Three Tasks Where My Efforts Go Unappreciated

“I am His younger brother, Lakshmana by name. Due to His transcendental qualities, I have taken up service to Him, as He is grateful and very knowledgeable.” (Lakshmana speaking to Hanuman about Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 4.12)

Download this episode (right click and save)

अहमस्यावरो भ्राता गुणैर्दास्यमुपागतः
कृतज्ञस्य बहुज्ञस्य लक्ष्मणो नाम नामतः

ahamasyāvaro bhrātā guṇairdāsyamupāgataḥ
kṛtajñasya bahujñasya lakṣmaṇo nāma nāmataḥ

Goswami Tulsidas has many reasons for recommending pure devotional service, bhakti-yoga, to the Supreme Lord in the avatara of Shri Rama.  There is enough justification to fill volumes upon volumes of sacred texts, beautifully composed in poetry-style in Sanskrit derived languages.

One inspiration for further study is gratefulness.  The tendency of the human being is to forget; part of the greater defect of committing mistakes.  It is simply impossible to remember everything. At the very least, we should keep in mind good work done in our favor, but even in this area we fall short.

1. Putting out a fire at work

“The server was out of space.  It is not my responsibility to plan the physical infrastructure.  I manage the coding changes, the reporting, and any other areas of logical flow for the business application.  Yet no one was interested in fixing this problem. If left alone, the entire application would have eventually crashed, leaving the paying end users frustrated, angry and looking elsewhere to spend their money.

“I decided to step in and fix the problem, to the best of my ability.  It is not a long-term solution, but this was something like putting out a fire. I got the job done.

“My reward? The next day, the boss is yelling at me for not having completed something he asked for a week ago.  There is no appreciation for having saved the company. At this point, why bother caring?”

2. Picking up dinner

“What a long day at work.  It’s partly my fault. If I eat healthier during lunch, then I am not so tired upon returning home.  The issue is that without something to look forward to, the day seems to drag on. It’s a tradeoff between energy right now or later on. I enjoy stepping outside of the office for a little bit in the middle of the day.

“When I got home, the wife asked me to pick up dinner from outside.  It’s a short walk to the restaurant, but I wasn’t feeling up to it. I went ahead, anyway, since there were no other viable options for eating.

“Later on in the night, I got chided for not having picked up necessary items from the supermarket.  Milk. Bananas. Cereal. These were all finished at home. I should have noticed, I was told, but I was at work the entire day.  My other sacrifices are not appreciated.”

3. Driving on a road trip

“I don’t know what it is, but I hate driving with other people in the car.  I am not as carefree and relaxed. Otherwise, I have no issues with driving, even for long distances.  With this upcoming trip, I was the only option available. Others were either uncomfortable with the idea of stepping behind the wheel or they are not sufficiently trained.

“A person should make sacrifices for their family and friends.  I did so this time, but it was extremely stressful. I got criticized for choosing the road that had too much traffic.  I was told to slow down several times and speed up in other situations. The rest stops were not to the passengers’ liking, and upon finally reaching the destination everyone complained about how stressful the trip was.”

…

In the Ramayana, Lakshmana at one time describes how the elder brother, Rama, is grateful.  This is one of the reasons that Lakshmana and Sita follow Him. There is the dharma aspect, as well.  The younger brother is anuja, or one who follows.  Sita, the devoted wife, is like the shadow to the sun who happens to appear in the solar dynasty of kings.

While the human tendency has the fallibility of forgetfulness, Shri Rama remembers even a single act of kindness done in His favor.  It is never forgotten. In this way, sukriti related to bhakti does not diminish.  It is not like a credit acquired through fruitive activity that then subsequently gets used up.

Devotional activities such as chanting the holy names make the most sense:  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Rama can keep up with me, and He will remember everything I have done, even if at some later time I forget.

In Closing:

My efforts not forgetting,
Even if in illusion setting.

Lakshmana knowing how grateful,
Reason why he and Sita faithful.

By Tulsidas also recommended,
Tradition through parampara descended.

So impetus now for bhakti taking,
Rama note of my effort making.

