Sanatana Dharma

A river doesn’t flow straight all the way. It has many twists and turns. But after every twist it again becomes straight. Similarly, life in the world is never absolutely smooth. Troubles will come, but they won’t be able to disturb you if you keep your mind on God. — Swami Subodhananda Swami Subodhananda - Life, Teachings, Reminiscences, Letters

O Nārāyaṇa, who is wholly Good (śubha), who is filled with ananta kalyāṇa guṇas (infinite auspicious qualities), who is the enemy of all that is evil, the Highest Truth, the Soul of all that exists - be graceful unto us and kindly place in our hearts exclusive and complete devotion to Your servitors and Yourself!

Gaṇeśa Tattva — The Truth Indicated by Gaṇeśa Gaṇeśa is also known as Gaṇapati, Vināyaka, and Vighneśvara. Ganesa: The letter ‘ga’ represents the Prakriti , the letter ‘ṇa’ represents ParaBrahman, the union of both Brahman and the Prakriti is Ganesa. The union of Brahman and prakriti is the representation of his form, as elephant head as Brahman, rest of the body as prakriti. The letter ‘ga’ means ultimate knowledge of the realization of Brahman (Brahma-jnana) and the letter ‘ṇa’ represents nirvana (liberation) he is the parabrahman who is the lord of both ultimate knowledge and liberation. Gaṇapati — the Lord of the gaṇas — symbolically represents the Lord of the entire manifest creation. Gaṇeśa is not merely the deity who removes obstacles. At a deeper level, He is a Īśvara and ultimately recognised as Brahman. Vighneśvara: Gaṇeśa is called Vighneśvara — the Lord of obstacles. From the standpoint of our daily life, Gaṇeśa represents Īśvara's intelligence and power operating through the order of life. Obstacles may be external circumstances, but they may also be internal—confusion, attachment, anger, ego, fear, or ignorance. Therefore, when we pray to Gaṇeśa for the removal of obstacles, it does not necessarily mean that every difficult situation will simply disappear. Sometimes the obstacle is removed by: • gaining the viveka to understand the situation; • gaining the strength to face it; • recognising the result as part of the order of karma; • overcoming attachment, anger, or ego; • or receiving the appropriate result of our actions through Īśvara's order. The greatest obstacles are ultimately inner obstacles—ignorance, ego, attachment, and delusion. Thus, worship of Gaṇeśa can become a prayer not merely for worldly success, but for the removal of whatever obstructs clarity, viveka, vairāgya, and ātma-jñāna. The Symbolism of Gaṇeśa Form: Gaja — The Elephant: Gaja means elephant, ga is associated with gati—the goal or movement toward which creation proceeds—and ja with janma—birth or origin. Thus, gaja can symbolically indicate that from which creation emerges and into which it ultimately resolves. Ganesa is therefore understood as both the source and ultimate resolution of creation. One Complete Tusk and One Broken Tusk: The complete tusk represents Truth—the One without a second. The broken tusk represents the manifest world with all its apparent differences and imperfections. It signifies that the world is dependent upon Brahman, just as an ornament depends upon gold for its existence. The Trunk and Oṃ: Gaṇeśa's curved trunk is traditionally understood as resembling Oṃ, the Praṇava. Oṃ is a symbol of Brahman. Thus, Gaṇeśa's form is limitless Reality that cannot be confined to any physical form. The Large Belly: Gaṇeśa's large belly represents the idea that the entire created universe is contained within him. Nothing in creation exists independently or outside of the ganesa. The Large Ears: The large ears represent śravaṇam, i.e, listening and discrimination. They remind us of śravaṇam—listening to the teaching—and viveka—discerning what is real, i.e independent and permanent and what is merely temporary and dependant. śravaṇam is not simply hearing words of shastras. It is the ability to separate what leads toward Īśvara from what strengthens ignorance and bondage. The Noose and Goad: Gaṇeśa's pāśa (noose) represents rāga—attachment. His aṅkuśa (goad) represents krodha—anger. Attachment binds us to what we believe will complete us. When what we are attached to is obstructed, anger arises. Thus, the form of Gaṇeśa reminds us to recognise and overcome these inner obstacles. On this Ganesh Chaturthi, May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your journey and fill your home with joy, prosperity, and peace. Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya! 🙏 Śrī Gaṇeśāya Namaḥ 🙏

