Three Sources Of Enjoyment In The Heavenly Region

“As the director of different kinds of clouds, Indra called for the samvartaka. This cloud is invited when there is a need to devastate the whole cosmic manifestation. The samvartaka was ordered by Indra to go over Vrindavana and inundate the whole area with an extensive flood. Demonically, Indra thought himself to be the all-powerful supreme personality.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 25)

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In every situation, ask the question, “What would God want me to do?” In other words, what is the proper course of action? It is not so easy to decipher. Arjuna was standing in the middle of a battlefield, with soldiers surrounding him. Some on his side, some not. The hostilities had not yet commenced, and even in this moment he was unsure.

It would be like preparing to attend school in the morning. Waking up, following proper routine in hygiene, eating, and then getting on the bus. At the last moment, steps away from entering the building, you are unsure of what to do. Maybe sitting in the classroom the entire day is not the best decision.

Fortunately for Arjuna, the Supreme Lord was adjacent to him, seated in the chariot. Krishna was steering the vehicle, in fact. To resolve Arjuna’s doubts, Bhagavan took the position of guru, which is not unfamiliar to Him. He is the original spiritual master of this world.

In the subsequent explanation, presented through a question and answer session, we learn so many things about life and death. We get greater clarity on the heavenly region. We see that pious activities, following dharma in the general sense, lead to birth in heaven in the afterlife.

In that region is found enhanced enjoyment, and for that there are many sources.

1. Soma-rasa

This intoxicating beverage receives direct mention in Bhagavad-gita. Someone living in the heavenly region can drink soma-rasa for many years. It is supposedly superior in taste to anything on earth.

यदन्तरं सिंहशृगालयोर्वने यदन्तरं स्यन्दिनिका समुद्रयोः।
सुराग्र्य सौवीरकयोर्यदन्तरं तदन्तरं वै तव राघवस्य च।।
यदन्तरं काञ्चनसीसलोहयोर्यदन्तरं चन्दनवारिपङ्कयोः।
यदन्तरं हस्तिबिडालयोर्वने तदन्तरं दाशरथेस्तवैव च।।
यदन्तरं वायसवैनतेययोर्यदन्तरं मद्गुमयूरयोरपि।
यदन्तरं सारसगृध्रयोर्वने तदन्तरं दाशरथेस्तवैव च।।
तस्मिन्सहस्राक्षसमप्रभावे रामे स्थिते कार्मुकबाणपाणौ।
हृतापि तेहं न जरां गमिष्ये वज्रं यथा मक्षिकयावगीर्णम्।।

yadantaraṃ siṃhaśṛgālayorvane yadantaraṃ syandinikā samudrayoḥ।
surāgrya sauvīrakayoryadantaraṃ tadantaraṃ vai tava rāghavasya ca।।
yadantaraṃ kāñcanasīsalohayoryadantaraṃ candanavāripaṅkayoḥ।
yadantaraṃ hastibiḍālayorvane tadantaraṃ dāśarathestavaiva ca।।
yadantaraṃ vāyasavainateyayoryadantaraṃ madgumayūrayorapi।
yadantaraṃ sārasagṛdhrayorvane tadantaraṃ dāśarathestavaiva ca।।
tasminsahasrākṣasamaprabhāve rāme sthite kārmukabāṇapāṇau।
hṛtāpi tehaṃ na jarāṃ gamiṣye vajraṃ yathā makṣikayāvagīrṇam।।

“The difference between the son of Dasharatha [Rama] and yourself is like the difference between a lion and a jackal of the forest, a sea and a brook, and fine wine and Sauviraka [a sour, fermented wheat drink]. The difference between the son of Dasharatha and yourself is like the difference between gold and a base metal, sandalwood water and mud, and an elephant and a cat in the forest. The difference between the son of Dasharatha and yourself is like the difference between Garuda [son of Vinata and king of birds] and a crow, a peacock and a diver bird, and a swan and a vulture [flesh-eating bird]. Even if you steal me away, Rama, standing against you in battle with His bow and arrows, having prowess equal to that of Lord Indra, will make sure that you will not live very long, like a mosquito that has swallowed ghee.” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 47.45-48)

Sita Devi, the wife of Shri Rama, one time used the highest quality adult beverage as a way to compare Rama to Ravana. In other words, God is like the most expensive liquor, if a person wants to go in that direction for comparison. A lowly person such as Ravana, a man-eating Rakshasa, is like a cheap fermented drink known as sauviraka.

