “guru.”

Friend2: That Sanskrit word can refer to a teacher, a spiritual guide, or even the parents. The reference is to a person who carries weight or authority.

Friend1: Prahlada replied with information gathered from the spiritual guide, Narada Muni. This was the name the child did not give up to the investigators. He was not about to rat someone out in the hopes of accepting leniency. In truth, Narada’s words would help anyone. They weren’t a threat, as the people in the kingdom incorrectly considered.

Friend2: Hiranyakashipu did not like this, for sure.

Friend1: Here’s the thing. Was the instruction from the other teachers, the official gurus, useless?

Friend2: In Prahlada’s estimation? Yes.

Friend1: Okay, I get that bhakti-yoga, the science of self-realization, Vedanta – those things are paramount in importance. We don’t get only one life, but in this particular lifetime there is only one moment of final exit, quitting the body.

Friend2: Death.

Friend1: The goal should be to get the most accomplished prior to that time such that the fruits of the effort can carry forward.

Friend2: Like the air carrying aromas:

शरीरं यद् अवाप्नोति
यच् चाप्य् उत्क्रामतीश्वरः
गृहीत्वैतानि संयाति
वायुर् गन्धान् इवाशयात्

śarīraṁ yad avāpnoti
yac cāpy utkrāmatīśvaraḥ
gṛhītvaitāni saṁyāti
vāyur gandhān ivāśayāt

“The living entity in the material world carries his different conceptions of life from one body to another as the air carries aromas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.8)

Friend1: Consciousness. If you are self-realized, then the consciousness is focused on atma and Paramatma. The individual spirit and the Supreme Spirit. Otherwise, you have found a way to pass time only.

Friend2: That is why Prahlada did not consider the knowledge about ruling the kingdom to be worthwhile.

Friend1: Okay, that’s fine, but the knowledge is not worthless. That is like saying teaching the alphabet to children is without value. The instruction manual to operate the television can help so many people. Without general instruction on so many subjects, no one would know how to do anything.

Friend2: There is no denying that, but to someone who wants to get more out of life, who is seeking a higher reward, that information is not relevant. Take a situation where you are travelling on a boat.

Friend1: Okay.

Friend2: It is a long voyage, spanning many weeks. One day you happen to find a book in one of the closets in the living quarters.

Friend1: What is the book about?

Friend2: Computer programming. The best practices for developing a data warehouse.

Friend1: Star-schema, snowflake schema, surrogate keys and the like?

Friend2: There you go. Anyway, that book is important to someone working in the field. A database developer looking to get into adding business intelligence enhancements to their company would learn a lot. The thing is, you are on this boat. You don’t even have a computer. The information is completely useless. There are other goals to be concerned with.

Friend1: Okay, but you can’t just give up everything and take to bhakti life exclusively. There still has to be a king imposing law and order.

Friend2: Prahlada spoke what he considered to be the most important knowledge. That knowledge propels a person forward into the best kind of afterlife. The other stuff will sort it itself out. The devotee appreciates the effort people make in teaching concepts and principles rooted in duality, with varying levels of applicability and relevance, but devotion to the Supreme Lord is always the topmost concern. That rule will never change.

In Closing:

Principles for kingdom to rule,

Like called for aggression or keep your cool.

Of material advancement learning,

That not left for necessities yearning.

But to Vaishnava something different so,

More important atma-tattva to know.

Prahlada thus with honest telling,

Despite punishment foretelling.

Five Characteristics Of A Place With Gold

“The personality of Kali asked for something more, and because of his begging, the King gave him permission to live where there is gold because wherever there is gold there is also falsity, intoxication, lust, envy and enmity.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.17.39)

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पुनश् च याचमानाय
जात-रूपम् अदात् प्रभुः
ततो ऽनृतं मदं कामं
रजो वैरं च पञ्चमम्

punaś ca yācamānāya
jāta-rūpam adāt prabhuḥ
tato 'nṛtaṁ madaṁ kāmaṁ
rajo vairaṁ ca pañcamam

1. Falsity

Both in the pursuit and the subsequent possession, honesty does not necessarily yield success and auspiciousness. Take the often-depicted case of a group of travelers reaching an island in search of a treasure chest. Each person has their idea of where to go. Perhaps there is a map. The problem is that one person going towards the actual destination attracts followers. Therefore, lying might be the better option.

“Who, me? I don’t know where the treasure is. I’m just wandering aimlessly. If you get a clue, please share with me.”

If one person happens to find the treasure, the announcement of the success might not be welcome news. After all, it means that others have failed. It means that one person has everything and everyone else is left with nothing. Therefore, it might be better to lie.