Having come to Me, these high-souled beings are no more subject to rebirth, which is transitory and the abode of pain; for they have reached the highest perfection. ~ Gita 8.15 It is declared here that those who attained God do not enter samsara. So long as realisation does not come to man he is whirled about in the flood of birth and death. When the truth is known there is no birth, and hence no pain or sorrow. The need for perfect freedom is stated here. Freedom is to be attained for the purpose of transcending pain and sorrow. The Lord makes it clear that the place where man takes birth is the abode of sorrow and is non-eternal. Birth is subject to those two evils. Even if a person feels that he is enjoying something here it is only a shadowy joy, which is mixed with pain. We see that joy is inevitably followed by sorrow as its own shadow. That is why wise men are not tempted by these reflected pleasures. The world is the abode of sorrow. It is the place where sorrow rules. Out of ignorance and delusion, man imagines that he is enjoying this or that pleasure. But the Lord who knows the truth warns mankind out of infinite compassion – “O ye mortals, do not be deluded, this world is the very abode of pain and sorrow. Seek for that which is true joy and eternal and transcend all sorrow. ‘Avidya‘ is the power which deludes man to think of non-eternal as eternal, the impure as pure, and anatma as Atma. So the way to transcend is to attain God. Let everyone take refuge in God in every way, through devotion, knowledge, and dispassion. Union with God is the highest state of freedom and perfection. As many enlightened sages have attained that state, it is suggested that every man can achieve it with adequate will and discrimination. Those who take refuge in God with a pure heart are mahatmas. Those who are entangled in worldly objects are ‘alpatmas,’ – little-minded men. Mahatma is a title. To reject the false and hold on to Truth, to reject the ephemeral and hold on to the Eternal, to reject anatma and hold on to Atma, is the way to attain the highest state of Mahatma. Such enlightened sages do not return to the world which is characterised by pain and sorrow. Those who are desirous of eternal joy should strive with faith and devotion to reach that state.

Constant remembrance of God and ultimate reliance upon Him under all circumstances is Sadhana. This is the last word in one’s Sadhana. — Swami Akhandananda Whenever you find a little leisure in the course of your daily domestic works, never forget to think of Him. Read good books which help such remembrance. — Swami Subodhananda The supreme duty of man is to remember Him always, whether one is engaged in consciously repeating His name or not. Every breath of ours should be associated with Him, in our mind. — Swami Vijnanananda

In the beginning, you will not be able to perform meditation and Japa always — other things are necessary; a little meditation, a little Japa, some reading from the scriptures, singing devotional songs for some time — various methods to remember Him alone… Live in the world remembering His name constantly. What else is there to do? In the world there is always good and bad, joy and suffering. We should see that we do not forget Him. If you constantly remember that the world is unreal, what can desires do? There is no harm in fulfilling small desires, but those which make one forget the Lord are dangerous. It does not matter that you have to live in the world; if you but keep remembrance of the Lord, desires cannot lead you astray. — Swami Turiyananda

Salutations to Lord Krishna, the Supreme Lord, who is the Indweller of our hearts, who is Absolute Existence, Knowledge, Bliss, who is the Soul of this universe, who bestow Immortality and Eternal Bliss and Supreme satisfaction on His devotees, who is the source for everything and who took a human form for the benefit of the gods and His devotees, to destroy wickedness and to establish righteousness. I bow to that Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Self, from whom is born this mysterious universe, by whom alone it is upheld, and in whom alone it is dissolved, who is Lord Krishna Himself. Wishing everyone a happy Janmashtami. May Krishna bestow his grace on everyone with dharma, bhakti, knowledge and moksha.

