90. Bhagavatha- Brahma Speaks of Tattva and Seeks Pardon

 90. Srimad Bhagavata - Brahma Speaks of Tattva and Seeks Pardon

Brahma repeatedly prostrated before the Lord and extolled Him at length. 

He said, “Though I recite Vedas continuously, I am unable to comprehend your form. You can show up in any form and as desired by your devotees. 

Many noble souls strived in the past to reach you using a yogic path. They finally realized that devotion alone would enable them to reach you.  

One who constantly listens to your stories, talks about you, thinks about you, and dedicates all their actions to you will surely reach you. You are nirguna roopa. No gunas (rajas, sattiv, and tamas) can influence you. 

Some prefer your Sagunarupa (that which has a form). You have innumerable forms and hence it is difficult to choose. The best way is to select one form, hold, and surrender unconditionally until they reach you.

Devotion and Spiritual Knowledge (Atma Tattva Gnana)

Devotion brings worldly prosperity and final blessings. Knowledge without devotion will only lead to sorrow or pain. It can be equivalent to large sized paddy without a good rice within.

Ignorance (Brahmaa): Seeing things in a different way. Suppose you see a rope in the dark and assume it as a snake. (i.e., not seeing rope as a rope)

Missing Information: Flashing light on it and studying the features of a rope brings in change in thinking (knowledge). The benefit is safety. The basic assumption is that rope is lifeless and cannot move on its own. Only then can the difference be obtained. Seeing a rope as rope is knowledge.

Brahma speaks about Samsara Brahmaa (illusion)

The misperception that worldly life is real is an illusion caused by ignorance (seeing things in a different way). This ignorance is destroyed by atma tattva gnana (spiritual knowledge). 

Atma Tattva

Atma Tattva should be pure and alone (unmixed). Just like adding one more variable (movements) in the above example will not help make differentiation. We need to take features of the rope alone and nothing else. 

We do not need a lamp or torch to see the sun. Just like the Sun, tattva is to itself. Tattva alone cannot destroy ignorance. The sunlight and drywood have no enmity. Sunlight cannot burn drywood on its own. When a lens (convex) is placed between sun rays and the dry wood, wood catches fire. 

We need tattva gnana (a change in thinking) because it helps get rid of ignorance that worldly life is real.

Having said that, Brahma sought pardon from Srikrishna. He said, “You are Sriman Narayana, who has come in this form for the welfare of humanity. Who else can play this Maya? My Maya is relatively very small or minute as compared to yours. 

Since I have come out of your nabhi (stomach), I am your child. Please forgive this naughty child who misbehaved with you. He prostrated before Srikrishna again and sought permission to leave for his abode. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

89. Bhagavatha - Lord Brahma's Trick on Srikrishna Backfires

 89. Bhagavata - Lord Brahma's Trick on Srikrishna Backfires

To test Srikrishna's power, Brahma carried away the cowherds and calves from Vrindavan and put to sleep in his Maya kalpe. 

When Brahma came to Vrindavan almost a year later, he noticed Srikrishna was with his cowherds and calves and was wonderstruck.

Brahma kept on seeing the hidden calves, and cowherds kept safe in his custody and the one appearing before him back to back and was utterly confused.  

The cowherds and calves were looking similar but were not his creation and hence not bound by his Maya. 

SriSukamuni said Brahma’s Maya is like fireflies in daylight or as fog in dark nights. Vishnu Maya is far, far superior. 

Additionally, Srikrishna made each of the custodial cows and cowherds (hidden by Brahma) appear in His form - dark in completion, wearing yellow silk cloth, with four arms, carrying a conch, a discus, a mace and a lotus in their hands, curly hairs clearly visible on the chest (srivatsa), ear rings, a pearl necklace, anklets, bangles, and fresh basil leaves garland that hung from the top of the crown to the legs.

He is seen and all His creations, both animate and inanimate, Maha-tattva, Samskara, Time, 3 gunas, Kama, Karma, etc.

Brahma stood mute like a doll and could not comprehend through reason the peculiarities of the Lord. He stretched his body on the ground and touched His feet, and bathed them with his joyful tears.

 Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

88. Bhagavatha - Lord Brahma Hides Calves and Cowherds

 88. Srimad Bhagavata - Lord Brahma Hides Calves and Cowherds 

After listening to the narrative on Demon Agha, King Parikshit asked Sri Sukamuni, “How come the cowherds narrated this incident to their parents a year later. Why is there a time gap?