This means that intoxicating beverages are an indication of higher living, at least in the material estimation. If you have soma-rasa in the heavenly region, it is like nectar. You will not miss anything that you had experienced previously.

2. Kamadhenu

This is a wish-fulfilling cow. Sometimes they are found on earth, such as with Vashishta described in the Ramayana. That sage possessed a cow named Shabala, who was so kind upon him that it provided for every need.

An ordinary cow already has the magic touch in being able to sustain human life through its byproducts. It requires little in return; some basic protection and a field provided by nature. The return on investment is tremendous, both economically and spiritually.

In the heavenly region, such cows are plentiful. You can approach one and ask for practically anything. The desire will be fulfilled immediately. This is something we could only dream of on earth.

3. Kalpataru

Keeping with the theme, this is a wish-fulfilling tree. A tree is known by its branches and what grow on there. Imagine if every leave represented a different kind of enjoyment. Gifts of nature. A kalpataru could actually produce money, if that’s what was requested.

राम नाम सुमिरत सुजस भाजन भए कुजाति |
कुतरूक सुरपुर राजमग लहत भुवन बिख्याति ||

rāma nāma sumirata sujasa bhājana bhae kujāti |
kutarūka surapura rājamaga lahata bhuvana bikhyāti ||

“By remembering Shri Rama’s holy name, even those who are born into a low caste become worthy of fame, just as the wild trees that line the streets in the heavenly realm are famous throughout the three worlds.” (Dohavali, 16)

Goswami Tulsidas uses the presence of desire-trees in heaven to explain how a devotee’s classification by birth is not significant. In the heavenly region, even the smallest, odd-looking trees that line the streets are famous. This is because they are still kalpataru, whether tall or short. In the same way, even someone of a low birth can become worthy of fame, if they chant the holy name of Rama.

…

These sources of enjoyment just begin to scratch the surface of life in svarga-loka. If compared to a hotel, the place would be extended-stay. Enjoy the finest wine, with wish-fulfilling trees and cows everywhere, and remain in that place for a long time.

With so much going on, it is puzzling to see the intense envy of Indra after the first Govardhana Puja. He is the king of heaven; that is what his name means. He should be enjoying the most. He has, in fact, many attendants to serve his every need.

Why, then, should he care what happens on earth, especially in an insignificant rural region that is Vrindavana? The spark for the attention was the intentionally passed over yajna in Indra’s honor. This sacrifice was ready to get going, but a young child by the name of Krishna nixed the idea. He convinced everyone to worship Govardhana Hill instead.

While the residents of heaven take from kalpatarus, Govardhana Hill gives to the cows. For this reason that plot of land is dear to Krishna, who inaugurates the worship of that hill, to be performed annually thereafter.

Indra becomes so focused on that worship that he decides lethal punishment is the only proper remedy. Revenge. Wipe everyone away. This means that even with countless desire trees, heaven is not so great. It must be lacking something significant, something found in Krishna’s association. That hill was lifted by that child of Nanda, thus saving the people from Indra’s wrath, in the same way that steady devotion to Krishna protects against the dangers of life in any region, be it heaven, hell, or earth.

In Closing:

In whichever realm to land,
Krishna in same pose to stand.

That protection to devotees giving,
Who only for His pleasure living.

Whereas in heaven distracted,
Wishes here and there extracted.

Not actual pleasure to feel,
With devotion something real.

Why The Cow And Not Another Animal

“Everyone can understand that we drink the milk of cows and take the help of bulls in producing agricultural products. Therefore, since our real father gives us food grains and our mother gives us milk with which to live, the cow and bull are considered our father and mother. According to Vedic civilization, there are seven mothers, of which the cow is one.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 17.154, Purport)

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Friend1: We get this question a lot, and there is always a “stumpability” factor to it.

Friend2: Stumpability? Is that a word?

Friend1: I don’t think so, but it should be. Stumpability – the measure of a question’s value in terms of difficulty in resolving by an acknowledged expert.

