Choosing The Weak Over The Strong

“O Lakshmana, do you rule this earth with Me. You are like My second self, so this glorious opportunity has been presented to you as well. O Saumitra, do you enjoy all the pleasures you desire and the fruits of the regal life. My life and this kingdom I covet for your sake alone.” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, 4.43-44)

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लक्ष्मणेमां मया सार्धं प्रशाधि त्वं वसुन्धराम्।
द्वितीयं मेऽन्तरात्मानं त्वामियं श्रीरुपस्थिता।।
सौमित्रे भुङ्क्ष्व भोगांत्स्वमिष्टान्राज्यफलानि च।
जीवितं च हि राज्यं च त्वदर्थमभिकामये।।

lakṣmaṇemāṃ mayā sārdhaṃ praśādhi tvaṃ vasundharām।
dvitīyaṃ me’ntarātmānaṃ tvāmiyaṃ śrīrupasthitā।।
saumitre bhuṅkṣva bhogāṃtsvamiṣṭānrājyaphalāni ca।
jīvitaṃ ca hi rājyaṃ ca tvadarthamabhikāmaye।।

“From reading the Ramayana, a pattern emerges in the behavior of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Rama. Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate that there is even a behavior that we can identify. That helps in understanding Him. Plus, I could read the verses over and over and not lose interest.

“I guess that is what it means to be transcendental. Rama is an avatara of Vishnu, who is the personal God. Rama plays the role of warrior prince, the sun of the solar dynasty, with Dasharatha as the leader in the beginning of the story.

“The pattern I noticed is that God seems to side with the meek. The weaker of the two in a conflict, such as with Sugriva and Vali. He became friends with Vibhishana and not Ravana. He is willing to sacrifice everything for His brothers, but especially Lakshmana. Hanuman is the minister to Sugriva, who is a king that fled from his home in fear of his life.

“Normally, the tendency is the opposite. If I need to move furniture to a new house, I am going to hire the most capable people. I appreciate someone giving a genuine effort, but if they can’t lift the sofa and other furniture, I will not get anything out of the interaction. Why is Rama not the same way?”

The simplest explanation is that there is nothing anyone can do for the Almighty. He is atmarama, satisfied in the self. If He were dependent on others for accomplishing tasks, He would not be in the highest status. If He were under someone else’s care, that would make Him weaker, at least in the situation where the assistance was required.

Despite being the most powerful person, with the highest tejas imaginable, Rama accepts service from others. Since there is no requirement on ability, He can look to sincerity of purpose. Who is the one willing to offer service without any outside motives? Who is purely devoted to Him?

Yet Rama is so munificent that even outside motivations are not an immediate disqualifier. Sugriva helped to search for Rama’s wife Sita only after Rama helped him first. Vibhishana came to Rama’s side only after a disagreement with Ravana, the king of Lanka.

When an honor comes His way, Rama shares it with others. Upon receiving news of the impending transfer of power from father to son in Ayodhya, Dasharatha’s eldest son immediately thinks of Lakshmana. Rama wants His younger brother to share in the honor, so that he does not feel passed over.

The tendency extends to devotional practices in the most isolated case. Something simple like my chanting of the holy names in a secluded room, early in the morning, is noticed by the husband of Sita: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Even if I lack qualifications for increasing the magnitude of my devotional efforts, it is not a blemish against me. Rather, the Supreme Lord resting within the heart appreciates any genuine effort.

In Closing:

Sorry, but ability having none,
And not likely any to come.

A failure in all of life,
No job, children, or wife.

Yet if sincerity to possess,
Then Rama immediately to bless.

Since for devotional presence caring,
Not over how previously faring.

Five Areas Of Endless Debate

"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." (Brihan-naradiya Purana, 38.126)

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हरेर् नाम हरेर् नाम
हरेर् नामैव केवलम्
कलौ नास्त्य् एव नास्त्य् एव
नास्त्य् एव गतिर् अन्यथा

harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā

The popular radio talk show host laments that his generation had to invent their traumas. The preceding group of the population is heralded as the “Greatest Generation.” They dealt with world wars, depressions, and the threat of communist takeover of the entire world.

