DEIVATHIN KURAL # 30 (of Vol 3) Dated 17 Dec 2008

DEIVATHIN KURAL # 30 (of Vol 3) Dated 17 Dec 2008

(These e-mails are translations of talks given by Periyavaal of Kanchi Kamakoti peetam, over a period of some sixty years while he was the pontiff in the earlier part of last century. These have been published in Tamil by Vanadi Padippagam, Chennai, in seven volumes of a thousand pages each, as Deivathin Kural. To day we are proceeding from the last paragraph on page number 130, of Vol 3, of the Tamil original. The readers are reminded that herein the word 'man' includes 'woman' too. )
(Note:- These e-mails are all available at http://advaitham.blogspot.com constantly up-dated.
141. In search of self - realization, there are many who forsake the world and living the life of a recluse or incluse, oblivious of the world and society's needs. It is often said about such people, "Don't give him alms. What social service does he do? He is a social parasite". Amongst these known variously as, 'Aandi, Pandaaram, Saamiyaar, Swamiji, Sannyaasi and so on', there are many fakes too. Then there are some pseudo divine people of either sex, who are very much living within the society exploiting the gullible and naive!
142. But, it does not mean that all of them are fake and a facade! Then if there are some who are genuinely interested in self-realization, what objection can you have? Everyone does not have to compete with all of us in the 'rat race'! By refusing to do so, at the least, is he not reducing the unemployment statistics in a small way? Then, 'how do we know that he is not contributing for the welfare of humanity at large?'
143. (KTSV adds:- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says that, if one amongst those thousands becomes a Gnaani, millions automatically benefit for generations to come. That is what has been done by the 64 Nayanmar-s, 12 Azhwar-s, the 18 siddha-s and Agasthyar, Pattinathaar, Ramalinga Vallalaar, Poondi Swamigal, Vellore Mouna Swamigal, Sai Baba of Shirdi, Satya Sai of Putta parti, Thayumaanavar of Trichy, Chidbhavananda of Thiruparaya thurai, Ganapathy Satchidananda Swamigal, Swami Ramadasa of Ananda Ashram, Ramana Maharishi of Thiruvannamalai, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, Swami Chinmayananda of the Cinmaya Mission, Sri Sri Ravi, Babaji Naga Raj the Parama Guru of Yoganada of Ranchi, Bhoga Nathar; and Mata Amirtananda Mayi; to name a few! We have partially covered only South India. There are many whose silent contributions are not even known to the people of this world! Now let us again continue with Periyaval's discourse!)
144. To think of people who are persevering to understand life and to get closer to God, as 'good for nothing' is wrong. Every individual should be trying his level best towards self-realization. All ones Karma, duties and the Paropakaaram he does are all meant for cleansing his own mind and come to a clear understanding of this existence only. So if one amongst us is engrossed in such an endevour, we should be happy that he is doing so, instead of getting stuck in the mire of worldly involvement like the rest of us!
145. Then unless and until, we get the qualitative refinement of our own minds through social service, all that we do is a sheer waste. So, when one person is making progress in the path of self-realization, we should be happy and feel proud about the fact! We should be ready to take care of his creature comforts. Then when he matures in to a realized soul, naturally the salubrious ennobling power of his will be apparent all around and make our help unnecessary.
146. There is no greater social service than ameliorating and lessening the mental tension in others, which is available by the very presence of such realized souls. Even if it is only temporary, it has an inexorable logic of its own, kick starting other benefits that starts accruing. All social service for that matter is only temporary! Whatever help you give to others, it cannot be permanent anyhow, is it not so? If we run a free medical facility or give free food, it cannot be forever. You cannot make people permanently dependent on such help. That is not social service. The idea should be enable them to become independent of the need for further help.
147. Once a person on the path of self-realization attains his fullness; removal of other's problems just happens, even without his intension to do so, by his very 'saannidyam'! This word means, 'vicinity or proximity'. He or she just blesses all those who come in their presence and even material benefits just flows! We are all deeply involved in worldly affairs. There has to be some exceptions. So, I insist that those who are in the 'Adhyaatmic' paths of Karma, Bakti, Gnana or Atma Vichara; should not be considered as parasites please.
Sacrifice Even the Idea That You Are Sacrificing.
148. When we talk of Veda-s the first thing that comes to our mind is Yaaga. 'Yaaga' and 'Thyaaga' are both translated in English as Sacrifice. So, it is absolutely wrong to think that 'vaideekam' or being religiously minded is purely selfishness. The very foundation of the Sanaatana Dharma, rests on the principle of subjugation of self interest for the sake of public welfare. This is the Hindu Religion of Veda Dharma! So, Paropakaaram is the basis on which the entire edifice of the Hindu Religion.
149. In Yaaga we put our belongings in the fire of Homa and sacrifice to the heavenly divine powers that are controlling the rains, good weather and good intentions of the mind. These benefits would not accrue to individuals but the whole society. To keep all one's earnings for one's own benefit only is anathema to the very ethos of our religion. Not only that such selfishness gives us very temporary satisfaction but also, it is a hurdle in our spiritual progress. The enjoyment in sharing with others is always more than in isolation.
150. That is why, the very first sloka of Isavasya Upanishad says, "This whole universe is pervaded by the one God! So give up all ownership. Do not covet! Whose is all this value, money and materials? By giving up, you enjoy more!" I quote. "isavasyam idagum sarvam yatkincha jagatyaam jagat! tena tyaktena bunjita maa ghruta: kasyasya vid danam?" You might have seen children fighting with each other. One boy will say, "My Father is tough!" The other will say, "Mine is bigger". This will go on for some time with each boy 'upping the ante'. Finally one of them is likely to say, "What ever You may claim about your Father, My Father is just a little more!" The Upanishad using the same logic says that, '....yat kincha jagatyaam jagat... isavasyam idagum sarvam'! Meaning, '....wherever just a little bit more of the universe is there, it is all governed by that one Easwara...'! So it is all His. What are you claiming ownership for? By giving up, you can enjoy it all! Finally give up the idea that you are giving!
(More to follow in the next e-mail about this idea!)
Sambhomahadeva.