Friend2: That’s pretty good.

Friend1: The question relates to the cow, specifically its importance within the Vedic tradition.

Friend2: What is the exact question?

Friend1: Basically, what is so significant about the cow? Why not assign the same priority to other animals?

Friend2: But we do. If you follow the Vaishnava tradition, there is ahimsa. Nonviolence, in the general sense. You still need kshatriyas, a class of people to protect against injury. To the best extent possible, don’t do harm to others, both physically and verbally.

Friend1: Okay, that is fine, but people often wonder why the cow is so prominent. Why is Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so fond of that particular animal? Why not a goat or a bull? Why not a cat or a dog?

Friend2: What do you think the answer is?

Friend1: I’m not sure. Maybe because we follow Krishna, so whatever priority He assigns to a particular species, we have to accept.

Friend2: A primary reason is the equivalence with motherhood. The cow is one of the seven mothers in this world.

Friend1: What are the other six?

Friend2: Let me see if I can remember without looking it up. There is the earth. That’s a big one. Mother earth. She tolerates so much. She gives way every now and then through earthquakes, but she does not harbor any resentment for the burden she must carry.

Friend1: I have heard that before, the comparison to the mother. Makes sense to me.

Friend2: The wife of the spiritual master. Oh, the actual mother, the one who gives birth. And the nurse.

Friend1: You are up to five.

Friend2: I will have to look up the rest…Okay, the wife of a king and the wife of a brahmana. Basically, include any prominent wives that you would encounter in this world.

Friend1: I see. The cow is within that list, so she is special. But why the isolation? Why the extra protection, in comparison to the other animals?

Friend2: The cow can supply all of life’s needs, and for very little in return. She doesn’t ask much. The milk and milk products are the result of love. Just offer some protection and you will live happily. This is common sense. Vedic principles are actually pretty logical, to the extent that logic can guide us.

Friend1: Okay.

Friend2: But your original response is satisfactory, as well.

Friend1: What is that?

Friend2: That we honor the cow because Krishna says so. We can ask similar questions about other truths of life. Why is there death? Why do we have two eyes instead of one? Why do I have to fall asleep at night?

Friend1: Or use the restroom on a frequent basis.

Friend2: Just accept the principles at first. It is what it is. We are where we are. The entire picture will gradually reveal itself. Krishna is the one to follow for more than just His attractive smile. His teachings are substantial in how they transform life for the better. There is something special in His holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Not from protection excluded,
Since in list of mothers included.

To Shri Krishna so dear,
Images making clear.

That with milk products to give,
Man without issue can live.

The principle on faith first accepting,
And later validation detecting.

Shouldn't Winning Heaven Make You Immune To Problems On Earth

“As the director of different kinds of clouds, Indra called for the samvartaka. This cloud is invited when there is a need to devastate the whole cosmic manifestation. The samvartaka was ordered by Indra to go over Vrindavana and inundate the whole area with an extensive flood. Demonically, Indra thought himself to be the all-powerful supreme personality.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 25)

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“In the modern world we have significant advancements in medication. Injections given to children, sometimes immediately after they are born. They administer some of the concoctions multiple times to be sure, though in truth probably because they aren’t effective, but the visual evidence of success is the lack of prevalence of the disease. Up to twenty injections before a child even enters school.

“Sure, so many other diseases went away on their own, without a medically approved injection created by the drug companies, but don’t ask too many questions. Otherwise, you will be tarred and feathered in society, at least verbally. They will label you a nut, someone who wants to reintroduce witchcraft. You are anti-science, even though all of your reservations are rooted in science.

“I intentionally use that as a reference point to illustrate that in this world in which we live, earth, we have remedies for problems. At least we think we do. Identify an issue and you can consult a reference book to decipher a mitigation attempt moving forward.

“If that is the case on earth, shouldn’t heaven be superior? If you achieve that destination, shouldn’t you be immune to so many problems that the earthly experience carries? I mention this in reference to the first Govardhana Puja. We know there was trouble from up above, that the leader of heaven became upset. What gives?”

An acharya in the Vedic tradition, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada does not place much importance on reaching the heavenly planets. There is fidelity to the disciplic succession and also a proper appearance within the link; listening to the acharya is as good as receiving the word from God Himself.