“Oh, no, I did not find it. This chest I’m carrying? It’s just some clothes and books. Nothing to worry about.”

2. Intoxication

Gold is a real commodity. It has value in any time period and any situation. The market prices are of no issue. The inflation or deflation of a particular currency can drastically affect a person’s net worth, but physical gold will always be in demand.

What is the purpose of wealth? To enjoy the senses; at least that is the consideration unless taught otherwise. Intoxication is part of sense gratification, and so where there is gold people tend to gravitate towards intoxication. This is actually a loss of common sense. It is like turning off the computer when an important calculation is needed. The brain goes to sleep, and though the temporary escape brings a sensation there is the harsh return to reality later on.

3. Lust

This is uncontrolled desire. Known as kama in Sanskrit, combined with krodha [wrath] it is the all-devouring enemy of this world.

श्री-भगवान् उवाच
काम एष क्रोध एष
रजो-गुण-समुद्भवः
महाशनो महा-पाप्मा
विद्ध्य् एनम् इह वैरिणम्

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
kāma eṣa krodha eṣa
rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥ
mahāśano mahā-pāpmā
viddhy enam iha vairiṇam

“The Blessed Lord said: It is lust only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the material modes of passion and later transformed into wrath, and which is the all-devouring, sinful enemy of this world.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.37)

Save a trip to the psychologist. Avoid the need for mind-altering drugs. Solve the depression problem in a second. Simply keep an eye on kama. Control lust and so many other problems will go away.

Lust tends to increase in the presence of gold. One ounce is not enough. The chest should be filled with pound after pound. From the Shrimad Bhagavatam, we learn of a case where an amazing jewel that could produce almost endless quantities of gold still did not make the owner happy. Their lust could not be controlled, despite having the presence of the enchanter of desire nearby.

4. Envy

As every person is destined for death, there is no reason to envy others. Shri Hanuman makes the comparison to a bubble. Like those that rise from the surface of the ocean, the duration of existence is not long. The body of the living entity in the material world is something like this bubble, so no one is actually superior to anyone else.

शोच्या शोचसि कं शोच्यं दीनं दीनाऽनुकम्पसे।
कस्य कोवाऽनुशोच्योऽस्ति देहेऽस्मिन् बुद्बुदोपमे।।

śocyā śocasi kaṃ śocyaṃ dīnaṃ dīnā’nukampase।
kasya kovā’nuśocyo’sti dehe’smin budbudopame

“Whom are you lamenting for when you yourself are pitiable? Why do you pity the poor when you yourself have now been made poor? While in this body that is like a bubble, how can anyone look at anyone else as being worthy of lamentation?” (Hanuman speaking to Tara, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 21.3)

Yet when in the presence of gold, a person cannot help it. They see that another has so much and they wonder why the same fortune is not with them.

“Does that other person really need such a large quantity? Should they not be willing to share? Perhaps if I take some of theirs it won’t be that big a deal.“

5. Enmity

Two people happened to be great friends. They shared so many wonderful experiences together. They were there for each other, in the good times and the bad. They would sacrifice up to the point of life, if required.

Then everything changed. One person came into the possession of a huge sum of gold. The envy on the other side was too much, and so enmity was the natural result. Quarrel for no reason, since the gold should not have changed the situation.

…

Maharaja Parikshit told the personality of Kali to live where there is gold, specifically because of these characteristics. Being a material element, and thus connected to the origin of all things, the substance itself is neither bad nor good. Gold can be used in the service of the Supreme Lord. It can be used to remember the complexion of His beloved Shrimati Radharani, who is devotion personified.

At the same time, saintly people, taking their direction from Krishna, provide hints on how to succeed in the mission of life: liberation. Gold happens to be an indication of Kali-yuga, the age in which the tendency is to forget God to the point that theories develop stating that there is no supreme controller or intelligent designer to the amazing creation.

By avoiding the pitfalls of the current age, there is a better opportunity to succeed. Kali-yuga has the strongest influence where there is intoxication, gambling, meat eating, and illicit sex. Therefore, the guru in the Vaishnava tradition advises against these activities. The potency in cleansing the heart through chanting the holy names thereby increases: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

By King Parikshit told,

To go where there is gold.

Kali-yuga, age of quarrel known,

By certain indications shown.

Enmity, envy and dishonesty too,

Racing to acquire more than you.

Better choice to just stay away,

With shelter of Divine to stay.