What If Someone Doesn’t Want To Give Up Material Attachment

“The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.”  (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.59)

Download this episode (right click and save)

विषया विनिवर्तन्ते
निराहारस्य देहिनः
रस-वर्जं रसो ऽप्य् अस्य
परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते

viṣayā vinivartante
nirāhārasya dehinaḥ
rasa-varjaṁ raso 'py asya
paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate

Friend1:  I have heard it said that the more you advance in Krishna consciousness, the more detached from material life you become.

Friend2:  It has to be the case.  Advancement here is a stronger, solidified link to the Divine.  Genuine yoga. Always thinking of the Supreme Lord, in the personal form.  Every activity dedicated to Him.

Friend1:  Authorized, of course.  We don’t just go around shooting people and declaring after the fact that it is done in Krishna’s honor.

Friend2:  Proper behavior.  Respecting the basic responsibilities of eating, sleeping, working and the like, but keeping them to a minimum.  Or if going in the extreme, then for the right purpose.

Friend1:  And so I think that is what concerns someone new to the process.  They are worried that they may lose all of their friends. No more attachment to news, politics, sports, vacationing and the like.

Friend2:  Oh, for sure.  You will lose friends.  I guarantee it. Sad to say, but it is true.  You will lose interest in the temporary. But what you will gain is much more enjoyable.  That is the reason for the reference to the higher taste, as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada translates param drishtva to mean.

Friend1:  A superior experience. Seeing something better.  Anyway, I am wondering how to handle the instances where someone is not ready to give up material attachment.

Friend2:  To anything specific?

Friend1:  It could be anything.  Playing sports. Bodybuilding.  Enjoying cars. Testing the latest technology.  They don’t want to abandon these interests.

Friend2:  Okay. What is the issue, then?

Friend1:  What should I tell them?  How could we get them to stay connected in yoga while maintaining attachment to the temporary?

Friend2:  This is a very easy one.  The binding factor in these interests is appreciation.  I marvel at the latest smartphone. I have so much respect for that expensive automobile.  I want to look by best through proper diet and exercise.

Friend1:  Right.

Friend2:  In each case, just extend the appreciation to Shri Krishna.  In the Bhagavad-gita you get the explanation of how Krishna is the essence of so many things.  The taste of water. The light of the sun. The penance of ascetics, and so forth.

रसो ऽहम् अप्सु कौन्तेय
प्रभास्मि शशि-सूर्ययोः
प्रणवः सर्व-वेदेषु
शब्दः खे पौरुषं नृषु

raso ‘ham apsu kaunteya
prabhāsmi śaśi-sūryayoḥ
praṇavaḥ sarva-vedeṣu
śabdaḥ khe pauruṣaṁ nṛṣu

“O son of Kunti [Arjuna], I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable om in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in man.”  (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.8)

Friend1:  I would think you could apply this practice to the entire creation as a whole.

Friend2:  For sure. That beautiful sunset.  The peaceful walk through the park.  The amazing waterfall. Krishna is responsible for all of it.  This is His creation. Material nature is but one of His energies.  Appreciate in this way as a starting point. The detachment will occur on its own, without much effort, if you focus on staying connected, such as 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:

Detachment to come on its own,
From connection in yoga alone.

With interest elsewhere less,
That higher taste to bless.

Magic of bhakti’s way,
Just from holy name to say.

Appreciation more than now,
Marvel at Krishna’s ability how.

Three Cases Helped By Political Favoritism

“O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.”  (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.27)

Download this episode (right click and save)

यत् करोषि यद् अश्नासि
यज् जुहोषि ददासि यत्
यत् तपस्यसि कौन्तेय
तत् कुरुष्व मद्-अर्पणम्

yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam

They are in a position of power for a reason.  They have the potential to help. All you have to do is ask.  Sure, there is the issue of concurrency. How many requests can they handle at a single time?  Is the policy, “first-come, first-serve”? How to assign priority? Which constituent is more important?  Never mind, just see what the politician can do for you.