As Krishna says the worshipers of the devas have had their intelligence stolen, so Krishna’s representative in the modern day confirms the truth, explaining in ways suited to the time and circumstance.

कामैस् तैस् तैर् हृत-ज्ञानाः
प्रपद्यन्ते ऽन्य-देवताः
तं तं नियमम् आस्थाय
प्रकृत्या नियताः स्वया

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ
prapadyante ‘nya-devatāḥ
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya
prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā

“Those whose minds are distorted by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.20)

The Sanskrit for this heaven is svarga-loka. It is a collection of planets, each with different features. The type of behavior on earth determines the exact destination. Punya, or pious credits, accumulate through a variety of recommended practices and observances while on earth in a human body.

The general dismissal by the wise spiritual leader is ultimately due to the notable lack of distinction from earth. That is to say reaching heaven is really no different than taking birth here. The stay is surely longer. There is enhanced enjoyment, meaning the experience suits the name: heavenly.

Yet we see similar defects. Evidence is in the king of that region, no less. Indra should be the happiest person in the world. He lives in the place everyone desires to reach. He has full control. He should not have any attention directed to the inferior realm.

In the first Govardhana Puja we see that he can’t help himself. He feels compelled to attack innocent villagers. Not with ordinary weapons. Not with a large infantry. Not with the full weight and might of military force.

Rather, just the elements of nature, but in grand proportion. Dark clouds. Heavy winds. Intense rain. Wash the people away, for the crime of having worshiped a nearby hill, at the insistence of Shri Krishna. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the same Vishnu that the demigods had recently petitioned to visit earth and relieve the situation caused by the atheist class, the asuras.

Indra in this case behaved worse than the best of the asuras. The saving grace was the location and purpose. He attacked specifically to get revenge at Krishna, to prove that a young child is no match for the force sourced in the demigods.

The clever son of Nanda Maharaja simply lifted the just worshiped hill and turned it into the largest and most amazing umbrella. That coverage remained aloft for seven straight days, and Indra had no choice but to give up and admit embarrassment in defeat.

This is clear evidence that the shelter of the Divine is a million times superior to reaching the heavenly realm, that only Krishna’s devotees are truly protected. They have the Vaikuntha atmosphere wherever they live, including after the completion of the current life.

Vaikuntha features the benefits one would expect of genuine spiritual life. Peace, calm, tranquility, immunity from the influence of the false ego, protection against the onslaught of time. Most importantly, there is endless ananda. This bliss is only possible in devotion, the kind the people of Vrindavana felt in a never-ending current.

In Closing:

Spontaneous devotion to display,
When directed Govardhana’s way.

So that to heaven even superior,
Indra feeling ignored and inferior.

Defects of heavenly realm showing,
That quickly into envious fit going.

More emphasis on Vaikuntha place,
Teachings of acharyas and His Divine Grace.

Why Would Anyone Choose To Stay In The Prison Of The Material World

“Both the material and spiritual worlds belong to Krishna. We are not proprietors of anything. It is all the property of the Supreme Lord, just as everything in the state belongs to the government, either in the prison house or outside the prison house. Conditioned life is just like life in a prison house in this material world. A prisoner cannot freely change from one cell to another. In free life one can go from one home to another home, but in prison life one cannot do that but must stay in his cell.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Easy Journey to Other Planets, Ch 2)

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Friend1: Have you heard about these people who are staying in their homes for months at a time?

Friend2: On purpose?

Friend1: Yes. Because of the virus.

Friend2: Oh, so it is a safety precaution?

Friend1: They don’t want to be a victim. They think it is unsafe to go outside.

Friend2: Interesting. They are not leaving, at all? Who is picking up the essential items for the home?

Friend1: In some places they are getting everything delivered.

Friend2: Such a luxury is not available everywhere, though. It is more a feature of living in urban areas.

Friend1: Sure.

Friend2: Which is more troubling, at least to me.

Friend1: Why is that?

Friend2: Because real estate prices are so high that most people can’t afford to live in large spaces. These people locked at home might be in something not much larger than a prison cell.

