Deivathin Kural Seies - 160

Om Namah Sivaya.

Deivathin Kural # 160 of 25 Feb 2007.

1. These e-mails, are chapter wise translations of the lectures given by, Sri Chandra Sekharendra Swamigal, of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Every day, after the daily Puja, He used to talk, on various aspects concerning Hinduism. These are published, in Tamil, by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, as Deivathin Kural, in seven volumes of a thousand pages each. To-day's talk is titled, 'Bakthiye Periya Lakshmi', that is, 'Devotion is the Biggest asset', in pages 735 to 737, of Deivathin Kural, Volume 1.

2. We do not have to pray to Mahalakshmi and say, 'give me this and that'. 'She knows best', is the right attitude. Still in practice we are not able to live up to this ideal. We end up praying to Her, with a long list of demands.

3. On further analysis, this is not totally wrong either. In Bagawat Gita, Sri Krishna, classifies devotees into four types. 'Sadhaka', is one who is above all worldly needs and wants only release, Nirvana or Moksha. 'Gnani', is one who has realised Moksha, but remains a devotee. There are two more types. One who prays to God for being relieved of diseases and problems. Then is the variety that prays for wealth and material benefits. When He Himself has accepted them all as His devotees, we cannot have any grounds for objection.

4. But let it be Gita or any other scripture dealing with the subject, in all of them it is emphasised that, we should aspire for the highest, instead of these mundane materialistic possessions, position, power, name and fame. God cannot be considered to be contradicting and talking in riddles.

5. Nobody is able to give up 'this-worldly' ambitions and desires from the very outset. But even then, instead of thinking no end to oneself and being completely self reliant, it is better to think with humbleness that, 'however much we may be efficient and great, let us accept the fact that, there is a super power above all of us, which is also super kind and benevolent, to which we should be devoted'. Even when we pray for wealth, property and position; at the least, we are accepting the existance of such a super power and setting aside our pride and prejudice! This is far superior to 'nasthikam' or being an agnostic. Initially, we go to God for many things. Do puja, visit temples, chant slokas, do japa. This very process with a relentless logic of its own, slowly weans us away from minor wants and desires and gives us a glimpse of Loving God for the sake of Loving God!

6. That is why, God accepts even 'artharthi' as His devotee. 'Artharthi', means a devotee who wants his demands to be met.

7. There is a Tamil proverb, which says, 'asaikkor alavillai', meaning that desire knows no limit. If the poor wants some money, the rich wants more and the more rich you are, more is your minimum demand. Mahatma Gandhi used to say, 'There is enough in this world for evey body's needs, but there isn't enough for even one man's greed.' People asking for 'self realization' and 'gnanam' may be rare. But there is hardly anyone who does not want, 'Lakshmi Kataksham'. Also there is hardly any 'Lakpathy or Koteeswara or Millionaire', who is happy and contented!

8. As your possessions and luxuries increase, even the thought about 'Gnanam', vanishes. That is why, where there is Lakshmi, they say, Saraswathi cannot be found. There is a light hearted reason for this. Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law, can never get along with each other. Mahavishnu and Brhma hava a Father - Son relationship. So Lakshmi and Saraswathi, become Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law. They cannot see eye to eye with each other. So where there is money and wealth ie., 'Lakshmi Kataksham', generally there won't be 'Saraswathi Kataksham'. This can be said more respectably that, out of respect for the Mother-in-law Lakshmi, Saraswathi stays away!

9. All that was said only in fun. In reality there is only one power, Parasakthi. At different times in life, to mature us successively, she blesses us, as Lakshmi, as Saraswathi and as Gnanambikai. It is enough to get devoted to any one form. Then it is Her job to do the needful. This devotion is the biggest wealth. That is the Ultimate Lakshmi.

Sambhomahadeva.