Sri Sukamuni went into Samadhi state and after a while, with great difficulty came out of it, and said, “ By asking a pertinent and intellectual question, you are changing the narrative of the Lord's story. 

Noble souls who get absorbed in it would like to talk only on Achutha and hear His stories repeatedly, as if they are listening to it for the first time. O King, listen carefully, I shall tell a story, though it is secretive.

After killing Demon Agha, Srikrishna transferred the cowherds and their calves to a safer place on the banks of Yamuna and said, ”Friends, this place is looking beautiful. We can play here as the mud is soft and clean. 

The river is flowing slowly, and the water collected is converted into a small pond. It is full of lotuses and the mild smell of it is attracting bees. Let's stay here for sometime and eat the food as we are oppressed with hunger. 

Let the calves drink water and be allowed to eat their feed on green grass. Readily agreeing to it, the cowherds picked up leaves, big and small, and used them as plates. 

They all sat in circles, but each one of them wished to sit in front of Srikrishna. Though it is not possible, each of them felt that he was sitting in front of Him. Srikrishna satisfied their need by appearing in multiple forms. 

They shared their meal before eating. Srikrishna was cracking jokes on them on how they behaved while entering the boa constrictor. After a while, one of the cowherds noticed that calves that were grazing nearby were not to be seen.  

Soon, there was a commotion, and cowherds got scared and stopped eating. Srikrishna assured them that He would bring back the calves and that they could continue their meals.

Srikrishna went in search of calves at every nook and corner but couldn't find them. Ultimately, He used his divine vision and found Lord Brahma had taken them away to a secretive place. Coming back, he saw cowherds, too, were missing. 

Srikrishna decided not to go back to home without calves and his fellow cowherds. He immediately cloned each of the calves and cowherds without any signs of difference.

Back home, the cows could not notice any change in their calves nor the mothers of cowherds. Indeed, it was Srihari everywhere in different forms. There was no change in behavior of the cowherds, in their habits, and in external appearance.  

Things moved on this way for one full year. Brahma wondered how come things were normal as before in Vrindavan, though the hidden calves and cowherds were still with him. 

Brahma realized his flaw for testing Srihari, who had descended as Srikrishna. He returned the calves and cowherds immediately. He went on praising Srihari at length. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

87. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna Revives Dead Calves and Cowherds

 87. Srimad Bhagavata - Srikrishna Revives Dead Calves and Cowherds

Srikrishna revived the dead calves and His companion by His compassionate look and took them out of the monster's mouth. 

The denizens of heaven were immensely happy and offered flowers, apsaras danced, gandarvas and vidyadharas played their instruments, the brahmanas through their hymns, and His own attendants made victory shouts. 

Hearing the auspicious sound of songs, instruments, and the victory shouts, Lord Brahma came to the spot at once.

The dry skin of the serpent at Vrindavan served as a great hollow for the sports of the inhabitants.

This deliverance of Demon Agha by Srikrishna done in His fifth year was recounted by the cowherds in His sixth year (a year later).  

Having heard the beautiful narration, Emperor Parikshit questioned Sri Sukamuni, “How can an act done à distant time (a year ago) be treated as present”? Please clarify this doubt. I am most blessed in this world to repeatedly drink the holy nectar in the shape of Srikrishna’s Leela”

Sage Suta, the disciple of Veda Vyasa, said, “On hearing this, Sri Sukamuni entered Samadhi state (was robbed of all his senses by Srikrishna). For a long time, he remained in that state. Attendees had to slowly bring him back to consciousness through hymns and prayers. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

24. Bhagavatha - Sage Dadichi's Sacrifice and Teachings

 24. Srimad Bhagavata - Sage Dadichi's Sacrifice and Teachings

Why did Sage Dadichi sacrifice his life? What were his teachings?

Dadichi was a highly respected sage and had command over Atarvaveda.

Devas, on recommendation of MahaVishnu, made a unique but pressing request to Sage Dadichi to sacrifice his life so that ashes of his body be made a weapon called Vajrayuda and that alone would kill Vritasur. 

Dadichi was neither surprised nor shocked but felt happy that his body was getting used for a greater purpose.