*Courage* One needs physical, mental and inner spiritual strength at all times. One needs inner strength especially during the time of some disturbance, agitation and confusion. In reality you are the soul. Repeat the Lord's invincible Name at all times with faith and devotion. This will give you strength. *~ Sri Swami Sivananda*

Practice constant recollection and contemplation of God. One has to form the habit. Remember and think of Him continually, while walking, eating, lying down and even when you are actively busy. What advice shall I give you? We have only one piece of advice — do not forget God. This is the essence of all teachings. God graciously reveals Himself in the heart of a devotee who always meditates upon Him. What is needed is meditation — constant remembrance and thinking of Him. Man attains God, who is existence, knowledge and bliss absolute, by constantly thinking about the true, omnipresent, all-loving, omnipotent and all-conscious Lord. Everything is accomplished if a person succeeds in installing Him in his heart. Then special efforts at moral perfection are unnecessary. Then he spontaneously expresses qualities like truthfulness, compassion and so on. Keep holding on to Thakur. You will get bhakti (devotion), mukti (salvation), and all. By remembering him and reflecting on him the mind and heart get purified. Apply yourself with determination. I tell you, you will get everything. — Swami Shivananda

Just do one thing: always try to remember God. I also do that. The easiest method of realization is to remember God constantly. Even as a man welcomes his friend, and entertains him with food, drink, and conversation, so must you entertain God in your thoughts. Converse freely with him. Know him as your very own, and you will find peace in him. Remember God constantly. Remember him when you eat, when you sit, when you lie down; remember him whatever you do. By such repeated practice you will find that, when you go to meditate, it will be easy to remember God and become absorbed in him. As your mind becomes absorbed in meditation, a fountain of joy will spring up within you. If you work and forget God, egotism and pride will overpower you. Therefore I tell you: never forget God, no matter whether you are working or sitting idle. To maintain this attitude you must keep up your spiritual practices, no matter what happens. — Swami Bramhananda

O Parth, for those yogis who always think of Me with exclusive devotion, I am easily attainable because of their constant absorption in Me. ~ Gita 8.14 The easy way to attain God is here explained. People think that it is very difficult to attain Him. But practising in the right way, He is easily attained. He who thinks of him continuously and always attains Him. The mind should be free from any other thought except the thought of God. Usually, the mind is attached to various things and gets entangled in the meshes of the objective world through the senses. That is why it is said here that one should be filled to the brim with the thought of God continuously and forever. It is not enough to think of Him now and then. Always and every day the thought of God should be present in the mind. Of course, by steady practice day after day, the mind could be trained to think of God more and more. So practising, after a long time, the mind gets fixed and does not turn away from Him. Then the Lord is attained. The seeker should be vigilant and try his best not to yield to the temptations of Maya. The wakeful and watchful man has no fear of falling away from the goal.

He who closes all the doors of the senses, confines the mind within the heart, draws the prāna into the head, and engages in the practice of yoga, uttering Om, the single syllable denoting Brahman, and meditates on Me— he who so departs, leaving the body, attains the Supreme Goal. ~ Gita 8.12-13 The process of meditating on OM and attaining final liberation is explained here. It does not mean that one should follow it only at the time of death. It means that one should practise this method throughout life. Already the Lord has declared “First restrain the senses.” As the tortoise withdraws – all its organs into its shell, so should the yogi withdraw all the senses from their usual external activities in the objective world. Then the mind should be centred in the heart, in Atma. The heart, Atma, is the source from which the mind arises. So the mind should be turned back to its own source. When the senses are controlled, the mind naturally loses its roving nature and sinks into its own source. The mind should think of Paramatma in a continuous stream of unbroken consciousness. What is the ‘mantra’ for meditation? The one-syllable OM, which is Brahman. OM is Pranava. It is the essence of the Vedas. It is not enough merely to utter the word OM but one should think of the Lord. It means that the idea symbolised by the word OM should be thought of. Mere verbal repetition of a ‘mantra’ without thinking of its meaning, will not yield the best results. The following points are revealed through these two verses. 1. Repetition of a mantra’ (Japa) is not enough. There should be concentration on the thought of the formula. 2. Among all the mantras, pranava is the highest. It leads to Brahman. 3. It is not enough to think of the Lord now and then. Continuous memory is essential. 4. All the senses should be restrained, not merely one are two. 5. The heart is the source of the mind. The mind rises from the heart (Atma) and sinks into the heart. 6. Anyone without distinction of race, caste or creed can attain Moksha by the above-mentioned method of repeating Pranava.