1.  Visa application for a foreign-born spouse

“Don’t even get me started on the immigration thing.  I am well-aware that the easy thing to do is for my wife to simply visit the country to the south and then make a run for the border.  If she gets caught, she can falsely claim asylum. If anyone objects, racism will be the next charge levied against the authorities.

“I prefer to go the legal route.  File the necessary paperwork. The problem is that the process takes a very long time.  It may be years until the person I married is able to enter this country and live here with me.  I’ve heard that if I contact my United States senator, they may be able to expedite the process. Put in a good word with the bureaucrats to locate my wife’s file and push it along.

2.  Permit approval for construction on the house

“I want to do some work on the house.  An extra apartment of sorts added to the back for my adult-aged children to live in.  This way if they get married they are not forced to move out. We can live together, but with some privacy at the same time.

“The thing is, permit approval from the government is required before I begin the construction.  That has not been an easy process. They are taking forever. I would rather not delay the project.  By making a donation to the reelection campaign of the local assemblyman, I might be able to get somewhere.”

3.  The broken traffic signal on the way to work

“This thing has been busted for months; ever since that major storm passed through the area.  The drivers just live with it. We carefully proceed through the busy intersection, hoping that no one collides with us from either side.

“I think it is too dangerous.  What is the government doing? Isn’t something like this the reason we pay taxes?  I guess we have to bribe someone to take a look. Otherwise, they don’t care. They can’t lose their job over negligence, either.  Bureaucrats seem to have a way of getting immunity from termination.”

…

The determining factor in these instances is the ability to influence.  I approach someone because I am in need. Correspondingly, they are in a position to help, but ultimately the decision is up to them.

We can contrast with the behavior of the Supreme Lord in His avatara of Shri Rama.  He helps so many people, from brahmanas to kings.  His favoritism is not limited to only males.  High or low depending upon birth, Shri Rama does not require much.  Sincerity in purpose. A good character. It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, Rama is always a friend to the devotees.

Most importantly, He is easily accessible.  While the direct visit to Vaikuntha may involve passing through gatekeepers, the meaning of Absolute is that the face-to-face meeting is just as good as a connection through sound.  This means that by chanting the holy names I can access the most influential person: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Better than the political leader, Rama takes care of my overall wellbeing.  He considers the long-term benefit, shreyas, as well as the short-term enjoyment, preyas.  He sends representatives to help me in the immediate situation, to show me how to stay connected to Him.  The goddess of fortune showers her blessings in such a way that the basic needs will be taken care of. Lakshmana is always standing by ready to protect Rama, and Hanuman is there to give inexhaustible inspiration.

In Closing:

From them a favor needing,
With donation proceeding.

So politician to expedite,
My case seeing day of light.

Or fixing that traffic signal broken,
But needed first a gesture token.

Shri Rama not behaving the same,
Benevolent and reached just by name.

Five Reasons Krishna Did Not Fight In Arjuna’s Place

“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krishna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.”  (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.7)

Download this episode (right click and save)

तस्मात् सर्वेषु कालेषु
माम् अनुस्मर युध्य च
मय्य् अर्पित-मनो-बुद्धिर्
माम् एवैष्यस्य् असंशयः

tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu
mām anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir
mām evaiṣyasy asaṁśayaḥ

“I have to ask this question.  We know Bhagavad-gita translates to ‘Song of God’ when explaining in English.  This sacred text is not merely words from a prophet sent from above. It is not hearsay information or something four or five generations removed from the original.

“It is the actual words from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan.  The original script and language remain to this day: Devanagari and Sanskrit.  The setting is a battlefield, moments prior to a great war. Of all the roles He could possibly play on this earth, Bhagavan is a servant.  A chariot driver to the world’s best bow-warrior, Arjuna.

“The natural question is why Krishna assumed this subordinate role.  Why not be the lead fighter? If Arjuna was so hesitant to proceed, why not take up arms in his place?  Then the conflicts would have ended much sooner, since no one can defeat the Supreme Lord, who is Ajita.”

1. He agreed to be neutral

This could be considered semantics depending on the angle of vision, but there was a prior vow made.  The hostilities were between two families related as cousins. The Kauravas and the Pandavas could have lived together peacefully, both enjoying the kingdom.  But the asura mentality is to hoard, to enjoy at the expense of others.

