Shrimad Bhagwatam Mahapuran
Synopsis of the First Session
Bhagwat Mahatmay
All at the feet of Shri Hanuman, who is our main Listner (Mukhya Shrota), main Speaker (Mukhya Vakta) and main Brahmin. He was there and always will be there, a “Katha Rasiya”, Who goes where ever the Hari katha is happening, and listens to it soaked in the love for the Lord.
My naman to Hanumanji
To absorb the most from the story, we need to learn to Listening. As such, considered a very natural activity, but it does not come naturally to most. The first session is devoted to the ‘Art of Listening - Sravanam Mangalam’
Stories covered:
1. Ramdasji and Hanumanji - Color of the flower
2. Water and the Vessel
3. Sadhu and his Student - The Brick of Gold
4. Atmadev, Dhundhuli, Dhundhukari and Gokarna
1. Disparity in Reward
2. Difference in Form
Ramdasji and Hanumanji - Color of the flower
Points to Ponder
1. Ramdasji while narrating would start visualising the entire scene, as if it was happening in front of him. (Time after all is just an illusion)
2. Many a times our perception or vision is clouded by our mental state and situation.
3. There can be various version of the story.
4. Listen to the narration with an ‘Open Mind’.
5. Ones a Granth is opened, the Granth which is imbibed with a soul takes over, and presents what it actually wants to, at a particular time.
6. Multiple Kalps and multiple yugs are happening simultaneously and in repetition. Each has a different narrative. The change in minor details in the story should not distract us, our focus should be on the essence and the learning.
Water and the Vessel
Points to Ponder
1. Only when the vessel is empty is it possible to put water into it.
2. At the same time the vessel has to be kept with the open mouth up and not upside down.
3. We have to be receptive when sitting and listening.
4. Irrespective of how many times we have heard the story, every time we hear a new lesson can be derived.
Sadhu and his Student - The Brick of Gold
Points to Ponder
1. We all have a lot of baggages which weigh us down.
2. Sit free of all the worries, fears, sorrows, expectation and assumptions.
3. In order to really revel in the story, we need to dispose off all that is bothering us.
4. If only we were a rolling stone, we would not gather any moss. Till then, we can always deposit our baggages with the Lord, time and again.
Atmadev, Dhundhuli, Dhundhukari and Gokarna
Points to Ponder
Disparity in Reward
Gokarna asked:
On this very Spot there are many sinless souls that have listened to my discourse. How is it that aerial cars have not been brought for them? How has disparity come in the matter of reward?
Servants of Hari replied:
The disparity in the matter of reward here has come on account of diversity in hearing the exposition. Thought it has been heard by;
- It has not been reflected upon in an equal degree of intensity by everyone.
- It was not heard by a composed mind.
- One has be there 100% body, mind and soul. Hear, Listen, understand, contemplate and implement.
It is to be noted here;
- Pointless is spiritual wisdom which is not firmly rooted.
- Hearing of scriptures is tarnished through lack of interest.
- Counsel which is received with a doubting mind is lost.
- Fruitless is the muttering of a sacred text done with a restless mind
Hence, the hearing of Srimad Bhagwata is efficacious only when;
- There is faith in the words of the narrator
- The thought of ones wretchedness
- The subjugation of one’s mental aberrations
- Unflattering devotion to the hearing of Srimad Bhagwata
Difference in Form
Gokarna/other listners- They appeared in a divine form
Dhundhukari and others- Shri Hari gave him a form similar to his own
Why is there disparity in the Form attained by them?
The above somehow lead our attention to the Lucidity and flexibility of it all.
1. Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda vandanti - which means that the truth is one but there are many paths to understand and get to it.
2. Niraakar Nirgun (without a form and attributes) or Saakar Sagun (with a form and attributes), chose that which touches your heart.
3. Different people believe in different Gods. Some believe in Vishnu, Krishan, Ram, Kali, Durga, Hanuman, but no one should claim that their god is absolute nor ridicule the others God. That is each ones right and they can pursue their God the way they want to.
4. Your equations with God is totally your choice
- Advaita
- Dvaita
- Bhedabheda
- Vishishtadvaita
- Dvaitadvaita
- Shuddadavaita
- Achintya Bheda Abheda
5. Your final destination is totally your choice (As you sow, so shall you reap)
- Liberation/Moksha
- Merge with the Lord
- Remain with Lord without merging
- Re-birth as an enemy/devotee
- Re-birth in which Loka
- Re-birth in which form
What should be our objective?
However, one question forever dwell in my heart;
“Agar mangne se jo maango woh miljata hai,
Tau phir Bhagwan se bhagwan ko he nahi maanglena cahiye.”
Jai Shri Krisna 🙏
Jai Shri Hanuman🙏