Their children didn’t have nearly the same difficulties. But somehow this didn’t amount to an absence of anxiety. It seems that no matter the situation, there will always be a reason for quarrel and hypocrisy.

1. Over how to deal with the spread of a deadly virus

One side says to simply shut everything down. People remain at home. For two weeks at a time, though it might be for as long as six months to a year. Interestingly, this recommendation is not from a school-age child. It is not from someone ignorant of the ways of the world and how there is an intricate web of connection to maintain the food supply, vital infrastructure and the safety of the public.

Rather, the people offering this solution are well-trained in a discipline known as “public health.” They may even be doctors and scientists. A skeptic would think that training isn’t required to suggest such sophomoric solutions, but who actually wants to delve deep into the issue at a time like this?

The other side says that you can’t really keep people at home for that long. The damage resulting from lost economic activity will be too great. Putting women and children under house arrest, with nowhere to go, with no outside interaction, with only the fear from the television news, is terribly unhealthy. They say that more deaths will occur from missing vital doctor’s appointments and routine screenings than from possibly being exposed to the virus.

2. Over how much a person should pay in taxes

One side says to tax the rich. They deserve it. They can afford it. They got lucky in life. They are winners of life’s lottery, as one prominent politician used to say. The rich got to where they are off the backs of the poor. Now it is time to return some of that wealth.

The other side says that the tax rates should be capped at a certain number, that once you take more than half of a person’s earnings you are essentially stealing from them. Moreover, with increased taxes, you will drive away high earners and businesses.

As an example, that governor crying on television each day about not having enough ventilators to handle a pandemic only a few years ago celebrated the departure of wealthy individuals from his state, who were fleeing because of high taxes. You think to yourself, he could sure use that lost tax revenue at a moment like this.

3. Over what a celebrity commented about another celebrity

One side wants this person banned forever. They made an offensive remark in passing. They were speaking to their friends, but in an online forum. Essentially, the world was listening in. Now everyone is piling on, even after the person has apologized.

The other side jumps to defend. They say that a flippant remark should not define a person. It should not cause them to lose everything they have worked for. There should be some kind of forgiveness. In this way, the two sides bicker back and forth.

4. Over how much the internet provider charges for monthly service

One side says that the government should step in. Cap the charges. Regulate the broadband providers as if they were utility companies. This will save the people from price gouging. It will be in the public good.

The other side says that the more regulation you have, the less quality there will be. It is better that the company can charge higher rates for certain customers, who insist on higher download speeds. Government will impose a one-size fits all model, and this will inevitably lead to rationed service. The big players will make out like bandits, since they won’t have to worry about future competition.

5. Over who is the greatest player of all-time

One side has their particular favorite. This player won the most championships. They dominated the competition. They came to play, every single day. They gave the fans their money’s worth on a night-in, night-out basis.

The other side has their own favorite. Someone who is still playing. Not as many championships, but the ability to succeed in a host of environments, with different settings. The argument is that the modern game is more difficult and that there is stiffer competition.

…

We see that there is no shortage for topics of discussion. Vedic literature describes this era as Kali, which is known for increased argument and hypocrisy. No matter what problems are solved, new ones will arise. No matter how much we try to convince someone to join our side, there will be factions. The increasing number of flags around the world indicates division, not unity.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gives the formula for surviving, for uniting, for coming together. In this age of Kali there is no other way towards transcendence than chanting the names of Hari, which can be found in the sacred maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Those issues never to resolve,
Politicians promising to solve.

Or one player better than another,
One side strongly against the other.

No more enemies becoming,
When together coming.

Where chanting holy names to say,
In Kali’s age no other way.