Duryodhana and his side would not give the Pandavas anything.  War was inevitable, as dharma dictated the Pandavas rule the kingdom.  This is the meaning to words like nara-deva and rajarshi.  Not just ordinary leaders who are strong, courageous and chivalrous.  The gods among men should be saintly in character, as they are one kind of representative of Bhagavan on earth.

Shri Krishna had ties to both families, and so He remained neutral.  In truth, He was always favoring the Pandavas, but that was due to the devotion they showed.  The same assistance was available to the Kauravas, but they held onto a hostile attitude.  

2. Arjuna was more than capable

Why would Krishna replace the best fighter in the world?  Sure, Arjuna had some doubts going in. These weren’t related to his fighting ability.  He had proven himself on many occasions, including during the svayamvara for Draupadi.

“Draupadi was the most beautiful daughter of King Drupada, and when she was a young girl almost all the princes desired her hand. But Drupada Maharaja decided to hand over his daughter to Arjuna only and therefore contrived a peculiar way. There was a fish hanging on the inner roof of the house under the protection of a wheel. The condition was that out of the princely order, one must be able to pierce the fish's eyes through the wheel of protection, and no one would be allowed to look up at the target. On the ground there was a waterpot in which the target and wheel were reflected, and one had to fix his aim towards the target by looking at the trembling water in the pot.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.15.7 Purport)

In the simplest explanation, Krishna did not need to intervene.  If my child is more than capable of completing their homework assignment, why should I do it for them?  If they can drive the car to the proper destination, I will ride along for encouragement and support, but I trust them.

3. The credit and glory would go to Arjuna

This is another mark of Bhagavan’s infinite mercy and kindness.  If Krishna had taken over and won the battle, Arjuna’s reputation would be diminished.  Even if only to a small extent, the opposite potential was for amazing glory and fame. Why not let the leading Pandava warrior get the credit?  He would be acting as Krishna’s instrument.

तस्मात् त्वम् उत्तिष्ठ यशो लभस्व
जित्वा शत्रून् भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यं समृद्धम्
मयैवैते निहताः पूर्वम् एव
निमित्त-मात्रं भव सव्य-साचिन्

tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva
jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham
mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva
nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sācin

“Therefore get up and prepare to fight. After conquering your enemies you will enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasachin, can be but an instrument in the fight.”  (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 11.33)

4. The service mentality would manifest

The living entity is not meant to be stateless.  The spirit soul, the essence of a living being, is vibrant.  The tiny spark of spirit animates the entire body. It allows for intelligence to manifest and be exercised.  The potential for happiness is rooted in the existence itself, which is determined by the soul.

Arjuna would be happiest serving Krishna.  Rather than retreating out of fear, he would boldly move forward, remaining conscious of his dear friend the entire time.  This would keep the service mentality going through the conflict and beyond. Even in later defeat, Arjuna would not forget Krishna.

5. It would make Arjuna happier

The work in yoga would bring more happiness to Arjuna than if he had simply sat on the sidelines and allowed Krishna to take over.  This is a key difference between connecting with Bhagavan and worshiping other divine figures. In the popular form of demigod worship, the exchange is more or less a business transaction.  I give you something and you give something back. No discrimination. No oversight. No long-term assessment.

With Bhagavan, He knows what will bring happiness to the individual.  For this reason He is more than willing to deny requests. He may chastise. He may give encouragement or He may even pretend to be absent from the situation.  In all cases, those who surrender to Him are rewarded in the best possible way.

In Closing:

Arjuna himself could try,
Why on Krishna to rely?

And taking warrior’s place,
And chance at fame to erase?

As but the instrument just acting,
And dharma’s delivery exacting.

In service mentality pleased,
Opportunity by him seized.

