Mantralaya-1047
(Sri Rayaru's devotion towards Lord Kirshna and Chapter 8 of Geeta - 2) Date
: July 20, 2023
Background
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA JAYATI NA ANRUTA
Continuation
of last series Sri RaghavendraTeertharu’s affectionate devotion towards
Lord Kirshna and Chapter 8 of Geeta, Akshara Brahma Yoga are described
in Mantralaya(1047).
Meaning
We
explored the profound connection between Lord Krishna and Sri
RaghavendraTeertharu across all incarnations. As we recollect from
Chapter 8, Lord Krishna imparts a crucial teaching to Arjuna,
emphasizing the importance of directing one's focus towards Him and
remembering His divine name at the time of one's final moments.
Geeta Chapter 8, 5th and 6th sloka
|| Anta-kale cha mam eva Smaran muktva kalevaram
Yah prayati sa mad-bhavam Yati nastyatra samshayah ||.
|| ಅಂತಕಾಲೇ ಚ ಮಮೇವ ಸ್ಮರನ್ ಮುಕ್ತ್ವಾ ಕಲೇವರಂ
ಯಃ ಪ್ರಯಾತಿ ಸ ಮದ್ಭಾವಂ ಯಾತಿ ನಸ್ತ್ಯತ್ರ ಸಂಶಯಃ ||
|| Yam yam vapi smaran bhavam Tyajatyante kalevaram
Tam tamevaiti kaunteya Sada tad-bhava-bhavitah ||
|| ಯಂ ಯಂ ವಾಪಿ ಸ್ಮರಣ್ ಭಾವಂ ತ್ಯಜತ್ಯಂತೇ ಕಲೇವರಂ
ತಂ ತಮೇವೈತಿ ಕೌಂತೇಯ ಸದಾ ತದ್ಭಾವ ಭವಿತಃ ||
In
the insightful commentary of Sri Raghavendra Swamy on the Geeta, Sri
Rayaru elucidates the profound truth that at the moment of death, the
object of our meditation determines our future birth. If one constantly
remembers and meditates upon the Supreme Lord, they transcend the cycle
of birth and death. Krishna's divine message echoes the significance of
directing our thoughts towards Him, urging us to remember and hold onto
Him alone.
In the realm of mortality, as human beings, we often
grapple with two fundamental doubts regarding the inevitability of
death and the prospect of remembering God during our final moments.
First one is , it is a common apprehension that the throes of death
bring forth immense physical and emotional distress, making it
seemingly impossible to focus our thoughts on the Divine.However, the
enlightened teachings of Sri Rayaru provide us with profound insights
to assuage these concerns. Sri Rayaru assures us that the exalted souls
who have attained spiritual wisdom do not perceive death as a painful
ordeal. Their elevated consciousness enables them to transcend the fear
and suffering associated with the mortal realm. For them, the process
of death becomes a sublime transition, a gateway to a higher state of
existence.Furthermore, Sri Rayaru provides insightful clarification
regarding the experience of pain during the final moments of life.
While it is true that the physical body may endure anguish in the
moments leading up to death, Sri Rayaru assures us that at the very
instant of death and the last breath, even those who may lack spiritual
awareness are devoid of bodily suffering. It is during this sacred
juncture that the soul disentangles itself from the mortal confines of
the physical form.This revelation holds profound significance in the
context of our ability to focus our thoughts on the Divine. With the
absence of physical pain at the time of death, our minds are freed from
the distractions and limitations of bodily sensations. This creates a
conducive environment for contemplation and meditation upon the Lord.
Thus, even for those who may not possess profound spiritual
understanding, the moment of passing offers a precious opportunity to
redirect our consciousness towards the Divine.Sri Rayaru's teachings
instill hope and inspiration, assuring us it is indeed possible to
engage in deep remembrance and meditation upon the Lord during the
final moments of life. With the body freed from the grip of pain, the
soul remains untouched by suffering, enabling us to turn our focus
inward and unite with the Divine in our last breath.This understanding
encourages us to cultivate a deeper connection with the Divine
throughout our lives, knowing that the auspicious opportunity to
remember God resides within the sacred realm of the final breath. By
embracing this knowledge and nurturing our spiritual practices, we can
embark on a transformative journey, transcending the limitations of the
mortal realm and attaining eternal union with the Supreme.