Five Things Shri Rama Does For Others

“O Lakshmana, do you rule this earth with Me. You are like My second self, so this glorious opportunity has been presented to you as well. O Saumitra, do you enjoy all the pleasures you desire and the fruits of the regal life. My life and this kingdom I covet for your sake alone.” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 4.43-44)

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लक्ष्मणेमां मया सार्धं प्रशाधि त्वं वसुन्धराम्।
द्वितीयं मेऽन्तरात्मानं त्वामियं श्रीरुपस्थिता।।
सौमित्रे भुङ्क्ष्व भोगांत्स्वमिष्टान्राज्यफलानि च।
जीवितं च हि राज्यं च त्वदर्थमभिकामये।।

lakṣmaṇemāṃ mayā sārdhaṃ praśādhi tvaṃ vasundharām।
dvitīyaṃ me’ntarātmānaṃ tvāmiyaṃ śrīrupasthitā।।
saumitre bhuṅkṣva bhogāṃtsvamiṣṭānrājyaphalāni ca।
jīvitaṃ ca hi rājyaṃ ca tvadarthamabhikāmaye।।

You are down on your luck. Things are not going well. The future looks bleak. During this time of adversity, the tendency is to look upwards. Towards the heavens, beyond the clouds, targeting the man upstairs.

“I need help. Is there anything you can do for me? Have you been following my situation? I don’t think I have many days left. To where will I go in the future? I am afraid.”

There needn’t be cause for concern. The Vedic tradition teaches that the Almighty is a person in His full feature. That is to say if we reach the limit of realization, we will find another active, willing to engage partner, an associate to keep for life after life.

There will be another life, as the essence of identity, the spirit soul, lives on. In His avatara of Shri Rama, the Supreme Lord shows His natural inclination for helping others.

1. Offers the kingdom to His younger brother

Rama is the eldest son of King Dasharatha. The great leader of the Raghu dynasty was near desperation for a son. Many years had passed, and thankfully through a fortunate meeting with a brahmana named Rishya-shringa, Dasharatha was able to conduct a yajna that set the stage for Rama’s appearance in this world.

The day eventually came where Dasharatha was ready to pass down the kingdom to Rama. This was in accordance with tradition and the desires of the people. Rama was universally beloved. When news arrived, the eldest son immediately went to His younger brother Lakshmana and offered to share the honor.

This gesture was not necessary, but it reveals the attitude of God the person. He always remembers honor and affection directed His way, and He essentially lives for the pleasure of others. Lakshmana declined the offer; choosing to remain in the seat of service.

2. Distributes charity to the brahmanas

From prince to pauper. A sudden reversal of fortune. Things went the other way, and fast. Instead of being made king, Rama had to leave the kingdom for fourteen years. This was the result of family infighting. Jealousy exists even in close proximity to Divinity.

Prior to leaving, Rama distributed His wealth in charity. The recipients were the brahmana class. The priests lived a simple life to help in their austerities. Tapasya is their wealth, but they still accept gifts distributed to them by Sita Devi and her husband.

3. Liberates Ahalya

In His youth, Rama one time set foot on a stone. Inside was the wife of Gautama Rishi. Ahalya had previously been cursed to remain in that stone due to an accidental transgression. This turned out to be the greatest blessing, as she was liberated through direct contact with the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

4. Makes Sugriva a king

While in exile from Ayodhya for fourteen years, Rama became separated from His wife Sita. In the subsequent search for her, He formed an alliance with the former Vanara-king named Sugriva. Rama offered assistance first. He helped Sugriva to regain the kingdom. Without Rama’s amazing marksmanship, this would never have happened.

5. Makes Vibhishana a king

Lanka was the kingdom where Sita had been taken against her will. Ravana was the culprit. Vibhishana eventually renounced his allegiance to Ravana, who was his own brother; he joined Rama’s side. Vibhishana was essentially the world’s most famous turncoat. A traitor under the material estimation, but the surrender to God was no small matter. It eventually led to Ravana’s overthrow in Lanka, and the brother Vibhishana succeeded him.

…

If Rama does so much for others, why wouldn’t He liberate the fallen? Why wouldn’t He hear the pleas of desperation, the search for hope and light in this world of illusion? Why wouldn’t He promise the best destination in the afterlife for those who remain conscious of Him? Why wouldn’t He rescue the downtrodden in the same way that He delivered so many during His time traversing this earth?