Friend1: This is why I am baffled. Not that I will judge anyone’s risk tolerance. Some people go skydiving. They visit amusement parks and sit on rides that seem way too dangerous to me.

Friend2: For the thrills.

Friend1: To each his own, but I can’t imagine intentionally choosing to stay in a prison-like environment for so long.

Friend2: Keep in mind, many of these people have children. Nowhere to go. No play areas. Schools are closed. These so-called benevolent leaders have essentially placed their citizens under house arrest.

Friend1: For an indefinite period of time.

Friend2: All in the name of safety.

“Just give it two more weeks. Then the threat will strike for real. We mean it this time.”

Friend1: The people are accepting it! That’s what baffles me. Why would someone choose to stay in prison? Isn’t any alternative better?

Friend2: This shouldn’t surprise you.

Friend1: Why is that?

Friend2: Because the entire world is something like a prison. Conditioned life for the jiva, spinning on the wheel of suffering, samsara-chakra. Repeated birth and death.

Friend1: I have heard the material realm compared to a fort.

Friend2: With large walls. Difficult to overcome, durga. There is also a goddess of the same name.

Friend1: She is the wife of Mahadeva.

Friend2: People worship her in order to lessen the misery of the experience, but the difficulty remains. Those walls are paid for, in a sense, by desire.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: The jiva chooses the material world. It is the consequence of turning away from the eternal, constitutional engagement of devotional service. That service is the real meaning to dharma.

Friend1: Material existence is therefore adharma?

Friend2: The foundation is in adharma, and there is a prison house built for the crime, so to speak.

Friend1: It seems to me most people don’t know this.

Friend2: That goes with the territory. Illusion. Forgetfulness. You think you are free. You think you are safe, but you are actually in prison.

Friend1: Don’t people want to get out?

Friend2: Of course. Why do you think the scientific community is so desperate to travel to other planets?

Friend1: Okay, but if desire builds the walls of the fort and people want to get out, aren’t those competing forces?

Friend2: Which explains reincarnation. The continuing cycle. There really is only one way out. Change desire.

Friend1: Not eliminate it?

Friend2: Become desire-less in the sense of wanting to please the Supreme Lord, who is the proprietor of both the material and spiritual worlds. His energies create the temporary prison-like setting, and His favor brings final release. This should be the main objective of the human birth. Find liberation. Then the travel to the spiritual planets will be effortless and guaranteed.

In Closing:

Liberation should find a way,
But others choosing in prison to stay.

Where not the situation knowing,
Afraid even of outside going.

But the walls by desire made,
Repeated suffering price to be paid.

Escape only at Krishna’s feet,
On departure plane booking seat.

What Is Sense Gratification

“To become desireless means not to desire anything for sense gratification. In other words, desire for becoming Krishna conscious is actually desirelessness. To understand one's actual position as the eternal servitor of Krishna, without falsely claiming this material body to be oneself and without falsely claiming proprietorship over anything in the world, is the perfect stage of Krishna consciousness.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 2.71 Purport)

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Friend1: We throw around a lot of terms, and since there is a new audience tune-in factor that would stun you, it might be helpful to review some of those Sanskrit words and English-equivalent phrases every now and then.

Friend2: You don’t think someone will eventually figure it out? I mean, no one sat and explained this stuff to me or you, and somehow we turned out okay.

Friend1: We were fortunate to remain on the path. The books kept our attention. Try that with people living in the modern day, where they can’t even stay focused on something important and serious like driving.

Friend2: Are you saying we had stick-to-itiveness?

Friend1: Haha, yes. I certainly love made-up words like that, but let’s focus on a phrase we use quite often in discussions on the science of self-realization: sense gratification.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: The context is always negative, it seems.

“Don’t be a sense gratifier. Watch out for sense gratification. The pure devotee is without sense gratification.”

Well, what is it, exactly?

Friend2: Shouldn’t the words be enough to explain?

Friend1: Yes, but we all have senses. Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin. The conduits for the senses to act. Isn’t everyone born this way? Why are we focusing on gratifying the senses, necessarily?

Friend2: Now those are good questions. We are indeed born that way, but we are not forced to remain attached. The senses relate to the body, which does not identify us. We are beyond the senses. Atma, the spirit soul, is above the material energy.