I will now briefly describe to you that state which those who know the Vedas call the Imperishable, and into which enter the sannyāsis, self-controlled and freed from attachment, and in desire for which seekers lead the life of continence. ~ Gita 8.11 The Lord says that he would declare the Supreme briefly. The Supreme has no end as no words can fully describe it, so the Lord gives the very essence of the Vedas and the worship of the Supreme as the simple single syllable OM-Pranava. The Vedas declare that Brahman alone is Eternal. Everything else is transitory and changing. It is this Reality that man has to understand and realise. Knowledge of all other things cannot confer the bliss of immortality. In Hinduism, every child when he starts his education begins with the sacred word OM, which is Brahman. So whatever else a man may learn and understand, he should not neglect the knowledge of the Imperishable Brahman. The knowers of Vedas, after a great deal of thought, have arrived at the highest goal Brahman, and thus attained absolute peace and bliss. Who can enter this state? This question is also answered here. Only those who are free from attachment and desire, free from lust and hatred, can enter the Brahmi State. Let no man complain that he cannot attain that state. The key to this consummation is in his hands. It is purity. Let the mind be purged of all impure tendencies, and that very moment Brahman is realised. Those who practise severe austerities, restraining the senses and controlling the mind are qualified and fit to realise Brahman. Celibacy is the bedrock for all spiritual development. Those who aspire for the highest should be free from sensuality in thought, word and deed. They should live and move in Brahman, the pure and blessed untainted by anything else.

Who, at the time of leaving the body, by the power of yogic practice, fixes the vital breath in the centre of the brows, and thinks continuously of the Omniscient, the Ancient, the controller of all the worlds, subtler than atom, supporter of all, of inconceivable form, self illumined like the sun, beyond darkness – he attains the self-illumined Paramatma. ~ Gita 8.9-10 The Lord describes the different aspects of Paramatma and points the way of meditation. It is necessary to know the attributes of the Supreme for strengthening and confirming one’s faith in Him. Naturally, people can only think of that about which something is known. So in the 9th verse, eight attributes of the Supreme are mentioned. 1. The Lord is Omniscient, the poet of poets; to know Him is the highest poetic experience. 2. He is the Ancient, without a beginning. All other beings have a beginning and so they have an end also. Paramatma is Eternal. 3. He is the Lord and Controller of all the worlds. What should be one’s devotion to Him compared with the respect that one has for small princes of earthly states! 4. The Upanishads declare that he is smaller than the atom and bigger than the biggest. Therefore knowing that the Lord is present in everything big and small, one should have a devotional attitude toward everything in the world. 5. God is the source of sustenance. Similar to an ocean that sustains the waves and its vast marine ecology. God is the support for His entire creation. 6. He is beyond the senses and cannot be comprehended by the mind. But the purified mind, by contemplation, becomes one with Him, even as the rivers when they merge with the sea lose their separateness and become one with the ocean. and The purified mind knows Him by being united with Him. There is no other way to know the Lord. 7. He is Light. It is his Light that illumines the sun and everything else. 8. He is beyond the darkness of ignorance, beyond Maya. Man when he leaves the body, should contemplate Paramatma by understanding Him through these eight attributes. Here death is described as travel to a distant place (Prayana). Just as man secures all necessary things before he starts on travel, even so he should provide himself with all the best qualities before he leaves the body. Thus during the last moments also man should contemplate Paramatma with Bhakti and Yoga. Both are essential for Dhyana. Bhakti is necessary to destroy egoism and secure the grace of God. Yoga is necessary to restrain the senses and mind for the purpose of meditating on the Supreme. Also, the mind should be immovable and the meditation continuous. The reward for this is absolute freedom-Moksha.