In Closing:

While on earth to traverse,
Liberating Ahalya from curse.

Sugriva the king again made,
Vibhishana because with Him stayed.

So why not our prayers to hear?
And our confusions to clear.

Rescuing during this desperation,
Of maya’s strong infiltration.

Two Extremes In Economic Circumstances

“My dear father, O great sage, I know that your feet are very soft, like a lotus flower, and that My chest is as hard as a thunderbolt. I am therefore afraid that you may have felt some pain by touching My chest with your feet. Let Me therefore touch your feet to relieve the pain you have suffered.” (Lord Vishnu, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 2, Ch 34)

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1. Windfall

Sudden money. An unexpected turn for the better. A large sum coming your way. So much of a gain that the primary concern is the tax bill due at the end of the year. You really can’t believe it. What a tremendous thing to occur.

Ideally, there will not be any issues moving forward. At least in terms of the economic problem. Enough money to live comfortably for a long time. The family members nipping at your heels, the spouse constantly complaining that life at home is not comparable to friends and neighbors, second-guessing your investments and their rate of return – these should no longer be of concern.

2. Hardship

You really can’t believe what is going on. You put so much risk and effort into this venture. You thought you were doing a service to society. You had visited similar establishments previously and were not impressed by their standard of business.

So you decided to sail into unchartered waters. Taking out a business loan, finding the proper location, working harder than anyone else, you built a name for yourself. A brand well-respected throughout the community. More than the steady cash-flow, there was pride from having a satisfied customer-base.

Then everything got taken away, overnight. The government shut down your business. This is supposedly to keep the people safe. Except your patrons want you to open up. They keep asking when that will happen. You have no idea, as your business is not deemed “essential.” Who is the government to draw such a distinction, anyway? Your tax dollars certainly were essential. The paying customers sure do like the business. It is important to them, but now you have no choice.

Sudden destitution. Property taxes are still owed on the building, which is currently locked up. There is a mountain of debt. You might never recover from this. All of that work down the drain, and through no fault of your own.

…

Unfortunately, these are the ways of the material world. Constant change. Swinging between happiness and distress, like the arrival and departure of the different seasons.

मात्रा-स्पर्शास् तु कौन्तेय
शीतोष्ण-सुख-दुःख-दाः
आगमापायिनो ऽनित्यास्
तांस् तितिक्षस्व भारत

mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya
śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino ‘nityās
tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata

“O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.14)

One of the advantages of advancing in spiritual life is the ability to tolerate either of the above mentioned extremes in economic condition. The realized person is part of a class known as brahmana. This has a specific meaning. They understand the spiritual energy, Brahman.

When they are within a windfall condition, they know that the sudden change is only temporary. Money will not buy happiness and it will not carry over into the next life. At the same time, it is not rejected outright. It is considered Lakshmi, who is a devi.

She is the goddess of fortune, and she is the eternal consort of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu. It is said that the brahmana community tends to live in poverty because of a curse from Lakshmi Devi. She was upset one time that the brahmana named Bhrigu conducted a test against her husband.

Bhrigu kicked the chest of an unsuspecting Vishnu. The Supreme Lord was not offended in the least. He was concerned that the brahamana had perhaps injured his foot in the process. Lakshmi declared the curse that she would not remain in a brahmana’s home for long.

The self-realized person views this as a blessing, since with less distractions they are better able to concentrate and meditate on service to Vishnu. This is the source of the greatest bliss. A brahmana like Sudama can live in abject poverty and still always be dear to the Supreme Lord.

He can tolerate the sudden reversal of fortune accounted for by the generosity of Lakshmi in her incarnation of Rukmini Devi. This is a valuable advantage that is one of the side benefits of practicing the ancient art of yoga. Bhakti-yoga is the eternal way of living, and the science is explained through the descending parampara system.

If I learn the proper way of bhakti-yoga, if I am sincere in my efforts, if I wish only for the happiness of Lakshmi’s husband, then the changing economic conditions will no longer be an issue to me. I will always have what I need to continue in my devotional efforts.