Why So Much Emphasis On Not Criticizing Others

“Offending or blaspheming a Vaishnava has been described as the greatest offense, and it has been compared to a mad elephant. When a mad elephant enters a garden, it ruins all the creepers, flowers and trees. Similarly, if a devotee properly executing his devotional service becomes an offender at the lotus feet of his spiritual master or a Vaishnava, his devotional service is spoiled.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya 3.213 Purport)

Download this episode (right click and save)

Friend1:  This is one of those rules that seems rooted in duality to me.  It is not absolute in the least, for I can quickly find cases where following it will cause harm.

Friend2:  It would help if I knew what you were talking about.

Friend1:  In observing some recent initiation ceremonies of the bhakti tradition, sometimes the guru will ask the person being initiated to also take a vow to not criticize others.

Friend2:  Just anyone in general or specifically other Vaishnavas?

Friend1:  Sorry, that’s what I meant.  I know fault-finding in general is not good, but here there is special attention to not offending other devotees.  Vaishnava means “devotee of Vishnu,” which is one name for the personal God.

Friend2:  Just as you and I are striving for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord through dedicated service, so are others.  If we unnecessarily criticize them, we are making it more difficult for them to succeed. We also run the risk of distracting our attention to temporary things.

Friend1:  I get all that. Trust me. But including it in the vows seems a little ridiculous to me. The guru makes the warning along the lines of not visiting websites which are critical of certain Vaishnavas.

Friend2:  Oh, interesting.  I would think it is better to not mention that.  What if the initiated person doesn’t know that those sites exist?

Friend1:  Exactly. Now they are curious.

“Maybe I should see what my guru maharaja is talking about.”

Anyway, my point is that there is too much emphasis on this not criticizing thing.

Friend2:  I mean it’s all relative.  Depends on your situation. It is very easy to find fault with someone else.  Seriously. Just look at someone walking down the street. You could make fun of their clothing.  Maybe the way they walk. If you hear them talk, then the accent and speech patterns are easy targets for ridicule.

Friend1:  But I am not referring to unnecessary criticism.  You know that.

Friend2:  What exactly are you referring to, then?

Friend1:  Let’s put it this way. If the cheaters take charge of an establishment, make themselves into leaders, become gurus, what have you – what is the easiest way for them to remain in power?

Friend2:  I don’t know.

Friend1:  Make sure that no one criticizes them. If the people on the inside witness some serious wrongdoing, if they talk about it they will be ushered out; maybe violently so. That is pretty easy to do. Ostracize. Use numbers in your favor.

Friend2:  We’re talking about the cheating leader here?

Friend1:  Yes. But a way to help others to avoid the deception is to publish information. Expose the cheaters through documented evidence. This is where those “bad” websites come into play.

Friend2:  I see.

Friend1:  Then the cheater has no choice but to warn people against visiting those sites. Do you see what I am saying now?

Friend2:  That it is easier to maintain a corrupt organization when you keep people in the dark. I get it. You might be going a little too extreme here.

Friend1:  Am I, though?  Anytime the guru gets caught doing something wrong, throw out the “Vaishnava aparadha” card to save them.  It’s pathetic.

Friend2:  Are you saying you would like to not see this as part of the vows?

Friend1:  Yes. Who out there actually likes to be criticized?  But it is a great check on bad behavior. There is no doubt about it.  I should be thankful for these people. They help to keep me on the right path.

Friend2:  There is some validity to that.  The people closest to you might be afraid to say anything.

Friend1:  They don’t want to get banned from the institution.  They love meeting with others to worship the deity and chant the holy names:  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.  They don’t want to risk losing that amazing life, which is full of bliss.

Friend2:  It’s a tough situation, for sure.  It is better to remain careful when it comes to criticism.  The more you advance in bhakti-yoga, the more you appreciate the service of others.  If someone is cheating, there is nothing wrong with giving a warning. This is a way to offer help, so that new people don’t get led astray.

Friend1:  That is exactly what I am trying to say.  I do respect the leaders.  I have so much appreciation for everything people do in service to Shri Krishna.  It just breaks my heart when an innocent person’s faith gets shattered later on, by someone I knew to be a charlatan the entire time.

In Closing:

Vaishnava-aparada card to place,
When exposed in scandal’s face.

Others then in the dark to hold,
So that damage under control.

But actually the critic help giving to me,
Sometimes light not easy to see.