However, he examines Devas and questions them:

1. Are you not aware of the bondness towards the body for human beings, animals, or any living thing?

2. Are you not aware of the fear, sorrow, and sufferings when the soul departs from the body?

Mind, sense organs will stop working, and all the attention will be on the soul leaving the body.

Sage Dadichi explains why this suffering happens to the body?

The soul over a period of time develops immense love towards the body. For those who desire to live, this relationship is much deeper.

Every soul tries to protect its body in every possible way. Hence, how can you expect me to give up my body. Even if Mahavishnu asks, none will give up their body.

Devas say:

Yes, what you say is true. None wish to give up their body/life. We are asking you alone as you can give up everything. You are noble, have done good deeds, and have earned a good name.

World is selfish. People/living beings are not bothered about other's suffering. For example, Lion does not bother to kill its victim to satisfy its hunger. It doesn't bother the pain the victim undergoes.

Dharma says one who is capable will not deny to offer help. We are asking for help from you, not for us alone. It is for the good of all. Demon Vrithasur has swallowed all our weapons and caused threats and fear to the world.

Dadichi says:

I do not have any desire on my body. My desire is only on the soul. You can take away my body immediately and make use of it in the way you want.

One day, this body will have to leave me howsoever I protect it. We need it to use the body for Dharma, to earn a good name and for Bhoota daya.

Even non-fruit bearing trees in the forest is useful by providing shelter to those who lost their way.

Dharma can change during different stages of life. But there is one dharma which is permanent - if anyone is in sorrow, others should be considerate. Also, if one is happy, others too should feel happy and not be jealous.

On any day, this body has to fall. It is better to give it for a good cause than being fed to Wolf or Fox.

Saying so, he gave up the body using his yogic powers. All his sense organs were made to halt, his mind fixed on Almighty, and he dropped his body.

With no time wasted, Indra asked Vishwakarma (architect of gods) to make Vajrayuda out of the ashes of Dadichi's body. Equipped the divine weapon Indra waged war with Vrithasur and was able to kill him.

How did Dadichi get this divinity?

Dadichi had acquired immense power due to austerity. He had taught Viswarupa ‘Narayana Astra ‘ This knowledge was passed from Viswarupa to Lord Indra.

Source : Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

31. Bhagavata - Prahlad’s Devotion

 31. Srimad Bhagavata - Prahlada's Devotion and Hiranyakashipu’s Fear

Who is Prahlada? What were his teachings to fellow demon boys?

Prahlada, son of Demon Hiranyakashipu, was studious and learned all the lessons taught by his gurus, Chanda and Amaka, sons of Shukracharya He contemplated it but had his own views. 

Eager to know the progress, Hiranyakashipu sent words to bring his son. Hiranyakashipu, on seeing his son, hugged and made him sit on his lap.  

Prahlada recited all that he had learned from his gurus. He said this knowledge is of little use when one doesn't contemplate on Srihari. He said it is better to forgo everything and lead a life of a recluse in the forest. 

Hiranyakashipu wasn't angry because he felt someone would have misguided him. On further probing, Prahlada said he would fill his mind only on Shrihari’s deeds and related stories and avoid all external distractions.

Hiranyakashipu called his guru and warned them that such situations shouldn't arise next time. Prahlad was back to school, and his teachers Chanda and Amaka, as instructed by Hiranyakashipu, taught only administrative topics needed for a future king. Prahlad absorbed all the teachings and did not oppose them. 

Chanda and Amaka questioned Prahlada as to who had taught him devotion to Srihari. 

Prahlada replied it is Srihari in me who is prompting to spread the message of devotion. Just as iron pieces get attracted towards magnets, so also my thoughts are always with Srihari. 

When teachers were away for a break, fellow students desired to play games. Prahlad called them and began to teach on spiritual enlightenment. Hearing this, the teachers immediately reported to Hiranyakashipu.

Prahlad’s Teaching to Demon Boys  

Man must make total surrender to Srihari, and that is the only course for lasting happiness.

Sensual pleasures are obtained in every birth by destiny and are without any effort. Hence, no effort should be made as it is a mere waste of one’s life.

When the body is young and sound, one must strive for the blessedness to avoid rebirth.

If a hundred years is the lifespan of a human body, half of it is spent on sleep (approximately 50 years), 20 years elapses in infancy, last 20 years is spent helplessly when his body is engulfed in disease or old age. The remaining 10 years pass away in ignorance of ‘I’ and ‘Mine’. Man gets attached to his home and family, and the desires or demands are insatiable.