In Closing:

Bhrigu conducting his test,
Delivering blow to Vishnu’s chest.

But okay with Lakshmi’s curse,
Whether in abundance or reverse.

Because in bhakti to proceed,
Having everything I need.

Like Sudama though palace to give,
With same strong devotion to live.

Five Qualities Of The Ideal Minister

“O sinless one, certainly, how can any king accomplish his objectives if he doesn't have such a messenger working for him?” (Shri Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 3.34)

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एवं विधो यस्य दूतो न भवेत्पार्थिवस्य तु।
सिद्ध्यन्ति हि कथं तस्य कार्याणां गतियोऽनघ

evaṃ vidho yasya dūto na bhavetpārthivasya tu।
siddhyanti hi kathaṃ tasya kāryāṇāṃ gatiyo'nagha

1. Someone you can trust

This goes without saying, but you don’t want your minister to jump ship and work for the other side. In real estate transactions, there is something known as the buyer’s agent. They are supposed to work on your behalf for getting the best deal on the purchase of property.

Often times the agent for the buyer knows the agent for the seller very well. This can happen in a region where one particular real estate company has the market cornered, for both buying and selling. In the background, not known to anyone, the two agents work together to make sure a sale takes place. This is how they will get paid, after all. The buyer’s agent essentially has competing interests, especially if you are not really interested in a particular property.

Trust is even more important in a minister since the affairs of the state are at stake. War and peace. Chaos and order. Famine and prosperity. The paired conditions can arise at any time, especially with the slightest misstep in diplomatic affairs. You need someone representing your interests who will not turn their back on you.

2. Someone who uses their intelligence

You assign a specific task to a minister. There are explicit instructions. Such and such should be accomplished first. Then do this. Return with information so that the entire team of advisors can be briefed.

You still require a high level of intelligence. Otherwise, a robot could deliver a message. A tape recorder could return with the response of the other side. Human interaction involves give and take, question and answer. The minister should be able to apply intelligence in order to further the interests of the state.

3. Someone with ability

Any other outstanding abilities can only help the situation. If the minister knows how to speak several languages, for example. If they are deft at the art of persuasion. If they do not easily get discouraged. If they can read the situation and adjust accordingly. If they know when to speak and when to remain silent. If they know the strengths and weaknesses of the other side. These abilities are of great assistance to a leader.

4. Someone who doesn’t despair

There are competing interests. Your side wants something and the other side is looking for the exact opposite. If I ask for something, I am likely to be denied. That is why I have a representative working for me. They should not take the denial personally. In the best case, they should not even let me know about what went down. The final outcome is all that matters.

If the minister easily laments, then I have no hope. If they fall into despair at the slightest sign of adversity, how can I trust them to succeed? They should persevere. There is no great loss in failing if everything is attempted, but fear of failure cannot be the commanding force during the negotiations.

5. Someone who doesn’t seek personal glory

The minister is working for the leader, after all. They are not to seek fame and fortune for themselves. The pleasure of a job well done should be enough. Otherwise, the power goes to their head and there is lack of trust in the future. The desire for personal glory might also interfere with sober and rational thought, for achieving an outcome that is beneficial to the state.

…

Shri Hanuman meets all of these qualifications and more. From the Ramayana story we see that he begins as the minister for Sugriva, who is an exiled leader of the Vanara kingdom in Kishkindha. Hanuman is so loyal that he does not abandon Sugriva when the times are tough. He remains the go-to person, the one to trust.

Hanuman has a fateful meeting with Shri Rama and His younger brother Lakshmana while in the forest. The order is from Sugriva to descend from Mount Rishyamukha and see what these two warrior-like men are doing in an area otherwise foreign to them.

The meeting goes so well that Rama remarks that every leader should have a minister like Hanuman. Rama is an avatara of the Supreme Lord, so this means that the person with the keenest discerning eye is able to immediately spot the splendid qualifications in Sugriva’s chief minister.