In humble mood offering respect,
Nothing from others to expect.

Evolution’s End

“Anyone who quits his body, at the end of life, remembering Me, attains immediately to My nature; and there is no doubt of this.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.5)

Download this episode (right click and save)

अन्त-काले च माम् एव
स्मरन् मुक्त्वा कलेवरम्
यः प्रयाति स मद्-भावं
याति नास्त्य् अत्र संशयः

anta-kāle ca mām eva
smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ
yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ

Friend1:  I know you don’t subscribe to the theory of evolution.

Friend2:  I am glad you appropriately referred to it as just that, a theory.  It is not like a scientific law, such as chemicals mixing together to form a specific compound or how gravity functions.

Friend1:  It is based more or less on mental speculation.  There is some observation, for sure. No experiment, though.  They can’t put a species in a lab and have it automatically generate a new kind of species moving forward.

Friend2:  They study fossil evidence.  They notice similarities over time.  They deduce that the future generations are a product of the previous ones.  They can’t explain how. From my point of view, of course there would be similarities. That is why the Vedas give the number of 8,400,000 different species.

Friend1:  Which is pretty cool.  To start with, you get a scientific explanation.  This means that Vedic culture is much more than a faith.

Friend2:  There is less faith involved than believing in a supposition of pseudo-science; that’s for sure.

Friend1:  I was pondering this question to myself the other day.  Where do you think their evolution ends?

Friend2:  Whose evolution?  A single species? Or the belief from the scientific community?

Friend1:  For the people who subscribe to the theory that one species adapts over time and becomes superior.  Where does that evolution stop?

Friend2:  I have no idea. Maybe the fittest of them all?  But I don’t know how they define fitness.

Friend1:  I think survivability.  Being able to defend yourself.  Intelligence.

Friend2:  Well, that invalidates their theory.  The tree survives the longest. There are the roaches that live through a nuclear attack.  This means that the supposedly fitter species, which I assume would include the human beings, are inferior.

Friend1:  In a sense. Think about it for a moment, though. What is their version of the perfect species?

Friend2:  I am assuming that it is one which does not die. Immortality. The Ravana idea. The asura mindset.  Never will happen. You can’t become immortal.  You have to be that way to begin with.

Friend1:  I see.

Friend2:  The true end to evolution is mukti.

Friend1:  Liberation?

Friend2:  The end of the cycle of birth and death.  There is real evolution occurring. The individual soul made its way to the auspicious human birth.  The evolution stops when the consciousness is pure while quitting the body. As simple as that. No more complicated.  That’s what spiritual life is for. Genuine religion is for purifying consciousness. That explains everything. The head dresses, the markings on the face, the restriction on diet, the marriage institution, the shifting of priorities, the acknowledgment of inevitable death - take the whole picture and you get an idea of where the evolutionary process should be directed.

Friend1:  Doesn’t that seem too simple, though?  It is like you are giving up. Forgetting science. Foregoing logic and reasoning.

Friend2:  I beg to differ.  We are studying the spiritual science.  We are understanding the purpose of nature.  We learn the reason for the variety in species.  We know the infinite ways time can be passed, without a thought given to the Almighty.  There is nothing easy about achieving mukti. It takes effort. Just see how difficult it is to shake the reliance on the externals.

Friend1:  What do you mean?

Friend2:  We keep thinking that we can do it ourselves.  We had no control over birth. No choice in which family we appeared.  No influence on when the final exit will take place. The wise person would run towards spiritual life, where there is evidence in the form of practical realization, vijnana.  Hear the words of the person who has seen the truth, tattva-darshi, and then make a rational decision yourself.  We know for certain that so many before us have passed on.

Friend1:  Everyone, in fact.  I mean, that is what will happen eventually.

Friend2:  Then consider the best way to spend the time up until then.  Take an interest in the future beyond the svartha.  Take the last step in the evolutionary process and never look back.

In Closing:

On final evolution’s track,
Liberated and not to look back.

Instead of fool’s way,
Where equal with God to say.

On theory developing from mind,
Riddled with flaws to find.

Evolved to this human form met,
For chance at final step to get.