Another
doubt that often arises pertains to the notion of living life according
to our whims and fancies, and then solely relying on the remembrance of
the Lord during our final moments. Sri Rayaru addresses this
misconception, highlighting that it is not a simple task to meditate
upon the Lord and focus our minds at will. It requires dedicated
practice and continuous purification of the mind.Both Acharya Madhvaru
and Sri Rayaru emphasize the significance of consistently remembering
the Lord in every breath we take. By cultivating a constant awareness
of the Divine in our daily lives, we create a conducive environment for
meditation and spiritual contemplation. Engaging in regular spiritual
practices and developing a steadfast connection with the Lord increases
the likelihood that we will be able to invoke His divine presence
during our last breath.
To illustrate this, let us delve into
the story of Sri Bharata Chakravarti from the Bhagavatam. Bharata, the
son of Lord Vrushaba, reigned over the earth for more than 10,000
years. It is from his name that the land came to be known as Bharat
(not to be confused with the Bharat son of Shakuntala and Dushyanta).
As the son of the divine Lord, Bharata Maharaja exemplified
righteousness and ruled the Bharat kingdom with utmost adherence to
virtuous conduct. However, nearing the twilight of his life, Bharata
Maharaja felt a deep yearning to seek spiritual enlightenment. He
renounced all material wealth and possessions, generously bequeathing
them to his children. In his quest for the radiance of wisdom, he chose
to retreat to the solitude of the forest, where he aspired to dedicate
himself to intense meditation and introspection.
Bharat ventured
into the forest, finding solace in the serene abode of sage Pulaha.
Nestled amidst the enchanting surroundings, embellished by the sacred
waters of the Gandaki River, was the hermitage where Bharat chose to
reside. In this tranquil sanctuary, he embarked upon a solitary
existence, dedicating his days to the worship and adoration of Lord
Narayana.The depths of Bharat's heart overflowed with boundless love
and unwavering devotion for the Supreme Lord. Immersed in the divine
presence, his material desires gradually diminished, making way for the
blossoming of spiritual ecstasy. In the sanctuary of the forest, Bharat
experienced a profound union with the Divine, transcending the realm of
mundane aspirations and entering a realm of unparalleled devotion.As he
immersed himself in the divine worship, the veils of illusion
dissolved, revealing the sublime truth that lies beyond the material
realm. Bharat's spiritual journey became an enchanting dance of
devotion, as his heart resonated with the divine presence of Lord
Narayana. In this elevated state of consciousness, he attained a stage
of spiritual bliss, where worldly desires melted away, and his soul
merged with the divine essence.Bharat's unwavering commitment to his
spiritual practice and his unyielding love for the Lord became the
guiding force that propelled him towards the pinnacle of spiritual
realization. The forest became a haven of transformation, where his
heart underwent a divine alchemy, purifying his being and connecting
him with the eternal source of divine love and grace.
In the serene
solitude of the forest, amidst the gentle whispers of nature, Bharat's
devotion and surrender bloomed, transforming his entire existence into
an enchanting symphony of devotion and divine communion. It is through
his unwavering love and his unwavering dedication that Bharat
transcended the boundaries of the material world, merging his soul with
the infinite divine presence of Lord Narayana.
On a serene and
peaceful day, the benevolent king found solace beneath the comforting
shade of a magnificent tree. As he immersed himself in the serenity of
nature, his compassionate eyes caught sight of a poignant and sorrowful
scene that unfolded before him.A pregnant deer, driven by her
unyielding thirst, approached the serene river's edge to drink from its
cool and refreshing waters. However, the tranquil atmosphere was
abruptly shattered by the thunderous roar of a nearby lion. Startled
and terrified, the frightened deer leaped desperately in an attempt to
reach the safety of the opposite river bank.Tragically, in her
desperate leap, the pregnant deer suffered a miscarriage, and her
precious fawn (baby deer) slipped from her grasp, plunging into the
unforgiving waters below. Overwhelmed by anguish and sorrow, the mother
deer's heart ceased to beat, and she breathed her final breath in that
very moment.However, amidst the heart-wrenching scene, the
compassionate king's eyes witnessed the struggling fawn, courageously
fighting against the current. His heart brimmed with empathy, and
driven by an overwhelming sense of compassion, he extended his caring
arms and rescued the orphaned fawn from the treacherous river. In a
tender act of kindness, he cradled the vulnerable creature in his arms,
embracing her delicate life with unwavering love and protection.Moved
by his innate benevolence, the king, guided by his noble instincts,
decided to take the orphaned fawn under his wing. Tenderly, he carried
her to his sacred ashram, where the atmosphere reverberated with the
essence of peace and divine presence. In this sanctified abode, the
king ensured the fawn's well-being, nourishing her with affection, and
providing her a nurturing environment to thrive.In the depths of the
ashram, the bond between the king and the fawn blossomed, intertwining
their lives in a tapestry of compassion and companionship. The king's
selfless act of rescue transcended mere duty, as it was driven by a
profound connection rooted in empathy and care.