Engaged in the yoga of constant practice and not allowing the mind to wander away to anything else, he who meditates on the supreme, resplendent Purusha reaches Him, Ο son of Prithā. ~ Gita 8.8 In this verse, three definite practices are mentioned to reach the Supreme Lord. 1. The practice of yoga. 2. The mind should not swerve from the Lord, as the supreme goal. 3. One should meditate on the Lord continuously. In the practical field of work, we understand the need for systematic practice. In sport and art, practice is essential for perfection. In fact, practice is nothing else than the repetition of the mode of thought or act. Any act repeated many times becomes a habit. All the bad habits have been the accumulated effect of wrong practice. If practice is done in the right direction, good thoughts and acts become natural and spontaneous. When one comes across a person who is pure in thought, word and deed, he admires him, and sometimes wonders how he could be so pure. But he should realise how he had laid the foundations of purity by long practice. All the impurities and weaknesses arising from previous births are overcome by the steadfast practice of goodness and purity in this life. The second thing is that the man should not move away from the ideal. The aim is Bhagavan, and the mind should therefore be centered in him, and not allowed to move out towards material objects. Whatever appears objects of the world perishes. Knowing this, through discrimination one should hold fast to Bhagavan alone. As the mind by its nature can only hold on to some form it should be given some divine object or form to which it can easily cling to. So it is said here that one should meditate on the Supreme Divine Lord (Paramam Purusham Divyam). The Lord commands the disciple to think of Him again and again, and yet again. So thinking continuously, man reaches the supreme state. Having full faith in the teaching of the Lord, may all the spiritual aspirants fulfil their life’s purpose.

I tell you the truth: there is nothing wrong in your being in the world. But you must direct your mind toward God; otherwise you will not succeed. Do your duty with one hand and with the other hold to God. After the duty is over, you will hold to God with both hands. Do your duty, but do not forget God. ~ Sri Paramahamsa Ramakrishna

Therefore, at all times, constantly remember Me and fight. With your mind and intellect absorbed in Me, you will surely come to Me. ~ Gita 8.7 Here the Lord clarifies the declaration by stating that it is the duty of the devotee to think of Him at all times. It is implied that unless a man thinks of Him always, he cannot retain that blissful memory of the lord at the time of death. It is the lamp that keeps away darkness. When the lamp is put out, darkness envelopes everything. The darkness of ignorance is ready to possess the heart of man if the lamp of knowledge is not kept burning continuously. It is only the thought of the Lord that keeps away delusion. When that thought is not there, delusion immediately seizes man. Therefore remember Me at all times – is the Lord’s command. Continuous thought of the Supreme should be kept up. Hearing of the Lord, thinking of Him, meditating on Him, the seeker should not let go his hold of the Lord at any time. Such a man need not bother whether death comes sooner or later. Having purchased the ticket, it does not matter when the train comes! Let death come when it will, the seeker is ready with the Lord’s name on his lips and His thought in the mind. If all the time the seeker is thinking of the Lord, how can he get on in the world? When does he find time to look after the practical duties of life? This question is asked by many people. Most people also make it an excuse that they are not able to think of God because of pressing domestic duties. To such people the Lord here gives the advice. “Think of Me and perform your duties.” Arjuna’s duty on the battle-field was to fight. For each man as he is placed in the various stations and circumstances of life, there will be particular duties and they should be performed while keeping the thought of the Lord in the mind.