Four Places Shri Hanuman Gets To Visit

“Covered with various flowers, shoots and buds, that monkey, resembling a cloud, became beautiful to behold, looking like a mountain with fireflies.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 1.51)

Download this episode (right click and save)

स नानाकुसुमैः कीर्णः कपिः साङ्कुरकोरकैः |
शुशुभे मेघसंकाशः खद्योतैरिव पर्वतः

sa nānākusumaiḥ kīrṇaḥ kapiḥ sāṅkurakorakaiḥ |
śuśubhe meghasaṃkāśaḥ khadyotairiva parvataḥ

“Not that I am keen on travelling.  If I am visiting a friend who lives in another city, I do not bother them every day to go to tourist sites.  I am fine just sitting at home, relaxing, chatting, eating good food and the like. The change of setting is enough for me.

“From hearing about life in bhakti-yoga, or genuine spiritual practice in general, it seems like a person might get stuck in the same place for a while.  You hear about these yogis going to live in a remote cave. They don’t have possessions, what to speak of a mode of transportation. This means that their coverage area is limited.

“Is that not a potential issue?  By following bhakti-yoga, would I be forced to live in a certain place, unable to visit others due to the lack of attention on sense gratification?  Actually, it’s a complete renunciation of sense gratification, and I would think that wanting to travel is a kind of sense demand.”

From the pastimes of Shri Hanuman, who is the dedicated servant to the Supreme Lord in the manifestation of Shri Rama, we see that wherever the Almighty directs, the devotee will go.  They are sometimes asked to keep a fixed location, such as with sannyasa life.  Sometimes they travel to unexpected destinations, facing hostility from every direction.

1. The ocean

It’s nice to visit on a summer evening.  The breeze created by the waves is cooling.  The sun has gone down for the day, ready to emerge again after a night of sleep.  The sounds are peaceful. Some people listen to a tape recording of the same in order to help them sleep at night.

Hanuman visited the ocean, but from above.  He did not make contact, as the purpose was to cross.  This was not spelled out at the beginning. When the Vanara leader, Sugriva, gave the orders to search the globe for the goddess of fortune, Sita Devi, he did not explain that one of the members of the search party would have to leap over an ocean of unimaginable length.

It almost does not seem fair.  Why did not the other Vanaras get assigned the same task?  Why did Hanuman have to take the great risk in order to please Rama?  Devotion gets tested based on the individual’s abilities. Indicative of ultimate mercy, the service propensity meets the full potential in exercise.

2. Lanka

The destination on the other side was an island called Lanka.  A beautiful city, for sure. Hanuman immediately noticed the abundance of gold.  It was in the construction of the buildings, along with crystals on the walls.

This was not a sightseeing expedition, though.  Crossing the ocean was only the first part. Now he had to find Sita Devi.  The island was ruled by Ravana, who was a man-eating ogre known as a Rakshasa.  The entire place was filled with Rakshasas, and they would not be happy to see a messenger sent by Rama.

3. Ayodhya

Everything ended well.  Hanuman played a major role in the ultimate triumph.  Ravana and his men got what they deserved. Sita remained safe.  She returned to the side of her husband. Her devotion never wavered, and Rama did so much to rescue her.

The journey could have ended there, but Hanuman accompanied the victorious party back home to Ayodhya.  Accustomed to living in the forest, Hanuman and the Vanaras were treated like royalty in that great city of devotees.

4. The entire world

Actually, the initial search parameters were quite wide in range.  The Vanaras were told to look through the entire world to find Sita.  Sugriva could give such orders since he had many Vanaras in his kingdom of Kishkindha.

From this review we see that Hanuman is ready to go anywhere to please the Supreme Lord.  Heaven, hell, a royal palace, a desolate forest – the conditions make no difference since through smaranam [remembrance] a person can always see Shri Rama standing by, holding His bow and arrow.

In Closing:

Through smaranam unfolding,
Image of Shri Rama holding.

The amazing arrow and bow,
Unyielding protection to know.

To travel a distance ready,
Hanuman of devotion steady.

Never a dull day,
When bhakti showing the way.