Hanuman transitions into the role of Rama’s minister seamlessly. He helps complete the transaction of an alliance between Sugriva and Rama, knowing that it will be beneficial to both parties. To this day he remains the gatekeeper to Shri Rama’s spiritual kingdom, and as a representative he acts in the best interests of that leader of men.

In Closing:

Not by failure discouraged,
Or by fame encouraged.

Looking for interests to meet,
To tolerate negotiation’s heat.

Intelligence and with eye discerning,
And careful not the bridges burning.

In Hanuman every qualification found,
In first meeting an impression profound.

What If I Now Realize All Of My Past Mistakes

“He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.31)

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क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा
शश्वच्-छान्तिं निगच्छति
कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि
न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति

kṣipraṁ bhavati dharmātmā
śaśvac-chāntiṁ nigacchati
kaunteya pratijānīhi
na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati

“I noticed something interesting since taking up bhakti-yoga. My attempt is rather meager, but I can tell it is making a difference. I know for certain that the process is equivalent with sanatana-dharma. In other words, it just feels like the right way to live; the application is universal.

“Devotion to God the person is not sectarian. It does not fall within the range of the common argument of, ‘My religion against your religion,’ or ‘My God versus your God.’ Universal brotherhood is one of the results. I know that I am related to every other living thing in a way, since we are all part of the Brahman energy.

“What I have noted, however, is massive regret. I cringe at so many memories from the past, relating to my behavior. Things I have said. What I have done. My lack of compassion in certain cases. Willful dishonesty. Deceit. Envy.

“I think that I am so good now, that I am following dharma’s way, but I have trouble lecturing anyone else since I remember these incidents. After all, isn’t every person flawed to a large degree? Are their mistakes just a product of illusion? How do I shake the regret? How do I move forward and forget my past life, even though it is part of this one?”

This knowledge and remembrance is a component of the enlightenment itself. Both sides have the same source. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna, is responsible for remembering and forgetting.

सर्वस्य चाहं हृदि सन्निविष्टो
मत्तः स्मृतिर् ज्ञानम् अपोहनं च
वेदैश् च सर्वैर् अहम् एव वेद्यो
वेदान्त-कृद् वेद-विद् एव चाहम्

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca
vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham

“I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas am I to be known; indeed I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.15)

To dwell too much on the past mistakes is not a good use of time. We can compare it to the crying of a child. Should we feel bad for having behaved that way in our youth? Does anyone hold a grudge against a toddler who screams about wanting to splash water everywhere?

In some ways, these incidents create fond memories. Part of the growing up process. The parents do not mind, and in the same way the Supreme Lord overlooks the past mistakes. He does not hold it as an offense; otherwise no person would be eligible for liberation.

If I am genuine in my devotional practices, then the mistakes get corrected eventually. There is no need to dwell, though the wise person always maintains compassion, kindness, and care towards those who are struggling.

Bhagavan remembers every good deed done in His honor, even if there is only one. If I just once offered some fruit or water towards His beautiful deity in the temple, or I one time called out His name in the maha-mantra, He takes note and the benefit cannot be erased: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Despite through illusion chased,
That benefit cannot be erased.

Where to the sparkling temple went,
And time in meditation spent.

And that apple offering at His feet,
In that chance moment to meet.

My past mistakes forgetting,
Since arrived in Divine setting.

Five Excellent Qualifications Of The Residents Of Vrindavana

“Thus the nightmare of the Putana witch was over, and she assumed her real feature as a great demon. She opened her fierce mouth and spread her arms and legs all over. She fell exactly as Vritrasura when struck by the thunderbolt of Indra. The long hair on her head was scattered all over her body. Her fallen body extended up to twelve miles and smashed all the trees to pieces, and everyone was struck with wonder upon seeing this gigantic body.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 6)

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1. Looked to Vishnu for protection

It was not an accident. It was not a random occurrence. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna, did not happen to land there. He was not roaming about the universe and suddenly lost His place. This was not like mustard seeds being dropped on the blade of a sword, where there is no way to predict on which side they will fall.