Four Situations Where Agreement Can Quickly Turn Into Disagreement

“When Hiranyakashipu saw that his child had fallen at his feet and was offering obeisances, as an affectionate father he immediately began showering blessings upon the child and embraced him with both arms. A father naturally feels happy to embrace his son, and Hiranyakashipu became very happy in this way.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.20)

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पादयोः पतितं बालं
प्रतिनन्द्याशिषासुरः
परिष्वज्य चिरं दोर्भ्यां
परमाम् आप निर्वृतिम्

pādayoḥ patitaṁ bālaṁ
pratinandyāśiṣāsuraḥ
pariṣvajya ciraṁ dorbhyāṁ
paramām āpa nirvṛtim

With applications involving the editing of text there is a concept called, “What you see is what you get.” WYSIWYG for short, the idea is that everything shown during the development phase is how it will appear after publication. No issues with rendering. No unintended side effects. This means that you can more accurately position the various items as you are composing. You don’t need to constantly publish, edit and then re-publish.

One of the tricks of the illusory energy known as maya is that what you see is not always what you get. The situation at one moment conveys a certain kind of information, but the observer is surprised to learn that only a few short moments later everything changes.

1. A meeting of heads of state

They chose a neutral site. Away from the security advantage of one nation over another, these two heads of state are at an important meeting. The subject is arms reduction. Each side has thus far raced to be in front, to make sure they have a larger arsenal than their rival.

The meeting is tough, with the respective sides threatening to walk out at various times, but the end is successful. That is the visual, anyway. The leaders shake hands, smile for the cameras, and field some questions from the press.

Amazingly, only a few weeks later the two nations are at war. The meeting went well, but afterwards something else happened to trigger the hostilities. It is as if the previous friendly exchange had no meaning.

2. Husband and wife

They look so happy. They are embracing each other. After a long period of absence, they are together again. That is the way of life, after all. People come together seemingly at random, and then just like that they are separated. Who can explain why or how?

Yet a few moments later the same husband and wife are involved in a heated argument. The wife is throwing various objects found in the room, and the husband is dexterously avoiding injury. She is screaming this and that, and he is feverishly denying. How could things change so quickly?

3. Children playing

You check behind you at the playground and everything looks good. One child is on the swing. Another is playing in the dirt. A third is climbing up and down a slide.

With your back turned to them, a few minutes later you hear yelling and screaming. Two of the children are fighting in the dirt. The other one is trying to intervene, but to no luck. Something caused the rift. Not wanting to share a toy. A harmless joke taken seriously. Invading of a space designated as territory.

4. Father and son

Here we have a scene described in the Shrimad Bhagavatam. Prahlada Maharaja is wonderfully decorated to be presented before the father, who is the king. Hiranyakashipu was angry prior, when Prahlada spoke of the principles of self-realization, atma-tattva, but there were remedial measures. The teachers under the charge of the king went to work on setting Prahlada’s mind right.

The son maintained his respect. He was not spoiled. Appearing before the father, he fell at the king’s feet and offered obeisance. This won over the affection of Hiranyakashipu. The father took the son on his lap and was very happy.

Who could imagine that only a short time later Prahlada would be found in a pit of snakes? He would be thrown off a cliff, left to be trampled by elephants, fed poison, and taken into a fire. These were not unsupervised wanderings of a curious child. They were not tests of strength. They were not science experiments.

Hiranyakashipu’s mood changed to such a degree that he wanted Prahlada dead. Despite the outward respect shown to the father, the spirit of devotion to God remained. The teachers could not change Prahlada’s mind. The father might have thought he loved the son, but there were conditions.

That is the way of the material world, as every outpouring of affection involves some degree of expectation of reciprocation. The lone exception is bhakti, and for this reason devotion to God the person is not of this material world. The spirit remains always inside, since the individual is forever tied to Divine love. In cases like Hiranyakashipu, the original spirit flips to the point that there is intense anger.

Prahlada displays the mood of universal fraternity. He respects every person in the same way that he treats the father. Though Hiranyakashipu is antagonistic and full of the worst qualities, the saintly son only sees the connection to Vishnu, who is the one who saved Prahlada from every attack.

In Closing:

World leaders at important meeting,

At end friendly with media greeting.

But short time later war starting,

Like couple from love departing.

Or at playground the children fighting,

In this world discord quickly igniting.

Prahlada always fraternity extending,

But father’s love quickly ending.

Should We Not Want Gold And Soft Cushions

“Hiranyakashipu, the father of Prahlada Maharaja, was simply interested in gold and sense enjoyment. The word hiranya means ‘gold,’ and kashipu refers to soft cushions and bedding on which people enjoy sense gratification. The word prahlada, however, refers to one who is always joyful in understanding Brahman (brahma-bhutah prasannatma [Bg. 18.54]). Prahlada means prasannatma, always joyful.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.18 Purport)

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Friend1: I will never forget the first time I learned the meaning of the name of Hiranyakashipu.