Friend1: Okay, great, we are introduced to your philosophical discussion, but what about right now? I have senses at the moment. I don’t think there is a way to shut them off.

Friend2: That is another good truth to bounce off of. We are not asking to eliminate sense interaction entirely. We have eating, sleeping, mating and defending. We have intoxication, enjoying different foods, resting comfortably, listening to music, etc. The idea is to limit these engagements.

Friend1: But why? God gave me a mouth for a reason. I should be able to speak. If I want to eat food, why not? I don’t see the point in torturing myself.

Friend2: That is the beautiful contradiction to it all. That is the reason for the intentional instruction.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: The natural tendency is to go in the direction of sense gratification. One more slice of pizza. Another round of drinks. A few more hours of sleep. Watching one more movie before calling it quits. The truth is that regulation and voluntary restriction will bring much more happiness.

Friend1: It will? How?

Friend2: Shanti. Peace of mind. Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that only a person who has given up desires for sense gratification can attain real peace.

Friend1: I see. I could understand why someone would be confused, though.

Friend2: The Sanskrit word is kama. This can mean desire, material enjoyment, or sex life. In truth, the meanings are identical, since the ultimate way to enjoy in a material existence is sex. The entire Vedic culture is built on the foundation of keeping kama under control.

Friend1: But not eliminating it?

Friend2: You can’t. Desire will always be there. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada advises to purify desire. In this regard, the kama gradually morphs into bhakti.

Friend1: Which is devotion.

Friend2: To the Supreme Lord. Work in such a way that He is pleased. Be eager to see His happiness. A welcome benefit is simultaneous control over sense gratification. In the way that the new mother casts aside personal interest in order to take care of her child morning until night and then beyond, so the devotee will accept whatever minimal interaction is there to keep the body going.

Friend1: But we don’t want a body, correct?

Friend2: Krishna will take care of that. We have the body now; might as well make it spiritual in nature. Use it for His benefit. This world is originally His, after all. Otherwise, I will continue to be in ignorance and keep finding ways to configure the life in sense gratification for my benefit.

Friend1: Which will never work out.

Friend2: Because the senses are meant for enjoyment in the spiritual realm, where Krishna is continuously glorified, such as through sacred chants: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Instead of nature’s laws defying,
Why not always glorifying?

Senses spiritual this way turning,
Automatic control over them earning.

So that no more led astray,
Suffering in attachment’s way.

Tall and strong standing,
Assured in Vaikuntha landing.

Five Difficulties Bharata Had To Face

“Being prayed for by the demigods, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth Himself, directly appeared with His expansion and expansions of the expansion. Their holy names were Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. These celebrated incarnations thus appeared in four forms as the sons of Maharaja Dasharatha.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 9.10.2)

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तस्यापि भगवान् एष
साक्षाद् ब्रह्ममयो हरिः
अंशांशेन चतुर्धागात्
पुत्रत्वं प्रार्थितः सुरैः
राम-लक्ष्मण-भरत-
शत्रुघ्ना इति संज्ञया

tasyāpi bhagavān eṣa
sākṣād brahmamayo hariḥ
aṁśāṁśena caturdhāgāt
putratvaṁ prārthitaḥ suraiḥ
rāma-lakṣmaṇa-bharata-
śatrughnā iti saṁjñayā

One quarter of a portion. The full prasadam resulting from the sacrifice conducted by the priest, Rishya-shringa, given to Dasharatha’s three wives. Half a portion to the leading queen, Kausalya. The other half divided in two. One portion to Kaikeyi and the other to Sumitra.

This is the visible explanation for the appearance of four beautiful sons to the king of the Raghu dynasty many thousands of years ago. Maharaja Dasharatha was desperate for a successor, to continue the line of pious rulers in the sacred city of Ayodhya, which today is synonymous with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Though the portions were the direct cause of birth, in the background was the decision of the Supreme Lord Vishnu to descend to earth. The Rakshasa named Ravana had become too powerful, off the strength of boons obtained from Brahma, the creator. The demigods were desperate; they found no other way to solve the dilemma.