Rather, that is the explanation of the tatashta-shakti. The living entities belong to this energy, where every shakti originates from the original person, the adi-purusha. Tatastha is the marginal potency. Though we are part of the spiritual energy, we are considered marginal because sometimes we are with the Supreme Lord and sometimes we are in illusion, thinking that we have fallen to the land of birth and death, mrityu-loka.

When God the person appears before us, it is through intelligence. It is through a personal choice. The travel is in the category of a descent. The word “avatara” refers to someone who leaves from a higher place for a lower one.

God is not affected by the change, but the people with whom He associates certainly are. As Shri Krishna, He intentionally chooses the land-area of Gokula-Vrindavana to spend the early years of the typical life-cycle of a human being.

The residents are qualified for His visit due in part to their strong devotion to Vishnu. This is the personal God, non-different from Krishna. In common conversation, a person may think that Hinduism, which is actually sanatana-dharma, features many gods, but in truth there is only one Supreme. He appears differently to different people, but He is always the same person.

Vishnu and Krishna are one, though in Gokula the people did not know. They were innocently devoted to the deity aligned with the mode of goodness. Vishnu maintains everyone, and in Vrindavana the people looked to Vishnu to protect them.

This was evident one time when Yashoda’s child escaped grave danger. He happened to be crawling on top of the dead body of a large witch named Putana. That female asura had arrived in town not long before, but in the form of a beautiful nurse. No one suspected her wicked intent.

She was there to try to kill baby Krishna, but instead He sucked the very life out of her. Amazed that Krishna had survived the encounter with the hideous witch, mother Yashoda immediately invoked several names of Vishnu as a call to protection for her boy.

2. Protected cows

Vishnu is associated with cows. That particular animal is very dear to Him. There is no use in trying to logically understand the cause. It is simply the way things are. The cow gives life through milk and the associated products. She gives fuel in the form of dung and the urine has great healing properties.

The only requirement on the other end is protection. In other words, don’t kill it unnecessarily. Certainly do not draw up a scheme whereby cows are taken to a single place and slaughtered in large numbers, all for the purpose of satisfying the tongue.

In Gokula, Nanda Maharaja had so many cows under his care. When Krishna became a little older, He was in charge of the calves. He and the other cowherd boys would head out to the fields every day and have fun taking care of the animals so dear to Vishnu.

3. Invited brahmanas to their homes

Krishna arrived in town in the most amazing way. He was dropped off by the birth-father, who is named Vasudeva. The father braved the elements in the middle of the night to bring the child to safety. Krishna appeared in Mathura, but there was imminent danger in the form of the wicked king named Kamsa. Krishna would be safer in Gokula, under the care of Nanda Maharaja and his wife Yashoda.

One of the first things Nanda did was call a brahmana to the home. This was both tradition and a way to bring auspiciousness. Like cows, brahmanas are very dear to Vishnu. Garga Muni noted the signs of Divinity in Shri Krishna and His brother Balarama. He drew up their horoscopes and also gave names to them.

4. Were not amazed by asuras

If someone were to come to town today and suddenly transform into a witch the size of a skyscraper building, people would be amazed. The same for someone transforming into a whirlwind or a giant serpent.

These were some of the displays put on by the asuras sent by King Kamsa to kill Krishna. As God cannot be killed, none of the attempts were successful. The people were neither surprised nor impressed. Since they were devoted to Vishnu, they knew that in the material world someone is able to acquire great powers and use them in wicked ways. This, by no means, should be mistaken as Divinity.

5. Trusted in Krishna

Their devotion in Vishnu naturally extended to Krishna. They trusted Him, like the time Nanda’s child suggested worshiping Govardhana Hill instead of Indra, the king of heaven. This was a peculiar request, but the people went along.

It looked like they had made a mistake, at first, since Indra retaliated with a devastating rainstorm. In that emergency situation, they further trusted Krishna by remaining under the massive umbrella He created by lifting the just-worshiped Govardhana Hill.

In Closing:

People kind, fair and just,
And in Vishnu to trust.

So not the residents to astound,
When that fall creating sound.

Of super-form death bound,
Of Putana-witch hitting the ground.

Because the real God they knew,
The one always protecting who.