Friend2: Aside from the character itself?

Friend1: The story is amazing. Yes, I understand that it is a historical account. Do not mistake me for the cheater who ill-advisedly teaches others that the Vedas are meant to be understood only symbolically.

Friend2: They get that from mental speculation. If they were to acknowledge the factual nature of the events, they would have to surrender unto the Supreme Lord, as advised directly by Shri Krishna.

Friend1: That is the last thing they want to do.

Friend2: Speaking of last, the “it’s all symbolism” explanation is part of the last snare of material existence known as maya.

Friend1: The first trap is thinking that I am this body, that I can be everything through acquiring possessions, rising to power, dominating others, and prolonging life.

Friend2: Once I see the futility in that pursuit, I am prone to consider myself to be equal with God.

“I am God and I achieved the post through renunciation and knowledge, vairagya and jnana.”

Friend1: Not noticing the glaring flaw that no one can become God. You are either always the origin of everything, anadi, or you are not.

Friend2: In a Dohavali verse, Tulsidas refers to that character as Kanakakashipu.

राम नाम नर केसरी कनककसिपु कलिकाल |
जापक जन प्रहलाद जिमि पालिहि दलि सुरसाल ||

rāma nāma nara kesarī kanakakasipu kalikāla |
jāpaka jana prahalāda jimi pālihi dali surasāla ||

“Shri Rama’s holy name is like Narasimhadeva to the Hiranyakashipu-like Kali Yuga. For those who chant the holy name, the Lord offers them all protections and crushes their tormentors, just as He did for Prahlada Maharaja.“ (Dohavali, 26)

The name has the same meaning, though. Kanaka and hiranya are identical.

Friend1: The combination of gold and soft cushion. There is wonderful symbolism to that given name. Hiranyakashipu embodies the materialistic attitude; defiant of a higher authority and feverishly after world domination for the purpose of enjoyment.

Friend2: There is also the juxtaposition to the son, Prahlada. His name means something entirely different. “Always joyful.” There is a reason, too. It is not like there is bliss due to ignorance. Prahlada is in a joyful position because he understands Brahman.

Friend1: The spiritual equality of all beings. The thread that runs through the creation. The many pearls strung on a thread, as Krishna explains.

Friend2: The first person is always agitated. Gold and soft cushions are not enough. The other side has nothing to his name except heredity. He is always at peace, despite enduring attacks from the crown.

Friend1: Many lessons to take away, with one of them relating to the dangers of gold.

Friend2: Yes, the concept is illustrated in so many places. There is the Syamantaka Jewel story in the Shrimad Bhagavatam. A king was living in the very presence of Bhagavan, in the city surrounded by walls, Dvaraka. He had the benediction of receiving almost endless amounts of gold and because of that he forgot about Krishna.

Friend1: That jewel became something like a hot potato. Every person who touched it seemed to get into trouble.

Friend2: Then there is the story of Maharaja Parikshit telling Kali Yuga personified to live in a place where there is gold. The idea is that sinful life could not survive anywhere under the king’s reign, so he had to find places moving forward.

पुनश् च याचमानाय
जात-रूपम् अदात् प्रभुः
ततो ऽनृतं मदं कामं
रजो वैरं च पञ्चमम्

punaś ca yācamānāya
jāta-rūpam adāt prabhuḥ
tato 'nṛtaṁ madaṁ kāmaṁ
rajo vairaṁ ca pañcamam

“The personality of Kali asked for something more, and because of his begging, the King gave him permission to live where there is gold because wherever there is gold there is also falsity, intoxication, lust, envy and enmity.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.17.39)

Friend1: It makes sense to me. You have too much money and all sorts of problems arise. Here is my question. If a person dedicated to the spiritual path should come across either, is it a problem for them?

Friend2: Gold and soft cushions?

Friend1: Yes. Suppose they are successful in business. Their net worth increases as a result. Maybe they have one of those expensive mattresses in the home. Are they automatically doomed?

Friend2: Well, what do you think?

Friend1: I mean it is Kali-yuga, after all. This is the age of quarrel and hypocrisy. I can’t see any friends being happy for the person who earns so much. The cushions will encourage sleep, which is in the mode of ignorance.

Friend2: That is true.

Friend1: So the wealth should be given away in charity? Sleep on the floor instead?

