if you were Sringeri Srinivas, would you do the same? why?
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AUGUST 20, 2007
Thousands of disciples and devotees coming from all parts of the country had Chaturmasya Darshan of Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal at the Sringeri Shankara Math, Chembur, Mumbai. The Jagadguru graciously acceding to the requests of the devotees blessed the devotees with Anugraha Bhashanas in chaste Hindi every Sunday and Wednesday from August 5th to September 12th.
Summaries of few of the Anugraha Bhashanas are given below:
On Aug 5th, the Jagadguru underlined the importance of human birth, in which alone there is an opportunity to adhere to Dharma. This Dharma is that which results in happiness in this birth and the next. Eventhough man desires happiness – the results of good deeds, he seldom desires the performance of good deeds. And while man wants to stay away from the results of sin (sorrow), man takes efforts and indulges in sinful acts! All should remember the sayings of our Shastras that the fruit of action (whether good or bad) is shared by four people. The one who actually performs the deed, the one who aids the action by giving money, the one who gives enthusiasm for doing the deed and the one who approves the action. The Jagadguru also said people should try and follow the ancient tenet “Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu” – “Think of others as your own self”.
On Aug 8th, the Jagadguru highlighted the context in which the Gitopadesha was given by the Lord. The three main causes of Arjuna’s confusion were – ‘Why must I kill these people who are my kith and kin’, ‘Why must I engage in killing?’ and ‘Even if I do fight, will I win?’. The Lord clarified – ‘What is destroyed is only the physical frame while the Soul is eternal’, ‘Engaging in war is the Svadharma (one’s own duty) for a Kshatriya’, and ‘Do not set your eyes on the fruits of action. Be a kartavyanishtha – Do your duty without worrying about anything else’. The Jagadguru pointed out Arjuna was led astray by Moha (attachment) and Shoka (sorrow). Hence we must overcome these impediments and adhere to our Svadharma.
On Aug 12th, Paramatma or God is the Supreme Sentience that is responsible for Creation and the Cause that dispenses the fruits of our actions. At the same time, God is an ocean of mercy as can be seen in the case of many such as Vibhishana, Draupadi, Prahlada. Yet if we feel that God who is impartial does not show mercy to us, it only means that we do not have in us total devotion and surrender as Prahlada and the others had. People ask “Maharaj, I feel that God does not have pity on me. Otherwise would I be like this?” for which the reply is “Who protected you when you were in your mother’s womb when you were totally incapable? The Lord protected when you were in that state. Will He not protect you now? Have belief and devotion in God.” The benefit of performing action can be obtained only if the action is performed with total devotion.
On Aug 14th, the Jagadguru pointed out that one should pray to God for removal of one’s ahankaara (ego) and to help control one’s mind. Prayers must also be placed at the Lotus Feet of God so that we may cultivate compassion. And the final supplication must be for seeking Divine mercy to cross over this samsaara. This rare human birth is a treasure and to make it successful, we should lead a life of detachment, compassion and devotion to God.
On September 9th, the Jagadguru explained that the ultimate objective of man’s life – Moksha or salvation – can be obtained only by Jnana or knowledge. One must perform a number of Sadhanas and possess the necessary disciplines to attain Jnana. To illustrate a few such qualities, the Jagadguru mentioned the teaching of the Lord in the Bhagavad Gita – “Amaanitvam adambhitvam ahimsaa kshantir-aarjavam. Aacharyopasanam shaucham sthairyam-aatmavinigrahaH”.
Amaanitvam implies the absence of self-esteem, meaning that one striving along the spiritual path must not cultivate pride such as ‘I have been born into a very illustrious lineage’, ‘my father has been a great personality’ etc.