Bharata nurtured
the fawn with utmost tenderness, lavishing her with affectionate
gestures. He would gently stroke her fur, scratch her neck, and bestow
loving kisses upon her. Bharata went above and beyond to safeguard her
from any harm, shielding her from the lurking danger posed by jackals
and other wild creatures.However, as days turned into weeks and weeks
into months, Bharata's attachment to the deer grew stronger. His
devotion to the divine began to wane as his focus shifted more and more
towards the care and well-being of the fawn. Gradually, he found
himself gradually drifting away from his once steadfast path of
devotion.Caught up in the throes of his deep affection for the deer,
Bharata inadvertently veered away from the path of bhakti, the path of
unwavering devotion and surrender to the divine. His heart, once solely
devoted to worship, became entangled in the intricate web of worldly
attachments.
The scriptures teach us the noble principle of
never neglecting those in need, and this virtue resonated deeply within
the heart of King Bharata. However, as time passed, a deep attachment
began to take root within him, particularly towards the dear deer he
had rescued. Thoughts of the deer consumed his mind incessantly,
permeating every moment of his daily life. Whether he was bathing,
eating, walking, sitting, or sleeping, the deer remained at the
forefront of his consciousness.This overwhelming attachment, exhibited
by a king who had willingly renounced his opulent kingdom, raised
concerns. It became evident that such an intense attachment could only
be attributed to the workings of past misdeeds or offenses, creating a
karmic reaction that manifested in the form of this undue
attachment.Despite his noble intentions and the compassionate act of
rescuing the helpless fawn, King Bharata found himself entangled in the
grip of attachments that clouded his spiritual path. This predicament
served as a poignant reminder of the profound influence that past
actions can have on our present lives. It underscored the importance of
remaining vigilant and mindful, for even the most sincere acts of
kindness and benevolence can lead us astray if we allow attachment to
overshadow our spiritual pursuits.
One fateful day, the king
found himself separated from the deer that had grown into a beautiful
creature under his care. Overwhelmed with anguish and concern, he
embarked on a desperate search, tirelessly wandering the area, calling
out the deer's name. His heart was heavy with grief, and his mind was
consumed with thoughts of the deer's well-being.However, destiny had a
different plan in store. Tragically, it was during this ardent search
for the deer that the king met his untimely demise. In his final
moments, his entire focus remained fixated on the object of his
affection, his attention completely devoted to finding the deer. As his
soul prepared to depart from his earthly vessel, a poignant sight
unfolded before him - the deer, now matured, mourned his imminent
departure as if she were his very own child.With his consciousness
still intertwined with the deer, King Bharata took his last breath,
leaving behind the human form he had once inhabited. In accordance with
the laws of karma, his deep meditation and unwavering attachment to the
deer led to a unique transformation. As he departed from his mortal
body, he was destined to be reborn in the next life as a deer, an
embodiment of the object of his intense devotion.