Friend2: Not necessarily. The idea is that gold and soft cushions should not be taken as the ultimate aim of life. Prahlada eventually succeeded Hiranyakashipu on the throne. He did not renounce the comforts accompanying regal life simply because it would be considered material. The idea is to assess how a particular situation impacts the consciousness. Can I use gold for a higher purpose? Can I use it to please the Supreme Lord? If the soft cushion enables me to get sufficient rest for chanting the holy names and travelling to different places to spread the word of the Divine, then the object should be considered spiritual. It is true that a devotee is usually satisfied in any situation. They can sleep on the grass underneath a tree if they have to.

In Closing:

Not required a house to keep,

Underneath a tree can sleep.

Not necessary for gold,

Aware of dangers to hold.

But devotee not outright rejecting,

Effect on consciousness detecting.

Like Prahlada taking over the throne,

Renunciation in opulence shown.

Three Terms Derived From The Names Of Prahlada And Hiranyakashipu

“Hiranyakashipu, the father of Prahlada Maharaja, was simply interested in gold and sense enjoyment. The word hiranya means ‘gold,’ and kashipu refers to soft cushions and bedding on which people enjoy sense gratification. The word prahlada, however, refers to one who is always joyful in understanding Brahman (brahma-bhutah prasannatma [Bg. 18.54]). Prahlada means prasannatma, always joyful.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.18 Purport)

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The accounts described in Vedic literature are mostly factual. There are allegorical stories sprinkled in here and there, such as with Puranjana in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, but more or less the conversations involve eyewitness testimony. Much like stories have been transmitted since the beginning of time, someone sees, documents the events either in writing or memory, and then shares with others.

Since there is an initial link to the Divine, there are so many layers to the events and the characters incorporated in Vedic literature. Case in point Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada. Both historical personalities appearing in this world during an ancient time period, the respective names are not accidental. They have significance beyond basic identification; they symbolize two opposing natures.

1. Gold

The name Hiranyakashipu is a compound Sanskrit word. The first part, hiranya, refers to gold. The price of a stock can change overnight. Day trading is a profession for a reason. There can be wild fluctuations over the course of a few hours.

Commodities have some value during a particular time period, but maybe not so later on. Take paper, for instance. When newspapers were at their peak in popularity, paper was a valuable commodity. With the dawn of technology, paper isn’t relied upon as much. Those in that business have to find ways to survive.

Gold, however, is always valuable. In any time period, in any land, amidst any kind of economic situation, gold can translate to wealth. It is no wonder that people will rush towards areas where they can find it, like those labeled 49ers flocking to California in the nineteenth century.

2. Soft cushions and bedding

An unlikely pair, what would soft cushions have to do with gold? Everything ties together through the purpose. The bedding is needed for sense enjoyment. Have enough gold so that you don’t have to worry about money. Everything is accounted for, and so the rest of the time can be spent enjoying the senses.

The soft cushions are good for taking rest and also for mixing it up with members of the opposite sex. This was Hiranyakashipu’s mentality; thus the name was befitting. He only wanted wealth and comfort. Religion here and there, but only for the purpose of satisfying the senses later on.

3. One who is always joyful in understanding Brahman

This is one way to translate the name of Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlada. Notice that the presence of gold and soft cushions does not necessarily equate to joyfulness. In fact, Hiranyakashipu was perpetually miserable. The senses were not under control, and therefore anxiety remained. Think of it like having a soda to drink and a few minutes later wondering when or if to have another.

Prahlada’s joy was from understanding Brahman. This is the spiritual energy that pervades the entire creation. Another way to understand the same truth is to know that everything rests on the Supreme Lord, like pearls placed on a thread.

मत्तः परतरं नान्यत्
किञ्चिद् अस्ति धनञ्जय
मयि सर्वम् इदं प्रोतं
सूत्रे मणि-गणा इव

mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat
kiñcid asti dhanañjaya
mayi sarvam idaṁ protaṁ
sūtre maṇi-gaṇā iva

“O conqueror of wealth [Arjuna], there is no Truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.7)

As God is the Supreme Pure, by knowing that everything is connected to Him, the purity extends to the vision. Prahlada saw only good. He did not draw lines between friend and foe, ally and enemy. The father did not like this. To rule a kingdom is to make boundaries, to establish jurisdiction and to be prepared to take on aggressors.

The always joyful Prahlada had to go up against the forever agitated father. Hiranyakashipu did not like the devotion to Vishnu exhibited by the boy. Something had to be done, but another person with a significant name, Narasimha, would step in to remedy the situation.

In Closing:

Names with meanings intentional,

With purpose opposing directional.

Gold and soft cushion chasing,

But sense demands not erasing.

Always in agitation landing,

But son joyful from understanding.

That Brahman everywhere extending,

Even to Narasimha the one defending.