The portion assigned to Kausalya was Vishnu completely; a direct expansion. The other three were partial expansions, but it was the most blessed achievement for the king. Four sons that were truly Divine. They grew up following the leader, agraja, Shri Rama, and each made their own sacrifices, as wonderfully described in the Ramayana tale.

1. Missing the chance to stop the change in plans

Following protocol, his personal sentiment, and the overwhelming will of the people, Dasharatha one day decided it was time for Rama to take over the throne. The passing of the torch. A wonderful abhisheka ceremony to follow. An installation celebration to be remembered for generations.

कामार्तस्तु महातेजाः पिता दशरथस्स्वयम्।।
कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं तं रामं नाभ्यषेचयत्।

kāmārtastu mahātejāḥ pitā daśarathassvayam।।
kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ taṃ rāmaṃ nābhyaṣecayat।

“Being under the control of passion and lust, Rama’s father, Maharaja Dasharatha, wanted to fulfill Kaikeyi’s cherished desire, thus he did not go through with Rama’s installation ceremony.” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 47.12)

Sita Devi, the wife of Shri Rama, later described that Dasharatha became a victim of kama, and so the plans suddenly changed. That is a rather harsh assessment, but understandable given what was to result from the new decision.

Queen Kaikeyi inserted herself into the affair, cashing in on two boons previously promised to her by Dasharatha. The result was straightforward and easy to understand: Bharata would be the new king. Rama would have to leave the kingdom and not return for fourteen years, living like a mendicant.

Unfortunately, Bharata was away on business at the time. Though his mother was directly involved in this scandal, there was nothing he could do to change the decision. He would certainly have interfered; not allowing the parents to make such a tragic mistake.

2. Being under suspicion

There is the saying from Shakespeare, “The lady doth protests too much, methinks.” If you raise too strong of an objection to an accusation, people might get the impression that you are actually guilty. It looks like you are only speaking so strongly in order to cover up the guilt.

Bharata would have to worry about this, since he was the beneficiary of Kaikeyi’s plan. The tragedy is that there was not a hint of envy. Bharata loved Rama just as much as the other brothers did. He did not want to become the next king. He did not want any harm to befall others in the family.

3. Knowing that his mother had done something terrible

Bharata returned home and got hit with a quadruple-whammy. He was now the king of Ayodhya. Rama had been exiled from the kingdom and Sita and Lakshmana accompanied Him. King Dasharatha had left this world due to the pain of separation from Rama.

The worst of it all: Kaikeyi was responsible. It was her idea. She started the chain of events. Bharata’s own mother; he couldn’t believe it. His life ruined because his mother wanted something for her son that not even he wanted.

4. Living without Rama

Bharata tried his best to remedy the situation. He went to the forest and had a meeting with the three in exile. He offered to switch places with Lakshmana. As Bharata was older, he should have to suffer instead of a younger brother.

He made every argument that would make sense, but the decision remained. Rama wanted to honor the wishes of the father. Rama would not make Dasharatha appear to be dishonest, regardless of the suffering others had to endure.

5. Living as an ascetic.

There was a compromise. Rama would rule in absentia, through His sandals. Bharata refused to live like a king, though he technically still was. Bharata remained inside of a hut, placing Rama’s sandals on the throne. He would wait there the entire fourteen years, not taking a single personal benefit from the affair.

…

Goswami Tulsidas particularly appreciates Bharata’s sacrifice, because he is one of the few characters in the Ramayana who served Rama without gaining anything in return. Sugriva and Vibhishana became kings of their respective lands. Ahalya, Jatayu and several others earned liberation because of direct contact.

It was Bharata who lost everything, and yet he continued to serve, embodying the pure devotional spirit. This is the teaching of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, that the Supreme Lord may do with me as He wishes, but I will always be devoted to Him.

In Closing:

Bharata away so not to learn,
Worst news hitting upon return.

Rama and father Ayodhya leaving,
Plot his own mother conceiving.

To fall into jealousy how?
Where worst situation now.

Deciding as ascetic in cottage to live,
After Rama lovingly sandals to give.

Five Sayings To Describe Discernment And Proper Discrimination

“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. Reading the stitches on the fastball

Referring to the game of baseball, there are variations to this saying. Maybe not just the fastball, it could be reading the baseball itself. The pitcher initiates every play. They are on the defensive side, but nothing can happen until they throw the baseball towards home plate.