Prahlada received teachings from Sage Narada even before his birth

Prahlada received spiritual lessons from Sage Narada while he was in his mother's womb. Sage Narada protected Kayadhu, Hiranyakashipu’s wife, from Indra as the latter wanted to kill Hiranyakashipu’s progeny. 

The spiritual lessons were keenly heard and absorbed by Prahlad in the fetus itself. He could remember all the teachings, but his mother Kayadhu couldn't remember due to age and natural forces.  

What was Hiranyakashipu’s fear? 

Hiranyakashipu suspected danger from his son and decided to get rid of him. He

ordered his demons who had sharp teeth and fearful faces to dispose of his son Prahlad. 

Prahlad was poisoned, was thrown from a hill, boulders were thrown on him, wild elephants were made to stamp on him and was thrown in dark caves. Yet Prahlad was least affected by the atrocities.

Hiranyakashipu was aghast to see Prahlad not getting affected by the atrocities meted on him by his ferocious demons. He also noticed that Prahlad was not getting any visible support from anyone, nor was he seeking any help through prayers or weapons. All the more, Prahlad remained calm and fearless. 

This baffled Hiranyakashipu, and he remembered Sage Shunashepa, who was sold for a price by his own father. Shunashepa wasn't angry with his father, but at an appropriate time, he relinquished his father's lineage. Vedas speaks highly of Sage Shunashepa.

Hiranyakashipu, who had knowledge of Vedas, felt Prahlad, though not opposing him, would someday take revenge on him.  

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

1. Bhagavatha - Story of Narada and Characteristics of Bhagavatha

 1. Srimad Bhagavatha - Story of Narada and Characteristics of Bhagavatha

Who is Sage Narada and why did he narrate his story to Sage Ved Vyasa? What are the ten characteristics features of Bhagavatha? Why is Srihari called Narayana?

Sage Narada narrates his previous birth experience to Sage Ved Vyasa. Sage Narada is the mind-born son of Brahma. Ved Vyasa, an incarnation of Sri Hari, is born to Sage Parasara and Sathyavathi. 

Sage Narada was born to a maid servant and, as a young child, was told to serve wandering yogis who would stop at one place during chaturmasa (the rainy season). 

Sage Narada said “ I was free from all childish behaviour, was quite tame and submissive, and remained aloof from playful thoughts. With the willing consent of those brahmanas, I ate once a day from whatever was left in their dishes. It cleansed all my sins, and I attained purity of mind. I would listen to the stories of Sri Krishna daily and slowly developed an attraction for the Lord. My mind got firmly established in that Lord.

Every day, I heard songs praising Sri Hari with rapt attention. This devotion towards the Lord eradicated the element of Rajas (passion) and Tamas (ignorance) in me. 

Through this wisdom, I came to know the glory of that Maya (deluding potency) of Lord Vasudeva, by knowing which men attain His (supreme) Abode. Lord Keshava blessed me with self-knowledge, mystic powers, and loving devotion to His feet”.

Ten characteristic features of Bhagavatha Mahapurana  

Sarga - It is the creation of gross and subtle elements, sense of perception, organs of action, mind, ego, and Mahat tattva (the principle of cosmic intelligence. When Prakriti’s equilibrium is disturbed, Mahat tattva emerges. Prakriti’s three gunas are Sattiv, Rajas, and Tamas

Visarga - Creation of animate and inanimate beings by Brahma

Stana - Lord keeps animate and inanimate beings within their boundaries (e.g., Ocean)

Posana- Lord’s grace on His devotees

Manvantaras - Virtuous conduct of the saintly Manus 

Itihasas - Life accounts of various manifestations of Srihari and as well as of His devotees.

Utis - Latent desires of various creatures which lead to their bondage

Nirodha - Withdrawal of individual soul with all its qualifications into the Lord subsequent to His retirement (Pralaya)

Mukti - Jiva relinquishes doership and realises its true nature.

Ashraya - Realization of Supreme Brahma responsible for Creation, Preservation, and Dissolution.

Why is Srihari called Narayana?

The Supreme Person is called ‘Nara’. Having evolved from the Supreme Person, the water is also known as ‘Nara’. Srihari resided on these waters for a thousand (celestial) years. Hence, He is known as ‘Narayana’