In the story
of Bharata Maharaj, we witness the plight of an exalted soul who,
despite his deep devotion and love for the Lord, was unable to remember
the divine at the time of his passing. He became entangled in the web
of attachment, succumbing to distractions that veiled his connection
with the divine.This Bhagavata Story serves as a profound reminder for
ordinary individuals like us. Both Lord Krishna and Sri
RaghavendraTeertharu impart timeless wisdom, guiding us on the path of
righteous living. As human beings, we have various roles and
responsibilities, such as being a parent, a child, a sibling, or a
friend. These roles are essential, and it is our duty to fulfill them
diligently, upholding the principles of righteousness and moral
values.However, amidst our worldly obligations, it is crucial to tread
the path with discernment and detachment. While fulfilling our duties,
we must strive to remain unaffected by the web of attachments that can
entangle our hearts and cloud our spiritual connection. Attachment,
when unchecked, has the power to distract us from our spiritual
pursuits and hinder our progress on the path of enlightenment.
Lord
Krishna and Sri RaghavendraTeertharu emphasize the importance of
striking a delicate balance, performing our responsibilities with
utmost sincerity while maintaining a sense of detachment from the
outcomes and the attachments that may arise from them. By adopting this
approach, we can navigate the complexities of life, fulfilling our
duties and obligations with unwavering dedication, all the while
remaining anchored in our spiritual aspirations.The teachings of Lord
Krishna and Sri RaghavendraTeertharu remind us to cultivate an inner
state of detachment, recognizing that our true nature transcends the
temporary roles and relationships we assume in this world. By nurturing
a spirit of detachment, we can liberate ourselves from the clutches of
attachment, experiencing a profound sense of freedom and clarity as we
embark on our spiritual journey.Ultimately, it is through the path of
righteous action, guided by the wisdom of the scriptures and the
examples set by great spiritual masters, that we can navigate the
complexities of life and cultivate a state of detachment that allows
our souls to soar towards divine union.This wisdom instills within us
the understanding that our relationship with the Lord is not confined
to a mere moment or a specific phase of life. It is a lifelong journey
of devotion, surrender, and unwavering faith. By immersing ourselves in
the remembrance of the Lord throughout our existence, we pave the way
for a deeper spiritual connection and the ability to merge our
consciousness with the Divine at the time of our ultimate transition.
Continuing
the story of Bharata, after being liberated from the animal body, he
still had yet to attain complete liberation from the cycle of material
existence. As a result, he took another birth, this time as the son of
the youngest son of a Brahmana belonging to the lineage of Angirasa.
Due to his past life experiences, Bharata retained the ability to
remember his previous incarnations. This remembrance served as a
powerful catalyst, fueling his determination to never again succumb to
the distractions of worldly association.Bharata's unwavering resolve
and steadfast devotion propelled him to remain constantly absorbed in
thoughts of the Lord's divine lotus feet. His entire being became
enveloped in the sublime contemplation of the divine. With every
passing moment, he remained deeply connected to the Supreme, unwavering
in his focus and dedication.When the time came for Bharata to depart
from his mortal body, he embraced the opportunity to remember the Lord
with utmost devotion and surrender. In that sacred moment of
transition, his consciousness merged seamlessly with the divine,
transcending the boundaries of death and birth. Through his unwavering
remembrance of the Lord, Bharata attained a realm beyond the cycle of
death and rebirth, a realm of eternal existence and divine bliss.
Sri
Rayaru's teachings serve as a gentle reminder that our spiritual
evolution is an ongoing process, requiring constant effort, dedication,
and mindfulness. By infusing our lives with the presence of the Divine
and consistently practicing remembrance, we lay the foundation for a
profound spiritual journey, where the remembrance of the Lord becomes
an intrinsic part of our being, leading us towards eternal liberation
and union with the Supreme.
In the profound Chapter 8 of the
Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna imparts invaluable wisdom, delving into
various aspects that pave the way for attaining the sublime state of
remembering the divine at the final moments of life. Sri Raghavendra
Swamy, in his extensive commentary, provides an intricate and detailed
interpretation of each word and verse, offering profound insights into
the deeper meaning conveyed by Sri Rayaru.
We are immensely
indebted to Sri RaghavendraTeertharu for his invaluable contribution in
simplifying the profound works of Acharya Madhwaru and JayaTeertharu,
enabling even the common people to grasp the sublime teachings in a
more accessible manner. Sri Rayaru's exemplary work serves as a beacon
of inspiration, guiding individuals like myself who may lack inherent
spiritual prowess and eligibility.
I humbly acknowledge my limitations in fully comprehending the profound depth of Sri Rayaru's commentary.
The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is
the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach to
Sri Hari - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"!
|| BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||