The batter is on the other side. They are on offense. The pitcher’s objective is to get the batter out. The easiest way is to throw the baseball in such a way that the batter cannot hit it. If they make an attempt, a swing, they miss entirely.

The art of deception is in the pitcher’s favor. Change speeds. Vary locations. The first pitch might be up and in, a high hard one. The next one will be low and outside. A fastball to set the table, and then an off-speed finisher to fool them.

The stitches are one way to help the batter. Since the baseball is made in a certain way, the orientation of the stiches during the flight of the ball gives an indication as to the type of pitch. Of course, this is not an easy skill to master. The expert hitter can read the stitches of the incoming pitch and adjust their strategy accordingly, within a split second. As one successful pitcher of the past likes to say, professional hitters could put wood on a bullet, if they had to.

2. Know when to hold them and when to fold them

This refers to the card game of poker. There is the chance element with the cards that are distributed by the dealer. As a player in the game, I might not have received a good hand. I was dealt a bad set of cards.

The easy option is to fold. When the time comes for placing your bet, simply bow out of that round. Yet there is a saving grace. No one else knows what kind of cards I have. I don’t know what the other hands are like, either. It could be that my set of cards isn’t as bad, in comparison.

The expert player knows when to hold their cards, to play forward, and when to fold. They understand their own risk tolerance. They have studied the temperament of each competitor. They can adjust accordingly, and thereby be successful in the game.

3. This is not the hill to die on

While the reference is to military combat, the common usage is in relation to argument and negotiation. As an employee in the office, there is something which bothers me about one of the other employees. It could be something trivial like what they wear.

I have the option to approach the human resources department. Lodge a formal complaint in order to set the table for an eventual battle in the future. The truth is, I would rather wait for something more important to wage such a serious conflict. This is not the hill to die on, since there is a risk to my status of employment. If I am going to put my own job in jeopardy, the fight must be worth something of value.

4. Live to fight another day

Another reference to armed conflict, the meaning here is rather obvious. Go in with guns blazing, but don’t jeopardize the mission. If you spend too much time in a specific area, where the reward is not that great, you run the risk of spoiling the entire operation.

A person trading stocks professionally remembers this principle on a daily basis. If they entered a day-trade that suddenly went extremely south, they could try to hang on. They could hope that the stock rebounds the next day, but the more prudent approach is to simply accept the loss and move on. Keep yourself in the fight for the future.

5. Read the room

This refers to proper discernment in speaking within social circles. The best illustration is in the extreme cases relating to emotion. For example, you are at a funeral. The mood is somber. People are sad because of the reason for being there. They have gathered to pay their respects. Cracking a joke and acting in a goofy manner is not appropriate.

The same with the opposite situation, where you are at a party. To suddenly break into a dissertation on the principles of life and death and other serious issues is not appropriate. The room is not ready to have that conversation and forcing the issue will only make you look out of place.

…

Reviewing these sayings highlights the difficulty in accomplishing complex tasks. Not everything is straightforward and simple. Complicating matters is representation, i.e. working on someone’s behalf. You have to apply proper discrimination, knowing the proper way to act, without a personal investment in the outcome.

Shri Hanuman described in the Ramayana is the ideal representative in this regard. He works for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Rama, and instinctively applies the principles of negotiation and persuasion in order to meet the highest objectives.

He also is within the realm of greatest difficulty. Alone. No reference points. No experts to guide his path. Scant information about the person being located. A hostile, foreign territory. Conspicuous in presence, both in terms of physical appearance and loyalty.

He is up to the challenge. Hanuman represents Rama so well that the role continues to this day. Rama notices the exceptional qualities in their very first meeting. Rama told His younger brother that no leader would be able to accomplish their work without having such a representative.

It is our great fortune that the relationship continues, that Hanuman can open the door to the spiritual world, to where we originally belong, returning to the life of liberation and seeing the end of the cycle of birth and death.

In Closing:

Hanuman rightful plaudits to earn,
Since proper course to discern.

And acting in efficient way,
Knowing silence and when to say.

How the objectives to meet,
Not phased in pressure’s seat.

Can help even unqualified like me,
Rama’s kingdom again to see.